IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) K// '^^-^^ t 1.0 1.1 mm m23 a 12.0 IL25 11 1.4 m 11^ I 1.6 FhotDgraphJc _ScMices ¥^ ¥^ ^ <^ as vmr main stmit VIIIMTn.N.Y. USM (7U)tn-4M» ^%^^ 4^^ ^ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVi/iCIVIH Coiiection de microfiches. CanadiAn Institut* for Historical Microreproductions / Instltut Canadian da microraproductlons historlquas ;\ Technical and Bibliographic Notaa/Notat tachniquaa at bibliographiquaa Tha Inatituta haa attamptad to obtain tha baat original copy avaiiab^a for filming. Faaturaa of thia copy which may ba bibliographically uniqua, which may altar any of tha imagaa in tha raproduction, or which may aigniflcantly changa tha uaual mathod of filming, ara chackaid balow. D D n n n Colourad covars/ Couvartura da couleur I I Covors damaged/ Couvartu'a andommagte Covara raatored and/or laminated/ Couvarture raataurte et/ou pellicula I I Cover title miaaing/ Le titre de couverture manque Coloured mapa/ Cartea giographiquaa en couleur □ Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) □ Coloured platea and/or illuatrationa/ Planchaa et/ou illuatrationa on couleur □ Bound with other material/ RallA avac d'autrea documenta Tight binding may cauae ahadowa or diatortion along interior margin/ La re liure aarrie paut cauaar da I'ombre ou de la diatortion le long de la marge intArieure Blank leavaa added during reatoration may appear within tha text. Whenever poaaible, theae have been omitted from filming/ 11 aa paut que certainaa pagea blanchea aJoutAea lore d'une reatauration epparaiaaant dana le texta, mala, loraque cela Atait poaaible, cea pagea n'ont pea AtA fiim^ea. Additional commenta:/ Commantairea supplAmantairaa: Thia item ia filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ L'inatitut a microfilm* le meiifaur axemplaire qt ».' lui a At* poaaible de ae procurer. Lea dAtaiia d - It axemplaire qui aont paut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographlque, qui peuvant modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mAthode normale de filmaga aont indiquAa ci-dessous. n~| Coloured pages/ D Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pagea endommagAes Pages restored and/oi Pages reataurAea et/ou pelllculAea Pages diacoiourad, stained or foxei Pages dAcolorAea, tachetAes ou piquAes Pages detached/ Pages dAtachAes Showthroughy Transparence Quality of prir QuailitA inAgale de I'lmpreaaion Includea supplementary materii Comprend du matAr>«l supplAmentaSre Only edition available/ Seule Adition diaponible r^ Pages damaged/ I — I Pages reatorad and/or laminated/ rri Pages diacoiourad, stained or foxed/ I I Pages detached/ r~y\ Showthrough/ I I Quality of print varies/ I I Includea supplementary material/ I — I Only edition available/ Th to Th p« of fill Or ba th< aic oti fir aic or Th ahi Til Ml dif em bm rig rec Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Lea pages totalement ou partieilement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, una peiure, etc., ont AtA fiimAes A nouveau de fa9on A obtanir la meilleure image possible. Cede 10X »cum ent e stfil mA au tau 14X X de rAdu ction 18X indl« |UAG l-dea sous 22X 26X 30X V 12X 16X aPX 24X 28X 32X . Th« copy fllmcct here haa b—n raproduead thanks to tha ganaroaity off: Univmityof Albtrta Edmonton L'axamplaira filmA f ut raproduit grAca k la g^nArosit* da: University of Albtrta Edmonton Tha imagaa appaaring hara ara tha baat quality poasibia eonsidaring tha condition and lagibility of tha original copy and in Icaaping with tha filming contract apacificationa. Original copiaa in printad papar covara ara fiimad baginning with tha front cover and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or llluatratad impraa- sion, or tlw back cover whan eppropriata. All othar original copiaa ara fiimad baginning on tha first paga with a printad or iiluatratad impraa- sion, and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or iiluatratad impraaalon. Tha laat racordad f rama on aach microficha shall contain tha symbol —^ (moaning "CON- TINUED"). or tha symbol V (moaning "END"), whichavar appiiaa. Las Imsgas suivsntas ont 4til raprodultas avac la plus grsnd soin. compta tanu da la condition at da la nattati da l'axamplaira film*, at an conformity avac las conditions du eontrst da filmaga. Laa axampiairaa originaux dont la couvartura •n papiar aat imprimia sont f ilmAs an comman9ant par la pramiar plat at mn tarminant soit par la darnlAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'imprassion ou d'lllustration. soit par la sacond plat, salon la cas. Toua las autras axamplairas originaux sont fMmto •» commandant par la pramlAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'Impraaaion ou d'iliusr/ation at an tarminant par la damlAra paga qui comporta una talla ampfainta. Un das symbolaa suivants spparattra sur la darniira imaga da chaqua microficha. sslon la caa: la symbols ^ signlfia . SUIVRE", la symbols ▼ signifia "FIN". Mapa, piataa. chana. ate., may ba fiimad at diffarant reduction ratioa. Thoaa too large to be entirely included in one expoaura are fiimad beginning In the upper left hend comer, left to right end top to bottom, aa many framae ae required. The following diagrama illuatrate the method: Laa cartaa. planches, tablaeux. etc.. pavvent Atra fllmto d dee taux da reduction diffArents. Lorsque Is document est trop grand pour Atra reproduit en un seul ciichi. il est film* * partir da i'angle supArieur geuche. de gauche A droit*, et do haut en bes. en prenant la nombre d'imagea nAcassaira. Las disgrammas suivants illustrant la mAthoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 f r " ' 'i^'"'*^"""^^'**M"PiM>PiMHnQHi :»• z:^ Tl H ^^otW*^' 7 ""~**i(l£^|i^-- ■ff. r LIFE ov MA-KA-TAI-ME-SHEKIA-KIAK OR BLACK HAWK, EMBRACINO THE TRADITION ' B HIS NATION — ^INDIAN WARS IN WHICH HE HAS BEEN ENGAGED — CAUSE OF JOINING THE BRITISH IN THEIR LATE WAR WITH AMERICA, AND ITS HISTORY — ^DES- CRIPTION OF THE ROCK-RIVER VILLAGE — ^MAN- NERS AND CUSTOMS — ENCROACHMENTS BT THE WHITES, CONTRARY TO TREATY — REMOVAL FROM HIS VILLAGE IN 1831. WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE CAUSE AND GENERAL HISTORY OP THE LATE WAR, HIS SURRENDER AND CONFINEMENT AT JEFFERSON BARRACKS, AND TRAVELS THROUGH THE UNITED STATES. DICTATED BY HIMSELF. J. B. PATTEBSON, OF BOCK ISLAId*, OLLmOIS, EDITOR AND FROPRIETOR. CINCINNATI. 1833. tl^ IJ,n!ipW^ w '> '■', VK .■?'-• ».**' DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS, m: Bb it rembmbbrbd, that on thii sixteenth day of November, Anno Domini eighteen hundied and tliirty-three, J. B. Pattekbon, of said district, hath deposited in this office the title of a Book, the title of which is in the words following, to wit : ** Life of Makataimeshekiakiak or Black Hawk, embracing the Tradi- tion of his nation— Indian wars in which he has been engaged — Cause of joining the British in their late war Miiti America, and its history — Des- cription of the Rock-River Village — Manners and Customs — ^Encroach- ments by the Whiles, contrary to treaty-~Removal from his village in 1831. With an Account of die cause and general history of the Late War, his surrender and confinement at Jefferson Barracks, and travels through the United States. Dictated ;hy himself. J. B. Patterson of Rock Island, 111. Editor and Proprietor.*^ , ^ The right whereof he claims as author, in conformity with an act of Congress, entitled (* An act to amend the several acts respecting copy rights.'* W. H. BROWN, Clerk, of the DutrUt oflOimit. Ai%r i\. i l»!W» r, Anno of said [>f which i Tradi- 7ause of ir— Des- icroach- llage in le Late traveig iraon of act of og copy I UKrwit, INDIAN AGENCY, Rock-Island, October 16, 1833. I DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia- kiak, or Black Hawk, did call upon me, on his return to his people in August last, and express a great de- sire to have a History of his Life written and publish- ed, in order, (as he said) 'ke- we-yen, ke-pe-me-kai-mi-kat hai-nen hac-yki na-na-co si-peu, nen-a-kai-ne-co-ten ne-co-ten ne-ka chi-a-quoi ne-me-cok me-to-sai ne-ne-wak-kai ne-wc-yen-nen, kai- shai ma-ni-to'ke ka-to-me-nak ke-wa-sai he-co-wai mi- a-me, ka-chi pai-ko-tai-hear-pe kai-cee wa-wa-kia he- pe ha-pe-nach-he-cha, na-na-ke-na-way ni-taain ai we- pa-he-wea to-to-na ca, ke-to-ta-we-yeak, he-nok mia- ni ai she-ke-ta ma-ke-si-yen, nen-a-kp.i na-co-ten ne-ka- he-nen 6-ta-quois, wa-toi-na-ka che-ma-ke-keu na-ta- che tai-hai-ken ai mo-co-man ye-we-yeu ke-to-tow6, E-nok ma-ni-hai she-ka-ta-ma k: si-yen, wen-e-cha-hai nai-ne-mak, mai-ko-ten ke-ka-cha ma-men-na-tuk we- yow6, keu-ke-nok ai she-me ma-na-ni ta-men-ke-yow6. MA-KA-TAI-ME-SHE-KIA-KIAK. Ma-taus-we Ki-sis, 1833. t> Iff-. *.i '>;o fi •ods, furs |red tbe fe them tselves* nation , lag^kimst I % I them, and succeeded, by their great strength, to drive them to Montreal, and from thence to Mackinac. Here our people first met our British father, who fur- nished them with goods. Their enemies still pursued them, and drove them to different places on the lake, until they made a village near Green Bay, on what is now called 5ac river, having derived its nL,ne from this circumstance. Here they held a council with the Foxes, and a national treaty of friendship and alliance was concluded upon. The Foxes abandoned their village, and joined the Sacs. This arrangement being mutually obligatory upon both parties, as neither were sufficiently strong to meet their enemies with any hope of success, they soon became as one band or nation of people. They were driven, hoiyever, by the combined forces of their enemies, to the Ouisconsin. They re- mained here some time, until a party of their young men, (who had descended Rock river to its mouth.) returned, and made a favorable report of the country. They all descended Rock river — drove the Kaskas- kias from the country, and commenced the erection of their