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OR BLACK HAWK, I '9- t I ■J' f r PI SLACK HAWK /\ \' I) ^.^mS IN THE y,^^^ H Tn oni> prnscrihQii,nr,tfvcu~lf,l lift' J s h/i.'t. ftiine »C..V NEW YORK l'ubU><^lii»d \\v F-dward Kearnv 16 \a . I EM] V TV MA-KA-TAI-ME-SHE-KIA-KIAK on. BLACK HAVK, AND SCENES IN THE WEST. A NATIONAL POEM: IN SIX CAiXTOS. Ti..C( , A ucnscT m:scnrrTio>T or tiik wisco.nsivand LAKE SCTEKIOR COrXTIUrs. AXD THEIR RIcH myr.uMs ; riiK ma.ssacke of chjcagd, AM) OTIIEn Ur.KI'LY INTKRESTINff SCENES! LV THE WEST. BY A WESTERN TOURIST. r, ♦ I sinff of love find wedlock, deiitli nnd life. Of nioneors nn.I her.ios, pence tun] strif- • Ot coiHitric. new, n:ul scttleiuoiits Ije-iin, •n ic.rtiines H,„netinios I„m ,uifl sometTines won; Of .Histice, libr^rfv, nml et|iinl ri-ht And ,minl to fiu.cy scenes of rnie .leli-ht: lU n.ines of silver, ropper, polden ore! I roclmni the tidings tm from shore to shore • NEW YORK: PUBLISHED BY EDWARD KEARNY. 272 PEARL-STREET. • ' ^ ^ 1848. MP is^*?-^^ ( j'i^ Entered according to act of Concrcss. in the year 1848 In the Clerk's OfHce of the Southern District of New York. 1 and hon ami STEREOTYPED AND IPBINTED BY GEORGE W. WOOD, 29 GOLD-ST., NEW YORK. * n I I i* 'ork. i THE DEDICATION. *** *■■-■■ - ii ' i ' i r i r i nfWM^wvLrui To all the lovers of the arts of Poesy and the Belles Lettres, and to all the friends and patrons of American enterprise and home industry, hoping that the same may prove useful and amusing to them, is this work most respectfully dedicated, By their obedient and humble servant, . ■ The Author. K. 4 i PREFACE ^0^ ^ ^ ^ ^0^^ ^ ^0*^^^0^t^0t0^^^^0^^ DXAR "Rt^ader — The author. In presenting to you a new work, Ixastily got u[). is aware that it may have many imperfections, and hopes the indulgence of an enlightened and generous ])ublic. Whether he has done justice to the renowned savage, the hero of the work — to our noble governor, the great partisan warrior of his day, and to that gallant band of pioneers who have contributed so much to the glory and prosperity of the West, the reader must de- termine. fThe account given of the genealogy of Black Hawk, a description of the war in which he acted so con- spicuous a part, together with his whole history, will H be found interesting : also, the various scenes in the West, herein described, more or less familiar to the first pioneers, cannot but bo perused with pleasure by all who recollect them ; whilst their relation will be more especially novel, interesting and delightful to all those who never heard of them before. This comprehensive treatise portrays things as they were in the early settlement of Wisconsin and North- ern Illinois, when civilization first dawned upon the beautiful forests and prairies, and the cultivation of VI PREFACE. the luxurious soil commenced ; and shows this coun- try's natural and abundant resources. Ics fruitful mines of silver, lead, and copper, where men dig for hidden treasures in the bowels of the earth, and be- come rich, together with those of the Lake Superior country, where now is the rush of those who wish to make their fortunes ; the cheapness of tb 3 soil, which produces so bountifully both the necessaries and luxu- ries of life ; the prospect of entering into profitable business with a small capital, and the chances for speculation afforded by early and choice locations ; the almost certain prospect of bettering one's condition and circumstances by a change of place, and of living in the enjoyment of health, peace and competence in another clime, are just inducements, and are all things worthy to be inquired into. The author might easily have swelled this volume to five times its present size — but this would, in a con- siderable degree, have defeated his object ; which was, to ma*ke a useful work, comprehending much in little, whose low price would bring it within the reach of every-body; to cast all minor circumstances which would burden the pages of future history out of the way; consigning them at once to that oblivion of after-time, in which they must of necessity be lost, and dwell only upon such important things as are calculated to survive the present generation, and live through the dilapidpttions of time. Such are, indeed, the only legitimate subjects of history. , To the lovers of literature, and especially to the ad- PREFACE. VU lis conn- fruitful 1 dig for and be- Superior wish to il, which Lnd luxu" »rofitable nces for >cations ; condition of living temce in ill things volume in a con- lich was, in little, -each of s which it of the Lvion of be lost, I as are and live , indeed, )thc ad- mirers of the art of poesy, it is presumed this work will afford great pleasure and delight ; while to those who are not in the same degree capable of perceiving and relishing its beauties, it cannot fail to be a source of information that will abundantly repay the cost. The massacre of Chicago is a theme deeply inter- esting. The author has taken great pains to inform himself thoroughly on this subject, and has obtained his information from living witnesses and periodicals of that day. All the statements concerning this most interesting narrative, may, therefore, be relied on with implicit confidence. They form important items in the history of the country lono to be remernbere ' - The question may very naturally arise, why the au- thor did not compose the whole in rhyme, as he could as easily have done. To which he answers, that he is partial to blank verse, and originally intended to com- pose the whole in this style ; but the constant tenden- cy to rhyme continually furnished him, as he went along, with beautiful couplets ; some of which he has retained among the blank verse, considering blank verse as the base. At other times he has reduced w^hole portions of the work entirely to rhyme — portions which were at first intended for blank verse — so that he has now, in such a variety of styles, something that will suit all tastes and classes of readers. The author might multiply reasons for the course he has taken in these respects, if it were deemed necessary. He might say that Shakespeare done so — that this is a day of innovations I VUl TEEFACE. on the learning of the past ; and as it was with the Israelites in early times, so has it become with us now —for in those days there was no king in the land, and every man did according to that which seemed right in his own eyes. The nc I5i vc th ol II vith the us now md, and ed right BLACK HA¥K, MP SCENES IN THE WEST. <^»^^^^i^M^^VMM»^i^^^<» T II E A R O U M E N T. The Invocation. The Pioneer sets out on a journey to the far West. Some account of his travels. The Mormons. His description of Rochester, 15ufl*a!o, Niagara Falls, Cleveland. The loss of the Erie, Detroit. His voyage to Copperdom. Lake Superior and its mines. His voyage up the Mississippi, and across the great Valley, where he falls in with an old resident, with whom he has much conversation with regard to Black Hawk and the War. AMEKICA^•s! magnanimous of soul! With hearts as warm, as generous and as free As that pure atmosphere in which ye breathe ; Come, listen, while I sing of one poor man, The self-taught hero, aboriginal, Of the Indian race his genealogy — Illustrious, so deserving of re uown, And causes which impelled hun to the war ; His mighty deeds, his perils, dangers, labors, - I 10 BLACK HAWK, AND Endured time-long for his loved people's sake. With phraseology and lofty thoughts sublime, Fit for the theme, may heavenly powers inspire me 1 A man untutored, singularly devoted To reverence the Great Spirit, sacrifice Life, and whatsoever else to him was dear, To serve great Manitou, his kin and country, Fulfil a destiny prescribed by heaven : In later days to furnish deeds of song, Equal the Roman, or what Greek has done, Upon Columbian soil, and far away From \yhat was once esteemed the classic ground. • Yea, I repeat, some heavenly power inspire me I With utterance meet, to sound, from first to last, In tuiieful numbers, animated lays. And give the hero what of meed is due ; For, O ! lie well deserves immortal praise ! I II. Amid th' Atlantic beautifully lies, Close on the margin of the great blue sea, A pleasant sea-girt isle j upon its east And on its southern border ocean rolls ; While on the north its shallow strait divides From other lands, inhabited by men Of manners, laws, and language similar. Far 'mid the billows of the briny sea, With promontory high looks out Montauk ; Thence eastward all is boundless ocean's realm ; A city large its western borders grasp. mm SCENES IN THE WEST. 11 3 mel Across the strait the London of the west, Great Gotham lies, of everlasting growth; Its chesnuts, oaks, its pines and cedars tall, The quaint luxuriance of the soil bespeak. md. III. The hidden regions of the western world, T' explore, there went from off this isle a man, Who many countries saw in beauty dressed, And vast luxuriance, when as yet were new. About himself and journey lone there was Something peculiar, as of course must be ; Since he was neither driven out from thence, By force of circumstances or of need, Save his own free desires and ardent mind, To scenes romantic, wild, thereto impelling. His habitation such as some might envy, Sufficient to content most men, not him ; For, of a restless, roving mind possessed, Unsatisfied desire to see and trace The boundless country teeming far away. He straight to leave his home and kin prepared ; And, without tears, regret, or grief for aught. His journey perilous, and lob^> '''t}gan, • And as he journeyed up the way, thus sung; Farewell, blest island, sea-girt, thee I leave. Thou handiwork of God! and all things else To thee pertaining — purling brooks, and shores, That oft receive the dash of ocean's waves. Perhaps to see no more ! I love thee still, St 13 KLACK HAWK, A\U And ever will my heart ! but why lament, Since other climes attention too demand ? He crossed the strait, and passing Gotham by, The river of the North ascended up, Until the mountains towered on either side ; Old Allegany, torn by Hudson's tlood, And broken up, though rocky was his chain, To give the waters passiige to the main. The highland-pcaks, and tuft-crowned cities past, He reached the capitolian town at last. i ^ IV. Particulars of his journey cannot here, As he at first in haste did take no notes. Touched at young Troy, a rising Hercules, And saw the site where good old Union stands, Mohawk in all his glory winding on. He floats along in artilicial moulds, And channels taught to How by v/Ill of man. Unknown in ancient times ; through aqueduct. And tunnels under ground of passage dark. And gloomy sound, from solid rock torn out. The central city such attractions held. It drew^ the hasly traveller from his way. Rome, Syracuse, Salina, Lyons passed, In quick sue ession ; to Palmyra came, Where Mormon prophet dug from neighboring hill The golden plates of Mormon's sacred book ° A book blasphemous, all our teachers sav, Has led its thousand harmless dupes astray. M SCKNES IN Tlin WEST. 13 V, 0M. To give a Ijistory of llie projihct here, And ofilie new religion he is founding, Far West, and o'er llie Atlantic is resounding; And of his great success, and signal fall, Would interesting be, no doubt, to all. Tlii,--, v.hat a mortal crrorist can do, Who claims to be connuissifnied froni above, DolU well eUicidafe. It shows yet more ; That any man v»ho can succeed to impress All credulous minds that he's in very truth Inspired of (led, sufch doctrines to divulge ; Although he ])e a Christian but in name, A trite irnposto v clothod in shepherd's garb. Yet will he for a time draw round him friends, A congregation eager, foUov.-erc too, Devoted to his will iii sacred things,. Who in misguided way do servo the King of kings. VI. Tho Mormon propliet, we will call him Joe, A55 other;? do— the word's of easy flow — To make the faith of his adherents strong, And tpu'll all doubts as ho progressed along For each hnpetus had new revelation. Which, if believed entire, had won a nation. His miracles he sometimes wrought, 'twas said } But if he failed, it proved their faith was dead. u BLACK HAWK, AND His followers multiplied at Kirkland's temple, Which rose beneath his care a mighty dome ; Until to western lands divinely called, To raise a temple by Almighty hand. For nations of the earth to flock unto, Lost tribes of Israel, Gentile, wandering Jew. The temple rose, and so did persecution 'I'he people there, would grant them no ablution For crimes inflicted, but did drive them out, By sword, and fire, and terror, hate and rout. '% 1 viii. At length the Lord did call him to Nauvoo, The prophet said, to build the temple there , For through much persecution they must enter Into that rest for every saint prepared. A temple there was built, and city too, A city thronged and chartered by the State. There,, too, dissension rose among the people, To persecute the prophet unto death ; But he long time evaded all their wiles, Sufliered arrests, imprisonments and scoffs. Betrayed into the hands of wicked men. He died a martyr to the faith he taught. Reflects no honor on his persecutors— A lawless band of desperadoes there. Then were his people persecuted sore, In this good land where ^very mind is free SOENKS IN TUB WEST. 15 To worship God as well Leseemeth him j " E'en nany unto death, and forced to fly» To North and West, Iowa, Council Bluffs ; And leave their city fair to beasts of prey, Or unto men rapacious more than they. Compelled to wander in a land, of strangers, All comfortless, and outcasts from their home. Oh ! *l was an everlasting, open shame ! Enough to blast forever the fair fame Of persecutors and conniving powers! Who thus could sport with law, in this fair land of ours ; And suffer lawless miscreants to usurp The Ifiws of State, and take into their hands The s'vord of justice, to avenge on men Their hate, and seize their substance for themselves. A poor man for his vineyard Ahab slew, And met dire punishment, although a king. To California's genial clime they've flown, And what their fate will be, and ruthless end, unknown. Here having left, next Rochester he saw— The city, and the country scenes around. Well pleased the pioneer. He there abode, Till days went by, which seemed not to have passed ; And in his daily converse on this theme, He thus retorted on the infidel : Rochester 1 What's she more than other places t Why, man, you're mad ! for she, with all her graces, 10 1II.ACK ir.VWK, AM> Is far superior to most other towns, And tills to prove needs not the aid of clowna What other town can boast a Genesee ? That, rolling through her niidtjt so gracefidl)', And dancing on tlio rocks goci murmuring ; Tlie music of whose waters never die ! And hoast sucii falls, except Niagara's bound. And such delightful scenery around ; And ac/ ;V//j/V»//i of mills of flour, And never-ending great hydraulic power ? fcJuch enterprising men to carry it on, A city beaut ifid to look upon. Here do not all facilities combine ? Uailroad, canals, and aqueducts entwine ; And is not l-'dcn's {lowery garden here ? And Cenesee, Euphrates' groat compeer; And his rich valley, Eden as of old, V/here, us on Ganges, diamonds lie, and gold ; Where choicest wheat abounds, of value more, And heaven in bounty lavishes his store ? Delightful city, with her high built towers ! Are not thy ladies fair as moniijig flcnvers ? Or as JVIahomet's nymphs In sacred bowers Of paradise 1 while dome, and church and steej)le, Proclaim, where'er we look, a pious people. xr. Niagara roars, and so does Genesee ! Sam Patch went on his way most merrily, Oft jumping down these flills from highest steep. Disdainful of the shortness of the leap. 1 KCKNKS IN THK WEST. It At length he built a scallold '])ove the falls, Shudders the mind when up this scene it calls ; The most adventurous leader ot' his time Prepared to make another more sublime : The day was lixed, a inuUitudo came near» To witness sucii a feat as gave them fear, Far more intense than that the venturer felt, Before the throne of grace he had not knelt ; As all did think they'd done in such a case, And of the great Deliverer sought grace ; And hazardous of body and of soul, Submitted to the elements' control. Some said he lost his balance in tlie fall — Some said that brandy «>vas the cause of alb The maddening gulf sent up a hideous roar, And opening wide its mouth him to devour. Received him in unmeasured depths below, Closed over him forever, sou of wo ! His immortality on earth is sure, Ilcmembrance of this lea}) will e'er endure While Rochester upon this shore remains. These falls to sound eternal nature's strains ; And roar from age to age, and dash their spray O'er those in future as on us to-day. XII. Time's march doth him admonish, and the light Morn ushers in, is shrouded quick in night. Much as he loved these scenes, he must awayi To where the sun flings his last evening ray. o* 18 BLACK HAWK, AND O'er western lands, the earth in darkness shrouds, And tints with golden hues the sunny clouds. And now, prepared, his devious way he takes, Westward, to the Queen city of the lakes, In a swift packet drawn by extra steeds, Along the water-course that thither leads. XIII. Arrived, he straight embarked on board a ship, T' embrace the earliest chance, a pleasant trip, Upon the placid lake in summer's day, Where gentle breezes cool the sultry ray ; Where bands that make sweet music heighten joy, And pastime social, knows of no alloy. Returning soon unto the pleasant shore, A harbor, ne'er so full of ships before, He saw wedged in. All peaceful in command. This one and that gave way ; he reached the land, Walked up the busy, peaceful streets, relieved, And blessed the town that had him safe received. * XIV, • Here saw .b ^^rr-^t and good, the young and pretty. And ot!:v.ir groups walk up and down the city- Beheld its beauty, saw much to admire. For often met his eye the sacred spire, And solemn temple. He was pleased to see These tokens of a people's piety. Sure, said he, 'tis a groat commercial city, Whether our words be quaint, or grave, or witty j HCfiNBS IN THE WEST. 10 tidsf For I have traversed Main-street up and down, East, west, enjoyed the freedom of the town, And business ! business ! nothing here moves slow, A world of business' done in Buflalo. She sits a queen, the city of the lakes, Of others* doings, cognizance she takes ; And like Gibraltar, all must pass the strait- Pay tribute, and unload, re-ship their freight. She's happy in herself, and has no rival— Her commerce, one continual revival. XV. pyt anr?, d. etty, He bade the Buflalonians adieu. And thence the far-famed Falls went to espy. And listen to the great Niagara's roar. But ere he'd reached the place, his ears were stunned With loud imperious cries of— "Write ! sir, write !" As thinking his descriptions fraught could be With rare amusement ; fit to edify. At such demands, imperious as to him They seemed, did vex him, and he would not it. Nor do what every-body else had done, To write an episode upon the Falls. Still he no malice bore, nor would withhold What would contribute to the good of any ; And so, adventurous, he essayed to give The first impressions of his random brain To public gaze. Sure, thought he, nought sublime From that one hurried glance can be expected j Designing, as he did, to take one peep, 20 HLAf^K HAVVK, AXO At !nore convenient season come ajrai; , To view at low^ih tlie works of the Almighty, And wonders here that all the world attracts. XVI. The neighboring village gained by railroad cars, Ho rested from fatigues of journey long. In this woodland retreat awhile reposed, Then crossed the foaming rapids to the isle Which does this cataract in twain divide ; Where found he guidc-boardsto direct his way To sites of prospects, whence all things to view. Down to the cascade traced the gravel walk ; O'er foaming rapids crossed another bridge To Luna Isle, lying above the Falls ; A prospect wonderfully grand beheld. Returning back unto the former isle, There, what his optics saw, he thus describes :— Unto this island's farthest verge went down • I there a bridge beheld, from rock to rock, Extending 'mong the rapids, 'bove the Falls ; Which to a high stone tower did lead, that stood Midway between the roaring cataract And on its utmost verge. Its winding stairs Ascending up, I looked into th' abyss, And felt impressions indescril)able. Awful to witness, never fully told. Projecting o'er the Falls a bridge hung out ; Unto its outer verge I saw one go, Look over, and start back, as though he ielt i ■'•MmiA*t^i>...^.'^'S SCENES IN THE WEST. 21 rs. It crack beneath him, loosening from the rock- At which another heartily did laugh ; And venturing on, as more courageous, feh, On looking down the steep, a similar shock. On that o'erhanging form I, too, walked out ; But first examined well the bridge, to sec That it was founded on the rock secure, And that the timbers it composed were sound, In good repair, that nothing could give way. .d XVII. St. Lawrence is a most tremendous river, Extremely deep, and draining almost all Those lakes and inland seas, with all their streams, On North America's great bosom lie ; Is here a rocky precipice poured down Of perpendicular height, of vast descent, A sheet of water full six furlongs wide, Forever flowing without variation. And unaflected by what rains and storms Or drought may come, as thus far has been proved. Who can conceive these waters' furious bound ? The noise is heard for several leagues around. The rising mists obscure the mid-day fair, And ever show a l)eauteous rainbow there ! XVIII. He, from the awful heights of that lone tower, The foaming rapids round about him there, h I 22 BLACK HAWK, AND In looking up, did see the river foaming Far up, and coming down with dreadful rage, With all his congregated waters round. Him towering o'er the adamant he saw, And dancing on the rocks with thundering sound. Unto the precipice he saw him rush, And spread his billowy arms of white across The verge of that high semi-circular wall, And give the leap into the void below, As plunging to the central caves of earth — That mighty void scooped out by hand Almighty To show his power — the wonder-working God— • How far his might exceeds what mortala can. Receiving still a thousand tributaries. To wit : Ontario, Ottawas, and others, He makes his flight sublime to ocean** realm. Where thirty leagues scarce measures all his breadth. The ground did seem to tremble under him ; While from th' abyss continual did arise Thick mists such as serenest skies obscuro On fairest summer's day. Suspended hero The token, beautifully fair, is seen, The bow, which in the clouds set Noah's God, Of old, a witness to rebellious men. Earth by a flood should be destroyed no more. XIX. The brain that peeps o'er here will giddy prove, And turn away for fear of headlong fall. Whate*er goes down will be rfjduced to atoms, jjii,) mi Se, sound. 38 6CEKCS IN THE WEST. And fragments peradventure never found. The fate of Michigan, who has not heard 1 That went sublimely o'er with all her load ; As thousands witnessed on that fatal day, That bore her shattered remnants far away. The Caroline, ill-fated source of blood, How fired, and sent careering down the flood ? 23 ighty 3o(I--. n. 'm, is breadth. od, e. Hie weary sun w*»nt down unto his rest, But with no soft repose the cataract bles*. Great Nature, all her charms of rare delight Hung out in colors beautiful and bright. And as they in succession died away, To compensate for loss of beaming day, Sent out the stars in clusters clear and bright, To furnish all the scene with heavenly light. And now was Cynthia full, the lunar bow, A bi ight illuminated arch did show ; Suspended in the heavens, from side to side Of that thick mist that rose above the tide. The rapids sparkle like the stars not less, And nature wears a charm of passing loveliness. rove, IIS, XXI. What is there great, or glorious, or sublime. That ye bring not to mind, ye wondrous Falls ? The song of Homer in its loftiest strain ; Armies engaged in scenes of mighty conflict ; i 34 BLACK IIAWISf AND It. i' Great conflagrations sweeping o'er a city ; From moimtain*s side the fall of avalanche ; The thunder's peal, the voice of Dflty ; A thousand cannon booming from afar, A thousand standards waving o*er tlio war ; The consummation of all earthly things, Eternity and never-ending time ; Mount iEtna belching f )rth her liquid flame ; The lion's rage ; the furious whirlwind's sweep ; Tornado's blast that sweeps whole torests clown ; The raging sea in violent agitation ; Old Neptune's watery kingdom broken up ; The trembling of the earth from pole to pole ; Earthquakes, and each memorial of all lime, Ye shad w forth with all their import dread ! J XXII. I Yet more, to others joyful, y> give birth ; The reign c^f liberty throughout the earth ; The great Millennium's joyful ushering iu, The good Messiah's reign, and end of siii ; The day so long desired with ardotit prayer, Which prophet, priest, and sage, still hojie (o share ; The threatening comets that through ether blazf*, The rolling spheres revolving endless days ; Those morning stars that sung in early prime, Creation's work complete, began the march of time I * XXIII. He left the scene with music in his soul. To Bufliilo back the iron chariots roll ; 4 SCENES IN THE WEST. 25 y; ar i sweep ; ts clown ; ip; pole ; Liiiu*, Then supped, and swoctly slumbered there that night, Till dawn had streaked the East with radiant light. Embarking thence on board a steamer now, Far in the West his join-i)ey to pursue, He cut the liquid way, But soon arose A flange rous storm, and winds and waves oppose. Tho seamen lal>ored hard ; buf, danger nigh, A harbor sought, where Cleveland's vessels lie ; And safely moored, the traveller went on shore, The city and its stdjurb^- to explore ; For thus liir come, o'er many a mount and stream, Things had a Western look, as ho did deem; And lio discovered, much surprised to see A town built on a lull so gracefully. XXIV. in. 11 ; yer, pe lo f^hnre ; 01' Ida/.f*, -ys ; irlme, reh of time ! Sure, said he, Cleveland is a handsome city ; Not better here described, it is a pity. Fain wotdd the minstrel furnish s, -nething better Were't not that he sustaiiis a timely fetter. The fetter is, that something must be said And what is written, ])e it good or Lad, Must Und publicity. So let it go Happily it proves no person's weal or wo. Cleveland has handsome architectural domes, And beauteous people, at their beauteous homes j Industrious, moral, peaceful, good and wise, And healthful walls and towers that proudly ris.e. 1 ' 1 t D A great commercial mart is fast becon.ing.- - Its history is the history of the State, As you'll perceive, by what I hero relate. Rectangular is its form, its streets are wide, And in its centre terminate four road. To Nvit : Chicago, Saginaw, Grand River, Fort Gratiot, to Lake Huron's outlet leading. Transition from a spring prolonged and wet, To summer's heat, is sudden. Vegetation Springs instantaneous-is of rapid growth. A climate healthful, a salubrious air-- ^ A pleasant summer, autumn mild and tair ; A winter cold and steady-not much snow, As on St. Lawrence lies, far down below. :H XXXI. Three sovereign kings have swayed their sceptres o'er it. Has changed five times the flag of its allegiance : Once burned to ashes, captured twice in war- To landing of the Pilgrims it dates back : Was then a stopping-place for Courricrs da Bois. Fort Gratiot, Sault St. Marie then existed, Held by a chain of forts this region round, Were once dominion of the king of Gaul. When victory crowned the arms o' immortal Wolfe, Then fell Quebec, and all those outer posts, ^ To Britain's king, and served as rallying-pomth To numerous hordes of savages, that hung Like Death's broad scythe upon our new frontiers, The cause of woes unnumbered, boding fears. 6CENE3 IN THK WF.ST. 81 dc, r. ing. >n h. r; V. • sceptres o'er it, legiance : i wav— i: s da Bois. Led, nd, il. iiortal Wolfe, :)Osts, iig-poiiitfe ung svv frontiers, ijj fears. J XXXIX* Now Michigaii'doth claim the copper-mines, Oil Lake Superior's southern side do lie. But why is this? says one, I wish to know. Since lakes surround the great peninsula. And other boundaries quite unnatural seem, Enclosing regions far removed from hence. I'll tell you, since you curious seem to know ; 'Twill interest you, should you not admire. There was a time when Michigan was young— Her boundary undefined, a strife begun. A strip, including IVIauince's turbid stream, Ohio claimed. Hence the Toledo war ! And armies rushed to battle on each side ; Nor would the weak unto the stronger yield, Resolved to try the forliuic of the tield. Nor was it known to what these things would grow. Our President, and Congress at his side. Gave to Ohio what of land she claimed ; For Michigan was yet a territory. Whose governor Congress could appoint at will ; The acting governor, therefore, was removed, Another in his stead appointed they. The Michiganians, further to appease, To them gave they that territory wide, Extending on Superior's southern side. And bounded by Wisconsin south and west, And thus forever lulled the feud to rest. What heart-felt joy do peaceful tidings bring ! That settled so, it was a happy thing ; 82 i 8 ULACK HAWK, AND The wisdom of our co^^ncil^^ well (ii -plays, With plcubiirc \\iU be viuwod in future days. XXXIII. Horc things of intorest vast have oft transpired : Hero 'twas, that dariiij? warrior, Pontiac, Conceived, matured a plan to drive aK men Of English blood beyond the Allefrhanies. In the recesses of his ^doomy mind He formed his plans of death, brit'f in detail, As they were terrible in execution. Nor was it more or less than to attack Thirteen welUgarrisoned Ibrts al one set hour — Forts stretchin-v up St. Lawrence through the lakes, Down the Oiiio, Wa1)ash, Mississippi ; Niagara and Du Quesne, among the number. So secret were his plans, ro prompt was he, In executing all he had resolved, Ten of these forls fc^ll in one single day, And all their inmates poured o\\\ life in blood — For Pontiac was faiihlul to the French, Desired no change of masters. He believed The Gaul his friend— ihe English enemies. Said he, when Frenchmen came, they came and kissed US- They called us children, and we fouiid them fathers; We lived like children with them in the lodge. 