outbreak.”35 Rather than aid the Sioux, the Winnebago claimed to be wholly on the side of the United States.36 This was proven on several occasions by the loyalty of the Winnebago toward the government. During the conflict Indian Agent Balcombe stated that there existed no tribe of Indian more loyal than the Winnebago. He further
Riggs wrote that on August 17, 1862, one day before the uprising began, “some negotiations were probably going on with the Winnebago’s and Ojibwas, but they were not perfected. Several Winnebago’s were at this time at the Lower Agency, but they do not appear to have been there for the purpose of the outbreak.” Stephen R. Riggs, Mary and I: Forty Years with the Sioux (Chicago: W.G. Holmes, 1880), 153. 35
While defending themselves in court, the Winnebago argued that they “did not, at any time, have any part, or take any part in said armed conflict, but . . . gave their aid and assistance to the United States of America, and on its side and behalf.” Winnebago Indians, Winnebago Tribe of Indians, plaintiffs, vs. the United States of America, defendants no. M-421: petition of the Winnebago Tribe of Indians (filed 3rd day of December, 1931), Washington D.C., 19. 36
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