village, determined never to leave it. At this village I was born, being a regular descen- dant of the first chief, Na-na-ma-kee, or Thunder. Few, if any, events of note, transpired within my recol- lection, till about my fifteenth year. I was not allow- ed to paint, or wear feathers; but distinguished myself, at that early age, by wounding an enemy; consequent- ly, I was placed in the ranks of the Bravest 20 LIVE OF BLACK HAWK. Soon after this, a leading chief of the Muscow na- tion, came to our village for recruits to go to war against the Osages, (ur common enemy. I volunteer- ed my services to go, as my father had joined him; and was proud to have an opportunity to prove to him that I was not an unworthy son, and that I had courage and bravery. It was not long before we met the enemy, when a battle immediately ensued. Standing by my father's side, I saw him kill his antagonist, and tear the scalp from his head. Fired with valor and ambition, I rushed furiously upon another, smote him to the earth with my tomahawk — run my lance through his body — took off his scalp, and returned in triumph to my father! He said nothing, but looked pleased. This was the first man 1 killed ! The enemy's loss in this engage- ment having been great, they immediately retreated, which put an end to the war for the present. Our party then returned to our village, and danced over the scalps we had taken. This was the first time that I was permitted to join in a scalp-dance. After a few moons had passed, (having acquired con- siderable fame as a brcne,) I led a p^irty of seven, and attacked one hundred Osages! 1 killed one man, and left him for my comrades to scalp, whilst I was taking an observation of the strength and preparations of the enemy; and finding that they were all equally well atnned with ourselves, I ordered a retreat, and came off without losing a man ! This excursion gained for me great applause, and enabled me, before a great while. LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. St Muscow na- ' go to war I volunteer- sdhim; and to him that courage and the enemy, iding by my ind tear the >d ambition, to the earth I his body — ) my father I lis was the his engage- 7 retreated, sent. Our anced over St time that quired con- seven, and man, and was taking tions of the [ually well d came off led for me -eat while, to raise a party of one hundred and eighty, to go against the Osages. We left our village in high spir- its, and marched over a rugged country, until we reached that of the Osages, on the Missouri. We fol- lowed their trail until we arrived at their village, which we approached with great caution, expecting that they were all there; but found, to our sorrow, that they had deserted it! The party became dissatisfied, in conse- quence of this disappointment, — and all, with the ex- ception of ^V6, dispersed und returned home. I then placed myself at the head of this brave little band, and thanked the Great Spirit that so many remained — and took up the trail of our enemies, with a fuK determina- tion never to return without some trophy of victory! We followed on for several days — killed one man and a boy, and then returned with their scalps. In consequence of this mutiny in my camp, I was not again enabled to raise a sufficient party to go against the Osages, until about my nineteenth year. During this interim, they committed many outrages on our nation and people. I succeeded at length, in re- cruiting two hundred efficient warriors, and took up the line of march early in the morning. In a few days we were in the enemy's country, and had not travelled far before we met an equal force to contend with. A general battle immediately commenced, although my braves were considerably fatigued by forced marches. Each party fought desperately. The enemy seemed unwilling to yield the ground, and we were determined k?.':.^i^<., '. -Aiu4^'.,' .'.- .u. .^r-i! -£tisuA t 22 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. . ,rl! ! to conquer or die! A large number of the Osages were killed, and many wounded, before they commen- ced retreating. A band of warriors more brave, skil- ful and efficient than mine, could not be found. In this engagement I killed five men and one squaw, and had the good fortune to take the scalps of all I struck, except one. The enemy's loss in this engagement was about one hundred men. Ours nineteen. We now returned to our village, well pleased with our success^ and danced over the scalps we had taken. The Osages, in consequence of their great loss in this battle, became satisfied to remain on their own lands; and ceased, for awhile, their depredations on our na- tion. Our attention, therefore, was directed towards an ancient enemy, who had decoyed and murdered some of our helpless women and children. I started, with my father, who took command of a small party, and proceeded against the enemy. We met near Merimack, and an action ensued, the Cherokees having greatly the advantage in numbers. Early in this en- gagement my father was wounded in the thigh — but had the pleasure of killing his antagonist before he fell. Seeing that he had fallen, I assumed command, and fought desperately, until the enemy commenced re- treating before us. I returned to my father to admin- ister to his necessities, but nothing could be done for him. The medicine man said the wound was mortal! from which he soon after died! In this battle I killed \ tsn OF BLACK HAWK. 23 e Osages commen- rave, skil- »und. In |uaw, and 1 1 struck, ment was We now r success, OSS in this i^n lands; n our na- l towards nurdered [ started, ill party, let near IS having this en- h — but he fell, nd, and ced re- admin- one for mortal! kiUed ■«■■ three men, and wounded seyeral. The enemy's loss being twenty-eight, and ours seven. I DOW fell heir to the great medicine bag of my fore- fathers, which had belonged to my father. I took it, buried our dead, and returned with my party, all sad and sorrowful, to our village, in consequence of the loss of my father. Owing to this misfortune, I blacked my face, fasted, and prayed to the Great Spirit for five years— during which time I remained in a civil capa- city, huntin ^ and fishing. The Osages having commenced aggressions on our people, and the Great Spirit having taken pity on roe, I took a small party and went against the enemy, but could only find six men? Their forges being so weak, I thought it cowardly to kill them — but took them prit- oners, and carried them to our Spanish father at St Louis, and gave them up to him; and then returned to our village. Determined on the final extermination of the Osages, for the injuries our nation and people had received from them, I commenced recruiting a strong force, immediately on my return, and started, in the third moon, with five hundred Sacs and Foxes, and one hundred loways, and marched against the enemy* We continued our march for several days before we came upon their trail, which was discovered late in the day. We encamped for the night; made an early start next morning, and before sundown, fell upon^br^ lodges, and killed all their inhabitants, except two tqwms! whom I captured and made prisoners. Du- m 24 LIFB OF BLACK HAWK. ring this attack I killed seven men and two boys, with my own hand. . In this engagement majny of the bravest warriors among the Osages were killed, which caused the bal- ance of their nation to remain on their own lands, and cease their aggressions upon our hunting grounds. ^ The loss of my father, by the Cherokees, made me anxious to avenge his death, by the annihilation, if possible, of all their race. . I accordingly commenced recruiting another party to go against them. Having succeeded in this, I started, with my party, and went into their country, but only found five of their people, whom I took prisoners. I afterwards released four men — the other, a young squaw, we brought home. Great as was my hatred for this people, I could not kill so small a party. During the close of the ninth moon, I led a large party against the Chippewas, Kaskaskiai and Osages. This was the commencement of a long and arduous campaign, which terminated in my thirty-fifth year: Having had seven regular engagements, and a number of small skirmishes. During this campaign, several hundred of the enemy were slain. I killed thirteen of their bravest warriors, with my own hand. Our enemies having now been driven from our hunt- ing grounds, with so great a loss as they sustained, we returned in peace, to our villages; and after the seasons of mourning and burying our dead relations, and of feast^ ¥| I LIFB OF BLACK HAWK. 35 I i dancing had passed, we commenced preparations for our winter's hunt, in which we were very successful. We generally paid a visit to St. Louis every sum- mer; but, in consequence of the protracted war in which we had been engaged, I had not been there for some years. Our difficulties having all been settled, I concluded to take a small party, that summer, and go down to see our Spanish father. We went — and on our arrival, put up our lodges where the market-house now stands. After painting and dressing, we called to see our Spanish father, and were well received. He gave us a variety of presents, and plenty of provisions. We danced through the town as usual, and its inhabi- tants all seemed to be well pleased. They appeared to us like brothers — and always gave us good advice. On my next, aiid last visit to my Spanish father, I discovered, on landing, that all was not right: every countenance seemed sad and gloomy! I inquired the cause, and was informed that the Americans were com- ing to take possession of the town and country! — and that we should then lose our Spanish father! This news made myg'ilf and band sad — because we had always heard bad' accounts of the Americans from Indians who had lived near them! — and we were sorry to lose our Spanish father, who had always