'Tvvas never so with English— when they came. And took our country, conquVas by his sul)jects honored and revered. Hence, when the British olVcers lirst arrived To take possession of Detroit, they met Messages from Pontiac, them to inform. That peaceably was coming Pontiac ; Desiring them to halt and hoar his words. His messengers were furthernune instructed T' inform the English he was Pontiac, The king and lord o' the country they were in He met them, and demanded what their business T' intrude on his dominions thus— what right ; And how they dared come here without his leave. He thought and felt os Philip ere had done ; Danger to his dominions apprehending; The^Nvelfare of the Indian tribes at stake. The English' great ambition, and their arms. And eagerness all countries to possess, He looked upon as with a jealous eye. Whose conduct much suspicion had created. The French had always kindly treated Indians ; But Englishmen had done them great injustice ; So, also, to King Louis, their French flither. To whom lie faithful proved, which does him honor. Pontiac, therefore, stood up, harangued the tribes, Exhorting them to take no English bribes. The story of their wrongs at length portrayed ; . Through life, \vho left no stain upon his honor} Proctor, at Raisin, sharply did rebuke, For cruelties unto our people done. When Proctor sought to make him British general, And gave him a commission thus empowered, He threw the voucher back with marked contempt, Declaring that to them he was allied For his country's good, and sought for nothing mord* As did Napoleon, in his palmiest days, O'er the light hearts of Frenchmen exercise A sway unlimited, so did this man, Like to that mighty warrior, bear a sway— A power unlimited o'er the savage tribes ; His impress stamping on the age he lived. O ! had he fallen but on our free-born soil, Enemy as he was, the spot would been Considered sacred — marked by marble tomb, The place where great Tecumsch fought and died f XXXVIII, The pioneer would here protract his stay, Glad from his journey sufler more delay. To view more of this pleasant town and State, With all the things that unto it relate- More of its history, legends, scenery learn. Nought but the hope he should again return, Consoled him to consent to leave the ground, Where sacred reminiscences abound. But now he must be gone ; the winds invite—™ The vessel floats, and spreads her canvass white ; I SCENES l^- THE WEST. 99 louor I h general, M-ed, contempt, thing mord. ise I. mb, and died ! state, rn, und, Ite*- white } Begins to plough the foamy billows wide, And, upward bound, to stem the current's tide ; The river threads, emerging to St. Clair, Whose shallow flats are soil— her keel, the share. Then up this lake, through river of this name, Lake Huron enters, like the rolling main. Then, sailing through midway, at length they view The straits of Mackiiia, and harbor too. They reach the peaceful land, their vessel moor, Proud of their country's flag, they go on shore. Here France and England, once, by turns, bore sway, And urge us to relate what passed another day. XXXIX The isle of Mackina stands in the straits, Romantic, beautiful, in all its traits. A lofty fort is there, and garrisoned By our own countrymen ; and high above, The starry.spangled banner waves o'er all. The town looks ancient and dilapidated ; The houses low, and small, and much decayed. Here Indians come to trade, and In-ing their furs. Large quantities of trout here, too, are caught, And white-fish, both of high delicious flavor, And fowls, that can't be bartered for a better. The traveller wanders 'long the pleasant lake, Pure is the air, and bright the beaming sun ; His brow is fanned by breezes wild and soft— On pearly sands the wave in music dies. The Indian's upturned bark is on the shore, rff I 40 BLA(K HAWK, ANH And he is 1)tisking in some sunny \)L < The dream of what he's lost, dislurhs liis shimbers, While he looks on the land that once was his. For ho remembers when, with freedom, ho Danced o'er the waves ; and when the altars stood, Raised by his father's hands, their gods of yore To worship ; and the mounds where they were laid. Three sovereign kings have swayed their sceptres here, The spot still teeming with their heroes' blood. The Britain, son of Gaul, the red man's bones, Together mingle in their mouldering cells. Laid down in peace, no feuds can there arise To cloud the atmosphere of better skies ; They dwell in quiet, in one common lot, Their envv, and the cause of strife forgot. XL. From red men unto Gallia, passed this islo Britain from Gallia took it ; next it fell By Pontiac ; and next was it transferred To us, when war of indej)endence closed. In the last war by Britain captured was, In after-peace agnin to us re.-tored. The following is the stratagem pursued By red men, in the war of Ponliac, From bold Britannia's power, the place to wrest : For a game of ball prepared the Ottawas ; Invited to it all the British cfFcers. Now, while the Indians played, one of their innnber Ran towards the fort, the others after him. ^ »> slmnljers, his. ars stood, f yore wPic laid, sceptres here, blood, (oues, )• rlso > wrest : « eir 1} umber 1. The lifiU that way was thrown, an(l once or twice Over the pickets, quite within the fort. The ofl'cers were well pleased to see the sport, And, unsuspecting, let the players go Into the fort, and bring the ball from thence. The garrison, as spectators, stood around, And tho.^e on duty, present, ofl' their guard. Again into the fort was thrown the ball, The Indians, after it, did all rush in. The rest is quickly told ; the soldiers slain, Tlie fort demolish— left a heap of ruins. XLI. Bent on his voyage, th' adventurous pioneer, In steamer for St. Marie's, did embark. This wav, for diverse scenery, beautiful And bold, sublimely doth transcend all others For tourist, in midsunmier's pleasant voyage. For in his path ten thousand islands lie, Whose beauty is proverbial. These among. The steamer winds her devious way ; of shapes And sizes various, and about whose shores The clear blue waters are of wondrous depth. Some large, with sugar maple forest crowned ; Some small, composed of rock. AVhat trees do grow On these, spring from the scams of creviced rocks. Some bear upon thcii brow the silver fir, The stinted pine and cedar, thronged with birds Of sweetest song ; while others, merely rocks. High, naked, and stupendous, perpendicular ; 4* It 42 BLACK HAWK, AND Tlieir area from the buttoni soein to hold, Like pyramids ol" Egypt, Grecian toxvers, Aiul show a freak of nature once was here, That broke them off from other lands, perchance. The iskmds thicken still, as he proceeds- No inexperienced pilot need come here ; For he would never find his way out more, Or extricate his vessel. Caverns deep, In island rocks, oft show themselves, and some Spread out green, grassy meadows, where no lawn, Or other creature, crops the verdant lawn. Upon the island shores and points projecting, The Indian's wigwam is discovered oil. Children of nature ! ply your labors here Procuring fish, almost your only food; In primitive state content, and ever free From cares, restraints, and pride of civil life. To fashion's frown you're not amenable, That like a tyrant governs and enslaves ! XLII. St. Marie's reached— the rapids here obstruct, Oblige to cross the portage, shun the falls. Fort^Brady shows itself— its standards wave O'er that great sea, whose waters do it lave. Nations and native tribes do here resort ; Upon these rapids catch unnumbered fish. Here, too, an Indian reservation lies— A town of fifty houses here is built; Two hundred souls, of different nations, tongues, Repose within— while Indians lodge without. -^sm^ SCKNES IN THE WEST. 43 chance. •e, some Q no fawn, 1. ting, life. istriict, lis. save lave. t; ih. tongues, thout, I„ „,ea>.cr .UvcUing., of their o*.. conslrucl.un. Hoio is in view a inissionaiy school i [t.wlse, fur companies have ll>ei,- stat.ons here- Post-omce, house of customs, Ind.an agents. Out of the world, not quite, but nearly so, ut traveller thought, but still would further go. XLTII. Intending thence to coast the lake along, Exploring, he engaged a bark canoe- A voyager, too, who understood the coast, And well the management of snch a cratt, Doth oft the heavenly canopy survey, For indications of approaching storms ; A l30ok, hy him long studied, and familiar. Blankets, a tent, provisions for the way, And each utensil needful, he laid in. Before he started on that voyage of hope. Also his dress a change did undergo, For one, for such a voyage, was more befitting A pair of boots, thick soled, a coat of canvass, Reaching low down; and pantaloon same cloth, Supported round the waist with leather belts, In which to carry hatchet, knife and pouch. Tarpaulin hat, wide brim, and low round cro^^^, As best to turn thick brush, and what rams down. A pocket compass, pipe, chart, and, in fine, A gun, and ammunition, fish-hooks, and a hne. XLIV. He embarks, and gains that day Point Iroquois ; A name significant of great event— uM^ '* 44 BLACK HAWK, AND For horo the Irofpiois cncanipcrl and slopf, Bent on death's errand to the Cliippownyd. The Chippeways, aware of their intent, When night had fhuig her sombre shadows down, Came with an army irom the other shore ; An omen good, their prophets had dechired ; FeJl on them by h-urprise, a rainy night, Their bones in heaps lie bleaching on this height. XLV. In journeying thence abng a pleasant coast, He passed two rivers, sand-banks l)reaking through. The weather fair, serene the sky, and bright, A gentle breeze that raised no biUowy hilb Upon the surface of St. Marie's Hood ; Reached White-Fish Point, and saw the opening lake, Far as the eye could reach, interminable. Its southern side to coast is liis intent. The coast runs west and southwest ; sand-hills rear Aloft their stecpy sides for many a mile. Fassed two more rivers that had found their way Quite to the coast, by sand-hills breaking through Of wondrous steepness, came to Hurricane— A bay with sandy shores : a harbor made. Thence coasting west, fell in with pictured rockff Extending many miles. 'J'he height thereof Three hundred feet of perpendicuhir wall, Colored with various bright and l)oauteous tints A sight more picturesque is seldom seen ; The waters at their base are emerald green, And vastly deep, where vessels float beside. SSSaSftSt 4 s down, > 1; s height. .St, lo- tliroiigli. (r o lis hf, Dpciilng lake, l-hills rear 01 r way ; through lie— • B. xl rockff •eof IS tUitS » 3en, [le. SCHNKS IN THE \VE Upon the right, the whitened buildings stood, or old Fort Willdns. iMorning zephyrs blew, And softly played upon our country's ling, The Union's stars and stripes di-^tending well. One mile southwest, he saw Lake Manganese, A tributary to the first we named ; Which, by a tail precipitous and steep, Has made a chasm, and ope'd a white spar vein*; Has underneath a vein of manganese, Still lower down succeeds a vein of spar. Mountains the margin of the lake salute, Whose waters are transparent, cool, and <\rv\^, Surrounded by a pebbly white sand bead;. These smaller lakes, as doth Superior great, In plenteous lish, of various name-?, uljountl ; To wit : the white-iish, trout, and si.ritish lulucs Seemed much astonished, and l>ewildeved quite, That Yankees, unexperienced in the art, And for the business never educated. ■M^ SE It' I SCENES Iff TUB WEST. Should understand, and carry it on so well. To which our traveller answered promptly thus : 1 hink you the Yankees are such dunderheads ? Did they not whip King George and all his legions ? H.S seventeen thousand Hessian hirelings, too ? And Johnny Bull discomfit on the sea, And t( rminato all wars with victory ?' And do not their inventions head the world ? Why, sir! a Yankee, with his natural 'cuteness, \V ,sconsu, mountains could look through with ease, li he l)ut thought that nJneral there was hid. Meanwhile, moro vesscis constantly arrive, • ^y Jth loads of miners, speculators, dirrcrers. And amateurs, of various minds and figures In search ofwealth,ofEl Dorado, north. ' A glorious prospect, those of Copper Falls ; Tor there, not only copper rock is Cound, lint sdver, too, in quantities obtained. And ifthe stories that wo hear, be true, 0< all the wonders lately here disclosed, Copper and silver will be dregs in market. Ivach person, here, entitled to respect, Sports a tremendous ring, well hammered out, Ut native silver; and enclosing in it An agate, from Superior's mining shore. Many locations, excellent, are made ny numerous companies, on the Eagle, Dead, And Mining rivers-Portage, Lake La Belle. Houghton, geologist of Michigan, Immortal wight, was sent, this coasi to .can. 61 •aBUWM I 52 BLACS HAWK, AND What to the wonder of the world, he found His geological surveys amidst, On the Ontonagon, a copper rock. He finished his surveys, and left the placft j After eight years had fled, again returning, His hatchet lying on the rock still found ; No mortal footstep had intruded there ; ^ No mortal eye had seen it, save hiuisolf. 'Twas to our country's capital conveyed, Where, safely stored, it long, long may bo seen. Such great discoveries have been mado-of late, Of riches inexhaustible, here hid— Of copper, iron, silver, zinc, and gold, As well to warrant the belief of some, This country's mines will distance all the world, Peru and Mexico excepting scarce. As richer, easier of access than others, ^ Less digging, blasting, pumping, is refiuired; And here is realized whatever mines inspired. A thousand companies have locatiuns here — Bounds for research, are well defined and clear; Aid there, upon that soil, whatever found, t c ten per cent, is theirs, bencatli the ground. LIII. First rock, before alluded to, was found Up the Ontonagon. In other places, Many, much larger, since have been disclosed. I BCENES IN THE WEST. This river, with Menominee, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, ofMiss'ippi, Chlppeway, Kises in Mouulains Porcupine, and flows North, into Lake Superior ; near midway or Michigan's large tract, from cast to west. Ontonagon, the river most important, "Whoso tributaries rise in little lakes ; A harbor good, and easy of access, It hath, with eight feet water on the bar. Full at its entrance lies an island lair; Tests agricultural newly have been made, Upon this river's rich, luxuriant soil ; Potatoes, wheat, rye, oats, and corn producing : The forests on its banks consist of oak. Birch, sugar.maple, hemlock, lynn, pine, fir. Once, on its banks stood Indian villages ; Fur company, here location once possessed. Legends traditionary say the river. From circumstance as tollows, name derived : When peopled first by Indians, came a girl With a large bowl, unto the water's edge : With careless hand filled it but partially. Attention turnii.g to some other things. Escaping her, it floated down the stream. She cried, On-ton-a-gon ! On-ton-a-gon ! My bowl ! my bowl is gone ! and hence the name. 53 LIV. The Indians, either from tradition gray. Of of design, expecting large reward 5* 64 BL.VCR HAWK, ANI> For such a search, explorers have iuformed, Of a pure copper rock, of size iininense — Large as a mansion-house, and situate Near the head waters of this golden river ; And in Lake Desert's airy neighborhood. Adventurers have employed them oft as guides — High wages given, and travelled many days In fond pursuit of what they never found. When one such traveller, after long time spent, Gave o'er pursuit, declaring his intent, His wily guide did him inform straightway, That they could reach the place in half a day ; But vexed, and faithless, would no further go — And thus the rock, Kidd's money, like, remains. The last three leagues of its descent sublime, A thousand feet from high this river falls ; The trapian rocks lays bare, that forms its bed, And mineral veins that traverse them throughout, Containing copper, in its native state, And silver that's first rale, experience proves. But everything in mining, here, is new— Among the numerous companies formed, but few Have wrought at all; but there's in expectation Sufficient to secure a world's salvation ; At least, so far as mining wealth can go ; For which procure we all we want below. Riches ! who don't desire they should be given? With these, we purchase everything— but heaven ! BCENE9 IN THE WEST. 65 hV. Tho centre of a rising State is here, If I am either propliot, saint, or seer. This is the peacollil shephertl's country, too, Here may hi,s harmless flocks his calls pursue; And roam on mountaIn^s side, o'er dale and hill, And drink the crystal \vater.>5 when thoy v/ill. Iti^ nilll.ig streams, in cataract, steep, and dell, Its Ih'ccy.working factories will propel. Its climate on the lake is not so cold As some interior countries, we are told ; But I'll desist, since future time will show That men, such wonders to hclieve, were slow. ivi. At Copper Harbor, « Lake Superior News," With ncwly.writton editorials tilled. Containing glowing accounts of this rich region- Success of ditibrent mining company bands; The thousand tons of metal which they raise, And what their prospects are in future days, Is weekly published ; first that over was. From the great city Gotham to Isle Royal, The largest island in thi:,- father lake, Tliere's ne'er a tour with interest r,o replete. Such varied scenes, so beautiful and fair. Combining health, tho sea and mountain air; And where such height of contrast is disclosed, Diversified with every moral chancre. 56 BLACK ir.VWX, AND From Clirislian, civilized, to savn<,'o life, Upon the oarih l)t'f.i;le, us hero U iouiul. This end the routo has ciiics, noiso oflmsinc-s, Of money-niaking schem??:, their heads arc full, A goodly heritage possess, and weahh j But full of hatred, envy, and distrust- Unkind, unchaillahle, man with man, In fond piu'suit of golden straws of earth, Thrust others from life's side-walk;? eagerly, And trample down to raise immortii' self. And build a citadel on another*s ruin. The other, an unbroken Vvilderness, Where nature's noblemeii in niuiibers dvvol!, Who seek no worldly treasures to lay up, Where moih and ru^t corrupl, and thieves invade. Conscious this earth U but a restin;L;.p:ace, While on their journey to lin:norfal seats. From day to day they seek tl:elr simple food, Of I'ish, and tijwl, and f)rc»t's vai'ious game, Content, and thankful to great Maniton; Blest with a living ihiih, religiouj ljopc». That an elysian heavenly crowns deceasp, When they will re.>t in happy lumting.grounds, And fish in pleasant frout-brooks llu^ro forever. Here once the Catholic priest resided, tau;.-ht Fond Nature's children reverence for the cross. Father Marquette, the Christian soldier, hero Did voyage, in love to souls he h'Ad most th:ii\ One blessed man, dovnted to tlie skies, * Did them instruct in things whleli made them wise. O, what scenes, beautiful and tender, vast. t ' '^m^y SCENES IN THE «EST. 57 And imagery suMIme, thl>j temple yields ! Great nature's temple, here sliipenHous, wild, Whoso columns arc the lofty, rugged mountains, Majestic trees, and boulders adamantine ; Uhose courts, tiie prairio:,, boundless in extent, VVilh their rich emerald carpets all bespangled With a profusion endless of wild flowers. Of every Ime of golden tapestry ; Whose aisles the sun-lit valleys, mirrored lakes Whoso sacred sanctorum the tall, deep forest, Or dark recesses of the mountain aor^e \\ hose music Is the carol of the breeze, And heaven's own songsters, warbliig 'mong the trees i Or sounding roar of falling cataract's chime. With thunder mingling loud, its awful bass sublime ! IVII. Now, having made his tour, the pioneer Sailed all around great Lake Superior clear. Viewing the Hoyal Isle, and much that's new, Some other counti-y his attention drew. Keturning back, to where St. Mario lay, Bespoke, by schooner, passage to Green Bay, Where Nenah, full of rapids, has his flow; Here siands a city yet in embryo. Thence up this river all its rapids passed, Till Winnebago's Lake he viewed at last. 58 BLACK HAWK, AVO LVIII. Thence, through this lake, and up tlie Nonnh still, To where Wisconsin's stream it nearly joinf» ; Wisconsin, whence the State derives its naino. The portage here, twelve furlongs, only, v. ido, Connected by canal in contemplation. Further obstructions from these streams removed, They furnish will a longthoned vvaler-coursfO— Communication interrupted not. From Gotham great, to southern town, Orleans, A choice access unto the best ofmarkets. Thence, down Wisconsin went the pioneer; Thence, down the Mississippi, to Orleansj W^here he abode some time; at IcnglH rcttivned ; The river threaded up to IVairie du Chien. Particulars of his voyage down, or fare. And what mishaps he met withal, elsewhere, He give-? not. But, upon his passage up, More leisure, ho has given ws some accoimt. And well describes the scenery of the valley — Chiefly the Upper Mississippi shore, Because this region did the more delight him. As in the following detail brief, his words : I've sailed upon the noble Misslsi-Ippi, And of its landscapes, features pronilneut. Which charmed me much, will some description give. The meaning of the word, in Indian tongue, Or Chippeway, means water everywhere — Great fiither of the waters, some interpret. It rises farther north than where white men, '-IT^l > St'KXES IN THE W'KHT, V ahicle, have yet consontcti lonrr to ilwrll. Thence, running south, a whuliurr course along, Quito fhrou-h iho middle of that vulh^y large, Which lies between tlic Alloghauies east, *" And Kocky Mountains towering on the west j M'hich join a distant country, Oregon. Receiving all the rivers cftliis valley. On either side, lijr thousand leagues around, Ohio, Teiniessee, Arkansas, Red, And grent Missoiu-i, widi a hundred others ; Till Orleans' growing mart last passing by, Discharges all his congregated wafers" In Mexic* gulf, of vast circumference. What other name coidd be aj)i)ropriatc ? Its character so graphically speak ? The natural great highway of all this valley, For merchants' produce, dealers', steamers gay, In all their multitude, to bear away Tho products of this cvcr.fruiiful soil, ^ To other climes where needed, and to bring The inercharuliso of other nations In. IJX. 'TIs called the Lower Missi^'sippi, ajl That part which lies Missouri'^ mouth below. Save rocky bluils, a few below St. Louis, And ill tho neighborhood of Natchez, found, Both shores arc low, and level, covered o'er With forests dense, of cypress, cotton-wood, Whero wolves and panthers prowl, and men are not 59 i CO nLxcK nAWx, a'vd An'l cfigle^, un(li.sf(irl)(>reed village thence Across the water just lielow the rapids ; On which some Indian (iLdiermcn are seen The eve with lighted boats, appearing nfj, Then vanishing; like meteor flies of ni5;'ht. The constant roaring of the waters here, An Indian yell occasionally ?ent up. Their fires upon the shore, abundant fish ; The sound of mirth heard from the village near, The passengers' attention eager drew. Now at the head of rapids stances Xauvoo, A city famous, scat of Mormon power. Upon the bliifls a herd of deer, with fawn, Are cropping quietly the flowery lawn ; And, farther up. Rock Island, picturesque, Surmounted by a recent castle, stands, Delightfid haunt of Black Hawk and his tribe. S()ontaneous ap[des, berries, jdums, there grew Of various kinds ; whose waters yielded fish Black Hawk, in summer, hither did resort ; Mlio says a spirit good had ird, and reptile, do reposo ; We've travelled far, and underwent fatigue. And weariness reminds us of like rest. The subject, too, is long to tel! ; tlieroibi'C, Lie down till bright Aurora streaks the east- Then rise, refreshed by sleep, and you shall («;ast Upon the story you so much desire. This said, he led him to an upper room, Well furnished ; for repose, a downy bed, Whereon he bade his guest recline his head. LXI.X. Soon as Aurora, daughter of the dawn, Had streaked the east with signs of early mom, The traveller rose, and promenaded there, The woodland scene to view, and scent the balmy air. The landscape round was pleasant to behold. The sun had risen, and burnished it with guM.. In cuhivatcd field the building stood, Surrounded on all sides by loity wood. 'Twas built of logs, oC stately trunks hcw.a square, No polish, paint, or ornaments n quire — A puncheon floor, a lynn-wood .itt. a roof ( \ SCENES IN THE WEST. Of clap.boards made. Besido its walls unhung Frocks, pantaloons, and hunting.shlrls of liusoy. been pending iVorn the loft, and undcrhanoincr, Decr.skins- and peltries; farther down, a goind- A chimney Large, the fire hcnealh huilt hl-h. The breakfast o'er, and smoked the calumet, Scaled within, beside the pleasant fire, "Now," said the host, " I'll grant what you desire." 71 r. I # 'i BLACK HAWK, AX9 SCENES IX THE WEST. W^^^^^^^^^^K^-^..^ '^-^ i ~rf'VW~ i r>^"^\^ CANTO II. THE A R G U M E X i . f Description of Xit-o-Hu-ma, or Hemtc- t>.nv-TI,o rrooA mission a ry-Her CJmvY.ioa^>CIu•i.ti;umJ•-^Inni.uM^.~:\r:a■r;ag>.^.Ouvunt..i.ar-.mh.- Hu d.!nn«a. to t],. ^.nr~(. lo-h-wah-.s ,r.acho,y~.n,. procures .h'^ baiu^uu n.t ot (I.ntk. D.vo~tu,j take, r., lu-r nbaJc in rt rave m . ■ d..,iM. lan..t,wh,.... .1.... r.rak>i)fj ii;nc.. 1:5 iniracuIou>ly preserve.l 0,:iiUu:...-ar-«.lMv:.mi.hoiu.., b-vu.uv c^uvinccj ofluT innocence, nnj J.;J. ,,, ..!a.wal.-Qa.-!.-^..!. ». pKu-s .0 lmu iu a vi.ion of ih3 n.^I.t. .rul vMrm-. him l!;.l C • ^ Dove is yet alive-He iind her af: t^r du.:;.m aearc«~A joynU m .in ' d-cribcd~Thev^ live out their lUys to;rcth;.-r m hr.i^py love, and from thi. . irtuous pair descended Black A>-D llujs tho Pcnusylvaruan houan :^ III oarly tiajej, aceoaliijrf ta traditio.'n KeHn-o the western wilJerness was trod By Mhito mou, there tlitl Jive a princess young r Than slie, no fairer lucly ever spruno" Froiii Indian bI.;of}. [Jer name u-al Nlt-o-mcnia, Which, readered i« our iunguage, sigaiiie - t - 74 liLACK HAWK, A>JL> A Goiillo Dovo, whatever nppertuliij* And fliitliliilly did she answer to tlio name ; For she was beautiful to h)()k upon, or a sweet voice and temper, and bcduved By all who knew jier, for her <;('ijlJenoss, And for those numerous acts of kindness done, ^Vhich she was ever n^ady to conler. E'en insomuch, that it became prfu-erbial, In those times, that she ne'er acrpiainlaiirp made, Without soon brin<,n'jig them, l)y pious dec ;!•<, Under the strongest obligations to her ; That none with her did e'er associate, Vr'ithout being wiser made, a. id better for it. She to the tribe of powerful Hacs behjnged ; A nation then inhabiting, remote, Those regions, unexplored, that westv/ard lay, And south of Michigan's unstable sea, Far in the east their origin once had. This beautiful and new romantic country Is watered by the Ui)per Mississippi, And numbers of its tributary stn-ams ; Great Mississippi Valley, therefore, called. By Marquette, godly Frenchman, who was ilrst That came to plant the standard of the cro-s, Of King Immanuel, in her dither's laud, Was she converted to the Christian faith. This one immortal man, so truly great, For missionary enteiprise, was iir;it Discoverer of the noble Misi?i,nt hands. His work was done, he sweetly passed away, A>nid his labors. Wide were his designs — Earth's benefactor, not unlike his Master, On earth he had no certain dwelling-place ; But in lihAi heaven he sits a child of grace. J3 IV. Adherents few and faithful, whose hard heart?, With hallowed lire, ere this time, God had touched, I^Iourned over him ; and there, upon the banks scp:nes in thk wkst. n I dead , ^ icd. Of that pure river, by himself discovered, Which bears his name, they dug the lonely grave Of God's most humble servant, lliithfid soldier Of the cross. There Ihey buried him in the sand; He, Vvlio came fust upon hi.s Master's business, To teach, to humanize, exalt, and bless, The pagan people of this wilderness. V. By Marquette, as we said, was she converted To Christian faith. Uncommonly devout. Walking in every ordinance of the Lord Blameless, according unto all she'd heard. And been instructed by this holy man. Soon afler thio, unto a warlike ;nince Of her own nation, bold and gay, was wedded ; Son of Na-ma-ma-kee, the nation's chief. Omaint-si-ar-nah, was the young man called. Ho was a tall, athletic son o' the forest; Nature had lavished gifts in rich profusion ; Was beautiful and manly in his person — Easy and graceful in his diguity And l.tearing. l'eature;3 regular and handsome — Skilful, adroit in using of the bow ; And deer and game could Kill at distance great. In battle bold, in his affections ardent — The faithful friend, kind husband, generous host. From his door, hungry, no man ever went; In short, if he had r-iy failing rare, Twas this — that he was sanguine in his temper, i'V 7^* ■ W- BLACK ir.VWK, AND Too credqious, and jealous of the afl'ectioiii or those he loved, and tbndly doted on. Ne'er was a happier and more blithesome day, Than that which did their nuptials consummate, Nor e'er a happier couple than these twain, Omaint-si-ar-nah, and his Gentle Dove. "t O love ! with thy intoxicating bowl, How lost thou charm and fascinate the soul ! And pour therein such rivers of deli"-ht. That Eden's joys do linger in the flight ! il> I Soon after she became the bride Of him, her glory, prince, and pride, Tidings unpleasant, and unfair, And grievous to the hapf)y pair, Of separation, dread to name. Too soon from tribes conlederato came. The chieftain young called to the war, The place of his encampment far. Tears from his eyes stole down and fell, As he his loved one bade farewell. Not less felt she, and sutTered sore, Fearing she'd see his face no more ! He armed himself, and strode away. Over the hills, and far away, And seemed so merry, blithe and gay ; His armor on his buckler runu. And as he journeyed, thus he sungt ! i 1 SCENES IN THE WEST. SONG. Chief I anj of my own clan, Meet the foe man man to man } With my arrow and my bow, I can slay the strongest foe. With rich spoils I shall return, Merrily my fire will burn, Aa I sit with sou and spouse, And fulfil my early vows. The prairie grass is now my bed. The only curtain round my head, Without the voice of her I love, Far, far from thoe, my Ccnfie Dove I And while I fotidlv think on th(?e, , And all thy anxious cares for me, The worst may come, it makes me fear, Extort from thee the modrner's tear. But should it come, the worst that cai% I'll act the hero, die the man ; Death cannot j)ilfer me of love, Sweet lady fair, my Gentle Dove ! 'Tis here corroding on my heart, Fixed is the wound of Cujiid's dart ; Forever burns the flame of love, For t})0(.', sweet girl, my Gentle Dovo I vj eo BLACK HAWK, A^D i Ug Mt his dear love with her widowed parent j For father s'le hnd none, and lij the c:i:e Of an Indian incwl whose namo was Que-Ia-wah; Which, wlien inlorproted, vithi» his pov.er, Her, from the path of virtue, to alktre ; Ueuounce, to her ailianced lord, allegiaucu, And yield lierself the victim of his love. l?ul all his tired endeavors, for this end, Were fruitless ; for she Iiearkened not to him. Ahhonoh from morn till eve imijcrtunate. But when he lijtUKl ha nothing could prevail, But that, indignantly, she spurned him from her, Steadfast and faithful to licr absent lord, His love towards her was turned to enmity, His anger greatly kindled to destroy her. ¥ m Meanwhile, as she was nmch perplexed in spirit, Anxioufi, not knowing unto what 'twould grow, She had a dream, most singularly alarming. And wonderfully pro])hetic in its features. For, lo ! in boding visions of the night, While in a dream, upon her bed, she saw, Stafiding before her, there, *.r. awful form, Greater than hiunan, of 'i solemn mien, And dreadful aspect, awfudy revoltitjg. And, lo ! he ope'd his mouth, and spake, and said :— O, of the Holy Virgin much beloved! Who to her Son's bright throne thy prayers presents, And doth pre^^ail, and ever must prevail ! To whom thy virtuous constancy is known — ■ i I' '*! VVords comfortable have I come to sprnk ; The Mighty Ruler doth respect the nice'c. Fear God ! be steadfast in thy constancy ! And let thy faith be strengthened to rely On favor so divine, in all thou dost, And trials needful through which thou must pass. Unless thou this dost do, thou canst not stand Against the adversaries of thy soul. For what thou hast already sulibred long From Que-la-wah, are but incipient, Beginnings sad of greater woes to come, And sorrows thine, long felt. Yea ! of a truth, He, even he that's nearest to thy heart, In whom thy soul delighteth, good 'Si-ar-nah, The noblest chief of all the warring tribes, To his great loss shall be deceived by bribes- Enraged, forsake his ever-failhful wife, And thou sjhalt narrowly escape with life. Moreo'er, commissioned from the shining throne, The Virgin has instructed to make known To thee, yet more ; what else were under seal, Thy nation's future destiny reveal, And what shall surely come to pass in years. Resume thy courage, and repress thy fears ! Behold ! for empire there shall be a strift' I A mighty struggle, not accounting life, Between thy people and a powerful race Of white men, iar off, latoly gained a place, BLKNKS IS rnV. WEST. 63 And footing in the east, far ofT, and near The rising sun. At lirst, thoy small appear ; But, waxing strong, to empire shall aspire, Sweep o'er, and subjugate the continent entire. XI. They shall come, even here, with mighty hand, And, with their armies, overspread the land Of thy forefathers, and possess the same, Not heeding, as they ought, tfhy people's claim But lo! thy nation shall not want renown ! Behold the prince that bears the laurel crown ! The prince that's 3 ct to rise. Black Hawk by name ; The earth scarce proves a limit to liis fame ? From thee descended, who shall, in his day, O'er many chiefs and many tribes bear sway. Shall tight su.:ces>ful battles in liis prime, Shall lead them forth to war, and, in his tiiu'^ Shall cause his enemies lo fear and fly ; But numerous armies, that in ambush lie Of whites, shall overcome him, and will bind In chains his person, not his stubborn mind. Yet shall a tim* d.iwn. Nor yield to great discoura^renjenf thereat; For heaven is on thy .side. Tiie II(ily Virgin Will not f)rsako tlu'e, nor ne.frlpyt to hear, And to present bofin-e her Son thy prayers, Ascendin:; up to heaven from [ficti.s lips. And in thy day of great udver.