treated us with great friendship. ^. > - \ few days afterwards, the Americans arrived, I took my band, and went to take leave, for the last '5f- 26 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. time, of our father. The Americans came to see him also. Seeing them approach, we passed out at one door, as they entered another — and immediately start- ed, in canoes, for our village, on Rock river — not liking the change any more than our friends appeared to, at St. Lcuis. On arriving at our village, we gave the news, that strange people had taken St. Louis — and that we should never see our Spanish father again! This in- formation made all our people sorry ! Some time afterwards, a boat came up the river, with a young American chief, [Lieutenant (after- wards General) Pike,] and a small party of soldiers. We heard of him, (by runners,) soon after he had pass- ed Salt river. Some of our young braves watched him every day, to see what sort of people he had on board! The boat, at length, arrived at Rock river, and the young chief came on shore with his interpreter — ^made a speech, and gave us some presents! We, in return, presented him with meat, and such provisions as we could spare. . We were all well pleased with the speech of the young chief. He gave us good advice; said our Amer- ican father would treat us well. He presented us an American flag, which was hoisted. He then requested us to pull down our British flags, — and give him our British medals — ^promising to send us others on hi« return to St. Louis. This we declined, as we wished to have two Fathers! 1 ■# LEFE OF BLACK HAWK. 27 e to see him 1 out at one liately start- — not liking >eared to, at e news, that id that we i\ This in- p the river, lant (afler- of soldiers. le had pass- ratched him d on board! er, and the ter — ^made , in return, ions as we ich of the lour Amer- ited us an requested le him our ^rs on hii re wished When the young chief started, we sent runners to f the Fox village, some miles distant, to direct them to I treat him well as he passed — which they did. He f went to the head of the Mississippi, and then returned to St. Louis. We did not see any Americans again, Jfbrsome time — being supplied with goods by British '^l traders. ii We were fortunate in not giving up our medals — [for Wo learned afterwards, from our traders, that the i chiefs high up on the Mississippi, who gave theirs, [never received any in exchange for them. But the [fault was not with the young American chief. He was I a good man, and a great brave — and died in his |Country's service. Some moons after this young chief descended the Mississippi, one of our people killed an American — |and was confined, in the prison at St. Louis, for the |offence. We held a council at our village to see what |could be done for him — which determined that Quash- ^qua^me, Po-she-pa-ho, 0(i-che-qua-ka, and Ha-she-quar- |hi-qua, should go down to St. Louis, see our American ||iather,and do all they could to have our friend released : ;^by paying for the person killed — thus covering the Iblood, and satisfying the relations of the man murdered! This being the only means with us of saving a person who had killed another — and we then thought it was [the same way with the whites! The party started with the good wishes of the whole UFB OF BLACK HAW|C. nation — hoping they would accomplish the object of their mission. The relatives of the prisoner blacked their faces, and fasted — hoping the Great Spirit would take pity on them, and return the husband and father to his wife and children. Quash-qua-me and party remained a long time ab- sent. They at length returned, and encamped a short distance below the village — but did not come up that day — nor did any person approach their camp! They appeared to be dressed in fine coats, and had medals! From these circumstances, we were in hopes that they had brought good news. Early the next morning, the Council Lodge was crowded — Quash-qua-me and party came up, and gave us the following account of their mission : * On their arrival at St. Louis, they met their Amer- ican father, and explained to him their business, and urged the release of their friend. The American chief told them he wanted land — and they had agreed to give him some on the west side of the Mississippi, and some on the Illinois side opposite the Jeffreon. When the business was all arranged, they expected to have their friend released to come home with them. But about the time they were ready to start, their friend was let out of prison, who ran a short distance, and was shot dead! This is all they could recollect of what was said and done. They had been drunk the greater part of the time they were in St. Louis*^ the object of >ner blacked : Spirit would id and fa^er ong time ab- imped a short :oine up that amp! They had medah! pes that they morning, the me and party )unt of their their Amer- msiness, and ledcan chief agreed to isissippi, and eon. When cted to have them. But start, their ort distance, lid recollect been drunk St. Louis*^ LIFE OV BLACK HA.WK. 99 I This is all myself or nation knew of the treaty of 1804. It has been explained to me since. I find, by that treaty, all our country, east of the Mississippi, and south of the Jefireon, was ceded to the United States for one thousand dollars a year! I will leave it to the people of the United States to say, whether our nation was properly represented in this treaty? or whether we received a fair compensation for the extent of coun- try ceded by those four individuals? I could say much about this treaty, but I will not, at this time. It has been the origin of all our difficulties. Some time after this treaty was made, a war chief, with a party of solaiers, came up in keel boats, and encamped a short distance above the head of the Des Moines rapids, and commenced cuttmp; timber and building houses. The news of their arrival was soon carried to all the villages — when council after council was held. We could not understand the intention, or reason, why the Americans wanted to build houses at that place — but were told that they wero a party of soldiers, who had brought great guns witn them — and looked like a war party of whites! A number of our people immediately went down to see what was doing — myself among them. On our arrival, we found they were building a fort! The soldiers were busily engaged in cutting timber; and I observed that they took their arms with them, when they went to the woods — and the whole party acted *3 ..!. It was immediately determined that we should take a position as near as we could, (to conceal ourselv^ s,) to the place where the soldiers would come; and when the signal was given, each man to fire, and then rush into the fort. I dug a hole with my knife, deep enough, (by placing a few weeds around it,) to conceal myself. I was so near to the fort that I could hear the sentinel walking, ^y day-break, I had finished my work, and was anxiously awaiting the rising of the sun. The drum beat; I examined the priming of my gun, and eagerly watched for the gate to open. It did open — but instead of the troops marching out, a young man came alone. The gate closed after him. He passed close by me — so near that I could have killed him with my knife, but I let him pass. He kept the path to- wards the river; and had he went one step out of it, he must have come upon us, and would have been killed^ He returned immediately, and entered the gate. I would now have rushed for the gate, and entered it with him, but I feared that our party was not prepared to follow me. The gate opened again — four men came out, and •^■1 V I 84 m LIPB OF BLACK HAWK4 went down to the river after wood. Whilst they were ^ IfP^f > another njan came out, and walked towards the rive'r^was fired upon and killed by a Winnebago. The others immediately ran for the fort, and two of them were killed. We then took shelter under the bank, out of reach of fire from the fort. The firing now commenced from both parties, and continued all day. I advised our party to set fire to the fort, and commenced .preparing arrows for that purpose. At night we made the attempt, and suc- ceeded to fire the buildings several times, but without effect, as the fire was almost instantly extinguished. The next day I took my rifle, and shot in two the cord by which they hoisted their flag, and prevented them fr om raising it aga in>. We continued firing until all our ammunition was expended; and finding that we could not take the fort, returned home, having had one Winnebago killed, and one wounded, during the seige. I have since learned that the trader, who lived in the fort, wounded the Winnebago when he was scalping the first man that was killed! The Winnebago re- covered, is now living, and is very friendly disposed towards the trader, believing him to be a great brave! Soon after our return home, news reached us that a war was going to take place between the British and the Americans. Runners continued to arrive from different tribes, all confirming the report of the ex- pected war. The British agent, Col. Dixon, was WjI' ? LIVE OF BLACK HAWK. 35 holding talks with, and making presents to, the differ- ent tribes. I had not made up my mind whether to join the British, or remain neutral. / had not discov- ered one good trait in the character of the Americans that had come to the country! They made fair promises, but never fulfilled them ! Whilst the British made but few —but we could always rely upon their word! One of our people having killed a Frenchman at Prairie du Chien, the British took him prisoner, and said they would ^Aoo^ him the next day! His family were encamped a short distance below the mouth of the Ouisconsin. He begged for permission to go and see them that night, as he was to die the next day! They permitted him to go, after promising to return the next morning by sunrise. He visited his family, which consisted of a wife and six children. I cannot descril* e their meeting and parting, to be understood by the whites; as it appears thai their feelings are acted upon by certain rules laid down by their/wcacA- ers! — whilst ours are governed only by the monitor within us. He parted from his wife and children, hurried through the prairie to the fort, and arrived in time! The soldiers were ready, and immediately marched out and shot him down! I visited his family, and by hunting and fishing, provided for them until they reached their relations. Why did the Great Spirit ever send the whites to this island, to drive us from our homes, and introdaca 36 LIFB OF BLACK MAWK. I* among us poisonous liquors, diseoH^ and deaih? They should have remained on the island where the Great Spirit first placed them. But I will proceed with my story. My memory, however, is not very good, since my late visit to the white people. I have still a buz- zing in my ears, from the noise — and may give some parts of my story out of place; but I will endeavor to be correct. Several of our chiefs and head men were called upon to go to Washington, to see their Great Father. They started; and during their absence, I went to Peoria, on the Illinois river, to see an old friend, a trader, to get his advice. He was a man that always told us the truth, and knew every thing that was going on. When I arrived at Peoria, he was not there, but had gone to Chicago. I visited the Pottowatomie villages, and then returned to Rock river. Soon after which, our friends returned from their visit to our Great Father — and related what had been said and done. Their Great Father (they said) wished us, in the event of a war taking pince with England, not to interfere on either side — but to remain neutral. He did not want our help— but wished us to hunt and sup- port our families, and live in peace. He said that British traders would not be permitted to come on the ; Mississippi, to furnish us with goods — ^but, we would be well supplied by an American trader. Our chiefs then told him that the British traders always gave us \* ,_,«./. 5j« UVB OF BfAOK HAWK. 37 credits in the fall, for guas, powder and goods, to enable us to hunt, and clothe our families. He replied that the trader at fort Madison would have plenty of goods — that we should go there in the fall, and he would sup- ' ply us on credit, as the British traders had done. The party gave a good account of what they had seen, and the kind treatment they received. This information pleased us all very much. We aH - agreed to follow our Great Father's advice, and not interfere with the war. Our women were much pleased at this good news. Every thing went on cheerfully in our village. We resumed our pastimes of playing ball, horse racing, and dancing, which had been laid aside when this great war was first talked about« We had fine crops of corn, which were now ripe — and our women were engaged in gathering it, and making cashes to contain it. In a short time we were ready to start to fort Madison, to get our supply of goods, that we might proceed to our hunting grounds. We passed merrily down the river — all in high spirits. 1 had determined to spend the winter at my old favor- ite- hunting ground, on Skunk river, and lefl part of my corn and meat at its mouth, to take up when I returned : others did the same. Next morning we ar- rived at the fort, and made our encampment. Myself and principal men paid a visit to the war chief at the fort. He received us kindly, and gave us some 4 ^^mmmi 38 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. tobacco, pipes and provision. The trader came in^ and we all rose and shook hands with him — for on him all our dependence was placed^ to enable ua to hunt, and thereby support our families. We waited a long time, expecting the trader would tell us that he had orders fro.n our Great Father to supply us with goods — but he said nothing on the subject. I got up, and told him, in a short speech, what we had come for — and hoped he had plenty of goods to supply us — and told him that he should be well paid in the spring — and concluded, by informing him, that we had de- termined to follow our Great Father's advice, and not go to war. He said that he was happy to hear that we intended to remain at peace. That he had a large quantity of goods; and that, if we made a good hunt, we would be well supplied: but remarked, that he had received no instructions to furnish us any thing on credit! nor could he give us any without receiving the pay for them on the spot! We informed him what our Great Father had told our chiefs at Washington — and contended that he could supply us if he would-'-'believing that our Great Father always spoke the truth! But the war chief said ihat lae trader could not furnish us on credit — and that he had received no instructions from our Great Father at Washington! We left the fort dissatisfied, and went to our camp. What was now to be done, we knew tfe.- f i ] A , LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. Dot. We questioned the party that brought us the news from our Great Father, that we would get credit for our winter's supplies at this place. They still told the same story, and insisted upon its truth. Few of us slept that night — all was gloom and discontent! . In the morning, a canoe was seen descending the river — it soon arrived, bearing an express, who brought intelligence that La Gutrie, a British trader^ had land- ed at Rock Island, with two boats loaded with goods — and requested us to come up immediately — because he had good news for us, and r variety of presents. The express presented us with tobacco, pipes and wampum. The news run through our camp like fire in the prairie. Our lodges were soon taken down, and all started for Rock Island. Here ended all hopes of our remaining at peace — having been forced into war by being deceived! Our party were not long in getting to Rock Island. When we came in sight, and saw tents pitched, we yelled, fired our guns, and commenced beatine^ our drums. Guns were immediately fired at the island, returning our salute, and a British flag hoisted! We kmded, anc' were cordially received by La Gutri&«- and then smoked the pipe with him! After which be made a speech to us, that had been sent by Colonel Dixon, and gave us a number of handsome presents — a large silk flag, and a keg of rum, and told us to m- k^ 2189189 I 'i ; - 1*"^;. 'I li!"; m M ill 111 P LIFE OF BIiACK HAWK. ,, ^retire — take some lefreshments and rest ourselves, as • J he would have more to say to us on the next day. We accordingly retired to our lodges, (which had - been put up in the mean time,) and spent the night. 1 The next morning we called upon him, and told him ' that we wanted his two boat's load of goods to divide i among our people — for which he should be well paid ia the spring with furs and peltries. He consented — -told us to take them — and do as we pleased with them. ' ^itWhilst our people were dividing the goods, he took me aside, and informed me that Col. Dixon was at Green Bay with twelve boats, loaded with goods, guns, and ammunition — and wished me to raise a party immedi- ately and go to him. He said that our friend, the trader at Peoria, was collecting the Potto watomies, and would be there before us. I communicated this information to my braves, and a party of two hundred warriors .were soon collected and ready to depart. I paid a visit to the lodge of an old friend, who had been the comrade of my youth, and had been in many war parties with me, but was now crippled, and no longer able to travel. He had a son that I had adopted as my own, who had hunted with me the two prece- ding winters. I wished my old friend to let him go with me. He objected, saying that he could not get bis support if his son left him: and that I, (who had always provided for him since he got lame,) would be gone, and he had no other dependence than his son. I ♦■ •» m s;v # ^•*. UFB OF BLACK HAWK. 41 ourseives, as next day. (which had it the night, ind told him lods to divide be well paid consented — 1 with them. , he took me as at Green s, guns, and irty immedi- d, the trader s, and would information ed warriors id, who had en in many sd, and no lad adopted two prece- let him go ild not get (who had ) would be his son. I : : offered to leave my son in his place — but he still refused. He said he did not like the war — he had been down the river, and had been well treated by the Americans, and could not fight against them. He had promised to winter near a white settler above Salt river, and must take his son with him. We parted. I soon concluded my arrangements, and started with my party to Green Bay. On our arrival there, we found a large encamp- ment, and were well received by Dixon, and the war chiefs that were with him. He gave us plenty of pro- visions, tobacco and pipes, and said he would hold a council with us the next day. In the encampment, I found a large number of Pot- towatomies, Kickapoos, Ottawas and Winnebagoes. I visited all their camps, and found them in high spirits. They had all received new guns, ammunition, and a variety of clothingi In the evening a messenger came to me to visit Col. Dixon. I went to his tent, in which were two other war chiefs, and an interpreter. He received me with a hearty shake of the hand, and pre- 1%: !