-sjfy, Bfdiold, for thy protector and thy guide, To thee shall be leveuied the .Star of Bethlehem! Xllf. Meanwhile, his f^ll desirrns to execute. Was Qne-Ia-wali most hu.-Ily employed His whole sord bent upon the ruin of ono Whom ho cotdd not seduce from virtue's path. The messenger Onru'ut.si.ar.nah sent. To bear the tiding.^; to hi:^ f\iih!ul love, A very Avicked and hard-hearted wretch. Who, f.r a petty bril»e, rould enter in To all the fell designs of Quo.la-wah, Against the peace and life of (Jentle Dove. Therelure, whenc^'er he came with n.essage for her, She knew it not, nor sent an answer back ; For Que-ia-wah did intercept and bribe •tt I 1 8CENES IN TflK WEST. The wl^rht, that he her ruin might efibct, • Kvil Import to carry to the caivii). The tenor of his incssa-jro hack was tliis : That with all llvithtnlncsH ho had ch-livorcd To lior the ever-kind oiKlearing mcs.s;jgc, Which she regarded not, but turnt'd away II<»r n;!r.> tVom listenin'X to her con ;ort':? words; Di-ridiuj; theni, to answer caring not — Trcaliii;^ the mes-^onger with marked contempt; That she was base, abandoned, and incoiisitant hi liigh degree — nnlaithllil to her lovt», And r^^probate to all connubial lies. Nothing omitted was in this report, Unju.;!, untriio, and wickedly contrived To heighten crime to tUtermoil, could servo; And make upon the mind of him who loved her, Too credulous, and easily provoke ^i' eCKSrS IN TIIK Wli.T. P7 t. n. Of her fiurprising iUaiv^ , ami full from virtue. Much grieved he daily, sullered much by night, In broken rest, and tli.si;oiiii)osing drf nnw ; Oft waked from such, as gkid imtiu« t<» find, To sense of real woes that on hirn ; Until, for broken vow?, and kindness slighted, Revenge had taVn possession of his breast. Then did his indignation pass contnd— The Hanic of love, extinguished in his s'.tul, To hatred, enmity, disgust, had turned. In exclamation passionate and grievous, And furiously loud, he thus exclaiin«M! : What would I not have done, to »nakc her blest ' Would sacriticed my life, and chcttrfuUy My every comfort, for her happiness ! Nay, more ! a thousand deaths in her defence Would willingly have died. But all is over now ! The die is cast ! Til see her face no more ! Ungrateful wretch ! go unto her, and tell, Omaint-»i-ar.nah*s not so sntich her dupe, To grievo himself too mtich, and lay to heart Her perfidy. Nay, I will have revenge ! A dire revenge f >r her ingratitude. And sweet. She shall not live to see me grieve, And lord it oVr my wounded feelings aye ; Insult, unman roc, make me miserable, With thoughts of one day seeing her scornful eye Turned on mc. No, that she, indeed, shall not ! But hasten ! let her bleed ! Cut off a lock Of her bright raven hair, and bring to me, That I, upon the melancholy relic, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) h A A4S( f sr A^ ^.. < V M.^ y 4 fe ^ 1.0 I.I 1.25 Hf i;^ 112.0 2.5 12.2 6" 18 14 111.6 <^ W 'w /a ^?, Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WiBSTEti, N.Y. i45S0 (716) 872-4503 ^1.^^ '^ '% y^ V 4^ # M.^. 83 BLACK HAWK, AND May look, and keep it ever consecrate, I\f(Miiori:ii constant of her treac1i(vy. O, I could never have belhn'ctl her false ! Unquonchablc us iiiin<*, I thnn<.';lit her h)ve. Great Ciocl ! that I should he thu3 forced to d( To one that I so jjroafly d* secujde ; A covert far, hid from the eyes f f men, But not from the all-seeing, secret Ken Of the Almighty, whose onmlscieut view Saw what she suflered, and the future knew ; Here told her, tlius unfeelingly bej'jiiled, Wliat he should do to her, and to her child. Such were his orders from the army sent, And from its cliief, Omaint-si-ar-nah's tent. SCE!?E3 IN THE WEST. 80 I i I xvir. Sncli message to fulfil, in duty bound, Charged with lior sanguine blood to stain the ground, For violuted rites and wedded vo\V3, And alienation from hor lavvHil snmiso. And prone, iu accents lilce tlio serpent in\U,^ Ho said that, first, he should bereave ih.^ child. Then, to confirm his sullen ^vords, out flew His scimetar, a weapon shining new, Which from his belted scabbard did suspend, Its phort existence on the earth to end ; Which done, my lengthened tale o'en here had end, And no su.ch tragic scenes In future blend. Now, Gentle Dove shrieked out, and utt(>red high A. \'ery bitter, lamentable cry; la great distress, not knowing what to do, Beseeching him this course not to piirsuc,^ But soothe, in some degree, a tnotlier's pain, And trouldc not the child, till she was slain ; Or else, she twice must sufler pang-> of d.sith. Once in her person, yielding up her breath. And once, ere yet tlils tragedy l)egun. Compelled to bee and feel it in her son. Some pity seemed to touch his savtige breast ; Thtis for, he said, I yield to your request, Tlien, with his scimetar drawn in his hand. Approached to execute the diead command, By plungin- deep the weapon in her breast, On her evading person sorely pressed. She begged of hiiu : O, why such haste in this ? 8* -n ' 90 IILACK HA.WK, AKD To one proscribed, protracted life is ^liss ! To heaven, I own, I should consign my fate ; But O, that heaven had fixed a h;nger date ! Allow some moments, grant the sentence stay, And give a wretched mortal time to pray — *Tis ail I ask, and 'tis within your power ; Deny not this request in my last hour. Then, kneeling down, to heaven's all-ruling Sire, Protesting her own iinioceiico entire, And uttering hi Ilis ear a just complaint, To witness, calling every guitrdian saint, She prayed aloud, heseeching, on her part, That God would soften her assassin's heart. Him, too, the bloody messenger of strife, She much besought to spare her injured life. Her prayers and tears some good impressions made. On savage as he was, and thus he .said, Relenting : — if she fur in woods would go. And never more society would hnow, So all might deem she earth no longer shared, On such conditions should lier life be spared. He, from her beauteous tresses, all unbound, Would shear a lock, and carry to the ground, Camp of Omaint-si-ar-nah, and him tell He had fulfilled whiit was commanded well, Concerning her : then peaceably withdrew, Left her a wandering journey to pursue, And bore away triumphantly to teil His duty done, how Xit-o-me-ma ffll. Meanwhile, within her folding arms her child, She wandered comfortl^s ihrougli wood and wild. la Till Phoebus from the heavens withclrew his light, And spread o'er earth the shady veil of night. To be involved in darkness earth began, But nature, studious of the wants of man, With softer lights had well supplied the place, The burning radiance of bright PhoBbus' face. XVIII, Under the open canopy of heaven, Did she repose that memorable night, Supperless. There heard among the crash of twigs And rustling leaves, the trampling of wild beasts ; The howl of wolves, that through the forest dark Prowled for their prey with fierce, devouring jaws. The mournful noise of screech-owl, solemn bird ; The wild-cat's fiercer growl, the whip-poor-will— The lowing of the buffalo for her yoimg ; The panther's scream from forest depths upflung , The echoing voice of savage beasts of prey, And bark of fox, more cunning than the rest. But none were there permitted to approach, Or touch one hair so sacred of her head. The stars shone bright ; but few or none could pierce The matted branches, and the trees' tall tops, That stood so thick around. Thick darkness there Sat brooding o'er. No moon, with cheerful beams, Rode high in heaven with soft refulgent light. To pierce the thicket through that gloomy night, And kiss the cheek of innocence and beauty. 92 BLACK HAAVK, AND XIX. A night of awful terror and suspense To Gentle Dove. Her hours were wakeful all. T' aflbrd the least ioro-ptfulness of sorrow, Balmy refrcshniont yielding, dewy sleep On her allrighted eye-lids, there ?;it not, Oblivion's charm a. moment to Indul.'ro. Of all mankind flir-dakon — not a friend, Save the Almighty, now the only reiujio Of her dear, hapless offsprinnf, and her.^elf. Unto the 'riirone of (Iiace ascended prayers Constant and fervent, fjr an aid divine ; Until Aurora, harbinger of day, Bright in tlie east appeared ; when, recommending To care Onniipotence herself anew, She rose, (so did the sun,) and travelled on ' Her way into the Ibrest dense and deep. XX, The .*Tentlo spring had come, and clothed the earth With a green rolK>l;otIi beautiftd and fair. The morning tishered in a pleasant day Of sunshine, in the merry month of May, The trees had budded, some their tender leaves Already had put forth, not yet full grown ; To wit : the maple, and the aspen tall. On these were often seen tlio raven perched. With shining plumes, the partridge, speckled hen, Woodpecker busy, turkey wild, and large. SCENES IN Tilfi WEST. Deer, ia herds, feeding on the now-grown grass- Others in open glades were lying down, And basking in the sun. All which, away Did ninihly scamper, at her near approach. Here various ilowers, and all of dillbring hues, The loveliest children of their mother earth. Hud sprung tip wild, in rich profusion rovnid, Einbahning ..ft the air with their sweet iragrance ; The pathless forest beautifying much. And underneath her feet a carpet spreading. With texture woven by Nature's artle:is hand. 93 XXI. Such scenes at other times her soul had charmed. Their customary ])leasure failed t' atford. And to her troubled mind could give no rest, Or satisfy keen hunger's stern demands. Which she now felt. Moreover, seemed she no'.v Threatened deotruclion from another quarter. To blow tremendously the wind began, Toward eve increasing to a hurricane. Old forest.trees, of size and balk extreme, With giant trunks, for centuries there had stood, Moved by .Mn/ighty power, with roots uptorn, For the last time contending with the gale, Descended to the earth on every side— XXII. Fc^Uwith a mighty crashing sound. That deeply shook the solid ground. 04 BLACK HAWK, AND She travelled on, depressed in mind, Nor scarcely dared to look behind, For fear the fall of some large tree Some beast in his aj)])roach might be. Sometimes walking, often sighing, Sometimes running, soinotimcs crying. The trees bowed reverently down, Of some the gale bereft a crown ; Others waved violently their crests, The birds were driven from their nests. She weary leaned against a tree, A hissing serpent thence did tlee. The whistling gale still sw(>pt along. Nought but its voice supplied the so^'ng. Here all was dismal, dark and dreaiy, No cordials for the faint and weary; Nor could she here repress the (hvad Of vapory phantoms of the dead, As by old legends had been taught, With credit and with horror fraught. xxiir. Now, ere black night had spread her sable curtain, With darkness deej) that wood to cover o'er, Dear Gentle Dove had travelled many nn'les Far in the forest deep, where she now Ibund A tree of bulging mood, and hollow trunk, A room in size, quite spacious at t{,e fbot, Low down ; appearing to have been tho den BCENES IN THE WEST. 95 Of boar or wolf, or large caniivorou-s beast, That once exlslod here, b\it now extinct ; For, found about the cave were many bones. Without, within, and scattered far around— Its entrance was m size a small-marked door, Into this cave she entered, took possession, • As of a place of refuge from wild boasts. And shelter from invading storms that come. Here she for several days and nights remained. Fasting the while, and spent the time in prayer; Hence, supernatural is her preservation. Look not on her forsaken as of (lud ! As one whose prayers reach not the Holy Virgin, And not by her presented to her Son ! But ponder in thy mind, behold in foith ! The miracles for her deliverance wrought ! ♦ XXIV. For lo ! as kneeling there profound. Engaged in prayer, she heard the sotmd Of something wonderful without, AVhich prompted her to look about. TJnoavthly rapping at the door, Such as she never heard before ; And, too, a sweet melodious voice, As though an angel, to rejoice Her soul, had come with heavenly sound, To visit that enchanted ground. Divine musician ! work of art Could never thus have moved heV heart, mmmm $$ DLACli UAV»'U, ANP And \vlng(^(l her passions ! Up she rose, \iui quickly to tho opcuiiitainei!i diee ! 'I'll be tliv ''uido has sent this t-tar, liids ibllow where it leadetU lar; Corn, niiik and honey thou shalt find, And what will ease :i troid)led mind. Olieyed llie heavenly voice, went iortlj, Wilh her sweet babe, and journeyed north. Tiic star she had nut ibllowed long, Kre it did linger down among The top:} of trees, until it stood, Above uu oak of bulging moud ; Whoso top was low, whos(> truidc was wide, And had an opening In its side, Which yawned low down, and near the grcund- This tree she full of honey found. 'Twas now her tears of joy found vent; A hearty Te Deuni up sent. She knew the honey to her given, Tho promised su-3tena!icc from heaven ; The vvants of hunger to supply, An earnest that she should not die. ■» SCENES IN THE WEST. 97 Slio broke and ate tlic procions fjtoro, Till she and babe, could eat no more ; Then took whut she could carry home, Large pieces of the honoy-coinb ; The widow's cruse was never dried, Her scanty morsel multiplied ; And for the prophet of tlio Lord, 'Midst famine spread a bounteous board. B ind- XXV. Klijali was by ravens fed, And frihc a life as piou:< led ; For he had passiuns, various wit, Like ours ; we leave to holy writ. AVhat marvel, thou, if sh(5 should be, In such a like extroTnity, Fed thus, or otherwise pre^jcrved, ViV sovereign mercy, whom she served? She turned her eye — her guide was gone ; But, looking fii and berries fotmd ; And curling vines ascending high. The lofty trees the forest nigh — Grape clusters hanging high and low. And plums ; all these in embryo, She gathered in their season, dried, For timely using laid aside. U gCKNES TN THE Wflff* 99 The corn .sin- ato when yrA 'luaa green, Antl when its hann;ing earH were .ieen, All ripe and ^fold-like, yellowed o'er, She gathered, and laid u[) iu store. Nor did jho farther dii^tant roam, IJut tilled her hand with honey-conib, Unto her cavern straight returned; Her heart with grateful passion bnrnedf And regular as the sun of mom, Oft as its beams the eve adorn, The praise of God inspired her tongue, And, as she gloried, thus rhv sung :— Raise thee, my soul, with ail thy powers, To God a grateful song ! Thine incense sweet ascend these bowers, To whom thy powers belong. For he hath brought salvation down, To bless thy darkest day, "When cruel death, with sullen frown, Had marked me for his prey. When friends forsook me, then 1 said The Lord will hear my voice ; I sought him, when my comforts tied, He bade my soul rejoice. He feeds the hungry, starving souls, Their bread and water's sure, 100 BLACK HAWK, AND i ! I \ i \ I i His bounty corn and wine supplies, And honey will procure. Since, from the grave my soul did raise, My foes did much condemn, For evermore will laud his praise, The Star of Bethlehem. XXVII. And need we name the horrors of her uilnd .' Imaf^ination lent its aid to fear; For Trequcnt were the dismaUtorms shot down Over that lone and solitary place, UovQ awful rendered, 'cause .^ic was ahaie. And brooding darlaiess oft sat o'er the place ; Oft Ijlackeniiig clouds hung over it, and frowned. The fountains opened, rain and hail descended ; The firmament of heaven loud thunders shook ; Along the sky the forked lightnin- Hashed, And set the element below on lire ; Rending, in shattered pieces, largest oaks Scattering the woody fragments far and wide ; Causing the cave, wherein she dwelt, to t nimble. Beasts of the forest, too, luiked round th-'- place ; The wood resounded with their frequent howls. And often, too, a savage bear there came ; Raising himself, as he approached the cave, He looked within, as though inrlined to enter. With looks of horror and despair, the motlier Clasped her child more closely to her side ; 1 -4 m SCENES IX THE AVEST. 101 tl( 1 ? down ne. aco ; rosviK^d. ended » yhook ; <^ wide ; tremble. (> place ; . howlsj. ;avc, enter, other ido ; The infant babe, in innocence, looked in Her iace and smiled. She knelt in prayer to Him Who in that hi)ur of need alone could save. When in the attitude of fervent prayer, Her visitant unwelcome, silent stood. As though quite conscious of her sore distress- By pity moved, approached not : but would stand With listening earcf, attentive to her words. Struck with a ceremony so sublime, So solemn and impressive as it was — Ar-cd into reverence by such piety And fervent supplication, he did yeem The house of prayer unwilling to disturb, And sacred worship of the living God- Left them in silence, and returned no more. XXVIII. She now conceived could sTie but |-.indle fire At the cave's mouth, it would not only be Protection 'gainst the cold inclement weather, But prove a means to keep wild i>easts away. But yet this boon from heaven she'd not received; And how she should obtain it did not know, For steel, or match, or tinder, she had none ; Became alarmed, began to entertain Doubts, and much serious fear, that heaven, although In mercy corn and honey, milk, had given, In bounteous stores, yet was she, even now, In wretched state, forlorn, and danger great, Of perishing by cold, or by wild beasts. 9* i 108 BLACK HAWK, AXD While she, perplexed, still poiulerod on these things, Bewildered much, not knowing what to do, And seeking oft in prayer, for aid divine, Behold ! a violent thunder-storm arose, *Twas darkness all, save when the lightning's glare Showed, by her posture, that she was in prayer. XXIX. A sudden flash caused the whole heavens to glow, And set on fire the elements below ; Followed by peal of thunder so tremendous— So sudden, and so awful, it did make The earth's foundation to its centre shake, And smote a tree hard by her dwelling-place, Kindling a fire which did consmne it there. She, looking up, beheld the tree on- fire. And raised her eye to heaven's all-ruling Sire ; And in the sky above beheld the sign. The sacred impress of the hand divine : The promised light suspended there. All luminous, and bright, atid fair; And that it did in crosses lighten, *Twa3 then her hopes began to brighten. By this she knew the fire was sent for her, In answer to her prayers for aid divine. In grateful adoration she exclaimed, O holy star! my comforter and guide In every season of adversity ! Thy approach in awful grandeur I do hail I Not as portentous comet, threatening war, ii SCRNE9 IN THE WEST. 103 these things, do, iiing's glare [\ prayer. And pending ruin, but with joy immense ; For nought but good to me thy presence brings I She went unto the tree, and took thereof, And kindled there a fire, which went not out i And after this, she suffered not with fear. Nor was she more disturbed by beasts of prey. \S to glow, !ous— kc, •place, pre. f gSire; n. her, all I rar, XXX. Of all utensils household, destitute. Each useful article of furniture, In making such as stood she most in need Most absolute, she found an ample scope For exercise of her inventive powers. Among the various articles she made. Was morta^, fine for pounding out her com; Which cost great labor, deal of tirnc and patience. This from a tree which lay beside the cave, A circumstance, for her quite providential, Did she burn out, and made it fit f<3r use. Some of her corn she parched, and ate with milk, Some pounded fine, and made it into cakes ; Which she first baked before the fire on bark Was smooth, and answered well, until her genius Found something better out, and ate with honey. Corn, altogether, sometimes would omit, Alone of milk and honey make a meal ; And we must tell you, also, how she came To be possv^ssed of crockery, hollow. ware ; For this of course you know she must have needed. These from a kind of stiff blue clay she made, i I 104 1 is BLACK 11 AUK, AND Found in a hill-sidc, where the water oozed ; Whose green.tufled cre^I. v.-iih shrubbery ri-h was crowned, While on its side. long ciifTs were barren "roanj, A level plain appeared about its base, Sol burnished with his earliest beam the place. XXXI. These with her hands to welLshnped dishes moulded, And dried them in the shade quite tliorou;,diIj, And baked them in a furnace of hor own ; And they did answer her a fmrpose good. The female bullalo grew quite soon so tame, It would approach her of its own accord, And lick her hatid. So much attached it "rcw Unto its mistress, for her gifts humane, That out of sight of her 'twould scarcely go; Fed constant near the cave, no firlher going Than to the lawn, or ancient .stamping.gruund. During her stay here, it increased ii luwd. Her little boy, whose luimo was Xamah, grew. Could drive and fetch theui iW his parent kind. He was a generous, ftoblchearlv-d iif,y, His mother's only hoj)e, her pride and joy- Bright and intelligent, and as he did Partake much of her pious disposition, And sweetness, was a source of comfurl to her. xx:ut. Having resided here a length of time, To covet meat began. Th« use of which fr 6Cr.NF3 IN THi: WEST. 105 ooZ('(] ; }-r!'.;h was crowned, en ^1-0 an J, be place. lii'ljcs niouMcd, I'll ; :xl. tame, \ I it gicw J,MulWld. h, jjrrew, tit IJiid. to hor. li She'd ever Leen accustomed, cliildhood up. As the chief staple food, and staff of life. Already gone long time without, became A sovereign want, and longing to indulge, Putting invention to the raclc, to find Some certain method to obtain this boon. The best and only method she devised, Was to ensnare. To this eud built a hedge, Or fence of sticks and brush, and down-fallen wood, To stop small animals in their daily walks- No matter for the want of symmetry. At intervals, an opening small she left, Or gateway in the hedge, and set a snare, Made from the bushy tail of buffalo. Ill thjs hedge, furlongs four or more in length, Which more than fifty snarcgates in it had — Much lime in its construction occupying, Puring the first and second years, were caught Wild turkeys, pigeons, prairie-hens, and quails, Rabl/Us, dry ment, and partridges profuse— or squirrels nimble, oft ate off the noose ; Yielding a bountiful supply some time. But after second year, and numbers caught, Those of that Bpccios, as by instinct led, Or warned of dan^c ', did avoid the hedge ; The snarcgates 'specially, or flying o'er, Or going around them, fearing threatened death j So that this mode of gaining oft supplies, So full of promise fu'st, failed in the end ; And most tht^ snares in gates becoming broken, The hedge was left to fall into docay, A3 mortal man must fall another way ; A\ \ ! 106 »I.ACK HAWK, AND Who have as short a time, a moment's space. And with the king of terrors find no graeo. ■I tjii ' -I t XXXIII, With a desire intense she fain would shy, And dress and eat the calves of hufta lo. These from tlie herd a full supply would yield ; But how, without a hatchet or a knife, Some instrument sharp-edged, could she do this ? About this time, four years in this dense forest. Without being seen by any human form, Except her little boy, a melancholy Event occurred. For, wandering out tlie way Farther than usual, in pursuit of fruit And berries, accidentally lost the path. Before aware, the sun, her only guide, By which to shape her course, his beams withdrew, And lay concealed behind a bank of clouds. Fast as she could, she travelled all that day, Walking, and running much with all her might. On towards her cave direct, as she supposed^ Spurred on by fear, that overshadowing night Would lower, ere she the destined port could reach— Her once again, in open wood compel, Weather inclement, furious beasts arotmd. To danger of assaults herself expose. Howe'er, as He who rules above ordained, It happened, ere the king of day went down, She crossed her cabin, to her groat relief And joy, but much fatigued by this mishap, Which wrought I50 heavily upon her mind, SCENES IN THK WKST, 10" it*s space, graco. 1 sl:ij% lo. luld yield ; she (Jo this ? nso forest, ►rm, t tlie way h. ?f ams withdrew, onds, at day, her might, pposed ; ig night it could reach— I, iitid, incd, down, " lief hnp, kind, And bodily strength so much did overcome, That she foil sick, with inward fever parched ; Nor went she out the cave for several weeks, By o'er exertion great, so much impaired. XXXIV. But yet, e'en this distressing circumstance, Without its own advantages came not. For in her way\N'ard journey through the wood, Beneath the earth and yellow loaves, shs found Decayed, but remnant seen, an Indian's belt, In which did lay his knife and tomahawk. Rusty all o'er, been lost for many years. She saw, too, in this place, the Indian's bones, Slain in some former war, as she supposed, And by his red relations never found, But overlooked, unburied left to lie. The knife and hatchet were of service to hot", Incalculable. Scouring off the rust, So many years on them accumulating. She sharpened them on stones, a tedious work. With these, enabled was to kill and dress Her buffalo calves, for food. And this she did. XXXV. And what she did not need at first, To satisfy desire, Cut up in pieces thin, and dried, And smoked it o*er the fire — ff 1 . !| i loa BT.ACK HAWK, A.ND a scaftold Upon As Indian cuatoi For she, or tliey, no , made of r )o t-s. n:s serve. Tlicir viands to p , no er used t!io salf. The first she ato Unto h I'csciva, was swocter Ar. er laste, than honey O, sucli a treat, and such ere never boiiqlit \xh] W sweet meat. » money f Full seven ](tn£r g years ^ho now liail I - . -«'W Jiad Iccii, Here, m this lonely phiee, No human being had* she seen Show there a smih'ng face. Corn annual yielded it. increase, Her honey Jasted stiJl, And fliithfuily tiie Virgin did Her promises luliil.' And, regular as the av.n c.f mr>rn Shed his reviving rays, Upon that place, huth mo'rn nnd eve, Tohcavenshochantedpral.se. Omaint.si.ar-nah, credulon.s too much. Soon to return unto his native home, A,^ that of his dear GVntle Dove, eared n.t. Up m his mmd scenes that would trouble hini • ou many thmgs by them owed iuccmmr^ 11 SCENES IX THE WEST. 109 B salf, meat, lail Ic CCil. ve. »T\vouM tend his sorrows greatly to increase, And melt and break a heart ahrady broken. E'en absent, these iii)on his rerollectiong Intni'led oft, and were appalling to him ; And, when ho thou;;ht thereon, he wept full sore. For he had loved her. She hia idol wa- : Therelbre, he stayed iVom thence for several years, And fcou'iht to drown his melancholy grief. 111 sw ec t fori-etfulness of v/hat liad parsed. At length returned unto the home, unhappy, Of Gentle Dove. Iler mother now no moro. Cabin removed, and feeling diseonlent, Walked .solitary round a]>out the wood. Through all the groves and place:-; of resort. And rambling, where himself and Gentle Dove Had wandered oft, and promenad-d once Together, sweet conversing on all thing? Tluit gave each other mutual delight ; While each was by no other feeling-, moved, Than virtue doth elicit, and where they Had whilcd the happy hours away of love ; Had sat on banks along the purling tide, Aniotig the flowers so gay that grew beside, And ata wild fruits and borrles they had fjund, While sportive joys their pure devotion crowned. ni>t. I call hi in ; "^XVII, In anguish of his heart bo loud exclaimed :- O, that she had but innocent remained ! 10 .■■pw If 1^ i 110 iiJ'MK HAWK, ASD ra given the world itsoir to had it so! I.np«..il,Io ! O, this does .oem unlik„_ „"'■' "^ '"' *P"I«'. I'is tear, flowe,! coni,„„ ,.„„. '•"•V'" ^°''H."«'.l : all 1 have s,.o„ I)»"ghtc,..s of ,„e.,a,„o„,,, „.,„.. ,,,..;^,^,^ •S" Welv ,„ nWno oyes, or pleased , so vvoll ini's head, i.s bed, unbounded sea, !e! CO. II, ft ctsf JJLliNES IN THE WEST. For all in woman, noble and desired, Was found in thee, in absolut(; perfection. The new religion, taught thee by Marquette, The hidden mysteries of that holy cross, In which thou didst believe and understand, Though I could not ; yet it did render thee Still more attractive— and in thy devotions. Thou didst resemble much an angel bright. But how such goodness could degenerate. And fall, and turn to evil at the last, Is mystery I can never understand ; Which, sure, a revelation must require, From ghosts of souls departed, to unfold ! XXXIX. Fve strove to drive thee from my thoughts. And wandered, lovely dame. To drown, in sweet forgetfulncss, The memory of thy name. 'Tis vain ; the pangs of holy love Can never be eflaced. The lovely form seems lovely still. By whatsoe'er disgraced. With all thy faults adore thee still, And ever more shall love ; This dooms me, while I live, a wretch, • Shut out from thee, my Dove ! Ill 1V2 ni.ArK H.UVK, AND xr,. Tlicir groves and f^>rmpr Iiiumts lio nnich frcfjiients, >Vhoro tlicy, for pastiiiio, oil in oxnjriso Of liioro^rljphie wrifii).r, }ku| fhomsolvos, Hv carving on the fnmks of .^tandinjr trees, Amij.sod. Thoy Imd invented, of tlieir own, ^i;'i»s of idea.^, to others quite unknown ; But wliich themselves did on his vitaU; His hair and garments rent, lu's breast ho beat' With violence, and fell down as in a swoon— 8CE>T,S IN THE WEST. 113 I frefjnewts, es. •W!), V(». uinbrn^fo gave, terwards, o; <':]\-eet )(:iVf>, on, jto ah )0(?, itals J 1)oat n— ■tmf Rolled on the ground, in his disfross cxtnMiic, And ajiony of soul. 'I'his driMuhid night, No bahny shniibcrsi visitod liis cijiirh ; No drowsy sleep sat on his wakeful eye-lids, Distilling snporiferous dews, to drown Ilis pungent sorrows in forfji't fulness, One moment to allord oblivion s\ve(^t. IIo rose not np that night, nor led the place : I?in passed it there in sighs, and groans and tears. Souu'tiuies in boisterous tones his feelings vent, In hideous bowlings would so loud lament, The whole great forest echoed to the sound, As though a lion sent his voice around. KU, »Twas dark and dismal ; stars could not this night Pierce that dense atmosphere of clouds with light, No moon was there to chase away the gloom, Beasts of the forest leave their lairs to roam. And range abroad fur prey, as nightly thieves ; Noise of their footsteps, rustling of the leaves, And crackling sound of twigs, is on the ear : Who tell, what dangerous beast might not appear ? XLII. The echoing sound of their wild voices hoarse, Distinctly heard, expressive of their feelings- Ideas to their own species would convey. Their kind revealed. For signs, and language, too, 10* Jt- r 114 BLACK UAWK, AND All animals have : have each a dialect Peculiar to themselves, \.ell understood. But 'mong all languages and dialects By difTerent nations spoken, nought was heard, Save voice of murder, robbery, and rapine ; Here were no soothing words for one distressed, Nor sympathizing language here sent up By any of the beastly throng, save one— This was Omahit-si.ar-nah's fliiihful dog. He, the affectionate creature, took a deep And vital interest in all things that passed, That his afflicted master did concern ; Felt as he felt, or so did seem to feel. And to partake of all his sore distress , Did all he could to soothe and share his wo— Though he could not have known the cause exact, Yet did he raise a loud and doleful cry. And answered howl for howl, the live'-long night. M XLiir. i Now, in this place, 'tis proper to observe, 'Mong Indians, when a murder is committed. The nearest kinsman's duty it becomes T' avenge the death, and slay the miu'derer. When, and wherever he can overtakt; him— Their mode of doing justice in such case. Therefore, pursuant to this custom good, When morn had come, and lirst impulse of grief Was o'er— its raging billows some subt^iding, Omaint-si-ar-nah rose, and armed himself; SCENES IN THE WEST. 115 s heard, ne ; istressed, P cd, wo use exact, ng night. tted, er. )f grief '"g» And went in dire pursuit of Quc-la-wah. Not far from his own wigwam chanced to meet, Gathering some sticks to make his morning fire. Unconscious of his fate, and unapprized Of any evil, dangerous foe's approach, Without his arms, this morn had ventured out. Omaiiit-si-ar-nah, soon as he drew near, Unceremonious quite, accosted him : Ho ! son of violence, fraud, and blood ! 'La-wah ! To be my foulest foe ! I've found thee out ! Whom I did trust as guardian of my wife, Art thou, thyself, the murderer of my wife ! Yea, hast destroyed her— she, my soul's delight, E'en Nit-o-me-ma, virtuous and good — The best and loveliest woman ever graced The laud of Sacs ; betrayed her to her death, By your malicious falsehoods palmed on me ! Is this the way my kindness to requite ? Becoming gratitude to exercise ? Prepare, this instant, for thy death, 'La-wah ! Deceitful, as thy name imports, art thou. Prepare for instant death ; for I do swear, By the Great Spirit, ruling all above. And by the evil spirit, hating good, That to and fro walks up and down the earth, Fillinsr the mind with violence, fraud, and blood ; By all that Indians sacredly observe. That thou no longer on the earth shalt live. Now will I spill thy blood, and take thy life ; 'Tis forfeited to me, for that of my poor wife. The coward, all aghast, and struck with shame, 116 BLACK HAWK, AND And conscious guilt, at tils his fjite so just, Choked with his .sentcnco — uttered not a word, Nor mado resistance aught to palliate, 'Si-ar-nah beul hii? bo\v, umth sure his aim j Now die, as you deserve*, deceitful wretch He said, and sent the arrow to his heart. He fell. 'Si.ar.nah running up to hini, And dr;nvln^<: cut hi^ scinielar's hroad Made, Which he had used in war, hi.^ cruwn cut oflj And jdaccd his head on high heside the road Beneath the branches of a niaj»le.tree. XLIV. Then slept he quietly that night, rieased with such sweet rcvengo in fight. Next eve, as on Ins couclj ho lay. And passed tlie wakeful hours away, In runiinnting on the |)asf, His thoughts upon the iiiture ca.-;t j He heard without an aMlIil iioI,,e, An ihav'yh on lofty wing.s li.ss. The fiend commissioned her to lull,. With false reports your ear did /ill, Has passed th*^ bounds of mortal day, His crimes could brook no long delay ; A disembodied spirit he. Companion of my misery. Him first I saw, when there I came ; He knew me by my marks of shame Saluted with inquiring breath, To know of my untimely death ; The cause, imseemly, prematme, A flower which promised to endure, I straightly told him all that passed, And how I fell, Aoni first to last. All which he seemed much pleased to hear j From his pale visage dropped a tear ^- SCENES IN THE WEST. 119 Of sullen joy, to think that ho Was so well matched in misery ; And that no greater were his crimes, Than many others of his times. But where, said I, does 'Me.ma dwell? I see her not ; but thou full well 'JVIust know her habitation where. Whose sword dismissed her soul to air. He straight informed, with accent:* mild, He ne'er had slain her or the child ; But said that she was living still, And in the forest roamed at will. Until a certain cave she found. Enclosed by thickets all around ; In midway of the forest dread. Where she miraculously fed. Still lives and breathes the upper air, A lonely solitude to share. No man has ever been that way, Or found her dwelli.g to this day — XLTI. Though has been there so many years. And shed so many bitter tears- Is something worn by time and care. Yet she is ruddy, fresh and fair; True to her lawful consort, she Both was, and is, in constancy. Yea, just as loyal, faithful, sure, Has ever been, and chaste and pure« I mo ULACS HAWK, AND As ghost of vestal virgin sp.ems, When in the evening's dusky beamit, Hoveling between the hills It glides In mist along the mountain's aldvs — That no contamination kuou*, Unspotted as tlic virgin snow. Tliere still exists this (lower ot' earth; As }ot, she knoYv's no heavenly birth ; And there, by searching, you njay IlaJ Her that will case your troubled mind. This said, ho I'lrther added not, Xor spake ot'his immortal lot, Ofuuglit parlicular, love oi* hato, Or prospects ot'his tuture state. J3ut, shrouded In tlio .-aide night, He quickly faded out €>f sight; And glided upward, as would scero, Like phantom in the f vening beam. Of him last heard, was a voice npsenf, Of mingled terror, loud lament, Which, down from good ';>i.ar.nali*3 ryes, Drew tears of pity and surprise. ii xLvn. Then rose 'Sl.ar.nah uj> .straightway. Nor waited till the dawn of day ; Hut early, W'ith no tardy bound, And roused up all the country round— With sound of trumpet, ehali I tell? 'J'he hollow-sounding drum, or bell ? ifiL n eci:>:s3 i:» inv. west. The Ijuglu's notf?, or Fit ucliTuan's horn 1 Niiy ! ihest* their iinnoiy v.h:'!.? l*'n?:i.t, r;vj!i occlude ; At length discovcrcJ ho tho c:iv?, Which hopeful expcctatu)ii g:ivo ; And coniiiig to tlic openiiij,j itiir, Dciiiaiuk'd hr.idiy, who was thore. Deep fi'oia wUhii), a voice \va5 licard— lie called a second time, and third ; IJut f;he delayed to como in view, Though well his voice and couuionanca knew. 121 XLVIII. She felt ashamed t* appear, CcjV shj was coy ; Worn out her gannent?; — to sui-ply th-jir placo Erteclually, with scanty means could not. Save Indian stroud, (,>r skiii, wdiich she had made or pliant skins ot' quadrupeds ensnared— Together pewed with tho'igs, and belied round; A customary garment 'luong thera worn : Save !)ea(L^ ot' wampum round her gracelul neck, And some slight covering o'er her bosom thrown, Siive. what her long and l^eauteoui tresses covered, Thero was not aught her l)ear.-y to cr.iicea], Or nature's lovely, simple garb unnmke — m ! I if 122 BLACK HAWK, AISU Costume most ancient of iho hand divine. But like our moiher Eve, in Eden'., bower or bliss, wlicn unadorned, was nio.st adorned; ♦Since native beauty, form and conudincvis, And grace, without the gaudy tlun<>-.s (ifart, Were all her own. Then her bcdovcd lord The good 'Si-ar-nab, forward .-pnu)f>-, and ran "Within the cave. Flinging his arms anAuid The lovely i'orm, he clasped her to his Lrtast, And kissed hor o'er, and o'er, and o'vv again, With the .sweet kiss of early love ecstatic, Shouting : — Joy to me now! y.y ! joy ! h('i)cri;.rlli I Come to my heart, my jewel ! t.) mv lu-aiL ! The tidings, so dishonorable to tlioe, AV'hich proved thy baiushmen}, and ridncd iiie, By liends malicious wliisprred in my ear. Were false! were lidse! my Mt.o-i.i.'-ma ^nill, Unspotted as an angtd is of light. And chaste and pure as ghosts of vestui virgins. I have had sweet revenge lor all thy wrongs! Thy murderers are no m(n-e ! they aje cut o+-; And perished from the earth, that trou])le thee ! The cruel messenger, and Que-la-wah ; The last fell by an arrow from mv bow. Midst all my labors and mv wanderiu'^ ^o day has intervened that diil n(,t bring. My Nit-o.me-ma ! heavy thoughts of tlK-e ; And thou hast suiiered many deaths for me. XLIX. Come from this horrible, loiiely-looking place Drop that poor pittance from thy rosy hand. ■AlaSH. SCENES IN THe WEST. 188 vine, Ijower adorned ; incss, (Mi I ;u-(,un(l is l.'iTnst, 'it i^galn, .■static, V' ! li('i;or[()ii|j ! lu'uil ! And live, henceforth, anew, as freedom prompts ! For thy Omaint-si-ar-nah loves theo still, Far better thaii himself, or his own life ; Which he, henceforth, devotes alone to thee! His own new bufililo robe unfolding, then, Which he had brought to servo a purpose kind, - He put it on her, led her from the cave. Hut, O, the joy, the ra[)ture of that tnectuig! \Vhat pen can write ? what burning words describe t Like that of bands cherubic in mid.heaven, Convoking and conversing sweetly there. uiiicd r.it.', • •-nia Mill, 5tul virgins, wrongs ! ] e cut oir, luble thee ! th; :.\v. ling, ' t!i!.>e ; "or me. ng place f hand, Ne'er did first parents see more happy hour, Coneath the tree of life, in Eden*s bower ; Nor could Camilla, dressed in beauteous charm, Refulgent, and arrayed in martial arms ; E'en when she triiunphed in a gioriou3 war, Armies discomfited, and drove before. For something in that meeting there did seem, Of which the world has but a fainter gleam ; Of holy, pure, and heavenly nature quite ; Something 'bove earth, a mutual delight. Which none can know, appreciate, or enjoy. Without the mixture of more base alloy, Save such as draw their comforts from above, Have felt the all-absorbing pang of love ; Love irresistible, without a name. Holy and virtuous, an undying flame. . 1^9^-^' 124 BLACK HAWK, AND SCE>*ES IN THE Wr.AT. This forcst-1)rc{l, untulorcrl son of love, And his divino-protectcd rjleiillo Dove, (For naturo, to her own, is ever true, When we her calls obey, her steps pursue,) In happy love |)assed tlicir remainin^j; days, Beloved by all, their nation's pride and praise ; In death were not divided. Side by side, They slck(;ned, snilered, conjlijited, antl died; Were both interred, tojjjethei-, in one fjrave, Lamented lon^ ; and Ironi their son o' the cave, Kaniah, in whom did every virtue blend, la concord sweet, great lihick J lawk did descend. Th "™99i N THK \vi:.agan darkness. dovd)tful all, In which Great i^piril's hands him-^elf shall flill, Whether the good or bad, ho worship'^ both, And olTers sacrifice and supplication — The evil one, his anger to appease. His mercy show, and unto wrath set bounds ; The good, all needful grace to supplicate, And thanks return for his success in war, In hunting, bounteous corn, and life preserved. Other interior deities beside, Guardians o'er persons, places, things preside, As he believes, and pays them reverence meet, III. The soul immortal deems he ; after death, Receives reward or retribution due. BIACK HAWK, AND "What this reward or retribution is, What course of contluct will the man condemn Or what to fiivcr tlicrr ertitle him, Difier thev mrsch, an-] undefined remains A vague i'!:cer!ai;.ty. Yet ins opinion, The gcnerour, hc.-t, the kind vam\ iiohle sou), Great hunicr, he wlio cliiys a l;.),it of Iocs, And wears t!:o hir^;e,r li'atliers in ids cnnvn, As tronliies «>f jiis warliice dcoib, will he The man that's favored most of Deily. Far on (he Jiorth, a country desolate, And cold, and iev — v/here no nt,,^^ nJ)ound:^, Amid perpetual .snows, and piercing windo Where barely po3.:;ible lif(! to sustain, Some think the place of punishment to be; While others, south, suppo.':e it is in lire. Inferior animals, too, partake his heaven ;" His faithful dog, his deer, and pjxvkliMi iish. The soul deceased, a time on earth remains, The grave oft jiassing in and out, io hear And soothe the sorrows of survivim.; f.iend=;, Invisible, and unj)erceived bv any : But soon must (ravel hence, a j.iurney lon^-, To a land of spirits in (he f»r sonihuesl : RtHpnring mondis, replcle with (^aufr^v, toil, Wild beasts f.-rocious, do^s cnr-ounterintT oft. Is forced deep streams to cros,-, v/ifh n»Vr a, bark. Provision'^ t(;o, ;rro i;;>;"'ed fbr tin- w.'v ; '■U=el. an Hence, liuiiii-ig impioinen: ■ jiint. Tobacco, wl.'jkey, are pla Beside the dead, his w;iv to experlite. The Sacs suppose l!:o spirit, on hi way, a- •('(•, ;;i (!,(> ^^i-ave, r.i pipe, SCE^'ES IN THE WEST. 120 ;ondemn, sou], niVin., );3 nds — bn; p. ihh. lains, ir Mid";. ^"S' toil, ? oft. I'!' •■! bnrk, '-n;i pipe, O'er a \vide prairie-land obliged to pass. Like a blue cloud the forest seems beyond ; Between those rolls a river, rapid, deep ; Long pole across, e'en like a serpent's back, Kept in continual motion by the tide. To cross upon this pole the spirit must. If to a person good it has belonged, rwill get o'er safe, and find its kindred just. 5'r IV. Land dressed in living green, a pleasant wood ; Here dwell the si)irits of the great and good, In everlasting happiness on high ; Pursue their own amusements constantly. Eternal spring strews every path with flowers, Of odors sweet, refreshed by gentle showers. Here, too, are happy isles, in beauty dressed. Where oft the sons of men lie down to rest In pleasant arbors, overhung with trees, Fanned by the zephyr's cool refreshing breeze ; And purling streams and lakes where fish abound, With plenteous game through all the woodland ground The Indian's iancied heaven, where longs to be : His hopes are full of immortality. But if the spirit to wicked man belongs, 'Twill fall oft' in the roaring stream, and be Swept down by rapid currents to the laijd Of evil spirits, ever to remain In poverty, in wretchedness, and wo. "J^^mimffw m Ft % 130" BLACK UAWRf ANU Such spirits undergo a change, some deem, And turn to tortoise, fish, or toad, despised. 'Mong the Dacotas, died a young papoose, Its parents mourned it as their only hope. The father laid the affliction to his heart, With arrows sharpened wounded oft himself— Sickened, and lingered, till with grief l,o died. But what was most remarkable, the bride, Whose grief was inconsolable before. Soon as she saw her husband was no more, Dried up her tears, a cheerful air put on, Of resignation to the high bereave, Wliich took from her an only son and spouse. This did I see, the reason did inquire. She told me that the child had died too young. In land of spirits to sustain itself; That she and consort had been apprehensive, That lone, unhappy, it would suffer there ; But soon as she did see its father go Unto that land from mortal climes afar — Who loved it with the tenderest affection. Good hunter, too, would well for it provide. She ceased to mourn — as further en use for tears Existed not; since what she doated on Was happy, underneath the care of one That loved it well ; and now her only prayer, That soon she might be called to join them there. The Indians here, have many recreations. As sports and pastimes, feasts, and danchig oft ; With music of the flute, drum, tamborine; &i 1 1 SCENES IN THE WEST. 131 em, sod. so, 10. t, II self— c diofl. Je, lore. pouse, young, nsive, e; ide, for tears vaycr, loin tliere. ing oft ; But singinni, chiefly ; dancing, for amusement ; Somotimes as preparation for a war — For hinitiiig, news of peace, or heroes' prai^^e ; Strangers to entertain, or please a guest, Tiie Deity religious homage pay ; A solemn ceremony — not unlike The praise of David, when before the Ark Of God he danced, and pleaded his Maker well ; Or Israel held with timbrel's, organ's sound. When Deborah triumphed in a glorious war, And all the host the day did celebrate ; Of songs and dances solemn worship made. Indians with feasts accompany all these, Singing replies to song, with these, with them. PIONEEK. Now, since you mention solemn rites resembling The ancient Israelites, this me reminds, What I have often heard of this red race From them descending; one lost tribe of ^racl, Here wandering to a country so remote, In ancient times unknown. If this be true, That they were lost for aye, no wonder, then. But 'tis, I trow, a thing of mere conjecture. I'ENNSYLVAMAN. Aye, so it is ; but yet some reasons for it, Quite plausible, and weighty, may be urged. A theme of speculation has been made ; 132 BLACK HAWK, A-\D 1* Some learned author-! prying into it, Tho vny lact to prove, ii;iv(> nMiI(>rt;i'o n And, jiom the luljors and rosea rcli of travellers, Collected all the evideiieo in ihcir reach. Ti le cnstoni.^, jnanner.s la , iawH, ul eillier nation, -omparing, dilioently, each wiih eaci And, Concliid nidina- fi resH nd)l! ince nof'ib.h e, originally (hey wer oi!e )raii(!i Peculiar nation ; this lost tribe a 1 Broken of]!— niiica't.s f'oni f-rae!, as tiu' J As He ;vho.se huvs thev broke did tl But il e\v, n eaten them. ley, all I.^-ael, mast b > 0"!| hi^VOf When tlie ap|)(>inted time ct' ililiK's^ v And Jew and 'Jciiiile sav.-d bv So .':aiiit and prophet have orojj ! omes. •'leci'n grace. K''i.'\('d, •ipKires wcj! ace And so the sao'ed sc These, loo, have propluMs, prie.-t.-, and chiefs of tribes, Their yolenni days, their i)atriar!dial heads, Traditions many of t!:>ir a!icie!!f. rile..-, And njoio than i iiere now have time ^J (ell. VII. The subject of th.e dance's i rer^nme ; For wdio the joys (.rd.ineing would presume To pass unnolicpd by, if n(.i partake ? Of these, iho war-dance most important is. Account of (me that J attended on.ce, To you will give. TIk,- village I was U\ M'eie all assembled, v/here a fee.st wns made, And Indian warriors, piiinted as Ibr battle, Approached the post in middle of (hat rino-. m ■ vrllors. atlon, .Jew, en (!iem, 1 i2;racc, * lii'^fs of tribes, :<-n. mc ?• inde, SCENKS IN THE WEST. 133 Or circle larcro, uliore thoy 11.0 <1anco b.gln, |>v l:vuliorino iuv\ song procHlcd l:M. Vi'arriors with oner:)- tl:«-nisolv(^-; exort, ^VluV Willi ibc music evrry mr-u-n \i"s ; ThMr w'-apons Nviib mvh inry braivb rmea D, .n.NV.l. ..r warrior., aaa .."ctators roiuiil ; ^Viill toi.uibawk be .mireR tbe .-.litre po.t. The inM.ic e<-ases, and lb<0>pat <>f(b-n'n; •|M^,. .N,vy ofins wars he now vr.:.n-x\--— ^ Uis ainvHal .leeds witb b>M.l e.MuuKinding VMCC ; I),..nb.s bis baiiles Ibn^bt, what, i>..,..ners made „i;.-ah>s and trophies .bows-ivduts t.> b,s vvounds. The;MSi.vv(>Vr<^faUbi^i>nivooN|)'^)ds Atleuds bis narrative-l!.' mi=^^^<^ '^:^|'^ .M^. ,,K-,,,e^., ,,.,oat, the swl:l pur, uu, ot (oes , T1h> b'.w, th. l^^l, the d.nb- o/th:^ crown; I, all I- ?av-, and (h^-s, a-darin;r t;.:th. ^^h<)uts <>f applause accompany niKrative, Proportioned to tbe intere.4 it exciU'^^. Thi^iraVor retire-, the d:uice j^ces on, 'r:il intorrunted bv another w:vrrior. \t b«noih a war-worn veteran stvuci: the post ; Silence ngain prevailed tbrouj^hovU tlv> host. % VIII. Wilb active limbs be lenped about, and raised To bicrb(>st pitcb h\. voice, while be po.-trayed Lnle^of those sanguine scenes in ^vhich>be'd acted. 13 jfli I 1.34 BLACK HaWI* ■I' II f Ho'fl struck the bodies dead of man v men- All the red nations round liim ; Onmwhaws, Osa-es, Pawnees, Konza.s, Cuund Pawiiees, rad(nicas, Hacs, letons, and lowas ; Foxes, Dacotas, Bald-lieads, and La Plain ; Eiohf of one nation, seven of another, He'd .truck. AVith his accomit he was proceeding, Uhen one ran up to him, and put his hand Upon his mouth, and led him to his seat. Not that he'd spoken aught save truth ah)no ; For ^^ luit one sailh in presence of the warriors, Each for his own ^rood name as prompllv jralous, The strictest scrutiny must undergo ; And wanting truth subjects hiiii to disgrace. And infamy retorted on his brow. Nor yet because they deemed jie'd grown too vain; Bui meant the highest honor to the brave. It signified achievcLients glorious~he »So many could relate, requiring time. The rest their deeds to tell would find no room. JMoreo'er, the contrast of their deeds with his, Would put the younger \Narriors much to .sham«. jNow, everything made ready, war-songs sung, The dance perlbrmed, a general Ibast succraJs. Ihey rush to war— taught from their inliincy lo glory in, as man's chief duty here. In just defence to arm themselves compelled, From hunting-grounds repel intruding Ibes • ' lievenge the death of those innoxious slain'; Having just cause, fbr i.jjuries unredressed, To seek a recompense by force from men, BCrNKS IN THE WEST. ces. nil ; f)i'occeding, Who always have hecn found unjust in power, And iisf their streujrth to crush the. feeble down ; Award the guilty, suceor the flistressed, Their countryineii from wicked hands to wrest. The highe:st glory of the Indian race, And well secures in heaven a rcsting-placo. IX. •no ; irriors, jealous, too vain ; m room. Ills, hamo, eeds. cy d, rioNEi-.n. Let me, my friond, but interrupt you here, And speak as friend to friend, without a fear ; About this wondrous people more inquire, A people that you seem much to admire ; What injuries have been done them by the whites, And what to much dissension so invites ? For, you did hint to me of border wars, And of their causes promised some account. Indeed, I did, and have it still in uund ; ^ r.ut, deeming you to knowledge more inclined Of general nature, and a wider range, I took a course which scemeth to you strange ; Believing it was one that you wovdd covet- But, as you seem impatient much to wait, Till what I had designed could bring about, To give the Indian character at length, In all their various manners, customs, laws, 1J36 BLACK IIAMK, AM) Your f (lid desiro I'll strive fo .Tratifv, As 'lis at your roqiiost \vhat I relalo ; And wave a course (lesi9,inii, not they nnke^vith thorn nvvt solemn covenants] Cop ^i rue them a. they plea.e, and break at wdn \nd pnnish them if they bnt do the .a.r:o I .\chnit to hinds they occupy ilieir cann^, '.„^j ,,,,. H from them, uhen and v.here they please, Vlheirownpri'M^? CompoMl.MU to reliro, To Ian is more i.arren. and their living scarce I Make war upon them {i.r so>ue trininjv cause ? Pu^ them to death of every age and sect, And then proclaim it to the work! that they Arc cruel savages, and ought to die J •- , m XTI. Con-r--. -ood ln^vs H.r their relief has made, From lime' 1o time, hut took :m la.lh-iM^are. These laws and treati..: have been violateu, Bv our own people, with impuniiy, From first to last ; those specially intended. 12* BLACK HAWK, AND To koep our people from intriulin^ on Their luintiii<;.rrr()iin(Is, or teUliDrr in (heir country, And making wholesale killing of their game. Th' encroachments of the outlaw frontier men, Land speculators, traders, dealers in Spirituous liquors, by them called fire. water, Have much degraded them, and nearly ruined. Tis to this class of j)ersons that we owe Indian liarharilies, and bor(l"r wars. Kapacious for their peltii(>s and their lands, The laws of gover.nment do trample on. A list of the-^e neliirious acts should we But give, 'twould bo a scandal on our nation ; Humanity would shudder Jit the tale. We sometimes see the trader take, by fi)rcc, The products of a whole year's htnii, for aught, Or, pilfering part, while buying clieap the rest ; • Oft wresting from them, when they've made them drunken, Furs, of great value, for a thing of jiought. XIII, Here, all the good that missionaries do, And all their u^vl\\\ labors to instruct, Are overbalanced hy the weighty fraud Of swindling miscreants. Vain is it to hope A reformation in this state of things, Till the strong arm of government Ivoeps out. From th' Indian country, all her lawless rakes* While these have range, there never wil] be peace. To nurse a border war, is their deliglit, 4 I SCENES IN THE WEST. 189 the tril»os stir up, ir country, amc. r inen» atcr, iiincd. (I., '» tion ; rco, ) rest ; • \c thcjn drunlxen, It. And jealousy amonj Because it always e The Indians from the lands th' intruders want; Because it yields to blustering n)on in arms. To gain a name for courage bold, some chance ; An Indian foe to slay, the honor bright. Hence, do the frontier njen the war provoke, Bv nai. 'I \i if rENXSVLVANT W. The story's iiilr-e, like more coiirerMni'j; liirn. 'Tis true, tliat ICeokiick had many wives ; But liiiek Hawk ne'er had consort, savins^ one, Whom he devout iy loverl. ii" iiscrl to fiw; Th'^ only wifl^ lie hae davs : and lived to see Iler children's children's ollsi)rinjT nuuiorous rise, And <:^re(M her with their youufr, athnirin;^ eyo!? ; Attained the iilory of all human pvide, And eacli rcvi-i-se, cxperlenceu iiil, i-lie died. XV. His children ! never man more floated on, Or ever more sincerely ielt their loss. "^wiai. SCENES IN TJIli WliVr. 141 Ilirf son, jiKtt srowi, to luuiiliood, slcUoiied, ill ed A tllit(M)Vi C liild to liiiii luul alsvny.-i l)Con. Dunl iil.so, tlu-u, liis (l(>ai' uupring spaie As lo his nan-dering wuuien, heli)l II is a fabrication to his hurt; \v<, that whites be-rau the war on hiai, hildrcn, k'sK ;iicd the iirst l>lood, abundant proofs not wauling rrosumptiious, ar thouirb heaven had Kivea the right, lit' iustico of the Indian cau:5e to wave .1 15 V Muuuiarv means tliis people to destroy — Themselves to lionor, in their zeal for v.ai \Vilh savnjii' uien, turned savaj^e themselve.''. J5ul no su(di ri.:;i [ai^ow, A little way did run, and was Kuot ci-v.,. ; v And this was Jill they !;ne\v of wiiai w a< dono, 'i'heir t;|jijits had Ijcen steeped in Han;.- ri' rum. XIX, Thiri treaty may he called l)one of co;i(;-nti(;n, As it has been the cause ot" inn(di (ii ^-i'a^i n : lilaciv Hawk thereat was much (iis.iaii.-i".- ' ; 'i'o brook Jbueh things had too niu(di na!!\e p:iJo. I'loxx^nii. Now, since sue]} Itaso intemperance biin Did take, for food, the poor jnan*s only lamb ; Who, for the needy earth, Ml no re(j;ai(l. He did reniDnstrate with all men of power — What live man would not, having sense, so done? They told him he his heritage had sold ; lie said he had not sold it, or his village ; Nor had his chiefs agreed, in any treaty, To yield the same, est(HMning it reserved ; That he should never give it up in life. Meantime, the leaders of th' inglorious :5trilb Set fire to forty lodges — burning down No portion small of this his ancient town. • XXIII. During the time that Boreas' chilling blast Swept o'er the strand, and icy winter reignf^l, And ere the gentle spring its power obtained, While Black Hawk, gone out on his winter's hunt, Several white families had possessed his village — Broke up tho lodges, and began to fence His corn-lots into well-assoited lields, Much to their faney, fitting for the jdough ; About their subdivisions sharp contending. When this he heard, returning home, he found The tidings verified, in all he saw ; And, what humanity should blush to name, To his own cabin, tenants had laid claim. XXIV. Went to Fort Armstrong and complained ; then crossed The Mississippi, to converso with agents. B< KNK» IN THK WKST. 149 b; done? Ilabokieshiek, the prophet, priest, and sage,, A man whom Winnebafroos all revero ; His counsels held in hi<^li repute by Sacs— And tluis, with solemn weighty word.-;, ho ssiko : Black Hawk, do not thysell' remove, or bati I But (juietly reside upon thy laud ; Within thy village peacefully remain, And j)lant, and sow, and reap the fields o^rain. Whites, though they threaten, w ill not trdblc you ; Thy women till, thy men the chase purse : They dare not ; for they must obey the iws, And cannot harm thee well without a case. ' 'I ued, ed, •r's hunt, iliage— ound ; then crossed XXV. In his appeal to Indian agents failing, Chief magistrate of Illinois he sought, And for his t)eople urged a duo redre* Of what indignities upon himself Had oft been visited — his being beati By whites most cruelly, for charges tee ; Waylaid, and overpowered while humg game, When club-law ruled, as since o'er ^rmon ground. He pointed to black mark upon his fie, And said he wore it, symbol of disgrc. The customs of his nation still requiil The wrong he'd thus received shouloe revenged. But he chose rather to submit in pee, Than to involve his nation in a wa As sure would follow, should an Inin kill. Or oven strike, a white man. Tliaggression , 13* Up S'5 1 « I i . I' u' i'j r 1 150 BLACK HAWK, AND A hundnd-fold would bo cxaggfrntetl, Exciting U) the war the whole iVoutior, And Indiins would be hunted like wild beasts. The whit^ men have our growing com destroyed— Ploughed ip our fields, our women, children beat ; And to rcist these wrongs wo are afraid. The Indias are invading us, they'd say, And soon c^stroying armies would be sent, , The govcri»r made reply : Why do you not Unto the prsident make tiiesc things known ? A ruler wistand good, and will protect you. *» Our fathers too far oft" our voice to hear,'* said Black Haw. But you a lei%r unto him could send. " I could ; buwhitc men will write too, and say, We, his red cldrcn, lie ; and so 'twould end." And thus, amciv the lawless dwellers there. This state of tligs for seven long years went on ; Dm-ing which \ie no white man did they kill, Still quiet sleptbe vengeful tomahawk. A savage racef men, can such be called, Who such forUrance well can exercise ? Black Hawk, he had been for war inclined, The way of pee and justice had not chosen, And sought reess by every moral means. He might havelain, with ease, all settlers round, Ere Gaines hatime t' ascend the Mississippi, Or any force apoached to succor them. Hence, is his clracter from guilt r«Hlcemcd, By noble virtuesuling in his breast, Where love of C(iitry, kindred, people reigned, And for great Mt^tou peculiar reverence. v.r3ra. •CENRs IN THi: wesT. 151 la, oyed— beat; '* said Black say, It on ; ill, I, I, ound, XXVI. PIONEER. So, it appears, admitting that the treaty Was just and binding, at St. Louis made, That all this time of grievances described, The Indians to the soil had perfect right ; The claims of those intruders, all assumed. PENXSYLVAMAX, Most certainly, this was, indeed, the case. In treaty of St, Louis, 'twas agreed, Long as the government's land remained unsold To individuals. Black Hawk and his band Should ne'er be dispossessed, but live and hunt Upon the land, as though it was their own. Therefore, the readiest method to evade The contract made, and drive the Indians out, Was, for the president to proclaim a sale, And vend the favorite village of the Sacs, Lands that were coveted above the rest. Pursuant thereunto, the thing was done, And Hlack Hawk, and his tribe, forthwith away, Ordered to leave the village ; and, yet more, To cross to Mississippi's western shore. ;;| •fc 1 1 >i . ilij ' ;! ted, PIOiVEER. Yet, even then, they had a right to stay On all those millions acres round them lay. t,i: sasB 152 HLACK HAWK) AND That Congress had not sold. Why then require That they should, from tlirir cottntry, so rt'tire, Which they had still a right to occupy, The lands, for fifty miles around, that lie ? Since you have -said the frontier settlements Were distant fifty miles, a breadth intense. PENNSVLVANIAX. The case doth need a little explanation, I find. I meant, that no cmboflied part Of Illinois' great border farther reached Than miles two-score and ten, from river Rock. Hovvbeit, some settlements, a distance great, At mouth of Rock, were made, detached from others, And at Galena, wondrous mart of lead. As for requiring them to cross the river, The only reason for it, that I know, Is what before Fve stated, they did want Their lands, and, for their lands, would them expel. But Black Hawk would not go ; hence the strong aim Of States United, n'as again-st him raised— An army, far too great for hlui to meet, Was set, in dread array of battle, near, Just coming down upon him, forced him o'er To the west side of Mississippi's .shore, Where he, with all his people, camped in tents — For his protection, raised a flag of truce. XXVII. Here, to disturb their peace, new troubles rose. Had been expelled from fields which they had sown. ire I ftCKNKiJ IS Tin: MTST. 158 k. others, expel, rong aim I sown, And where stood high and lliir their growing corn, At time too late to plant a second time. A^out the time of harvest and green corn, To feel the (-fleets of what they'd lost, began ; The women crossed unto the liekls they'd planted To gather corn, they hell to hv. their own ; Were by the whites shot at, and driven away, Empty, and destitute as when they came. Meanwhile, a hand of lenolds, to revenge The murders that Mencminecs had done, Unto their people, wen to Prairie du Chlen, And, falling on them, fiew a score and eight. It was demanded, lleiplds, this had done, Should he surrenderee up, tried by our law?. To interfere in a dcjuTstic quarrel, Between two nations and for us to judge, And punish them for icts done to each other, Is not our business, :oth not well accord ; Is too much like theby-gone days, when we Were forced to senc our countrymen o'er sea, There to be tried {a things that here were done, By strangers, who vere foreign to the case ; Whl'c a strong arn made justice too severe. »Ttv'a.s wrong, Bla^k Hawk maintained, and would not y««ld. Another cause, wis this, of discontent ; He was indignant at their sanguine way Of doing summav justice to the tribes. He, of tlieir right or wrong, knew not their standard. And, whether thej had any, seemed to doubt : Deeming, a wondous quaint one, it must be, ^ That measured jtiitice in the scale of power. mmiSm I i X54 BLACK HAWK, AND Wabol:iPsliiel<, the prophet, guulo, and pfigo, On national alUiirs, went to consult The chiefs of several trihes he goes to sec, Who sympathize, to grant their aid agree. Sends Neopope, his second in command, Upon a message to a distait land ; To Maiden, to consult his Iritisii father, Whether they could retain, in his opinion. Their village, which, by wHtc men, ne'er was hought. His British father told him le could hold it, Against all claims, if he hai never sold it. XXVIIl On his return, the prophet caled to see, Who to him said : — ^^ hen jojul spring conies round,. The British forces will be on he ground. The Pottawatamies, and Winnjljugoes, And Chippeways, to render yo assistance, Your village to regain, and lan's around ; And promised what of aid wasin his power, Deliverance joyful, in a graciou hour. Black Hawk his force augment:; daily recruits, From villages around, unto himdock. Solicits oft, for aid, the Watchfu. Fox, Who, with his band, rejects the .verture. PIOMEER. There is a point, beyond which, if mei. go, Submission ceases to remain a vrtuo. Rt'ENES IN THIS ^VF.ST. 155 4 If what you licrc relate, tho half bo true, This cliiof, to go to war, luul amith' cause. TENNSYLVAMAN. It is most true ! and f()r it I will vouch ; Having heard much myself, and seen still more. Good cause ! as good as ever warrior drew A sword to aid, oppression's cheek to tinge, And set at liberty a captive soid. ;i1 i iHj s '^ 1 '•1 "'■I - % i '1 :n ♦ if Th BLACK HAWK AND SCENES IN THE WEST. CANTO IV. I P, THE A R G U M E N T. The armies predicted and predestined by fate, come forcibly into the land of Nit-o-me-rna and Omaint-si-ar-nah-The Sacs and Foxes, under the command of their celebrated chieftain, Blnrk Hawk, make a formidable re«i«tance— Three families are massacred upon the frontiers— Several Bkirnii^hes and battles are fought between small detachments of the con- tenJinLvarmies-The intrepidity of General Dodge-The speech and re- treat of Black Hawk— Description of the country over which this retreat 16 conducted— Battle of Wisconsin— A farther description of scenes in the West. Now, in process of time, it came to pass, Long after many generations gone. The armies, predestined by sovereign fate, Into the land of Omaint-si-ar-nah, And Nit-o-me-ma, forcibly did come. For white men, through their agents long had sought, To gain possession of this goodly land ; It being a part of that great river's valley, 14* 'I li ii' flit ir>9 BLACK HAWK, AM> Known as Wisconsin State and Illinois. And what by subtlety, and what by threats, And long persuasion, they at length succeeded In gaining from the Sacs and Ilenolds, their Reluctant resignation of all lands East of great father of the waters lying. The whites possession took, cut down the forests, Broke up the fallow^-ground, excepting none, Not e'en the burying-places of their people, Nor bones of their forefathers, sacred held. They roared up altars, temples dedicated To other gods the Indians did not know, Or had ideas but faint, and shadowy, vain ; Changed times and customs, introducing laws, And usages much prejudicial to The welfare of confederate Renolds, Sacs ; Curtailed their hunting-grounds, and ruined them : Removed their ancient landmarks, blocked up rivers, And drove away the fish, their game destroyed, Which the Great Spirit placed upon the earth, Especially fin- the Indian's benefit. Fire-water, also, 'mong them introduced, Which soon destroyed their reason and their lives, And thousands brought to an untimely end. These things they did before the Indian title Became extinct, and while they yet retained Sole right of occupancy in themselves ; And while they added crime to crime, the thief Cried loudest of them all, stop thief! stop thief! Against the Indians, charging them with guilt, As Pot'phar's wife 'gainst Joseph raised her voice. 