^red me to the other chiefs, who shook my hand cor- dhaV^yn and seemed much pleased to see me. After I was seated. Col. Dixon said : '^ Gen. Black Hawk, I sent for you, to explain to you what we are going to do, and the reasons that have brought us here. Our friepd. La Gutrie, informs us in the letter you brought from him, what has lately taken plac6. You will now have to hold us fast by the hand. Your English father has »f -^^^m^mmmm^m ■^"■w^^^ampnnpwiVPPB ^^» •A>> 'I' 'I i2 bIFB OF BLA€K HA^K. . found out that the Americaifs want tO' take your country from you — and has sent me and his braves to drive i' them back to their own country. He has, likewise, sent a large quantity of arms and ammunition — and we want all your warriors to join us." He then ptaced a medal round my neck, and gave me a paper, (which I lost in the late war,) and a silk flag, saying — ^'^ You are to command all the braves that *^-. will leave here the day after to-morrow, to join our braves near Detroit." I told him that I was very much disappointed — as I wanted to descend the Mississippi, and make war upon the settlements. He said he had been *' ordered to lay the country waste around St. Louis — that he had been a trader on the Mississippi many years — had al- ways been kindly treated, and could not consent to send brave men to murder women and children! That there were no soldiers there to fight; but where he was going to send us, there were a number of soldiers: and, if we . defeated them, the Mississippi country should be ours!" I was pleased with this speiech; it was spoken by a brave ! I inquired about my old friend, the trader, at Peoria, and observed, ** that I expected he would have been hire before me." He shook his h }ad, and said he '' had sent express after express to him, and had ojffered him large sums of monet/^ to come, and bring all the Potto- watomies and Kickapoos with him; but he refusedy saying, ^your British father had not monetf enough to trir m, *. ■■'•». ■*ii XlflB OF BLACK HAWK. 43 yourcountry aves to drive las, likewise, [inition — and ck, and gave ',) and a silk e braves that I to join our ointed — as I ^e war upon "ordered to -that he had ars — had al- nsent to send That there le was going i: and, if we Id be ours!" n by a brave! r, at Peoria, have been lid he "had offered him I the Potto- be refusedv nottgh to inr ' I duce him to join usP I have now laid a trap for him. I have sent Gomoj and a party of Indians, to take him prisoner, and bring him here alive. I expect him in a few days." The next day, arms and ammunition, tomahawks, knives, and clothing, were given to my band. We had a great feast in the evening; and the morning following, I started with about Jive hundred braves, to join the British army. The British war chief accom- panied us. We passed Chicago. The fort had been evacuated by the American soldiers, who had marched for fort Wayne. They were attacked a short distance from that fort, and defeated! They had a considerable quantity of powder in the fort at Chicago, which they had promised to the Indians; but the night before they marched, they destroyed it. I think it was thrown into the well! If they had fulfilled their word to the Indians, I think they would have gone safe. On our arrival, I found that the Indians had several prisoners. I advised them to treat them well. We continued our march, and joined the British army be- low Detroit; and soon after had a fight! The Ameri- cans fought well, and drove us with considerable loss! I was surprised at this, as I had been told that th« Americans could not Jight! - Our next movement was against a fortified place. I was stationed, with my braves, to prevent any person going to, or coming from the fort. I found two men %. »^P«W" mmmmim m 44 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. m taking care of cattle, and took them prisoners. I would not kill them, but delivered them to the British war chief. Soon after, several boats came down the river, full of American soldiers. They landed on the opposite side, took the British batteries, and pursued the soldiers that had left them. They went too far, without knowing the forces of the British, and were defeated! I hurried across the river, anxious for an opportunity to show the courage of my braves; but ^ before we reached the ground, all was over! The British had taken many prisoners, and the Indians mere killing them! I immediately put a stop to it, as I never thought it brave, but cowardly, to kill an unarmed and helpless enemy! We remained here some time. I cannot detail what took place, as I was stationed, with my braves, ^ in the woods. It appeared, however, that the British could not take this fort — for we were marched to an- other some distance off. When we approached it, I found it a small stockade, and concluded that there were not many men in it. The British war chief sent a flag — Colonel Dixon carried it, and returned. He said a young war chief commanded, and would not give up without fighting! Dixon came to me and said, " you will see, to-morrow, how easily we will take that fort." I was of opinion that they would take it; but when the morning came, I was disappointed* The Britiih advanced— commenced an attack, and fought % LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. 45 like braves; but by braves in the fort, were defeated^ and a great number killed! The British army were making preparations to retreat. 1 was now tired of being with them — our success being bad, and having got no plunder. I determined on leaving them and returning to Rock river, to see what had become of my wife and children, as I had not heard from them since I started. That night, I took about twenty of my braves, and left the British camp for home. We met no person on our journey until we reached the Illinois river. Here we found two lodges of Pottowato- mies. They received us very friendly, and gave us something to eat; and inquired c^bout their friends that were with the British. They said there had been some fighting on the Illinois, and that my old friend, the trader at Peoria, had been taken prisoner! " By Gomo and his party?" I immediately inquired. They said, "no; but by the Americans^ vfho came up with two boats. They took him and the French settlers, and then burnt the village of Peoria." They could give us no news respecting our people on Rock river. In three days more, we were in the vicinity of our vil- lage, when I discovered a smoke ascending from a hol- low in the bluffs. I directed my party to proceed to the village, as I wishe 1 to go alone to the place from whence the smoke proceeded, to see who was there. I approached the spot, and when I came in view of the fire, saw a mat stretched, and an old man sitting under it in sorrow. At any other time, I would hav« m 410 if 46 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. I'll ,111 turned awaj without disturbing him — knowing that he had come there to be alone, to humble himself before the Great Spirit, that he might take pity on him! I approached and seated myself beside him. He gave one look at me, and then fixed his eyes on the ground ! It was my old friend! I anxiously inquired for his son, (my adopted child,) and what had befallen our people? My old comrade seemed scarcely alive — he must have fasted a long time. I lighted my pipe, and put it in his mouth. He eagerly drew a few puffs — cast up his eyes, which met mine, and recognized me. His eyes were glassy! He would again have fallen off into for- getfulness, had I not given him some water, which re- vived him. I again inquired, '^ what has befallen our people, and what has become of our son?" In a feeble voice, he said: "Soon after your depar- ture to join the British, I descended the river with a small party, to winter at the place I told you the white man had requested me to come to. When we ar- jived, I found a fort built, and the white family that had invited me to come and hunt near them, had re- moved to it. I then paid a visit to the fort, to tell the white people that myself and little band were friendly, and that we wished to hunt in the vicinity of their fort. The war chief who commanded it, told me, that we might hunt on the Illinois side of the Mississippi, and no person would trouble us. That the horsemen only ranged on the Missouri side, and he had directed them /.WT'f- ' ' -*.-»f m^ • «<»■ LIVB OF BLACK HA'WK. 47 not to cross the river. I was pleased with this assu- rance of safety, and immediately crossed over and made my winter's camp. Game was plenty; we lived happy, and oAen talked of you. My boy regretted your absence, and the hardships you would have to undergo. We had been here about two moons, when my boy went out, as usual, to hunt. Night came on, and he did not return ! I was alarmed for his safety, and passed a sleepless night. In the morning, my old woman went to the other lodges and gave the alarm — and all turned out in pursuit. There being snow on the ground, they soon came upon his track, and after pursuing it some distance, found he was on the trail of a deer, that led towards the river. They soon came to the place where he had stood and fired, and found a deer hanging upon the branch of a tree, which had been skinned. But here were found the tracks of lohite men ! They had taken my boy prisoner. Their tracks led across the river, and then down towards the fort. My friends followed them, and soon found mj boy lying dead ! He had been most cruelly murdered ! His face was shot to pieces — his body stabbed in sev* oral places — and his head scalped! His arms were tied behind him!" The old man paused for some time, and then told me that his wife had died on her way up the Missis- sippi! I took the band of my old friend in mine, and pledged myself to avenge the death of his son! It was .