6CENE3 IN THR WEST. 159 They flrovo tliem out l)cyoncl the Mississippi, Strange lauds to occupy, lemoto still more ; A country no such hunting-grounds possessing, And fishing privileges— where their game was scarce, Where they could gain but miserable subsistence. m The Sac3 and Foxes bitterly repented That they had ever given their consent, Ilowe'er reluctant, to renounce their right Unto this happy land ; or, thot they ever, On any terms, consented thereunto ; And under their great chief in arms, Black Hawk, From Gentle Dove a lineal descendant, Resolved they would return unto their land, Even the goodly land their lathers gave. And fight for it, with muskets, bows and arrows, And with their tomahawks, unto the last ; And so defending, spill their own heart's blood. So, under guidance and command of him, This celebrated chieftain, they recrossed The Mississippi, Rock ascending up, And took possession of their native soil. But when the great Sanhedrim of the whites Did hear thereof, they straightway called a council- Deliberated what course to pursue. What I'ling they best should do unto these men. They studied the great balance, odds of power Between them and this people— overlooked By Sacs and Foxes struggling for their rights, il rtil ^H^ismsssms 160 BLACK HAWK, AM) By placing all at hazard, in one effort Most desperate, to regain what they had lost. Finding that they had everything to hope, From their unequalled strength, and least to fear From the poor Indian's weak and puny arm, They were not long in making a decision ; Resolved, at once, to dispossess them quite, Without a ceremoni:.!, farther treaty. And forcibly destroy, or drive them thence. Pursuant to this resolution made, And for the execution of this purpose. The nation's chief did order Atkinson, With an army, to ascend the Mississippi. III. His military post at Old Point Comfort, Where Chesapeake presents his winding bay, Left General Scott, with all his regular troops, And New York volunteers ; ascending up The chain of northern lakes, by Mackina. On their way up, the volunteers, and others. Sickened, and died in numbers at Fort Gratiot ; The rest became disheartened, and returned. The regular troops went on, and on their way, Many were launched into a watery tomb. Sailed up Lake Michigan, unto its head ; Passed the twin cities, Southport and Racine, AVhich vie in beauty, business, commerce, wealth, Insomuch, that as yet 'tis all unknown Whether the one will have more rapid growth, SCENEB IX THE WKaT. V I And o'er the other gain ascoiicbncy ; Or, both go band in band U»jzetb(?r on, And prosperous prove niike, a bappy pair. The gen(M-al at Chicago lands bis troops, Where now is seen a band.ovne, well-built city, Which then contained a population small, Lake navigation lying at the bead ; Head of canal, in prospect of completion, To join the lake with Illinois' free waters. Here, must a place of great importance rise ; »Tis much the largest, most commercial town In Illinois ; with such a rapid growth ; And largest on this lake will ever be,^ Unless Milwaukee, city more hydraulic, By any means be ablo to transcend it. Each, ever, owing to its situation, Its rapid course will bold, continue still To be the largest in its State respective. Acniia the cholera's pestilential breath, Disease of mortal kind, inllicting death ; First breaking out in cities Asiatic, A.ul far remote, bad overspread the earth With devastation— heaped it with the dead, Fell on them here, and many soldiers died. The general, with bis few surviving troops, After\e'd been detained a buuir month, The people here a refuge having found Within the fort, took up his line of march, ^ Journeyed a northwest course, to form a junction With General Atkinson's superior army. 14* 1.1 }i,? I i 1 I' 1 ! 'i"',l 162 BLACK HAWK, A^O IV, Of Black Hawk and his tbllowors, 'twas demanded They shoukl surrender up into the hands Of General Atkinson, as murderers, All persons of their nation, who engaged In conllict at Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chien, Where twcnty.eight Menominecs had been slain ; That they should straight evacuate the soil, The Mississippi instantly recross ; Demands, of course, that neither met regard, Or least compliance on the Indian's part. So the belligerents, each, prepared to test The rightful occupation of that soil, Disputed thus, by an appeal to arms. Black liawk was now ascending up Rock river, And on the way to the Prophet's town, above ; With him, his troops ; wdien he was overtaken By an express from General Atkinson, Fort Armstrong; ordering him to change his course, Return, and straight recross the Mississippi, Which lie refused t' obey upon the ground The general had no right to make such order. He on his own ground stood, by treaty privileged, Was going, in peace, unto the Prophet's town, To raise a crop of corn at his request. In Anno Domini, eighteen thirty-two, Soon as had made her bright appearance there, The ever-welcomc, smiling Queen of May, About the woods and plains of Pick-e.ton-ic*, Put on her robe of greenest liue, the birds. ; BCENE9 IN TIIR WHST. 163 ded Arrayed iu plumes of beauty, warbling songs, Rejoicing round her with ecstatic strain, A great collision of the hosts took place, And river Rock, th' adjacent country round, Became the scene of terror, havoc, blood. n; 3urse, ^d, The settlers of this region had, already, Laid out their gardens, walks, and pleasure-grounds, Planted their esculent roots, their early corn, Yellow, and sowed their fields with seed, spring wheat, Their garden vegetables, various seeds, CoiTimitted to the bosom of the earth. The plants had just sprung up, and fields assumed A green appearance, when the tidings fell, Of war, like unto mighty avalanche, tipon the thinly-scattered population Of that whole region of the country round. VI. The Pottawatomies had made assault On Indian Creek, near to the Big Woods, lying On both sides of the gentle, south.flowing Fox, Rivulet long and straight, meandering through A part of Illinois and South Wisconsi.j, Where little cities all along its banks, As though by magic raised, are springing up. Here, low down, where it joins the Illinois, Stands Ottawa, near where th' Indians fell. W i s i ! 1 1 ■ i I it^H 1 j. 1 m %k fiSBlm amaaa 1(34 m.\rK HAWK, aM» Threo families here, thoyM slain, lie in their gore, Excepting persons two, whom they slew not ; two females, beautiful and gay, rhcy wore so ruddy* young, These were The two Miss Halls. And fair to look upon, the Indians wero Enamored of their beauty, covild not lind It in their hearts to kill them. Tlierefove, they and carry them far oft', idness, Bid spare their lives. Beyond the river, treated them with kin( Affection, and were loth to part with them. Long time there held, but were, at length, restored Unto their land, but not unto their people. The rest of these three households, fifteen souls. Were slain this spot. Davis, thou.^h coward called, Defended, with great heroism, his house. His gun dismantling in the fierce encounter, And actually killed four Indians, it is said. Now, terrible the horror and surprise Which, through the land of Nit-o.me.ma, reigns I Wild consternation pale, their vitals seize : Their blood runs cold and slowly in their veiug. Hearts Hiding them, o'ercome by sudden fear, The messenger of death in savage plight, Each hourly looks for at his door full ne^r. Each, for himself, feels satl'ty but in fiisht— And most of all was anxiou? to begone ; Forsaking all, some south, some eastward fled. And otliOM to the annr, and where'er The phtla au(\ o\m\ luaJ of satVty li;d. Leaving their huaies, thoir tenements and hiadrf, To the free Uf=e of Indians hi aclvaiicf, Goods, granaries, .stores, herds, swine, and ileecy batids, To whomsoever to come that way luijjht cliancc. Deserted hamlets left f)r timid rahMt, Or hear, or wily serpent, cunning fox, Fierce wolf, or other creature to iuliahit, Such with the many, such their panic shocks. Yea ! true it was, that wandering hs.mh vi' men Took up their h)di^Ings here, in these abodes ; l-'inding, i» rooms apart, and cellar's glen. Provisions diverse, sang their merry odes. Made preparations due, and sat them down To eat and driidi, as at the table tree Of some manorial lord, of great renown, In Britain's isle, beside the Norlheru Sea. In short, such was their haste to make their ilight, The prone sensations of their feelings strung, Loft things of need, their way to expedite. Which, better, safer, had they ta'en aloiig. They could not halt, or brook the least delay, Danger so imminent hung o'er their heads. To pick up what in haste fell by the way, Lest thev should meet their iale in gory beds. 11 mfmw y $ ! i f t )■'< i!ii I6d BLACK HAWK, AND Having escaped with life from blood-stained hands, And clangor.; passtv!, they grateful bless the light That freed their souls from unrelenting band.^, And aided them to perpetrate their flight. VIII. m Detachments of the army of assailants, Couibiued in their advance to Dixon's Ferry, Upon anco the waters of romantic Hock Which, like the great St. Lawrence' wave august— 'Mid lakes has hs own course, an honored stream. So doth the Catfish, tributary branch, Wliere, 'tween two lakes, whoso waters ever clear And cool, and plenteous stored wllh fish, Stands Madison, the capitoliau town, Uaudsomely situated on a ri.-Iug grouuu ; From which, at distance great, it may be «een ; Yet stood not then, not e'en lu embryo, there, A witness to this tragical atlair. The army had advanced to Sycamore, A little tributary stream of Ivock, Where Black Hawk lay ; was gelling up a feast, In honor of his new allies, had come. That day he heard the army of tlie too Was drawing nigh, sent out a Hag of truce, A message, borne by three men, unto them, To say, that he for peace was much inclined ; To ask a deputation to his camp, Or he would come in person them to see. Long gone, he sent five men, another party, SCE>'E!» IN TUB UL'ST. 1G7 it i ust— ini. :lcar ast, To sec what had l»rcomo. oi'thnv^j first .sPiit, Tl»ey» taken piisonerH by the wiiito- , niado known Their iiie«.sagt», au;l wore fircrl i.n, uuil one killed III cold blood, ill the camp. The others tied. Next party came ; but wiiites, instead of waiting To hear their peaceful nif-sage fronj tl.rir chitfj Uushed towards tli^m violei\t]y, with weapcui:^ drawn, So that they turned . bont, and iled ;tway. Tlio whites pursued, o'ertook and slew two men ; The rest escaped, and told it to their chief, Down canio the volunteers, in hot purftuif, Even to the camp of Blacic Hawk. i'Tty warriors With hlni were all; the re>t were ten tnile.s off. The aged chief arose, and seizefl hl.i arms, And ordered ull his braves io follow him. Food for the feast th- y Icli to lie untouched; He raised a yell, and spoke thus to hi;? men: yomo of our people have l)eeu cnirlly murdered, And wantonly. Wc must avengi icir death. Snoii saw the ainiy coming up on gallop In front of some low bushes, placed his men— lie ro-^e, rushed forward, fire;1, and gave a yell. UU braves all promptly followed his example ; Came up, ;.nd manfully chtiVged the fronung foe. Who turned about in niter consternation, \nd f- .viftly fled before the aged chief, Who Ibllowed them some distance ; many ie\L Returned unto his camp, and sitting down, 'I'hanked the Great Spirit for his good success. The whites fled through their camp, nor did they halt Till they had reached Fort Dixon, fiir away ; ai ^. . , ; mi tm ULACli UANWt, A-.U lid all suiipllc.?, Leaving camp oquipage, a To fall into Ihorio hands thoy cau.o to .I:i} They called their roll next moin, \s hen they did find They'd io:it, by thid engagement, i.uy so ul a* The chief, encouraged l)y such victory g:iir.ed, With men so few o'er such superior lorce, And strengthened by the l>ooty he had won. Counting on those supplies whicn he, had ta en, Prepared for active war, and to remove _ The wives and children from the field ol^ .ig.it, To the Four Lakes, head waters of Uoe:; i iver ; To walch the threatening f-e, his spies .eut out. Soon after this, where artlUl Dodge wa. .tat.oned. There came a band of Indian., munbers ^mall ; Few men they slew, and lied. They di I not well To come so near this energ.aic ehielujM. llow could they deem it possible at u'l, T' evade a hero of his chivalry .' With twenty.nine of his best chosen men, Aiounted on fleetest steeds, pursued the loe. They crossed the Pick-e-ton-ic', so did he ; Took refuge in a swamp. He ii.llowed on, Impenetrable as they deemed it was. Dismounting there, ho ordered his dragoons To link their steeds. Four men he left in charge, Four stationed round the swamp on higher ground. To watch the motions of the iiidden foe. With the remainder 'gan to scour the swamp ; i BCENES IN THE WEST. 1C9 I'ouiul wlioiv the fiidianr-i lay, wlio had porceived Hi.s coiuip ; i i Ml' 1*1 ft is; no BLACK HAWK, AI^D X. Me Of antime mounte Dement, with one baltaiion full, d volunteers, drew out h S H>i ce, And was at Four 1 tacked, at BiilValo Grove Ijy Black Hawk, cagucs to north of" Dixon's hostile ferry, With equal numbers marshalled f»r the war. Dement was bold to stand an e(iual fight ; Hi: men, the contest to avoid, preferred. Black Hawk had got between them and their camp And artfully intercepted their retreat, And left them no alternative, but light, And cut their way back to their c: np, cr fail. On the firv ons<'t, several his dragoons Dement saw tail, together with their steeds. Foaming and bounding, went down horse and rider. Mingling their blood together in the sand. Added to this, the claidiiiig sound of arms. Of rifles, and the yell of savage men, And consternation by all these brought en, The fiery steeds became unmanageable. Such was the panic felt, such the confusion. That, for Dement, it was hnpossilile To form his men in an established line. Dragoons, unnumbered, fell, and foity stced:^ Lay°bleeding on the ground. The aged chief Defeated and pursued them to their camp, As though in youthful vigor. Still his arm In battle mighty was. He was ui)held By consciousness of his own rectitude, A purpose firm, and onward in his course, [awk, amp rider. SCENES IN THE WLST. 171 Impelled by motives powerful most to move, And actuate the breasts of savage men ; Attachment to their country, and revenge For injuries unredress'd, too long endured. His men would fain besiege, and burn the fort ; But he, beholding it well fortified, Impregnable, told them, as they had chased The bear into his hole, they'd leave him there, And, to their own encampment, all repair. XI. Over the numerous skirmishes taking place, Between detachments small of troops contending, Oi) either side, proceed wc now to pass. IniUnM], of little consequence arc those ; And irksome might become minute detail I nto the reader, whom we would prefer Rather to dit.;appoint by some conciseness. Than tire by long prolixity of words. Therefore, untouched, unsung, these minor things Leaving, as matter for the muse unfit. Or history more sublime, we hasten on To the place of sanguine fight, those two engagements Where the whole strength of each Ijlligerent power, And force were all united under one, Beneath their leaders, host confronting host. True, in the different skirmishes jetween ymall parties of the hostile bands, the braves Of Black Hawk got the l)etter of their foe Sometimes ; yet, on the whole, th' advantage lay ti ('■*! y JY2 BLACK UAWiv, A-ND On th' other side ; and, as they'd not succeeded In driving n ut the armies of the whites Nor, yet, in gaining peaceable posses ision, Uly there, list be considered, at this signal juncture, lufiered, virtually, defeat. The object of the contest so securing, In their location permanent M As having s Of this astounding fact, so clearly seen, E'en the great Black Ilawk, blind as was, and led Dy impulse of one high commanding passion, Revenge fur wrongs, and ultimate redress Of grievances, seemed duly sensible ; Forr gathering in his bands from eveiy quarter, Calling a council of liis bravest warriors, In language sorrowful, and v.ith chagrin. His hard misfortunes to them all expressed, At not being able to make head agaiiit;t The combined armies of his stronger foe. A general council, both of chiefs and braves. Was soon convoked. A circle tLMuiing round, Under a shady grove, they seat themselves On the green grass, prepared to hear, with reverence. The words of their high chief. He sat anndst, Clothed in his military bright costume, ^ With shrine, containing holy things, and saored, Before him, handed down from sire to son. His face was painted raven-colored deep, And striped with red ; his crown with leathers tuHed. Broaches did glitter round him ; 'bout his neck. Encircling, too, each knee, a beaded belt ; Borue in his hand a flag, an ensign bright m ■1. led SCENES IK THi: WEST. or his authority. Upon his breast A costly medal, curious workmanship, Glittered; received of British general both, For service lately rendered them in war. He in their midst arose. Upon his brow Sat care ; and, on his countenance, austere, .Depicted was a frown, but not against His people. Those he loved and cherished, aye. His eye was fiery, for a moment rolled In silence round them, unto heaven it turned, Great Spirit's abode, with a devotion pure ; TiiPU settled on the throng ; and, deeply conscious Of what he was to utter, with his hands Uplifted towards the heavens, he thus began : — 173 XIT. crence. cJ, 5 tufied. Souls of the free ! tried in adversity, Known to be faithOd ! whose magnanimous hearts Do palpitate in unison with my own ! 'Tis not without reluctance, deepest grief. That I, for once, to you shf)uld name retreat. A white flag twice to white men has been sent, For peace to sue, as oft has been fired on. We're not allowed the privilege of a truce, For terms of peace to treat. No ! cruel foes Thirct for our blood, and will no quarter give. They have forgotten I their prisoners spared. When for my British father I did fight, Forbade the murder at the risk of life. Evil for good, to me they have returned — 15* 174 BLACK HAWK, AM> Oppression justice call ; rigiit they make wrong. Thoy call themselves the injured party, wc Th' aggressors! Shame ! Such reaaoning becomes None but base robbers. Driven us from our soil ! And seized our pleasant country for themselves ! Where I did hope to spend my few last years, And sleep in quiet with the pious dead ; Their graves, their soil, their bones, sacred to me. And now, because we boldly ask our right. Call us intruders ; and for this good cause Determine to destroy and kill us quite. My warriors, you do know, can witness bear, 'Tis not for lack of zeal, or courage good, In me betrayed, that prompts a prudent course- That we keep not possesj^ion of our lands. But foes allow to tai:c our country from us. 'Tis of necessity, as you can see. The course of fate ; a prelude to our fall. O had I power to vindicate my cause ; I'd make their own injustice prove their ruin ! Perhaps some other power, another day. May wipe from us th' inglorious stain away. Now, as he sternly spake, the crystal drops From his dilated eyes flowed copious down His furrowed, care-worn cheeks. For his gray hairs Already had been seared, and blanched by time ; His days had numbered threescore years and six. XIII. His eye was not yet dim, nor yet his powera Of mind essentially impaired, but still Diries 1 f e. hairs » ix. SCENES IN THE WEST. Ardent and eloquent, well to express What feelings strong impelled. Thus he went on : The actions of my life, my valor prove. When in my father's day, th' Osages made Encroachments on our tribe, and murdered oft, A youth of fifteen, by my llithcr's side, I fought against them, and prevailed, and slow Two men ; their scalps unto my father brovigljt. He looked on mo and smiled, pleased with the skill And bravery of his son. Then was my name Ein-olled among the brave. Distinguished thus, PcM'initted was to paint, and feathers wear ; And join the dance, which none but warriors share. Osages still continuing their assaults, I raised soon after this two hundred men ; And heading these, into their country far I travelled, till I met an equal band. They fought with desperation — each appeared Determined still on victory, or death. Osages many fell Ijefore they fled, Upon the field they left a hundred dead. Five lusty men by my own hand were slain, In this hard battle on the sandy plain. Now, 'gainst another foe, the Cherokees, My father turned his arms j for they had slain . Some of our women, helpless children, too. We fuught. Their numbers far exceeded ours. My father, most ox[)osed, fell first; then I Assumed command, and paine'^' the victory — With my own hand, thi i -tu.dy India?is slew. The dead I buried, and. returning home, 175 „t " ■li ill] >ki; 176 BLACK HAWir, A\D Deeply affected with my father's death, I blacked my face, HistrHl and prayed tive year: To the Great Spirif— drlnkinj;^ once a day Water, and eating sparingly parclied corn, At sunset ; long in hunting passed the, time, And fishing — never going forth to war. t, I) II ); I ; ?; XIV, Once more the fierce Osage renewed the war our peoj md I, as Ix'fore Upon Was called upon to lead them 'gainst the f)e To raise a force sufl'icient to deitroy Their tril)e, for injuries to our nation done. This, the Great .Si)irit strengthened mo to do. Six hundred Sacs and Foxes, and Iowa", Composed my train ; with these i met the foo Falling on forty lodges, killed them all. Nine scaljjs, the tro[>hi(vs of my hand, declared Th' efficient part 1 in the battle shared. The rest did cease aggressions for a lime. OP?" Soon after this, when 1 was in »ny prime, I carried on a long protracted war Against the Chippeways, Osanes, and Kaskaskia; Which did not termin ate fo r several year; And not until I reached my ihiiiy-iirth. In this campaign, seven hundred warrioiv fl'. I killed, whh this right arm, iheir bravest men, And chiefs of ini<>;ht : their numben* were thirteen. O ur enemies driven from uai hunt I ng- ground Compelled to sue for peace, and keep their bounds, SCEXES IN THE WEST. We home returned — interred and mourned our dead, And in our peuccful villages remained ; Respecting others' rights, felt no desire T' encroach, or carry on offensive war. When \var against Great Britain Mas declared. Resolved my British father would assist, Because he gave us presents, and fulfilled His promises ; and told us he would help To drive the whites, who had encroached on us. Back to their own possessions. In this war, XV. Five hundred Indians I commanded, fought In several battles with success ; but flrst, Ere my departure to the war, I made A visit to the lodge of my old friend. The comrade of my youth — with me had fought Bravely in many baUles ; now intirm, Could not go forth to hunting, or to war ; Crippled by M'ounds. He had a duteous son I loved, and had adopted as my own, Did hunt with me the two preceding winters. I wished my friend to let him go with me. He said, he could not gain su[)port without him; I, who had been his guardian, would be gone ; He had no other help but his son. I offered in his place my son to leave ; Refused, and said he did not like the war ; He had been down the river, treated well By the Americans, and could not fight 177 ! 'H 178 BLACK HAWK, AND Against them ; but was going to winter near The white men, by their fort, the river down. Hiid promised to assist and to protect him And his son, and privileged them to hunt. We parted — I unto the seat of war, And he, confiding, to a peaceful shore. a n ii i V f I XVI. Unto my native land, when 1 returned, There had been war in Illinois, I learned. Americans had burned Peoria gay. My friends as prisoners thence had ta'en away. My village neared ; then I beheld along The bluffs, ascending up, a smoke among. I bade my friends unto the village haste ; I turned aside, to gather there what passed ; Devout, my aged friend engaged in prayer, As oft before, presumed should find him therp. Approached — a fire I saw, stretched out a mat. An old man under it, in sorrow sat. At other times, I should have turned away. Knowing he there had come alone to pray, And humble him before great Manitou, That he might pity him, and hear his pious vow. Approached — myself 1 seated by his side. Anxious inquired what ills did him botide. He saw me, as he cast his eyes around. Again in silence fixed them on the ground. 'TwRs he, my aged friend. But O how changed ! SCENES JN THE WEST. Judge my siirpriso, to me so much estranged ! I anxiously inqnired, what has hcon done Unto our people ; and where is our son ? My aged comrade seemed but half alive. He must have fasted long ; him to revive, To sprinkle in his face I water bring ; Lighting my pipe, and to him oflering, A few puds eagerly he drew. His eyes He upward cast, and me did recognize. When I inqnired again, what has been done Unto our people, and where is our son ? XVII. His eyer were glassy. He again had fallen Into fi^rgetfulness, had I not givon That whicli did iiim revive, water to drink ; And yet again inquired. In feel)le voice He said : »Soon after your dcpartiu'e hence, To join the English, i the river down Descended, with a little company. To winter at the place I told you of, Where white men had requested me to come. Arnved, I f )und a tort there built ; tlie man Inviting me to come, had thence removed. I then a visit to the fort did pay, Myself and band were friendly, them to tell, Did wish to himt in peace, and near them dw^ll. The war-chief told me, who commanded there. We unmolested might our lodges rear, And hunt on Mississippi's eastern side. 170 'iul il i «■! 160 ULACK HAWK, AND Well ploas^od with such assurauco, cropsod the tide ; There camped ; game plenty M'as — wc happy were, And often talked of you, and of your fare. XVIII. My boy roprctted mueh yonr absence long, And hardships you would have to rndor^ijo. AVe had been here about two month.^ ; my boy Went out to hunt as usual ; ni. ' m BLACK HAWK, AM) XIX. n Soon came the news tlio whilc,-^ were building forts Along our river, and thai 1 aiust leave Mv village, native |)lace, sacred to me. I straight resolved I'd never give it up, But fight for it while blood ran in my veins. 1 went to sec the white chiefs, told them so ; They said that I must hvave it. I said no, I never will ! From our great father chief, The President, I next implored redress, To my entreaties lie paid no regard. I sought our British father's kindly aid; He could not break the peace to set us right. The course of Keokuck, why need I name? Or ctu'se, or spare the nia/i we so much blame 1 They've seized our substance, forced us far away From that fair land where our possessions lay. Our wives and children wandering journey led, And forced were many a day to cry for bread. I rose agaiiist the authors of our wo ; And here do stand the champion of the foe. lie paused : a solenm awe pervades the throng, And tears come rolling down their cheeks along. Thus he went on : — To purchase our redress, My life a sacrifice I would devote, Most willingly for such a consummation. It would be well cxporded in a cause Worth dying for ! Shall we, then, forward rush Upon our foes, and fight tiU we are slain, And sell our lives as dearly as we can t '■ f SCENES IN run west. Our wisdom does not dictato thh, nor yei Has the Great Spirit it revealed to us,' Made known by sage, hy prophet, or in dreams. 