¥.. ,^ Pi M 11 U'M m •^' wmmn ir r ^■ 46 LIFB OF BLACK HAWK. now dark — a terrible storm commenced raging, with heavy torrents of rain, thunder and lightning. I had taken my blanket off and wrapped it around the old man. When the storm abated, I kindled a fire and took hold of my old friend to remove him near tc it-— but he was dead! I remained with him the balance of the night. Some of my party came early in the morn- ing to look for me, and assisted me in burying him on the peak of the bluff. I then returned to the village with, my friends. I visited the grave of my old friend the last time, as I ascended Rock river. On my arrival at the 'Village, I was met by the chiefs and braves, and conducted to a lodge that had been prepared to receive me. After eating, I gave an account of what I had seen and done. I explained to them the manner the British and Americans fought. Instead of stealing upon each other, and taking every advantage to kill the enemy and save their own people^ as we do, (which, with us, is considered good policy in a war chief,) they march out, in open day- light, and Jight, regardless of the number of warriors they may lose ! After the battle is over, they retire to feast, and drink wine, as if nothing had happened ; after which, they make a statement in writing, of what they have done — each parly claiming the victory! and neither giving an account of half the number that haye been killed on their own side. They all fought like braves, but would not do to Uad a war party with m # LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. 49 >t warrion ui. Our maxim is, " to kilt the enemy, and save our own //wn." Those chiefs would do to paddle a canoe, but not to steer it. The Americans shoot better than the British, but their soldiers are not so well clothed or provided for. ^ ' ^ ^*«* v The village chief informed me that after I started with my braves and the parties who followed, the nation was reduced to so small a party of fighting men, that thcj would have been unable to defend themselves, if the Americans had attacked them; that all the women and children, and old men, belonging to the warriors who had joined the British, were left with them to provide for; and that a council was held, which agreed that Quash-qua-me, the Lance, and other chiefs, with the old men, women, and children, and such others as chose to accompany them, should descend the Missis- sippi, and go to St. Louis, and place themselves under the protection of the American chief stationed there. They accordingly went down to St. Louis, and were received as the friendly band of our nation — sent up the Missouri, and provided for, whilst their friends were assisting the British! Ke-o-kuck was then introduced to me as the war chief of the braves then in the village. I inquired how he had become a chief. They said that a large armed force was seeR by their spies, going towards Peoria; that fears were entertained that they would come upon and attack our village; and that a council had been .J!t ■I 50 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. ^ convened to decide upon the best course to be adopted, which conchided upon leaving the village and going on the west side of the Mississippi, to get out of the way. Ke-o-kuck, during the sitting of the council, had been standing at the door of the lodge, (not being allowed to enter, having never killed an enemy,) where he remained until old Wa-co-me came out. He then told him that he had heard what they had decided upon, and was anxious to be permitted to go in and speak, before the council adjourned! Wa-co-me returned, and asked leave for Ke-o-kuck to come in and make a speech. His request was granted. Ke-o-kuck en- tered, and addressed the chiefs. He said, " I have heard with sorrow, that you have determined to leave our village, and cross the Mississippi, merely because jou have been told that the Americans were seen coming in this direction ! Would you leave our village, desert our homes, and fly,before an enemy approaches? Would you leave all — even the graves of our fathers, to the mercy of an enemy, without trying to defend themf Give me charge of your warriors; I'll defend the village, and you may sleep in safety!'' The council consented that Ke-o-kuck should be a war chief. He marshalled his braves — sent out spies ^-and advanced with a party himself, on the trail lead- ing to Peoria. They returned without seeing an ene- my. The Americans did not come by our village. All were well satisfied with the appointment of Ke-o-kuck. V.' A. "t, UFB OF BLACK HAWK. 51 He used every precaution that our people should not be surprised. This is the manner in which, and the cause of, his receiving the appointment. I was satisfied, and then started to visit my wife and children. I found them well, and my boys were grow- ing finely. It is not customary for us to say much about our women, as they generally perform their part cheerfully, and never interfere with business belonging to the men! This is the only wife I ever had, or ever will have. She is a good woman, and teaches my boys to be brave! Here I would have rested myself, and en- joyed the comforts of my lodge, but I could noh I had promised to avenge the death of my adopted son! I immediately collected a party of thirty braves, and explained to them my object in making this war party — it being to avenge the death of my adopted son, who had been cruelly and wantonly murdered by the whites. I explained to them the pledge I had made his father, and told them that they were the last words that he had heard spoken! All were willing to go with me, to fulfil my word. We started in canoes, and descend- ed the Mississippi, until we arrived near the place where fort Madison had stood. It had been aban- doned by the whites and burnt; nothing remained, but the chimneys. We were pleased to see that the white people had retired from our country. We proceeded down the river again. I landed, with one brave, near Capo Gray; the remainder of the party went to the ^n^'^ "kt- mmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmm kHy >ni mi. .■% 52 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. trS*' k- r- inouth of the Quiver. I hurried across to the trail that led from the mouth of the Quiver to a fort, and soon after heard firing at the mouth of the creek. Myself and brave concealed ourselves on the side of the road. We had not remained here long, before two men riding one horse, came in full speed from the direction of the sound of the firing. When they came sufficiently near, we fired; the horse jumped, and both men fell! We rushed towards them— one rose and ran. I followed him, and was gaining on him, when he ran over a pile of rails that had lately been made, seized a stick, and detruck at me. I now had an opportunity to see his face — I knew him! He had been at Quash-qua-me's village to learn his people how to plough. We looked upon him as a good man. I did not wish ro kill him, and pursued him no further. I returned and met my brave; he said he had killed the other man, and had his scalp in his hand! We had not proceeded far, be- fore we met the man, supposed to be killed, coming up the road, staggering like a drunken man, all covered with blood! This was the most terrible sight I had ever seen. I told my comrade to kill him to put him out of his misery ! I could not look at him. I passed on, and heard a rustling in the bushes, and distinctly saw two little boys concealing themselves! I thought of my own children, and passed on without noticing them! My comrade here joined me, and in a little while we met the balance of oiir party. I told them Mr W^'% ^: ■i'Mi 4S UFB OF BLACK HAWK. 53 that we Would be pursued, ahd directed them to follow me. We crossed the creek) and formed ourselves' in the timber. We had not been here long, before a party of mounted men rushed at full speed upon u«;! I took deliberate aim, and shot the man leading the party. He fell from his horse lifeless! All my people fired, but without effect. The enemy rushed upon us without giving us time to reload. They surrounded us, and forced us to run into a deep sink-hole, at tiie bot- tom of* which there were some bushes. We loaded our guns, and awaited the approach of the enemy. They rushed to the edge of the hole and fired, killin)' one of our men. We returned the fire instantly, and killed one of their party! We reloaded, and com- menced digging holes in the side of the bank to protect ourselves, whilst a party watched the movements of the enemy, expecting that their whole force would be upon us immediately. Some of my warriors commen- ced singing their death-songs! 1 heard the whites talk- ing, and called 'to them, "to come out and fight!" I did net like my situation, and wished the matter set- tled. I soon heard chopping and knocking. I could not imagine what they were doing. Soon aAer, they run up wheels with a battery on it, and fir*ed down without hurting any of us. I called to them again, and told them it they were " brave men, to come down a^d fight us." They gave up the siege, and returned to their fort about dusk. There were eighteen in this *? *^. m ^*. -^ r iHii-'i 51 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. ,'- Ura OF BLA.OK HAWK. 63 morning, I conjmunicated to my braves what the Great Spirit had told me; and took one of them and went down a hollow that led to the creek, and soon came in sight of the place, on an opposite hill, where they were building the fort. I saw a great many men. We crawled cautiously on our hands and knees, until we got into the bottom — then, through the grass and weeds, until we reached the bank of the creek. Here I found a tree that had been cut down. I looked in the top of it, and saw a large snake, with his head raised, looking across the creek. I raised myself cautiously, and discovered, nearly opposite to me, two war chiefs, walking arm-in-arm, without guns. They turned, and walked back towards the place where the men were working at the foft. In a little while they returned, walking immediately towards the spot where we lay concealed — but did not come as near as before. If they had, they would have bceii killed — for each of us had a good rifle. We crossed the creek, and crawled to a bunch of bushes. I again raised myself a little, to see if they were coming; but they went into the fort. By this they saved their lives. '^ We recrossed the creek, and I returned alone — going up the hollow we came down. My brave went down the creek; and, on rising a hill to the left of the one we came down, I