'TwouM bo a useless sacrifice, and vain ! As well might throw ourselves upon our swords, Or rush into the alligator's jaws ! For thick as the autumnal leaves descend, With all their yellow and their purple tints, From l«jrest-trces, beneath a hoary frost, Covering the ground ; so thick the regiments, and 1'he cohorts of our pale-faced foes alight Upon us ; filling all our country up, And covering it with legions of their troops. Farther attempts, therefore, to keep possession, Are vain and hopeless ! Yes, my warriors brave. Appalling as the thought is, we must quit Our country, and resign it to the hands Of the pale-faces. In extremity So great, it well becomes us to effect Timely retreat, and so to manage it. As to avoid collision with the foe. Who now outnumber us as ten to one. We'll, therefore, shape our journey to the north. Cross the Wisconsin ; thence, our rapid march Urge to the Upper Mississippi, high 'Cove Prairie du Chien ; pass over, and escape Into the wastes romantic far northwest. Out of the reach of foes dishonorable, Whose laws, ideas, and thoughts of justice are So vile, so widely diiferent from our own. There unmolested for a while may live. 181 SLACK HAWK, AM* u if Until encroacTiments farther, of the whites, Force us, ag.iin, to - TIIK WJ:sT. Been capable of doing uitli r',<^ht culture? By education and Kifinoinont aided ? Ilirn wo behold, a rude, uuletfered savage, Engaged in one great, glorious enterpiisc. Condition of his triho ameliorating. By a ivsjoit to last extremity, To fighting ill defence of his loved com.try, For restoration of their claims to lands AVhich (iod and nature to them had bequeathed ; To which he deiuned they had a sovereign right, By every principle of eqiiify, And justice, known among the Indian tribes, And which unjustly had been ta'eu away. Nature's own child, and own primeval offspring, For liberty and equal rights contending, On the broad base of true republicanism. isr. XXI. It is a maxim grown into a proverb, That he who shoots his arrow at the sun In his meridian height, though he can't reach it, Yet, e'en much higher will his arrow fly. Than aimed at lower object near the earth. This chief, aspiring, high his arrow shot. That L-un to hit, which doth illumine heaven Political, the ilrniament thereof, With brightness filling of its influence Redeeming; civil and religious freedom. True, hit that sun ho did not, nor did he Succeed in his endeavors all-absorbing, 16* M f 1 1 \ ! m I IHll BLACK HAWK, A?il> In their own land to roinstato h\9 people, EHect thosfi measures neodtiil he conceived, To glorify and make them happy there — Yet, still, quite hire.t,,,ieldy fell; re stoepLs rose, and clanged their sounding bell. Ih appalhng war-whoop now is heard no more, In all the length ofMississippi 3 shore, ^ar west, along Missouri's distant flood In bounds allotted, roves the man of blood. And thou, Milwaukee city! young and fair. And full of life, and glee, and healthful air ' Dear unto me thy illustrious founders' names; And each bold pioneer upon my heart has claims. Sprung ,ke a mushroom, growing in one day ; But not like m.ishrooms born to swift decay I thee rejoicing saw in infant prime, And thy relapse lamented for a time. But nowf thee behold in the full tide Of rich prosperity, and spreading wide In vigorous youth, thy neat and simple 'domes, Thy ornamental mansions, frugal homes. What towers and structures thee to raise is given ! What temples sacred to the God of heaven ' ' il f-1 II 11 ' ! 196 BtACK HAWK, AND The hum of city life, the rattling road, And busy bustle stalking all abroad ; Thus, ancient things receding fiom our view, All-changing time still brings us something new. Some days ago here none but red men trod, Employed in mirth, or strife, and paid no vows to God. Praise to the generous swains that guide the ploughs', And tear the roots that bear such lofty boughs. Here they may live, heirs to a fruitfui soil, And reap the due reward of every toil. They sow the fields, and plant the useful maize ; In the wide wood the laboring oxen graze. Wide spread the fields, the yellow harvests glow, And undernealh their bridges rivers tlow. Large vessels richly laden skim the lake, Spread their white sails, and frequent voyages make , With loads of itumigrants the chain throughout, Ontario Lake, Chicago ends the route. All labors here are new beneath the sun. As though a new creation had begun. The highway opens, mountains sinking down, Canals and turnpikes lead Into the town. The new.raised beacons cast a glaring light ; In numbers gild the stormy face of night ; The seaman warn to keep the watery wido, And to a friendly harbor prove his guide. Mills, factories-rise, wherever streamlets flow ; On harbors good, by magic cities grow. A new republic of their own they raise, A sister State th* united bead to praise. \ 8CBNES IN TB£ WS8T. 197 new. 0W3 to God. ic ploughs', ghs. I mizo ; 3 glow, gcs make , ;hout, )wn, flow; Ye sons of labor ! leave that stony shore ! A landless poverty bemoan no more ! A certain tract secure, make good your claim ; Here rise to wealth, to honor, and to fame f Come to Wisconsin's fair and lovely land, Where nature spreads abroad, with liberal hand, Her richest prairies, one sweet plain of flowers, With intervening groves, and beauteous, happy bowerg. XXXII, The pursuing army's course was intercepted, Agreeably, by coming oft in contact With numerous inland lakes that here abound, Transparent, and whose waters soft and tranquil, Abounding in the trout and finny tribes. By any other lakes are not surpassed. For nature, being in a playful mood, When made these scenes, did not forget to place A chain of isolated lakes upon their route. To beautity, adorn, and crown the whole With every rural charm and mead enchanting; The rich savannas, and the sylvan scene, As though by decorations she intended To charm the hearts of this pursuing army, Compel them sweetly to imbibe her love. In their advance, now had they wound their wav Along the waters of hydraulic Rock, The gentle south.flowing stream ascending uj). Till they unto Lake Kosh.ko.nong arrived ; Which but the widening of this river is, 17* I i! II m m m.'. I 190 BLACK BAWK, ANO Into a most romantic inland sea. It seems, when nature gave the river birth, The spring, from bottom of a lake rose out Far north. The hollow cavity soon (illingi And overflowing its bounds, did burst away, As if to seek the south, a milder clime, Till in its course a wider basin found, Encompassed on all sides by hilly ground; Stupendous amphitheatre, whose shore Circumference round about seven leagues or more, # Which nature had, by some volition, made, And hollowed out, designing here a lake. Supply perpetual filled the spacious basin, Forming an inland sea most beautiful, In mi' iature, the world had e'er beheld. Then, on its southern border breaking out, To water that contiguous region round, Its course pursues, the vale meandering through ; Thence seeks, by southern course, the Mexic' gulf. Through waters of the noble Mississippi. The pleasant lake, romantic Kosh.ko.nong, A name interpreted from Indian tongue, To signify the lake on which we live ; Because wild rice abounds, which Indians eaU With numerous flocks of wild fowl it* it thronged j Even the pelican large, and basin.billed, A visit to its banks doth not disdain. In summer's heat resorted to for bathing ; Winter, a joyful place of recreation For all sleigh-riding, and skate-loving youth ; Also by others, who delight t' ensnare The luscious fish, to furnish their repast. r more) ougb; c' gulf, M Bat. >nged ; ^; SCENES IN THE WEST. XXXIII. 199 Tho crystal bay, to all before unknown, Like one clear sea of glass before them shone. The sun displays his eve-beam, as of old, And gilds its banks and trees with burnished gold, When o'er the western mountains far away, He flings upon the snowy clouds his ray, A glow of radiance there no painter can, Inimitable by the works of man. There was no note of sorrow in the scene, The earth, the air, the river, all serene. The bugle note sent up its loud alarms ; The sounding trumpet bade them cease from arms, While it resounded through the plains afar, And told to peaceful hill and dale of war. The fife and hollow drum had ceased Iheir sound ; Then arms, and steeds, and baggage, strewed the ground. Joy laughed around ; with safiron ether glows ; O'er earth, black night her sable mantle throws; While heaven's blue vault ethereal burns above, With twinkling myriads of the fires of Jove. The weary soldiers gladsome jr.y them down, Along the pleasant lake, a ca.iii ing.town ; The sentinels keep their watch the livelong night; Their steeds the herbage crop till morning light. XXXIV. Seven miles above, upon this river's bank, Atkinson ordered that a fort should rise ; ' M, '*>. 1- ill ■I '^1 ■1 1 1 h ^9 At- ] Hi I Hll 1 'i BLACK HAWK, AND Against the northern tribes a sure defence ; Built on high ground, and to his honor called Fort Atkinson. Moreo'er, resolved to take Needful precaution, ordered Colonel Moore The erection of two more to superintend ; One on Des Plains, the other on Du Page, Each lying south; and stationed soldiers there; Thus did discharge the duties of a general. Proceeding circumspectly near the foe ; Careful to leave no enemy in his rear, Nor possible chance for one there to arise. Having despatched two generals. Dodge and Henry, Great numbers of the army, choice dragoons, Mounted on fleetest steeds, in hot pursuit Of foes retreating ; waiting not to sen The fort's completion, but there leaving troops To finish and defend it, with all speed, With the main army, regular troops composing, Took np his line of march, and hastened on To the scene of conflict on the battle.lield. Meanwhile, Dodge, Henry, rapid marrlies tnndet Black Hawk in order to o*ertake, before Could weary cross Wisconsin. On the eve Of July twenty-first, with him came up, Upon its southern bank, the Blue Mounds near, A journey made that day of forty miles. The Indians' usual method of attack. Is, to approach their f(jos In single column. Or Indian file, so called, direct behind Some shady tree, that intervening stands ; 80 keeping range, that each man in the file, I 8C£^£S IN THK WEST. Is from the enemy's ken completely hid. When they have cautious thus, and without noise, The tree reached, by the colunm's head, the rear Moves round to front, like door upon its liinge, Or compass' mov'ble leg ; while he, the van, Remains the stationary pivot of the rest. At other times, on having thus approached, A regular front they form, by whirling off On each side, cringing low behind the trees, xxxv, *Tis at this juncture that they raise a cry, Th' appalling war.whoop's loud, terrific sound, At first to frighten and astound the foe. This was their manner here. In several files, Such as above described, behind largo trees, At proper distances apart, which stood, Approached; then filing off to right and left, Skulking behind contiguous trees around. In prompt obedience to their chief's command. Themselves prepared to ope* a galling fire Upon the more advanced of their pursuers. But all their preparations, shrewdness, tact, And signal bravery of their captain-general, Effectually to resist the bold attacks Of these two generals, with their mounted men, Were vain ; in every quarter were defeated. Brave Black Hawk, mounted on a noble steed. Armed with a rifle, battle.axe, and sword Dntwn in his haudj his cavaliy did rally, 901 200 BLACK HAWK, AND i And at their head did make a desperate charge On them, which was successfully resisted. The mounted men, their valiant generals, too, In service of their country, zeal displayed. Encomiums, and the highest praise deserving. Black Hawk himself, and all his warriors brave, Defeated were, and routed ; three-score souls Lie cold in death, of Black Hawk's valiant band. Nought but the troops, fatigued by such a march, And battle, and the falling of dark night, Preserved the foe from total loss of all. They crossed Wisconsin, to an isle where lay Their families. Instant, Dodge could not them follow, For want of boats and necessary rafts. The Indians sorely chafed were in theii* minds; Their bodies lean, emaciate had become. For lack of food. They seldom have on hand Provisions much, and what they had, was gone ; And, for subsistence farther, they had not ; Dependent on the hunt, and killing game. This is, at best, a slim and poor dependence, An army to supply ; especially now, When they were so much straightened and confined, Pursued and circumscribed in all their movementi. The safety of their persons, too, recjuired They should not venture out from their main camp, So far as would admit of hunting food. Hence, their reliance to sustain their lives. Was mainly on the roots and bark of trees, And flesh of steeds, obliged to slay and eaL Black Hawk, beholding th' evil 'bout to coma I t SCENES IN THE WEST. On him, and his devoted army, broken Ah-eady, and dismayed, resolved, at once, To leave the isle, and cross Wisconsin stream, Without delay make his retreat, liowe'er Disastrous, o'er the Mississippi. Part His troops went down Wisconsin — fell a prey To watchful soldiers stationed on the banks. XXXVI, Meanwhile, with regular army, Atkinson, Precipitous, by a journey of three days, Fioni Kosh-ko.uong arrived ; determined straight On quick.constructed rafts to cross the stream, And by forced marches overtake the foe ; Although, in sultry season, now the troops, Worn down, were much exhausted with fatigue. Four days, and all things ready made, the troops, And army under Atkinson's command, Crossed at Helena— took their line of march Northwest ; believing, that this course pursued. Would lead in contact with the Indian's trail. Nor were they disappointed with vain hopes ; For Atkinson, perceiving by their trail. Them several days ahead, which would require The utmost expedition to o'ertake. Before they could the Mississip ross. That he might give them on its eastern side A battle, which he coveted of them, Determined leaving all his baggage-wagons. And everything his progress would retard. 203 11 «j 1 11 1 \ I ;■ m Li i 4 ••I 204 BLACK HAWK, AXD This done, by speed accelerate he advanced, Following the narrow, beaten track they made, And on their rear-guard gaining rapidly. XXXVII. Between "Wisconsin Bluffs and Kickapoo, Through which the troops hy this retreat were led, A hilly country lies, of mountain range. Behold ! no sooner did tlioy roach the top Of one high, almost perpendicular liill, Than they descended down the opp'site side, By a declivity as steep and rare, Unto another's base ; while narrow vales Between, were filled with shallow, muddy water- Sometimes, but deep ravines, with muddy banks. In these, and on the summits of the hills, Tall grew the forest-trees of heaviest size, With undergrowth of thorn and prickly ash, Which oft in spots so thickly filled the ground, 'Twas difficult for men to clamber up. This hurried and fatiguing march o'er such A rugged country, so replete with toil. Without a murmur was by them endured ; For it could not be said their souls became Discouraged by the way, or wished return ; But, as they neared the foe, increased desire, And ardor, prompted greater efforts still. Being for journey long in better plight, And spirits, too, with more hilarity. More bounteously fed and clothed withal, f SCENES IN THE WEST. Than their dejected, half-starved Indian f^jes, Continued constantly the paining ground, Out.travelling them by sev(?ral miles each day, Aa plainly by encampments did appear. XXXVIII. Now, from these cliffs and caverns dark emerging, The prairie spreads its rolling billows surging; The sea-green, grassy billows waving high, Moved by the gentle zephyrs of the sky, The warrior and his courser tread aeain. And snuff the fragrance of the flowery plain; Knjoy the freshness of the cooling breeze. His steed, the verdure waving round his knees, Essays to crop ; oft catching as they pass The tempting bait, a flower, or lock of grass. 206 \ i-fj-i ■A t r. n XXXIX. VVHiile Atkinson and army, steadily, With zeal and courage fixed, tlw foe pursue, We'll take the freedom to digress a little, To give the reader more account succinct, Of scenery and resources of the country. O'er which this late retreat was so conducted; And of its present state — by whom 'tis peopled, And of the wondrous change has here been wrought. Since whites possessed and claimed it for their home. Premising what we say applies full well To Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, too, ili I. i 111 ,M n ri IS! Ill SOO BLACK HAWK, AKD The land of Gentle Dove, and 'Si-ar-nah. May not amiss be, also, here to slate, Iowa doth resemble this good land. Wisconsin, from its river chief so callcdi Was under territorial law ordained In cighteen-lhirty.six» and organized; And Dodgo thereof first governor was appointed t Pursuant to this order, Congress gave A Legislative council, and the House. Enacted was a code of laws, and published ; Courts civil instituted, judges made, And oft''cers of the peace appointed then. Justice administered to every class, And good observance of the laws maintained. Great was the rancor of contending parties ; Of litigation following seemed no end, Long since subsided ; harmony now prevails. Among the first and most remarkable Of causes brought before tiiis ni.'W tribunal, The trial of an Indian criminal was ; Tried for the murder of a pale-faced man, Surveyor on Rock river, Burnett called. He, V :>! a ( aptain Clyinan, was exploring Tii.: c.viintry there — came to the Indian's camp, To tarry for the night, as oft had done ; When he was struck by him, whose trial waits. Clyman's right arm was wounded by a shot ; But fortunate, effected his escape, And, by a journey long, through wood and wild, Arrived in safety at Milwaukee town ■CENE8 IN THE WEST. 307 XL, His crimo to justify, tho Indian plr^ad, His father by a white man h;ui been sluin ; That it became a binding duty on liin), Inn)cri<)U3, solemn, not to be di. pt- nsod with Due to his tribe, according to their laws, And to his sire deceased, to avenge his death, By shedding of the blood of some white man, Which could not bo atoned for otherwise. His duty he had done, was satisfied. His plea v,'cighed light, and sentence passed of death j But afterwards, was granted his reprieve ; For what good cause, the following lines will show: For lo ! soon after this, another crime. Committed ere this trial came to close, Of deeper dye, which in the shade this cast. And threw a gloom of melancholy o'er The inllint village. Milwaukee becamo Too soon the scene of tragical events; Its peaceful streets polluted by the blood And lifeless body of a murdered Indian. Murdered by Indians / no ! by two white men. Say not they'n; men, nor so disgrace the name ; Call not such monsters of the human form, Countenance them not, nor own them as our fellows. A crime committed under circumstances More aggravated, heinous than the former j Far less excusable to palliate. These felons, inmates of the village jail. Ne'er had a trial there, but were let loose. i, ! V '08 BLACK HAWK, AND They either broke thence of themselves, or found Secret assistance in their pronjj)t escape, And set at liberty by hands unknown ; To be the fact, the latter is supposed. One since has met the punishment his due, Hung for a second murder, of his friend, So rumor says ; not heard from yet the other. ■ XLI. The trial of the Indian followed soon ; Allowed, by all, it was a trial fraught With consequences great ; not only to the Indians, But to the infant State just rising up. Rumor had said, the Indians were in council Gathered at Ottawa, five hundred strong. Threatening attack on neighboring villages ; Milwaukee and Chicago to be razed, When prairie-grass for Indian ponies grew. Now, many people entertained their fears. The Indians, stirred to anger by this outrage. Would ily to arms, exterminate the whites, Milwaukee and the country round it lay. Junneau, proprietor, and first inhabitant, Wliose knowledge of the Indians greater was Than other men's, consulted was, if he Did think it needfid that a fort should rise, Milwaukee 'midst, the tribes to overawe. His answer was, he did not think it needful. No troops were sent. Some blamed him much for this; The soundness of his judgment time has proved. I SCENES IN THE WEST. 209 )!• found -» ler. 1 i ■■ Indians, icil X. lg<^ was fill. inucli for this; >rovnd. As white men puiliy of a crime more flagrant, Had been released unpunished, it did seem No more than right, by equitable judgment, lie should escape the rigor of the law ; An oti'set just, against their liberation. Indeed, there seemed to be no other course Tlie judges could pursue, by which t' evade The charge of base injustice to the Indians, Reciiless connivance at their pcoph^'s crimes. Sentence of death, therefore, to execute, Far would it be from giving satisfaction 'J'o any party ; much less to the Indians ; Who, though they'd sold their lands, were in the country Still in possession of the soil; yet more, According to the articles of treaty. Two years to come were privileged to remain ; And if this case could not be so disposed of, Witii their ideas of justice to accord, Ininucal to the whites they might become, And cause much serious trouV)l(; and alarm. Indeed, the sentiment seemed universal Throughout the territory, that, as white men Had been let go, or sullered to escape Due punishment, for similar oftence. An etjuitable judgment did require The prisoner's prompt release ; and that this course A needful policy had now become, In order to conciliate the tribes. Their favor and their confidence maintain. 18* I > i t !- \f i ■! it SiO B4WK, ASO XLn. Judge F , alone, seemed anxious that the law In all its penalties severe sfiould fall On one devoted head. Much zeal displayed In cause so sanguine ; bc^thc prisoner doomed To death. iJut, by the noble clenicncy Of Dodge, was pardoned, to the satisfaction, As Vk'c believe, of every human else ; And, if wc be permitted thus to speak, And venture an opinion of our owrn, Our excellent governor would, in point of tact, Civil and military, veil compare with Great Alfred! who the way has led, On princes highest honors shed. Great legislator ! wisest, best, Of old a pattern for the rest ! In law a great reform thou mad^st ; Inhuman customs all forbad'sl! First in that early barbarous age. When babbling ignorance passed for sage. Established codes of common law, Observed till now with fear and awe. The same undaunted spirit lead Our counsellors in the cause they plead ; That suffering virtue be redressed, This land with heavenly influence blessed. XLltl. To this judicious and prudential measure. The prisoner's counsel did contribute, Arnold. e law i aed ct, >ld. SC1NE8 Ilf TBS WBBT. He, as a means prclimmary, drew A just petition, and the names obtainedf And signatures of citizens great numbeni Which said petition to the governor sent. Business more lively, money plenty, motet Or better times, than in Wjsconsin now, Known never was. Ne*er did the mania rage or speculation to extreme so great. In one fair summer's epoch, rose the town, Milwaukee young, four hundred edifices, New.built, and painted ; immigration's dawn. The business speculations of the day, Consisted principally in' future towns, And would-be cities, handsomely portrayed On paper. These locating, selling lots, Parcels thereof, to whomsoe'er would buy. Already occupied in fancy's brain. More worth than they will ever be again ; Who each improvement in the future saw, In purchasing and vending of their claims, Improvements on the lands of government. The country, with bank-notes and wild-cat money, Was inundated. Then the public lands W^ere into market ushered. Then, O death ! Death to the hopes of many a speculator, And greedy occupant of public lands ! Jackson his specie circular had sent forth. Charging receivers of the public moneys To take but gold and silver for the land — Bank paper was but rags, a thing of nought. Then followed, 'mong the business-doing men, Sll 818 BLACK BAWXt AND Merchants, and capitalists, such great depression, Distress financial, aa had not been linown In this, or on« preceding generation. Then cant)e the sale ot' land:?, and fortunate, Extremely', those who had the means to buy. These were to buy the claimants' landi permitted, At price but minimum, by Congress fixed ; Which they, according to arrangements made. Previous transferred immediate to the claimant For double sum, W'ilh interest until paid, Secured by mortgage on the lands thus gold ; Doubling their money thus upon the spot. For speculation greater, ne'er was chance, Embraced by all whom money thus enabled ; Gladly accepted on the claimants' part. During first sale, which several weeks did last, Six hundred thousand dollars were received At one land.oflice in Milwaukee city. The raging of the mania, farther hear. As in the following stanzas doth appear : XLIV. The Wisconsin (ever I for oh, I did never Witness such doings before ! The people run mad, or what was as bad, And flocked to the Michigan shore. And this was their ditty, O Milwaukee city, A second great London must be ! In the United States there is nothing that rates With Milwaukee city, you'll see. I SCENES IN TUB WEST. 218 Speculation high i*an, the city began, The lots for ten thousands were sold ; Great London was founded, nine miles surrounded, Each foot of marsh worth as much gold. And then every day you would hear them say. Our property doubles to-morrow ; And if you don't buy, you'll exclaim, with a sigh, I missed it for all, to my sorrow. But lots soon came down in this noble town. From thousands to fifties, alas ! And many great folks bought oxen nnd yokes. And retired to their furrows of grass. The farmers in bands, on government lands. Made claims, and for thousands they sold ; Tlie first in possession, as seemed the impression, Had property better than gold. But the times are now changed, and all is deranged; They'd happy yet happy remain, If the title to lands, now placed in their hands, Were worth but as much as a claim. The high.soulcd, the honest, and those who had credit, With funds tliat were borrowed, built largo ; Soon pay-day came round, and then it was found They could not answer the charge. A war with the banks spread throughout all ranks, And blew a most terrible blast ; ^i W i* i: 214 BLACK IIAWK> AKD SCfSMSS XN TUB WEBT. The merchants loud raving, no prospect of saving, And all went to ruui at last. Let the people be sober, and wisely give over Their hatred, their malice, and pride, Their wild speculation, and seek their salvation, By each one's securing a bride. Then all will be well, and the aged will tell Their generations yet to come, The evils endured, when first they secured In this lone desert a home. The Milwaukee town, destined fop renown, In all her grandeur shall rise ; From ten thousand domes of happiest homes, Her smokes will ascend to the skies. EST. saving, cr ition, 11 BLACK HAWK, AND SCENES IN THE WEST. CANTO V. f T II E A R G U M E N T. A farther dpecription of Scenes in the West — A legend of the Illinois tribe of Indians, showing in what manner they became extinct. ' I This country's everywhere supplied with rivers ; Several of these a southern course pursue, And swell the tide of noble Illinois, Which, from the north, runs central through the State That bears its name. And, also, with this stream, Canal and lake conjoin in prospect fair. Forming an iniobstructod watery road, Internal, grand communication through, From Gotham's mart, to southern town Orleans : St. Louisi central city, intervenes. «• r lU What scenes we know not once did pass f For blood hath flowed upon the grasa, 216 BLACK HAWK, AND Which waves upon these beauteous plains From d) ing men aud heroes' veins ! And, here, we tread on holy ground, The dust of unknown millions round 1 Here, mighty nations in their pride, Ambitious lived, lamented died. So say the walls of Aztulan, Replete v,ith ancient works of man. So speaks the monumental mound, Time could not level to the ground. We know they lived, but who, or what ? Their origin and end forgot ! HI. O! since there is a later race, Of which we can some history trace, The legend we will here relate. Which shows their valor, and their fate. For, on this river's eastern shore. Once dwelt the Illinois of yore, An Indian tribe of power and fame, From whence the country takes its name. Quite small in numbers, when comparc^d With northern tribes, with whom they warred. Provoking them, incurred (heir hale, And hence, their sovereign doom and fate. Declare, O muse ! the signal hour When sprung the strife, and from what power! Encroaching oft upon the ground Where Pottawatamies abound. SCENES X:* THE WEST. 217 Time imrriRmorFal, tho \vav Had lasted, stainod their lands with gore. The Pottawatamies, at leno-th. Enniged, arose in all their strength, Prone to exterminate that race, The puny nation, their disgrace. A general council now they call, Of chiefs and warriors, great and small; Their place of rendezvous, on Fox, The Illinois there interlocks, Upon its western banks, and near Where northern bounds of toes appear. '! i1 IV. Assenibled, Zasli-u-on-a rose, The big-armed chief, in whom reposo The cares paternal of his State, And thus, began he to relate : — Time immemorial, began This Illinois, periidions clan, To Interrupt our peaceful haunts With violence, robbery, and taunts. This we have sullered long and bore, Still do they insult us more and more. Enough! 'tis time to break their bands, They well deserve it at our hands. I first advise each valiant chief, With chosen troops, in bold relief, A single band for each and nil, 1 * ' i i ! '■> 1 it 1 i f 1 ,| (1/ 1 ^ ffl 1 i 1 ■ !b ! ' '» 1- ; 11 - 1 ■ 1 'tt: aiH IH.AIU HAWK, ANU On vilIii niii/'li'd out m1i!i1I ("ill, l''nrli, MiiMfiil), «i|niii llif !!•<•, Ami Muw, 'rims uliiill till- iMijiiiiil mill (liiiiis(', AsstMubling in one hand our might, This is tlio surest way lo li;;hl. Then, ono l»y onr, uiiiird slronjj;, Wo'U swotij) their villa^^es aloii«i; — ■ ^urroumlinjj: kill Mi^, liuiiiiiif; all, And wigwam uftor wigwutn livl 'J'ill Mr liilVi> |)!iM4f.| llicii- HOfiiily |(>filtrt, And fini'-lifd till lo »(vcr\vln'|iii. 'rilUM nIiIiII Wr |»l||<||HHn ^ricil irintwn Aim! ^'Ioiv III! (tin rdl.ils rnivvii. 'I'liis i.H llic |(|iin lliiil 1 lulviMji ; ,S|»(iiK, flK.sc «'X|M'ii«'ii(MMl, l>niv(! jind \visr». A jiiiiiii^' iii(«'i<'(tMrs(i Ix'HfiM, ,S|M'C(|i |i.||..uf(l s|Hrr|i, infill ui'lv.v in;iii, 'J'ill no drrisioii seemed to swiiy, Is lliis iriM;iy |,M)li.s .'ind words wrvo rifr, iVocliiinird (lie growiijn ,,r(||,. sliii;'. 