could plainly see the men at work; and discovered, in the bottom, near the mouth of the creek^ a sentinel walking. I watched him attentively, to see if he perceived my companion, '*. ..,#- »ji i, Hi H ■I t im 1*1 Iffi 1 11 1 » • 64 LITE OF BLACK HAWK. who had gone towards him. The sentinel walked first one way and then back again. I observed my brave creeping towards him. The sentinel stopped for some time, and looked in the direction where my brave was concealed. He laid still, and did not move the grass; and, as the sentinel tiiriied to walk, my brave fired and he fell ! I looked towards the for^ and saw that they were all in confusion — running ii. every direction—- some down a steep bank to a boat. My comrade joined me, and we returned to the rest of our party, and all hurried back to Rock river, \There we arrived in safety at our village. I hung up my medicine bagj put away my rifle and spear, and felt as if I should not want them again, as I had no wish to raise any more war parties against the whites, without they gave new provocation. Nothing particular happened from this time untii spring, except; ^^^ ts that the fort below the rapids had beei* abandoneil aud burnt by the Americans. Soon after I returned from my wintering ground, we received information that peace had been made be- tween the British and Americans, and that we were required to make peace also-— and were invited to go down to Portage des Sioux, for that purpose. Some advised that we should go down — others that we should, not. No-mite, our principal civil chief, said he would go, as soon as the Foxes came down !rcm the Mines. They C'.me, and we all started from Rock h ver. We had iiOt gone far, before our chief was taken sick. We it. M LIFB OP BLACHC UhWti stopped with him at the village on Henderson river. The Foxes went on, and we were to follow as soon as our chief got better; but he continued to get worse, and died. His brother now became the principal chief. He refused to go down — saving, that if he start- ed, he would be taken sick and die, as his brother had done — which was reasonable! We nil concluded, that none of us would go at this time. The Foxes returned. They said they " had smoked the pipe of peace with the Americans, and expected that a war party would be sent against us, because we did not go down." This I did not believe; as the Americans had always lost by their war parlies that came against us. La Gutrie, and other British traders, arrived at our village on Rock river, in the fall. La Gutrie told us, that we must go down and make peace — that it was the wish of our English father. He said he wished us to go down to the Two-River country to winter — where game was plenty, as there had been no hunting there for several years. Having heard that a principal war chief, with troops, had ccme up, and commenced building a fort near Ra» pids des Moines, we consented to go down with the traders, to see the American chief, and tell him the reason why we had not been down sooner. We arriv- ed at the head of the rapids. Here tlie traders left their goods and boats, except one, in which they ac- «ompanied us to the Americans. We visited the war *6 ^■■■f-,/ mmmmmmmm^miimmmm Wfm ■ i MWK OF BLACK HAWK. chief, (he waa on board of a boat,) and told him what we had to say— explaining the reason we had not been down sooner. He appeared angrj, and talked to La Gutrie for some time. I inquired of him, what the war chief said? He told me that he was threatening to hang him up on the yard-arm of his boat. '^But," said he, '^ I am not afraid of what he says. He dare not put his threats into execution. I have done no more than I had a right to do, as a British subject.?' ^ I then addresscil the chief, asking permission for ourselves and some Menomonees, to go down to the Two-River country to hunt. He said, we might go down, but must return before the ice made, as he did not intend that we should winter below the fort. ^' But," said he, ^' what do you waiil'lhe Menomonees to go with you for?^ I did not know, at first, what reply to make->-but told him that they had a great manypretti/ squaws with them, and we wished them to go with us on that account ! He consented. We all started down the river, and remained a// winter, as we had no inten- tion of returning before spring, when we asked leave to go. We made a good hunt. Having loaded our traders' boats with furs and peltries, they started to Macinac,and'we returned to our village. There is one circumstance which I omitted to men- tion in iixi proper place. It does not relate to myself or people, but to my friend Gomo, the Potto watomie chief* He came to Rock river to pay me a visit. Du- ring his stay, he related to me the foJiowing story: ■r* m Id him what ad not been liked to La n, what the threatening at, "But," 3. He dare ve done no subject.?' rmission for [own to the ve might go ?t, as he did art. "But," onees to go lat reply to mdiny pretty go with us irted down d no inten- sked leave oaded our started to id to men- to myself kowatomie lisit. Du- rtoiy; LIFE OF BLACK HAWS* % "The war chief at Peoria ia a very g6od manr^ he always speaks the truth, and treats our people well. He sent for me one day, and told me that he was nearly out of provision ) and wished me to send my young men out to hunt, to supply his fort. I promised to do so; and immediately returned to my camp, and told my young men the wishes and wants of the war chief. They readily agreed to go and hunt for our friend; and soon returned with about twenty deer» They car- ried them to the fort, laid them down at the gate, and returned to our camp. A few days afterwards, I went again io the fort to see if they wanted more meat. The chief gave me some powder and lead, and said he w'sheu me to send my hunters out again. When I re- turned to my camp, and told my young men that the chief wanted more meat, Ma-ta-tah, one of my princi- pal braves, said he would take a party and go across the Illinois, about one day's travel, wh'3re game wai plenty, and make a good hunt for our friend, the war chief. He took eight hunters with him; his wife and several other squaws accompanied them. They had travelled about half the day in the prairie, when they discovered a party of white men coming towards them with a drove of cattle. Our hunters apprehended no danger, or they would have kept out of the way of the whiles, (who had not yet perceived them.) Ma-ta-tah changed his course, as he wished to meet and speak to the whites. As soon as the whites saw our party, some of them put off&t full gpeed, and came up to our hun^ "^. ^m i««l i^immmmmmmmm mm ■ 'W.. .i.te' 68 %it- UgH OF BLACK HAWK. tin, Mll-ta-tkh gave up his gun to them, and endeaT- ored to explain to them that he was friendly, and was hunting for the war chief. They were not satisfied with this, but fired at and wounded him. He got into the branch of a tree that had been blown down, to keep the horses from running over him. He was again fired on by several guns and badly wounded. He found that he would be murdered, (if not mortally wounded already,) and sprung at Vne nearest man to him, seized his gun, and shot him from his horse. He then fell, covered with blood from his wounds, and almost in- stantly expired ! " The other hunters, being in the rear of Ma-ta-tah, seeing that the whites had killed him, endeavored to make their escape. They were pursued, and nearly all the party murdered! My youngest brother brought me the news in the night, he having been with the hunters, and got but slightly wounded. He said the whites had abandoned their cattle, and gone back to- wards the settlement. The remainder of the night was spent in lamenting for the death of our friends. At day- light, I blacked my face, and started to the fort to see the war chief. I met him at the gate, and told him what had happened. His countenance changed ; I could lee sorrow depicted in it for the death of my people. He tried to persuade me that I was mistaken, as he ^ could not believe that the whites would act so cruelly.' But when I convinced him, he told me that those ^ eowai^ who had murdered my people should h% pun- ^ ,/. 'ft\ .-MS™.:'M v\ 76 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. and pre)>ared for the purpose. The chiefs and old warriors^ take seats on mats which have been spread at the upper end of the square — the drummers and singers come next, and the braves and women form the sides, leaving a large space in the middle. The drums beat, and the singers commence. A warrior en' ters the square, keeping time with the music. He shows the manner he starfed on a war party — how he ap- proached the enemy — he strikes, and describes the way he kilhd him. Ail join in applause. He theft leaves the square, and another etiters and takes his place. Such of our young men as have not been out in war parties, and killed at^ enemy, stand back ashamed — not being able to eiiier the square. I re- member that I vfHS ashamed to look where our young women stood, before I could take my stand in the square as a warrior. What pleasure it is to an old warrior, to see his son come forward and relate his exploits — it makes him feel young, and induces him to enter the square, and ** fight his battles o'er again." This national dance makes our warriors. When I was travelling last summer, on a steam boat, on a large river, going from New York to Albany, I was shown the place where the Americans dance their national dance [West Point]; where the old warriors recount to their young men, what they have done, to stimulate them to go and do likewise. This surprised me, as I did not think the whites understood our way of making braves. ^ t ''' t \^ UFB OF BLACK HAWK. 77 When our national dance is over — our corn-fields hoed, and every weed dug up, and our corn about knee-high, all our young men would start in a direction towards sun-down, to hunt deer and buffalo — being prepared