210 ». I 11 i r i vr, Tlir Illinois Avrrc soon ii()|>rizy liiid soiiejit their council. hjil! ; ('(•ncealrd, iind oveihe}irin tht^ scalps that lay, On his return, at dawn of day. I 1:1 i I,' i • i! 1^^ S'iO nLA("K HAWK, AND He crossed the no])lc lllonoy, Ill's henrt eltito with martial joy, And hifjh l)ctoro his nation's si'ES IN THE WEST. The mount above. With care proceed ; Then clambering up as they have need, Step after step, the rocky steep, T' avoid in dark a fatal leap, Fast holding to the shrubs that grew In rocky crevices in vie\v, To save them Irom a backward foe, A fall into the deej) below. Sometimes assisting some the rest, To climb a higher cliifor crest, Until at length they gained the height, And the last barrier hove in sight, XIII. No sound above upon the air, Did indicate they knew them there. The wary leader crept along, In breathless silence 'fore the throng, Up to the barricade, to see, And raised his head most stealthfully Above the breast-work, to discern What of their station he could learn. The last sad look he ever gave, A hatchet's blow his fo reload clave. A horrid war-cry instant rose, And retribution on their foes, Most terrildo in high degree. Did follow simultaneously. Down fell on them, like thunder's shock, A ponderous, huge, and jagged rock, 227 is .; IHi * I 228 ULACK HAWll, -VD Which swept the passage where they lay, Aiul followed clown llio narrow ^\■ay. Its hiigenes-s filled the oj)eninijf made, And the whole passaj^e did invade. The narrow, deep delile, or glen, Wiiich now was full of armed men; And gathering force, it leaps amain, And thunders down upon the plain, Fast crushing out the lives and souls Of all before it as it rolls. Some sought to fly, A dreadful flight ! With no soft couch whereon to light ; Down, headlong down, they fled, they fled ; The rock Ijelow received them dead, A pause ensued ; an awful pause ! Then rose a shout of wild applause, And joy, upon tne midnight air. From those from death delivered there. Then was there heard the dolefid groan, The mortal sigh, the low-like moan, Of wounded, suti'oriug men alloyed, Whose lives not wholly yet destroyed. With glee they cast them from the height ; And when arose the morn's clear light, It shone upon a hum.'ui j)ile, Whose end was dire, and glory vile, XIV. The grief of Illinois grew h?ss, His soul revived by such success ; SCENES IN TIIK WEST. 229 Believed the Coo would now retire, And leave liiin to his heait's desire. He nuich mistaken was in this; The toe, convinced their liUure bliss Destruction of their foes involved, To pen and starve them here resolved. The Illi lis were well suj)|)lied With food ; ne<^lecting to provide A fount of water at the first, Begun to suffer much from thirst, And set about them to devise Some method to procure supplies. On this depended their salvation, With this, impregnable their station. 'J'hov ropes of bark tied all in one, And vessels by this means lei down. To draw out of the river's brink, "What they, or die, must have to drink. But ah ! their cruel fijos were near ; No water could ascend them here. Fast as the cords were gently lowered, They cut them ofl' with knife or sword ; Till no more vessels there remained. Nor drop of water was obtained. Now, halt- way down the rock was found A belt of shrubbery reaching round ; By careful clinging fast to this, One round can i)ass and view th' abyss. And now it was proposed, that one Should in the calm of night go down, 20 *■ l!i ^^ ^ P Sill 230 BLACK HAWK, AND I A-dhering close on hands and kneeg. Descending })y the shrubs and trees, Below, enough contrive to bring To keep from instant perishing. This, by a chieftain bold and young, His song of death uprising sung ; Who volunteered, 'mid sufferings rite, Devoted, at the risk of life, For the salvation of his tribe, Attempted was, without a bribe. XV. Sometimes holding by a point. Where'er the craggy rocks disjoint ; Sometimes letting himself down By a bending cedar's crown, Whose roots in opening chiidis grew fair, Arrived at length where rocks grew bare ; Then, looking upward, round on all, Thought of th' ascent and downward fall, And consequences that involve This great and dangerous resolve. Resolved his journey to pursue, Firm taking hold of one that grew Above the rest ; beneath his weight It bent, and sv/ung him down the height. But here the rock was smooth efface. His feet could find no resting-place ; And further he could not proceed, Return, abandon must the deed. 1 SCENES IN THE WEST. 231 More fast to his support doth cling ; And now he gave an upw.ird spring— The roots did crack beneath his weight • lie ching convulsively, though late. It broke quite from its fastening there ; Then heard a shriek of wild despair, And solemn plunge in deeps below, Resounding to the height of wo. For those above had watched his way In breathless silence, listening lay, The shriek perceived, the plunge he gave, And knew him lifeless on the wave. Despair fell on them as in storm ; Thirst, with his pale and meager form, Stalked fiercely round. The children cried For waler first, and gasped and died. And then the female, and less strong, With fevered brain and swollen tonjjue. Next stindy men, and chiefs unblcst, Laid down in their last sleep to rest ; Or else, with language uttering nought, Or sounds uncouth, with misery fraught, With heaved blood and lips parched dry, And frenzied wildness, fiery eye, In madness of delirium throw Themselves into the deep below. XVI. Still left were those who watched the height. And gates and walls by day and night. 232 BLACK HAWK, AND Days passed : thoir numbers lessened more, A.nd fell to ninety and three-score. These liad nut lost their courage all, And ancient glory whence their I'all. True, was their sun of briiit fell, and earth received him dead. . » 11 ■ ^;- 238 BtACK HAWK, AND SCENES IN TIIH WEST. Bolow St. Louis fled the rest, Wed with some other tribe more blest ; And thus the tribe extinct became, The country still retains the name. They live in legend and in song ; Will over fame like this belong To those who peaceful live and die, Their only hope be} ond the sky 1 Nay ! but a praise of nobler birth, And tlir above the feuds of earth— A higher, nobler, sweeter song,, Their immortality prolong, Round happy heaven's enduring throne, Too great ibr language to make known. BLACK HAWK, AND SCENES IN THE WEST. CANTO VI. THE ARGUMENT. A fnrther description of the countr>' — Mapsncre of Chicngo — In prnise of the Woslern Pioneer — His situation, recreations, and hunting excursions def-cribed — Society in its origin, and the nature of his title to the public domain illustrated — Battle of the Missij^sippi, and total defeat of Black Hawk — His army's disastrous voyage across the river — lie is taken pris- oner, and conducted to the capital city — Makes a tour ihrourrh the United Plates, and is shown their great strength — He returns unto his own land, and dies in peace — Great lamentation is made over him, and he is hon- ored above all the generations of his people with the high prerogative of everlasting remembrance. X. Chicago, with her piers, and walls, and domes, And spacious edifices, high.built homes, And towers, the retinue of city lite, All arts, professions, occupations rife. And houses of resort for multitude, The peasant, tourist, learned, and seclude ; >.^i . .alim»iUi*mh.,- ir 2 40 BLACK HAWK, AND Hor solemn tomplos, that in grandeur vio With decorations sacred, spires on high ; Assemblies solemn, literati, too, With all that every sacred right pursue ; Critics, and editors, and authors just, Those led by sordid avarice, pride, or lust, Ambition, love of riches, place and name. Exalt themselves, while others they defame ; Her beauteous beaus and belles in rich nttlro, All sights and sounds to glad the heart conspire, Was once the land ol dire aiVray and blood, Along Lake Mich'gan's green, unstable Hood! New.built Chicago, fated thus of yore, The grand metropolis of this western shore. ' Up • For here a woful scene was laid, Which cast all others in the shade ; While Hull surrendered up his van. And wrought the fall of Michigan, Sad scenes to be retnemberedlong, And history fit for tragic ;^ong. Town from the river takes its Jiame, The river's from a chlefuiin came ; Some say from native onions wild, Which grew along its current mild. In by-gone years, less than three-score, A 1^'rt was built upon this shore, And manned by fifty troops of ours. Defence against the savage powers, 8CENKS IX THE WEST. In time of peace, when all went well. The Pottawatarnies hero dwell, O'erriin the country and the town, Quite lawless, ranging up and down ; A numerous race, with other tribes, Received Tecumsch's English bribes. Fought Harmar, Wayne, and sage St. Clair, With shouts of blood and carnage there ; Red from the ground ot' Tipp'canoe, Vengeance for slaughtered ehiels in view. Few other families here reside, Shut out from all the world beside ; No place of safety could they reach, Or go beyond the sandy beach, Except by Indian trails each way, Through deserts where the savage lay. Nor yet, by sea a passage saw. Since late the fall of Mackinaw, When England's trident proudly waved O'er tb**.*. .vide lake their borders laved. • III. An Indian chief, in August of that year, Tall Winnemeg, of Pottawatamie tribe, Despatches brought from Hull, in high command, To Heald, connnander of Chicago's fort, His senior off'cer thus instructing him The place to leave could it be sately done, And to Fort Wayne repair, on Mauinee lying, liigh up, and near its source ;; in which event, 21 241 242 BLACK IIATV-S, AND All goods, provisions, public properly, Should be distributed among the triboi Of neighboring Indians, them to pacify. Delivering prompt his message, Wiunemcg Stated to Captain Heald that he well knew The purport of the writings he had brought ; Urged well the policy of his remaining, With ammunition, arms, provisions, stores, So well supi)lied to stand a lengthy sicgo. Ilowe'er, in case he would depart at risk, He urged on him the great necessity Of his departure thence immediately, Before the foe, whose country they must pas.'^, Yet ignorant of the message he had brought, Could raise a force sufticient to oppo e them. This counsel, though 'twas faithlidly given, was not Sufliciently regarded by the olT'cer, Who said, he should the Ibrt evacuate. But not immediately, because of orders To 2ive the iuil>lic stores unto the tribes ; Till he the neighboring Indians had collected, And equitable distribution made, Could not feel justified in leaving here — A scrupulous honesty, when death so near ! But, the necessity of marching out, And leaving everything just as it stood, Sujigested Winnemeg. "For then," said he, "While th' Indians are dividing of the spoils. Made drunken by the liquor they have found, You will be able to eilect retreat." Also, this good advice unheeded fell. SCENES IN THE WKST. Early next morn, while on parade* was read The orders to evacuate the fort. 243 IV, The junior off'cers he had not consulted, In such emergency as well becomes, Because a coolness did exist between them. Not known the cause, nor is it needful now. The ensign and lieutenant waited on him, And, learning his intentions more at length, Against them did remonstrate. We do not, .Said they, believe our troops can pass in safely The Pottawatamie country to Fort Wayne. Although their chiefs, a part, were some opposed To an attack upon us in the autunni, Vet, they were moved by j)rivate, friendly motives, Towards individual whites they much respected ; Not the Americans at large regard. Id the excited state they now are in, We camiot deem those friendly chiefs have power Their warriors to restrain, or pacity, Or influence tribes for vengeance thirsting now. Besides, said they, our march must be but slow ; Our children, wives must go ; our troops are few, Some invalids, and superannuated. Discretionary as your orders are. We think we'd Ijetter fortify ourselves As strong as possible, and here remain. Succor may reach us ere we are attacked. From Mackina ; and, should this come to paii, / ni^Mi S44 BLACK lIAWKf AND Unto the English we had better fall, Than yield as victims to a savage foe. To this replied lie, we aie quite too few To stand the Indians ; said he should be censured, Should he continue in the guriison, When safe retreat apparent seemed to him. . He, therefore, deemed it still advisable The Indians to assemble, and distribute The public stores — an escort ask of them, With promise that a large reward be paid, On safe arrival ; adding, that he had In th' Indians' friendship, perfect confidence ; From whom, tbrsooth, the full of Mackina Had been concealed, and which they yet knew not. The junior ofTcers, after this reproof, From their selt'swayed commander stood aloof; Considering his designs approaching iiiadnesa, But little said that savored not of sadness; And murmuring there pervaded much the ground, Disunion menaced, discord stalked around ; Soldiers, subalterns, waked to discontent, Daring from their superiors to dissent. Meanwhile, the savages surround the camp. Reveal their anger in the furious stamp; And singly entered oft the fort, defying The sentinels, who their entrance stood denying ; And without ceremony make their way To those apartments where the captain lay. ed, not. nd) ng; 0CENE8 i:f THE WEST. For ere this lime an Indian runner sought Their camp, a message from Tecumseh brought, Infonning them of Mackina's defeat, That Hull from Canada had made retreat ; To Indians news most glorious, said he, Arm for the war, and strike immediately. Yotj'll see surrender Hull and army all, And \vc shall reap a harvest in their fall. More and more hold, and troublesome became The Indians now, whose ire began to flame. One in Heald's parlor ran, took up a gun, And tired it oft", pretending nought but fun. *Twas thought to be the signal of attack, The aged chiefs and squaws walked forth and back Among tiie groups, meantime assembled round; Appeared much agitated, eyed the ground With looks of sorrow, tears unon descending, As though some great calamity im[iending; For some, by kindness from the whites received| Were friendly, and at their destruction grieved ; Could not the fury of the rest restrain, Impelled by vengeance for their kindred slain At Tipp'canoe, and hopes of gain immense, And thirst for whiskey, which became intense j For plenty had the garrison in store, And this ihoy knew, desired their death the more. Howe'er, no movements hostile more display, And, without bloodshed, passed another day. 21* 845 ■ ■ • But yet, each inmate here retired to rest— Ah, terrible suspense ! Oh, souls imWest ! Expecting to be roused from where they lay, To tragic scenes before the dawn of day ; Till clear bright morn, appearing, lent them breath ; Yet, was it viewed a prelude to their death! VII. Yet, 80 infatuated was their leader. That he supposed the savage to appease, And lead his little band in safety forth. While more and more aj)parpnt it became To others, that the hope was truly vain. From villages adjacent now arrived The Indians, and a council held, at which, Save Heakl, the captain, no white man approached. Having been warned of massacre intended, Which they him told, he said they must attend The council.hall. They gave a prompt refusal, And, when he sought the council, they repaired Unto the blocU.houso which it overlooks ; Opening the port.holes, pointed caniiun there, And saved themselves from massacre that day. H(«ald told the Indians that he would, next day, Distribute 'mong them all the factory goods. Provisions, ammunition, and siipplies ; Desired of them an escort to Fort Wayne, Promised a great reward on getting there. The Indians friendship most sincere professed, And promised everything which he required. acE^tEs i:r tub WEir. 247 The council was no sooner hrokcn up, The tone of feeling that pervaded t^aw Many, and waited t)n Heald in disclose Opinions, and to ope' his eyes, could they, Ills true condition and their own to see. 'Twas wronir resentment in strong terms, For hjss of licpior, arujs, and tuiHuunition — A violation of good failh, said they, Terms of the treaty not fiillilled as promised ; Had seen the barrels broken, spirits spilled, And tasted of the river-grog next morn. Murmms and threats through all the council ran. Black Hawk, in his allusion to this thing, Says : — Had the whiles but kept iheii promises, No blood on this occasion Ir.id been shed. A chief of some renown, I'lack Partridge was; ^ aiefthat favored much the white man's cause. But savage anger he could not allay, Wlien provocation had their vengeance roused. Soon as the council had adjourned, he came BCKNrs IN TIIF. WKST. 249 «, rnod. To IlcaUl, and taking ofV !i incdol, worn I/on<; time in IViciulsliip, rathor, said, I come To give you up the modal whicli you gave, Long worn l>y mo in tokon of our friendship. Our yoiuig mon are resolved to imhrue their hands In l)h)od, I can't restrain thom, will not wear This token when compollod to be a foe. Hod doubts existed, now they were at end. n. sc. IX. Still did tlie garrison, to death devoted, Continue to propr.re for morrow's march. hionio gallant si)irils, buoyant, cheered the rest; All things disposed and ready made that eve, To rest retired, a wild i.nseeming rest, AVith anxious cares and wakefulness much fraught. Soon came the dawn, and beautifully bright, Pha'bus, on burning chariot, brought the light, New-born, and Michigan before them rolled, In shining splendor, as of burnished gold. Then, to th" American camp, a message came, From chief To-pee-na-bee, St. Joseph's band. Informing them of mischief brewing in The Potlawatamies' camp, sworn to escort them. Now from the fort, in order and array, The troops with martial music take their way. Wells, at the head of his Miami friends, With blackened face, as Indian custom tends, 250 BLACK HAWK, AND Led on the van. With loaded guns in hand, The garrison, with those who have command, Next^'lbllow on ; while next, and in the rear. The wagons for the sick and young appear. The Pottawatamies, five hundred strong, Behind all these, a dense and motley throng, Sworn to escort them safely to Fort Wayne ; Ne'er was a trust reposed so much in vain ! XI. Those in advance no sooner sand-hills roach, Which separate the prairie from the beach, When the whole escort rear deceitful prove. Their station leave, diverging towards a grove, And pass along the sand-hill's southern side. Which intervening, now the hands d.vide. And having soon effected this their plan. Showed their intentions hostile in the van. At this, who at the general welfare aimed, Kind Wells rode hack, and to the whites exclaimed : They're going to fight ! f.u-m, instantly, and charge ! His words were followed hy a (piick discharge Of musketry, behind the sand-hills 'twine ; The troops were instant formed into a line. And charged as they ascended up the hill, A man of seventy years, a veteran, iell. XII. 'Tis needful that we paint tiie deeds of yore. That drenched in crimson this ill-fated shore. SCENES IN THK WEST. 251 The fight was general ; the Miamis fled ; Their chief rode to the Indians, and thus said : You act a double part, your trust betray, I'll be revenged on you another day ! I'll be the first to raise an armed force. To punish you for such a treacherous course. Then brandishing his tomahawk their cheek, Rode oil*, his boon companions 'scaped, to seek. But nothing more of him or them Mas seen, Since their last scami)ering o'er the prairie green. II I I med : arge ! xni. The American troops \yere gallant, true, and bold. Though numbers few, their lives they dearly sold ; In battle died, and knew their end was near, Soujiht to fbrjiot all that on earth was dear. ^'orhees, the surgeon, while the battle raged, As in the thickest light he too engaged, Severely wounded, sutlering much with pain, His bounding courser 'nealh his master slain. Approached the consort of Lieutenant Helm; Said thus to her : — Think you they'll overwhelm, And take our lives, and not as cajitives spare? My wound 1 think not mortal, don't despair. Perhaps, by giving all we can atford — Perhaps, by olU'ring them a large reward, We may prevail, oiu* safety to advance ; And do you think there can be any chance 1 il XIV. Oh, Doctor Vorhees ! spake the lady Helm, Let's neither suffer woes to overwhelm, m i mmmmmtsii 252 BLACK HAWK, AND Nor waste the moments few that yet remain, In idle hopes — ill.rounclocl, vaguer and vain ! Our fate's inevitable ! this is clear ; Must soon befo'-c Jehovah's bar appear! "While yet within oin- power, let us prepare, And make our peace with liini by faith and prayer. Oh! oh ! said he, this is no time to pray !' Confused, a time of snfleringand affray. I cannot die ! I am unfit to die! Although my dissolution seems so nigh. Ah ! had I to prepare a longer space ! Death ! O how awful! stares me in the ftico ! XV. This moment witnessed Ensign Ilonan's full j Was fighting with two portly Indians tall, Contending desperately upon one knee, Was nearly down, and wounded mortally. Pointing her fii^gcr there, the strife inferred, Directing his attention thitherward, Behold ! said she, that young man, how he dies I How like a soldier I Vorhees thus replies : Yes I he perceives no terrors in his late, And has no fears of any future state ! An unbeliever — but not so with me, A candidate for dread eternity ! XVI. Now raised his tomahawk, a savage young, And struck at Lady Helm. She instant sprung SCENES IK THE WEST. S58 jr. Aside, evading from her head full well, The blow intended, on her shoulder fell. She grappled with the Indian, sought in strife To seize and take away his scalpiiig-knife ; And while she did this Indian warrior clasp, Another seized, and dragged her from his grasp ; Boro her resisting, onward towards the lake, As though *twcre beUer drowning, life to take. But, as he bore her rapidly away, She recognized among the dead thai lay. The lifeless surgeon, man unfortunate ! Who sotJght no grace until It was too late. XVII. The Indian plunged her in the water deep, She managed 'hove the waves her head to keep. She soon perceived her captor did not seem Resolved to drown, but rather to redeem, From sfvvago violence, this his prisoner fair. This seen, she viewed him with attentive air ; And now, in spite of painted, black disguise, The white man's friend in him did recognize. It was Black Partridge, When the battle ceased, And danger less, safe from the waves released His prisonecamo A scene of plunder, leasts of stall lay round, Or dead, or dying, scattered o'er the ground ; The words of Ensign Ronan called to mind, »' Such is our fate, to be like brutes shot down !" The wounded prisoners fell ; while those unhurt, Remained in wigwams of their con.pierors. Complete the work of plunder now ; division Being made of all the finery in the tort, Shawls, ribbons, feathers, beads, in rich profusion Scattered about, the fort was set on fire. The Indian trader having hence remov.'d Across the stream, Wa.ban.see and UUick Partridge Stood sentinels at his door. All things so 3med tranquil: But now uno ther swarm, more hungry, came From Wabash country, most implacable Of all the bands of Pottawatamies. SCENES IN THR WEST. 157 XXII. ivt, sion I rt ridge ii\ tranquil I To carry tidings, runner? had been sent To all their villages, informing them The fort to be surrendered, and its spoils Divided, and the people massacred. These hurri(jd joyful on with utmost speed, To reap rich harvests from tlio awful scene, And share the glory of so vile a deed. Arriving at Aux Plains, they met returning, A party bearing a wounded chiet' along. Informed by these a battle had been fi)Ught, A victory gained, divided all the spoils — The prisoners sported with, and they not there, Unbounded was their rage. Then hastening much Their march, until Chicago they had reached, In token of designs malevolutit, Their faces blackened — marked the trader's house For massacre, to nnip a phmdered share. Amid tir assembled household and their guard, His parlor entered, ceremony none. In silence sullen, on the carpet floor, With anger in their looks, then)selves they seat, As though in tacitm-n they would explore, And taunt devoted victims ere their time ; (A doom anticipated, deepens, more sublime!) Impress an earnest of impending wo, Or on so base design an air of grace bestow. 22* SOB BLAC& HAWE, A»D xxin. Black Partridge .asv their looU., and knew ^vhal passed Within them— to re.non.tiato dared not haste. To Wa-ban.sec said, ia an under straui :— To save our friend., our eflbrt. arc in vam ; The trader and hU house remain no more ! I now behold them slain, their Iol^s deplore ! There's noujiht of efibrt can prevent their doom- But hark ! another band of Indians come Across the stream, a friendly vvhoop I hear ; Who knows what chance of safety may appear ? Alert upon his feet Black Partridge sprung, Advancing to the river, met the throng. When gained the bank, he thu. accosts tlic.r chief.- Who are you, sir ? and do you bring relief? I am a man, their leader prompt rejomed ; But who are you, of such as^ining mind ? A man like to yourself ; but tell me, chief. Who are you for ? and do you bring rehef To peaceful men, who always keep their faith ? You who so late arrived .' Black Partridge saith. Then he replied : The Sau-ga-nush proclaimed. I am : though Billy CaJKlwell .)ftener named. My father was an ofl"ees- of high rank— My mother Wyandot, to be thus frank. 'Mong them an heir lo princely power I fall, Tliough educated suoe in Monlreak Adopted cuipf upon may mother's side, But Englishman, or Sau.ga.nash, my pride. ! I passed 8CE:r£» IN THC WSST. ^59 If thus you arc, life on your steps depends ! Your presence, nought but this, can save your friends ; Then make all haste, and to your speed add wings, Fly quickly ; ask not more the state of things ! ^ d.\ ief:— ? XXIV. Then hastened to the place the new arrived, Anek, lamenting oVr thy fate, To give th' appointed bounds a date. Oh ! be content to have thy day. Its boon of praise, its tiansient lay ; Then, ripe in virtue, mount on high, To realms of pleasure in the sky. Let others flourish in thy room, For this is clear the sovereign doom, And will of God to mortal men, Who grants them years threescore and ten. 203 I' ill! ; .1 IS i: n. ifAxW'- 'dBfeswi— ^i*---^;^Ja 264-. BLACK HAWK, AND I O, does there still exist on earth, The fire which gave the Iliad birth ! Made mortal men immortal here. By painting meed to tlmoy's ear 1 Or died it with the fall of Rome, Of Grecian architect and dome ; When great Pantheon felt decay, Or Pope and Milton passed away ? XXIX. If strains of mounting fire Hesperian land. Can boast from l.arps attuned by minstrel hands ; Or any power of tune to thee belong, Raise, muse, to western pioneers a song . Come, lovely Clio ! yet for once inspire \ dull recluse with thine immortal iire . That o'er ihe poet's soul soft rapture llings ; Attune the lyre, and touch the tender strings . On great Columbus be due honors shed, Of all the rest, the sovereign and the head. And thou, O Roune ! shall be remembered long, Of western i»ioneers first in the Hifong. Johnson and Harrison, who fought .m Ihames, Ronton, ami Clay, and Cass, are western names ; Jackson, who served the country in his prune, Unyielding man, the hero of his time ; Immortal men, on western hearts engraved, By tyrant custom could not be enslaved : Statesmen, of whom our countrymen are proud. Round such, what awe. what recollections crowd! SCENKS IN THE WEST. 205 The lido of omird o'er the rof)l ; . One room, one door, one wimlow is eneiigh To serve the present time, till lie can reai A future mansion, land fur tillage clear. Think not too meanly of his seanly dome, His wild, nnpoli.died, and romantic home ! Ye, who are not thus used, without a >igh, On simide nature solely to rely; For this is nature's child, creation's lord. And nature's bounties crown his frugal board. S(jon docks and herds his pasUires wide adorn, His spacious fields are covered o'er with corn. To speak like holy writ, they shout for j:>y. They join in worship, songs of praise employ. To their great Maker, who with goodness crowns The circling years that roll. K.'joiee the downs, On every side the little groves and hills. The mighty river, and the piu-ling rills, Falling from Idgh, or murmuring under gK.und, The landscape fair below the sky pr. -found. Each living creature, house'ES IN THE WEST. 267 Of him whose heart is full of nalure's love, Is heavenly music like to that above ; That thrilling on his soul without alloy, Fills his most grateful heart with floods of joy. Toil, recreation, peace, his life adorn, Sweet is his hour of rest, and sweet his morn. Oft he awakes the huntsman's horn to hear — The chase is up, a fox, a wait", a deer ! Swift bounding o'er the lawn, through wood and dale, Swiftly the hounds pursue and scent the gale. His bounding courser bears him swift along ; Wolves, dogs, and hiuitsmen, stt eds, together throng ; A widening circle formed ten leagues around. And driving inward to the centre ground ; They meet, and in the narrow ring exposed, A score of praivie-wolves are ott enclosed. Then here is sport, and glee, and high exploit Performed by curs, and hounds, drago(tns adroit, And bounding coursers swiftest in the chase; Not like Eumelus, of ethereal race. Yet equal, we doubt not, in strength and force, To waft their riders foremost in the course. Autumnal eve, when shines the silver moon, The hunter seeks to lind the fatted 'coon. XXXI. But, should there come a snow so deep, The nimble deer can't nni, Then, girding on his snowy shoe, The huntsman with his gun, i.,^ ft '■!:t a I liil 268 BLACK HAWK, AM> Walks all imsinking careless on The summits o'C the heaps, And overtakes, and shoots hini down, While struggling iu the deeps. XXXXI. A hunt of this kino, long to be remcuihered, Neav Danvillc^s pleasant village, years agr., Took place in populous county of Vermilion. It would be well, perhaps, and to his bktng, To give the reader smattering of the cbmate, Thi.? favored season of the years that roll ; So pleasant was the weather all that fall. Exceeding fair up to this time convivial, E'en to the new year's day, no wintry blasts, That devotees of pleasure, in their glee. Upon that day foot-races barefoot run. VXXIII. Preparing all things proper for this hunt, A tall tree iu the adjoining forest felled, Brought forth, and set it up upon a height. In middle of the prairie, raised a Hag, for many miles around which could be seen. Then men, some mounted, some on fool, with dogs, licgin, from all sides round, to drive the wood. Joining the prairie, moving towards the flag. Until together in the cenlie me(>t. In narrow ring thus formed, enclosed, that day, J i rr"fi niiriiBiiiiiniiHur SCENES IN TITK V.T-ST. 269 on. ate, ists, soon. wilU dogs, \v'00(l, flag, lat day, Wolves twenty.seven, some wild. cats, and some deer. Few had the fortune good to make escape. Were present here, of the pursuing host, On this occasion, 'bove two hundred dogs, A hundred foot, two hundred threescore steedsmen ; For 'twas a time of groat hilarity. Great was ih* ambition and exertions much, Of hounds and curs, who well performed their task, Hy routing, chasing, in the proper course, Whatever wild animals came into their way, Until they'd driven them out upon the prairie, la open sight. The huntsmen and dragoons In swift pursuit then joined, anc oeing tresh On track, took easy lead of curs and hounds. The buoyancy, exhilarating spirits Of those engaged, surprising truly was. Victorious o'er the wolves, the steodsman rode, Borne swiftly by his bounding courser on, While he, loud neighing, in a glee of triumph, Assails them oft with open moutli advanced, Or furious tramples them beneath his feet. Follows the feast— when, seated round the place Of rendezvous, beneath the liberty.pole, The parson's bles-^iiiji, <■■'■ solicited ; Then, with good rpp' tites and jovial hearts, j|egiu they to partake what their good wives prepared ; Their custards, venison, sliortened cakes, j^ggs, ha .: ai ■': tarts, and seasoned steaks ;^ their sweemieats, puddings, choice nick-nacks, Cheese, chickens, joles, and apple-jacks ; 2B* il M !' tti 270 BLACK HAWK, /VO Their minco and waccaroni plop, Fruit, pound, and cakes that spon-y rise } BaUed pigs, roast turkeys, cheerful song, God grant tbey may enjoy tlic blessing long ! , XXXIV. In eastern countries, thero are many persons Not well informed, or not innn-mod at all, Correctly, on the pro.liicta of the roil. And state of things as here exi.t tar West, Or well.authenticated statement, don't believe ; Regarding them extravagantly iaUe ; ^ Esteeming immigrants to this tair region But reckless ratnble.-s, ^vild, infatuate, Entirely from the, human >vt)rld gone out, • Of people civilized, to dwell among Mere savages, or but the least ren,ove. 'IMicsc s^entiments wero common, years gone b>, \nd still prevail to limited extent. Hence, certain stories strange they used to tell. In hi'di derision of this country's sod, And growth of pla.its ; and thus would they bcgm This is a wondrous country, sure ! The land is rich, the water pure. Hero bread spontaneous grows on trees. And waflles llutter In tlio breeze. Well Ijuttered, sweetened, fresh and fair, And fragrant balms perfume the air. Here Ceres rears her corn as tall As any pine or Chinese wall ; gCE^-ES IN THE WEST. 271 ve; by. tell, r begin And those who gather it, must walk Hi"h ladders, made to climb the stalk logs thov sav ,(» plenty hove, ttioy buj, In woodi and wilds along highway ; The sweetest and the fattest pork, Stuck ill their backs a knife and fork. Already in good style are baked, ■With sao-ee'^aiid spices sttiiTrd uud caked ; Inviting hear-u-s, a^ they nui, Polite a^ any mother's son, To cunie, and dine, partake the feast, And count it favcjrs none the h'd^U And h.MO are plenteous 'coons, they say, That ualk the earth h\ evening gray ; The way they snare them U quite winning, liring tlu^n^ down fiom trees by grinning. The best of sugar pours from trees, Lihe iiweetcst Nvine upon the lees ; Kiu.h Ik'Uow oak is full of honey, Atul here there is no want of money. And as to pralrie-land so clear, 'Tis ^vbat they cannot make appear ; We don't believe such tales as these. More than we do the moon green cheese. XXXV. In view that throw we may some further light Upon this country's early history, When fust by whites 'twas occupied, so lar \s titles are concerned, to lands ere sold ill ! t 272 BLACK KAWK, AND By Congress to the men who sotthnl their, We'll gh-e the veador an acfoiuit succinct Of a claim-tiial that took place that time. In then the inlant village of MiUvatikee. Proper to state, by way of prefice, here, That Mr. M , presiding o'er the trial, Was, and is still, the District C.'ourt'. llrstjudge ; And has for several years discharged the duties Of ofTice with ability and honor. The advocates are men of high repute, Still here residing ; have at dillerent times Been chosen of the Legislature members; By fellow-citizens respected much. g D , defendant, is an honest farmer. To his protession does abmidant honor — • The credit of his townsmen well enjoys And we would state, by way of palliation, In his l)ehalf, that claimants on their lands. To have their claims respected, and prevent Others from seizing them, liave made claim-laws, Requiring persons occupying thus. To be in full possession of the land, To make improvements certain in amount ; Building a cabin, clearing, cultivating Acres a stated number, farmer-like, Proportioned to the size of tract so claimed ; Binding themselves collective to defend Each other from encr(»achments that might come. 'J'he plaintiff, it is true, improvements made, Sutficlent in amount him to entitle, Perhaps, to the protection of his class ; BCENKS IN THE WEST. 273 But he had neither made them to accord With rules spccilio of the law exact, Nor really settled there upon the land, Either in person, or by substitute. XXXVI. ♦ Therefore, S D , though not excusable Wholly, for entering this disputed tract,^ Especially, as the plaintin'and first claimant Was in the country, near at hand, and ready The title to contest, and rights assert ; Vet, circumstanoo. of the case were such, As in degree to justify his course In settling on this claim identical. lie deemed it woidd confirm him in the right, His title be acknowledged paramount To that of claimant first, whose title there Was merely nominal, in his opinion. Ho hoped to be sustained by claimants, bound IJy solemn obligations to protect Those of their class, in any righteous cause ; But otherwise the popular voice declrred. Consulting not opinions, as was need, Especially in commmiity like this, Where great asperities need softening down, Not weighing causes and effects aright, g £ possession took, a cabin built thereon. And into it his rising family moved, The culture of the rugged soil began, By clearing, fencing, raising there a crop. ' mi m'W 274 Bl-ACK HAWK, AND But/noUvitbstan.U..-, he was dUposscsscd Hy fc-rco, and (lisiulu'iit^'d of all, Ky the fust claiuiunts ; bachelor. >%-cre tlu-y. He took possession soon a second time, Deeming hi. right still iVasihle ; then 'twas, The litigation next dosciiljed took place. XXXVII. Delightful village of Milwaukee! I went in November y«nir beat.ties to sec _; Leaving my (T mv home, am 1 the land of mv tillage, To visit the early and new.lounded village I entered vour courts, the niry 1 t^aw And all your attorneys, and coiuise llors at law, The learned judge, en ^throned, looked sedate and compla. They . Witnesses, too, as thick as .uoxjuitos. After the evidence had gone on apace. The lawyers got np to argue the case. ^V iho pertest of these, led the van, AcknowUxigcd by all as an eloquent njan. He says, this is trespass by common law ; As clear a case as ever 1 saw ; Also, by statute of this territory. And this is the way to tell the story. Peters i'!3 # V ipla. ■CI ES IN THli WEST. 275 *4t Kind fTontlemon, too, Ms quite nnrcasonaWc, That tlavc poor Iki(;1i«^1<»vs thus, un^oasonfiblc!, .Should rudely ha striiipM of iIh-u- rights and their lives, Moivly because they have ;.' heui no 'vives. Oa relevant topics his subject had leii;,^th, Ili^ reasou^j supported liy wisdom and strenjrtli; Showed the tlrst clai/naul's title iimst sure jn.d most cl ii ly, And proved, beyond doubt, ho had paid Ibv It dearly. ^ D , the detiMidant, was rowed up Salt rivei', The plaiutiir he put in posscasioii ibrever. A , jrenero\H, saw this, and beheld it with grief, Arose in his nii<'ht for defendant'.s relief. A well-timed intrusi(jn it rertainly was, Poor 1) needed sadly .such prop to his cause. Wholly unliUe. Ireaeheroiis Arnold of old, Who basely betrayed his couulry for gold, So skilful in law, and tru^ry was be. The judne declared he honortd should be — • He, tbert'fove, nuide him a State attorney, And, of thi.s olliee, be proved himself worthy, ib'ntlemen, he says, these lawyers buvu taken A course, which by all should bu fjrsaken ; Whilst one, advocatiiifj, stands u-i, as appears, The other tits by, shedding crocodile tears, lM)r bachelors old, who deserve not a claim, IhieumbcriniT the ground, and but settlers in name ; While an actual settler, as all you agree, With his lady and children, my client must be. \ou would vacate the land, and turn out of door The industrious farmer, because he is poor ; 'm.. M. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V ^ A u.. Z 1.0 I.I 1.25 1^ ||28 If 1^ j2.5 12.2 2.0 1.8 U III 1.6 V] ^1 /a 'm w /A Ukir-«frvTnoT-*riin Sdences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14590 (716) 872-4503 ^;. .\ :\ \ ^\^\ t^^J^ 276 BT.ACK HAWK. AND And shut against him all bowels of rompnssion, And sNvallow the camel to follow the fashion. This speaker gave them such going over, mam, It made the lawyers look quite sober We thought they could not answer a Having two to one, they rallied again. Soon after this noble speech was ended, And from the rostrum he descended, As I was penning this down, as may be, He came and addressed himself thus to mo j To write this down you are taking much pains, But for sale, now, have you got any claims 1 No, says l, my claiming business is done, Whilst yours, it appears, is just now begun. For, after the claims with me arc at rest, You counsellors have the title to test ; And, when bcf )re you the action is brought, You'll confirm such titles as I have bought. When I hunted claims, I went far and near, Resolved from all others to keep myself clear ;^ And if, through mistake, I jumped a man's claim, As soon as I knew it, I jumped off again. 'Twas then that the gallant T— arose, These adverse proceedings firm to oppose ; With boldness and much gesticulation. Draws from the audience their high admiration ; Extends his arms aloft with grace and thumps. Puts all his dire opposers to their trumps— By powerful words, with reason much imbued. Proved headstrong D a reckless course pursued. Such eloquence, and long, with powerful sway, Bore down all opposition, won the day. The learned judge did then address the jury, And thus, to them, ho mildly told the story :— This is a case of trespass, vi ct armis, And you, the jury, must try what the harm is. And if you find that these poor bachelors grand, Had peaceable possession of this land. And had complied with the known customs good, That were adopted in their neighborhood ; And if you find the plaintiffs both interested In the said claim, which now is to be tested, You mtist, indeed, a verdict for them find ; This is the law in cases of this kind. The jury, ever faithfid to their trust, Soon for the plaintilT brought a verdict just, Against poor D ; for he the case had lost. Sixpence the damage, sixty dollars cost. XXXVIII. Our detail of the army in progression, And operations martial on their part, 'Twill now be necessary to resume, And unto Black Hawk's sad retreat return, Hopeful to gain the Mississippi ere • O'erta'en by Atkinson in swift pursuit. For here illustrious Dodge, of sober years, Bears credence first among ihe pioneers ; Before the rest his glory was enhancing, While with more rapid strides ho was advancing. 277 iiii 378 BLACK HAWK, AND Whether it was that the commanfling general Reposed in Dodge a greater confidence, Such risk and task important to perform. We know not ; but arc sure lie was coamilssioned To go ])eforc the army in pursuit. On the fourth night since they Helena left, Unto a late encainpm(Mit of tlio foe Thev catne ; there found an aged Indian sick, Abandoned Ly his [;oople to his fate. For 'lis, among sonie Indian tribes, a custom, Travelling from i>luce to place, wheu cu xemoving, To leave behind the aged and infirm, Provisions furnishing a soniewhat stock. Which to consume and die. Diit, in this case, They no such stock did leavo, for reason plain. Thai they had none to leave ; none for themselves. They deemed, no doubt, that he would be discovered By his pursuers, and be saved from death, Lingering, protracted, from a long starvation, Bv the more welcome bullets, of his foes. This Indian old the army did inform, Black Hawk and all his train had that day gone To a place called Bad Axe, on the Mississippi, To cross next morn, on August's second day. XXXIX. Meanwhile, that day the Indians reached the river, Striking it forty miles 'bove Prairie du Chien, Some having died of hunger and fatigue. Black Hawk immediately essayed to cross ; I SCEr^^ES IN THE WEST, Prevented by calamitous mishap. For hi'io, the steamer Warrior hn encountered ; A white flag raised, the truce to suj)|)licate, And sue fur peace in hU distress extreme. To the captain called, to send his Ijoat on shore, That lie mijijht there surrender up himself, To save his squaws and cliildren from the death, And swift destruction hanging over them. Quite certain 'lis, that he the peace desired, On any terms, to save the remnant left. If thirst of blood had been rapacious less, Aiid inoi'o respect indulged ior flag of truce, Held sacred 'mong all nations of the earth, Faither dei^truction of the lives of men Might well been spared, the nation's honor saved From reckless violation of their faith, And ruthless cruelty in this aflair. Ibit no respect was shown ; charged with decoy, The dogs of war let loose without delay, Swept scores of that unhappy race away. 279 XL. The steeds all wearied out, or nearly so, By inarches forced, the foe to overtake, 'Mid weather sultry, overcoming heat. The soldiers much exhausted with fatigue, The general ordered that the army halt, In order hastily to refresh themselves By food, and some few hours' repose, before They entered into battle, that they might 'f M' 280 BLACK HAWIv, AND The better be prepared for sanguine fray ; That on next day, at second hour of morn, Lonff ere the rosy dawn should stieak the East, They all be ready for their line of inarch, O'er those three leagues that led to fields of conquest. That hour, precise, the bugles sounded loud, Through ail the camping-ground, the notes of war. Their heroes calling to the field of fight. The following was the order of thn bp.ltle : Dodge, with his squadron of the mining troops, Was honored with a place in the front rank. The regular soldiers, infimtry, came next, Under their General Taylor's high command, He who immortal honors won in Mcxic' land. And next him, General Henry's brigade followed To this succeeded General Alexander's ; And next, and last, came General Posey's on, Whose band the rear-guard of the army formed. XLI. A forlorn hope, select, and led by Dodge, Were sent, a chosen score, their foe to spy; A service perilous to execute. Different divisions of the army thus Disposed of, every preparation made Needful, the bands elate their march begin. Had not far gone, ere one of the forlorn Returned with tidings that the foe were near; Having discovered his out picket-guard. This told he to the general of the host ; B<'EXr:8 IN TlIK WEST. 281 t. From him to all subordinates was it sent. 'Twas followed by accelerated march ; Firing in little time commenced in front. The Indians, from one rising ground to next, From time to time were driven, still keeping up A constant fire, on every eminence, O'er which they know their foes obliged to pass. Still, being routed from their hiding-places. At length sought safety in a body main, Retreating to the river bottom, where They joined in one great etlbrt to detend Themselves and families, or in battle die. Here Atkinson resolved to take each step Deemed needful, to prevent the foe's escape, Or down or" up the river ; prudently Ordered the generals Alexander, Posey, To form the amy's right wing, and move down. Directed Henry and brigade to form The left, and march along the Indians' trail, Which lay to south, so near the river's bank, As to prevent a passage out that way. Then must the infantry, by Taylor led, And Dodge's troops, the front and centre form. All of this army, regular troops except. Were mounted volunteers, miHtia-men. XLII. ThG army marshalled thus, in dread array. The almost perpendicular bluffs descend, Until the river's bottom-lands they reach, 24* 292 BLACK HAWK, ANl> A valley.forest, clad with heavy growth Of various ornamental trees ; with shrubs, Much undergrowth, thick, matted grass, and tall } Of fallen timber, sloughs, ravines, quite full; So plentifully sprinkled us t' afl'ord The foe the means a strong defence to make A heavy fire connnencod, which was returned By Ih' Indians with much spirit. Then sank they, And disappeared Indiind the fallen trees, Till they could load ; when they again rose up. Discharged their pieces, raised a hideous yell. xmi. Down tomahawk and rifle sank, Like fallen warrior's deadly clank ; Down sunk the Indian where he stood, And disappeared among the wood, 'Mid herbage, willows, and thick grass: As though the earth, to let him pass, Had ope'd her mouth as deep within, As when she took Abiram in. Here lay concealed those wary sons. Till they could safely charge their guns ; But soon was changed their wildest yell, To loud lament o'er those that fell. XLIV. Then hand to hand the fight becoming general, The pale-faced troops rushed through the dark defilcy, ! ■CETTES IN THE WEST. 288 Ravines, and strong-holds of the hidden foe, Driving them out from all their hiding-places, Slew all that came in their desiructivc way. During this time, Posey, and Alexander, With their brigades were marching down the river, With a part of Black Hawk's bund fell in high up, Routed, and slew of them the greater part. Sometimes, in their advance, would cross an Indian Lying in ambuscade among thick brush, Who had not well obeyed his chieftain's voice, In his retreat ; whereby alone was left. Oft startled thus, by almost treading on The brawny finmes of such stretched on the ground ; Sometimes atnid tall weeds or osiers lying. Like serpents in the grass, not venturing flight, Nor yet to fire their guns, lest it expose them To those who showed no mercy to a foe. They stirred not, but remained and held their breath, Hoping discovery none, thereby securing death. filci!, XLV. The part which Black Hawk acted in this battle, As soldier, patriot, soul magnanimous, Was highly to the credit of his heart, And in good keeping with his high career— r Consistent with his lofty mind and aim. He seemed, as ever he had been, impressed. Duly, with this absorbing sentiment — That still his cause was just, pretensions good; That, though he'd failed in its accomplishment. i— ■ • ' 1 284 BLACK HAWK, AND Which was to reinstate his people in Their ancient territory ; what they'd lost Recover, and to which they had a right, As he believed, by laws of Deity ; Yet, he still felt an inward consciousness That he his duty had discharged full well Unto his nation. Buoyed up by this, ^ Determined still to do what yet remauicd Within his power, in saving their retreat, Retrieving their condition ruinous ; Oft much depressed in mind in this sad flight He seemed, for fear of its results disastrous. But purely national was his concern, Not caring for himself, but for the rest ; While o'er the ruins of his country wept. Yet sorrowed not like one who'd lost his hope, \nd with it all the will and power to work. Something he still could do-that something was, To put forth all his energies subhme, And firmness, to conduct a safe retreat. And this he did. All duties he discharged Of a good general— done what man could do, In such a desperate, hopeless cause forlorn. All quarters were denied him by his foe, And left him no resource but in himself. Going from group to group of his dejected Followers, reminding them the great events Which on th' issue of this battle hung ; All being at stake, and their salvation restmg Upon their valor and success ; much now Exhorting to be valiant in defence BCKNliS ly TllK WKSX. Of wivcd and children dear; endeavoring iuud, At risk of life, the enemy to repulse F*uin river's bank, and force a passage o'er The Mississippi to its western shore, Their last grand barrier 'gainst a safe retreat. Th» motives which inspired this generous savage, Posterity will approve and venerate. Unto the brave, high-soulod, adventurous spirits Of earth, it will eternally endear him. What general on this mortal shore, In such a strait, accomplished more 1 Not Buonaparte, in that sad hour Of his retreat from British power! Nor Wellington, who passed for nought, When the first battle lost he fought ! And sure they had no better cause. Than fight for country, kindred, laws ! 285 XLVI. Finally routed from all place of refuge, Surrounded on all sides, and driven like flock Of timid sheep Irom wolves, in horror flying To tU' outer verge of Mississippi's bank, Evil, perceived they, had befallen them ; . For, oh ! to cross so wide and deep a river, So rapid in its current, in full view Of a victorious, unrelenting foe, Both eager in pursuit and close in rear, Under most favorable circumstances, must. 280 SLACK HAWK, AND Could not but bo disastrous in extreme ; Much inoro so must, it prove to them, who now Were unprovided wHh the needful barks To cross that awful j^iilf, impassalilo, Barrier trenienuuu.;, hindering tiieir escape! Their minds were tilled with awful apprehensions Of consequences fearful that would fuUoW. Dreadful alternative ! to be thus forced To plunn;e the livei* lieadluniX, and expose Themselves to danger imminent of drowning, Or fall by cruel hands upon its banks- ! Thus circumstanced, with danger.-* such before, Destruction worse behind, they lingering stood Upon the cuter bank of Mississipprs flood ! XLVII. The dread appearance thereof, and the thoughtj Of being compelled to cross if, without bark Or raft to buoy them up above the waves, Astounded them with an amazemeiit sore. Involuntary forced them back with horror ; They turned away, and stood aghast ia view Of such a mighty efibrt so revolting ; But worse destruction from behind pursuing, Impelled them onward, and their minds strung up To deeds of mighty daring. Braving all. In the deep waters, headlong, straight they plunged, Where many drowned ; others, pursued too closely, Strove t' evade the leaden death by diving — But all in vain ; for our sharp riflemen, SCENES IN TIIC WEST. 287 Who OOW^wfrm top of tallest trco thcro btood, Pit'k niii. perchance, u si|iiin'ers eye, orpicrco Tho hfud of duck, far otV, iti re appearing Abo\*e the water's surface, toiiud il easy In (living Indian's head a ball to lodge. The women, childivn, and of warriors part, Monnti'd Oil pojiies, \,\ thinr haste phmged in, 'i'iie time, the h-ant delay permitted not ; The ponies with their freight succeetlctl well, And gained the weslera shore, a few except, That wei'o so 'D The many pieces turned to blazing stars, And seemed to skip about like living fires, And one by one they turned exceeding pale, Went out with imitative sounds of wail, That filled my soul with horror but to hear, And showed our nation's end and ruin near. Few, burning pale, did wander out of sight. And shadowed forth a remnant saved by flight. BLACK HAWK. The warning we could not forego. As by experience sad we know ; Yet let us still by faith inquire, And ask of our Almighty Sire, The signs our future course may ahow, And what we do, and wher3 we go. But first we'll make a sacrifico Of all we do most dearly prize — Cast our tobacco in the fire,^ And ofier up our 'heart's desire. And the Great Spirit grant, this night, A visioned ornon fair and bright. Our chief long watching, *»unk to rest, Prayer labored in the prophetN breast. All night he nought of slumber found, But walked a solitary round ; Oft viewed in prayer the burning brand, And all the heavenly movements wanned. He saw, before the dawn of day, A sign which crowed the arial way } SCENES IN TUB WEST. 291 And thence arose a burning star, A supernatural sign, and far Into the north it made its way, There stood, all luminous as day. The prophet called the weary chief. And showed the sign of their relief. He saw the omen, and was glad, Unto the prophet thus he said : This is my ancient mother's star ; She saw it through the future far ; ^ Foretold my fate in ancient day, And said a star should mark my way, And be my guide in that sad hour That gave my foes the ruling power. Up quickly, prophet ! rein our steeds, For I must follow where it leads. It shows the way of safety true, For this was kindly promised, too ; If to my foes I be betrayed. Their liands from violence shall be stayed. Obedient to the mandate given, Obsequious to the will of heaven, Devoutly grateful went they forth, And journeyed onward towards the north. LI. Pursued by Winnebagoes, they, ere long, Were taken prisoners, brought to Prairie du Cbion,' By Decorie, Chaeter, chiefs cf tribes. The off'cera of the fort were present now, 2QQ BLACK HAWK, AND And other persons of distinction, many. The scene was interesting and impressive. In deer-skins, snow-white dressed, appeared the captives. Seated, his message Decorie delix'ered, And prisoners to the charge of General Street. Then, Black Hawk rose, the general thus addressed : Great chief! you've ta'en me prisoner, with my warriors ! When I could not by Indian tact prevail, To fight you face to fiicc I was constrained. I fought hard ; but your guns were too well aimed; Like singing-birds of air your Ijullcts flew, And whistled by our ears like wintry winds. My warriors fell around me ; dismal looked it. I hoped assistance from some neighboring tribes, Who promised faithful they would join my standard. Deceivers told me that our British dither Would secretly assist us to regain The lands we'd lost— on that we might depend. The Pottawatamies could massacre Families defenceless, lying on Indian creek; Say Black Hawk done it ; but they took good care Not to fulfil their promises to him, By coming to his aid in lime of need. I saw my evi! day at hand, and then The sun rose dim upon us on that morn ; In darkness set ; looked like a ball of fire. Tliat was the last sun ever shone on Black Hawk. His heart, dead in his bosom, beats no more ! His numbered suns pre thre^-scorc years and eil, And the infirmities of age are on him. Now to tho white men he has dxllen a prisoner ; I SCENES IX THE WEST, •293 They'll do with him their wish ; but he can stand Torture ; and he of death is not afraid. He is no coward. Black Hawk is an Indian — He's nothinjT done an Indian to disgrace ; Nothing for which an Indian need feel shame. He's for his countrymen and kindred fought, Against white men, who came, year after year, To make his poojile drunk with their fire-water. And rol) them of their furs and hunting-grounds. He's satisfied. He'll go to the world of spirits ; His father there will meet him, and commend him. Black Hawk disdains to like a woman cry. He loves his wife, his children, and his friends ; He cares not for himself. Farewell, my nation ! Black Hawk to save you tried, He drank the blood Of some o' the whites. He has been taken prisoner, His plans are stopped, and he can do no more ! His end is near ; his sun is going down ! And he will rise no more ! Farewell to Black Hawk, Was taken to the capitolian city — First words he uttered in his interview Witli tlie nation's chief, were t'.}x '^c distinguished ones, Descriptive of hU character std^ime : ♦* You are a man, and I, too, am a man." The whites much honored the ningnanlmous chief, Black Hawk. Th(^ better to convince him of The daring nattno of his bold attempts, 25* 294 BLACK HAWK, AND Transported him through their great thoroughfares, Their metropolitan, capitoliaii towns, And cities, on a tour through all the States ; Showed him their multitude, and population dense, Their strong-holds, forts, and towers, well fortified. Harbors, and guns with calibres immense. The aged chief beh-eld them with his eyes, And listened with surprise to their loud roar; Examined them minutely witli hij hands. They showed liim, also, their steamships of war, Tremendous, and their docks, and navy-yards, Their seventy-four's, with all their triple decks, Mounted with long eighteen's, and forty-two's, That, on the first discharge, cut masts away ; Their troops, militia, independent companies In uniform, with numerous land-artillery, And all their military preparations. Nothing in all the land, of warlike nature, Or instrument, assault or of defence, But they did show it him, and tell its use ; All these the chief beheld, astonished much. He once believed that, with ten thousand men, He, through the States, could march triumphantly; But now he saw how futile, rash, and vain All such attempts. Filled with surprise and awe. nil. And now, unto the off'cers and chief men. That thronged about him, in his visits through \ ICENEa IN THE \VE«T. 295 From place to place, himself he thus expressed : Brothers ! you are a great and mighty nation ; Yom- people, in their multitude, arc like The twinkling stars in heaven we cannot count, Or dust of earth, or grains of sand on shore. All efforts to resist your arm of power Arc utter vanity, I'm well convinced. I'll go and tell these things unto my people. Your strength and might, your navies, fleets, and armies, Are numerous as the leaves our forests yield. I will instruct thom in the ways of wisdom. Brothers ! my people few are thinly scattered ; They're very small, and weak as helpless infants. ♦Tis better that they silently extinguish Their council-fires, and leave their native land, And graves of their forefathers, quietly, For regions more remote beyond the river ; There "be content to dwell, nor more return, But go e'en farther still, should you desire, And'iisk no reason why you this require. 'Tis useless! prudence prompts this course ; and more, That wo in no more bloody wars engage, To thwart the inclinations of your people. It was a lovely country, in our eyes Pelightful ; we were loth to give it up. Many our people did oppose this treaty ; • Had they been counted, and the tears they shed,* I think our lands would still have been our own. Brothers ! I ask you, in my people's name, ITs to protect in that new land we go, \ 296 BLACK HAWK, AND *Gainsl other tribes upon whoso borders forced, Encroaching on, lest they destroy us there. We know our weakness and forlorn condition, Orphans and strangers in a distant land. As o'er a wide and thinly-timbered country We're doomed to rove, our hunting-grounds inferior. Great Manitou hears what I say ; will be A faithful witness 'tween you and my people. I'm done. But be you sure to toll my words To the tall white chief of all your pale-faced brothers, Who occupies the splendid mammoth wigwam In Washington, your capitolian city. MV. Unto his people he returned, and told Them all that he had seen, and all the words The white chief told him ; what he'd said to them. lie died in peace and honor in his land ; Was gathered to his people ; over him Great lamentation made. They buried liim On Des Moines' eastern side, in what was called New Purchase, in Iowa, with such honors As military heroes do receive, By customs known 'mong red men to oi)serve. They mourned in usual way, by uttering ^Sounds guttural, and prayers to Manituu, For his safe passage to the land of spirits. And here, him to lament, would often come His friends and people, bringing him rich presents, SCENES IN THE WEST. 207 Large pieces of tobacco, honey-comb, Placed by him in his tomb, uttering wild criea of grief. In prairie land, upon an eminence, Quito near his habitation, and the river, The grave of the renowned is situate. Of him, the prince and hero of his race. The mighty, and unconquerable Black Hawk ! His grave, constructed in the Indian mode, Was wide and deep, and in its western end, And in a sitting posture, was he placed ; His countenance looking towards the rising sun. His staff, that Clay did give, was placed upright Beside him ; on it his right hand did rest. By him his garments, tomahawk, and gun ; A splendid uniform did he have on, Presented to him by our nation's chief. His face was painted red, and striped with black. Just as a youthful Indian dandy paints, When he goes wooing ; thus conveying thought To living red men, that their great, high chief, Had gone a.courting to another world ; Where, if he should receive the signal favor Of the Great Spirit, he would be united To a woman who had passed those mortal boundsy There live forever in green hunting-grounds, Where deer and elk abound, and no white man. Them to molest, be Buffered there to come, ^ Thus was he honored, according unto all That was revealed of him to Gentle ?e, His great maternal ancestor, alone, 298 BLACK HAWK, AND The only chief 'mong all the families, tribes, And kindreds of his people, who could claim The high prerogative of everlasting fame. Live, O illustrious chioftain of the Sacs ! The noblest, last, and bravest of thy race I Live in the affections of thy people ever ! Live in the records, and the songs of history \ Let no man censure thee henceforth, or dare To call in question all thy motives pure ! Against thy character sublime say aught, Or strive to rob thee of immortal fame ! Forever perished be that hand, that name. O'er thee oblivion's curtain fain would draw, Or tear away from thy most noblo brow The chaplct wreath of thy resplendent glory ! Sleep, warrior ! to thy rest thou must return ; As all thy fathers have, so e'en must thou ! For ah ! to death, what monarch needs not bow ? O joyful, unconfincd his spirit be ! For freedom loved in life, in death may ho Inherit largely it. Sleep thou in glory's bed, In quiet, mighty chief of nation red? Alone had wisdom in thyself to know, And magnanimity to vindicate just claims, Thy people's rights ; appealing to the sword, The last resort, when efforts else had failed ; lU-fated hour, and desperate cause, though just ; BCEMES IN THE WEST. 990 Hurling defiance 'gainst gigantic power ; Who tyranny in every shape condemned ; While Dodge and Doty, Tallmadge, prudent men, Far in the north, and Renolds, Duncan, Ford, Govern successively this land of thine. Of Nit-o-me-ma, and Omaint-si-ar-nah ! THB ErfD* t- !**