also to kill 8ionx, if any are found on our hunting grounds — a part of our old men and women to the lead mines to make lead — and the remainder of our people start to fish, and get mat stuff. Every one leaves the village, and remains about forty days. They then return: the hunting party bringing in dried buf- falo and deer meat, and sometimes Sioux scalps,, when they n^e found trespassing on our hunting grounds. At other times they are met by a party of Sioux too strong for them, and are driven in. If the Sioux have killed the Sacs last, they expect to be retaliated upon, and will fly before them, and vice versa. Each party knows that the other has a right to retaliate, which in- duces those who have killed last, to give way before their enemy — as neither wish to strike, except to avenge the death of their relatives. Ail our wars are predicated by the relatives of those killed; or by ag- gressions upon our hunting grounds. The party from the lead mines bring lead, and the others dried fish, and mats for our winter lodges. Pre- lents are now made by each party; the first, giving to the others dried buffalo and deer, and they, in ex- change, presenting them with lead, dried fish and mats. This is a happy season of the year — having plenty of provisions, such ^s beans, squashes, and other produce, *7 Sr!' . HH Si wmm « » T8 tdWm OF BLACK HAWK. with our dried meat and fish, we continue to make feasts and visit each other, until our corn is ripe. Some lodge in the village makes a feast daily, to the Great Spirit. I cannot explain this so that the white people would comprehend me, as we have no regular standard among us. Every one makes his feast as he thinks best, to please the Great Spirit, who has the care of all beings created. Others believe in two Spirits: one good and one bad, and make feasts for the Bad Spirit, to keep him quiet! If they can make peace with him, the Good Spirit will not hurt .them! For my part, I am of opinion, that so far as we have reason, we have a right to use it, in determining what is right or wrong; and should pursue that path which we believe to be right — believing, that "whatever is, is right.'* If the Great and Goorl Spirit wished us to believe and do as the whites, he could easily change our opinions, so that we would see, and think, and act as they do. We are nothing compared to His power, and we feel and know it. We have men among us, like the whites, who pretend to know the right path, but will not consent to show it without ;)ay/ I have no faith in their paths — but believe that every man must make his own path! When our corn is getting ripe, our young people watch with anxiety for the signal to pull roasting ears — as none dare touch them until the proper time. When the corn is fit to use, another great ceremony takes \ .'T^-**^-?* 18 * LIFB OF BLACK HAWK* 79 place, with feasting, and returning thanks to the Great Spirit for giving us corn. I will here relate the manner in which corn first came. According to tradition, handed down to our people, a beautiful woman was seen to descend from the clouds, and alight upon the earth, by two of our ancestors, who had killed a deer, and were sitting by a fire, roasting a part of it to eat. They were aston- ished at seeing her, and concluded that she must be hungry, and had smelt the meat — and immediately went to her, taking with them a piece of the roasted venison. They presented i( to her, and she eat — and told them to return to the spot where she was sitting, at the end of one year, and they would find a reward for their kindness and generosity. She then ascended to the clouds, and disappeared. The two men returned to their village, and explained to the nation what they had seen, done, and heard — but were laughed at by their people. When the per'od arrived, for them to visit this consecrated ground, v^her** they were to find a reward for their attention to liie It autiful woman of the clouds, they went with ■.. J: r^,- ^ f-arty, and found, where her right hand i.dd ;e k*tl : the ground, corn growing — and where tijc i^*t i, «i. had rested, beans, and immediately where she had been seated, tobacco* The two first have, ever since, been cultivated by •ur people, as our principal proirisions — and the last used for smoking. The white people have since found Ll <^mtm ^^mmmmifmmi§ 80 - •^ UFB OF BLACK HAWK. '*. I il h out the latter, and seem to relish it as much as we do-^ as they use it in different ways, viz. smoking, snuffing and eating! ' We thank the Great Spirit for ail the benefits he has conferred upon us. For myself, I never take a drink of water from a sprir^g, without being mindful of his goodness. We next have our great ball play — from three to five hundred on a side, play this game. We play for horses, guns, blankets, or any other kind of property we have. The successful party take the stakes, and all retire to our lodges in. peace and friendship. We next commence horse-racing, and continue our sport and feasting, until the corn is all secured. We then prepare to leave our village for our hunting grounds. The traders arrive, and give us credit for such articles as we want to clothe our families, and enable us to hunt. We first, however, hold a council with them, to ascertain the price they will give us for our skins, and what they will charge us for goods. We inform them where we intend hunting — and tell them where to build their houses. At this place, we deposit part of our corn, and leave our t Id people. The traders have always been kind to them, and relie- ved them when in want. They were always much respected by our people — and never since we have been a nation, has one of them been killed by any of our people. We disperse, in small parties, to make our hunt, 1 ^ LIPE OF BLACK HAW<> 81 e do— - nuffing efits he take a nindfiil hree to )lay for roperty :es, and nue our I. We lunting jdit for es, and council live MS goods. md tell ice, we people. d relic- } much ; have any of r hunt, and as soon as it is over, we return to our trader's es- tablishment, fifith our stains, and remain feasting, play- ing cards, and other pastimes, until near the close of the winter. Our young mep then start on the beaver hunt; others to hunt racoons and muskrats — and the remainder of our people go to the sugar camps to make sugar. All leave our encampment, and appoint a place to meet on the Mississippi, so that we may re- turn to our village together, in the spring. We al- ways spent our time pleasantly at the sugar camp. It being the season for wild fowl, we lived well, and al- ways had plenty, when the hunters came in, that we might make a feast for them. After this is over, we return to our village, accompanied, sometimes, by our traders. In this way, the year rolled round happily* But these are times that were! On returning in the spring, from our hunting ground, I had the pleasure of fheeting our old friend^ the trader of Peoria, at Rock Island.^ He came up in a boat from St. Louis, not as a trader, as in times past,, but as our agent. We were all pleased to see him. He told us, that he narrowly escaped falling into the hands of Dixon. He remained with as a short time^ gave us good advice, and then returned to St. Louis/ The Sioux having committed depredations on our people, we sent out war parties that summer who suc- ceeded in killing fourteen, I paid several visits to fort Armstrong during the summer, and was always well treated. We were not as happy then io our village • ^mmmmm r ^<.. If ~p 82 I MFB OF BLACK RAWK. -*?>■ as formerly. Oar people got more liquor than custom- ary. I used all my influence to prevent drunkenness, but without effect. As the settlements progressed to- wards us. we became worse off, and more unhappy. Many of our people, instead of going to their old hunt- ing grompds, where game was plenty, would go near to the settlements to hunt — and, instead of savio|; their fkins to pay the trader for goods furnished them in the fall, would sell them to the settlers for whisky! and return in the spring with tlieir families, almost naked, and without the means of getting any thing for them. ^ About this time my elde&t son was taken sick and died. He had always been a dutiful child, and had just grown to manhood. Soon after, my youngest daughter, an interesting and affectionate child, died also. This was a hard stroke, because I loved my children. In my distress, I left the noise of the village, and built my lodge ori a mound in my corn-field, and enclosed it with a fence, around which 1 planted corn and beans. Here I was with my family alone. I gave every thing I had away, and reduced myself to poverty. The only covering I retained, was a piece of buffalo robe. I resolved on blacking my face and fasting, for two years, for the loss of my two children — drinking only of water in the middle of the day, and eating spa- ringly of boiled corn at sunset. I fulfilled my promise, hoping that the Great Spirit would ^ <> V <* >^ '^kX 23 WIST MAIN STIIIT WnSTIR.N.Y. USM (716)t72-4903 '4^ K ^ ^ mmmmmm&mnwm np ^P^iiiiiiliPPPipiiiliiilP ■*>■ *' ■» d2 Ura Of BLACK BAWK. brave, and great chief. But the white people nerer apf«ar to be satisfied. When they get a good father, thef hold eouncils, (at the suggestion of some bad, ambitious man, who wants the place himself,) and con- clude, among themselves, that this man, or some other equally ambitious, would make a better father than they have, and nine times out of ten they don't get as good a one again. I insisted on eiplaining to these two chiefs the true situation of my people. They gave their assent: I rose and made a speech, in which I explained to them the treaty made by Quash-quil-me^ and three of our braves, according to the mannei^^e trader and others had explained it to me. I then told them that Qua^h- qua-me and his party denied, positively, having ever sold my village; and that, as I had never known them to lie, I was detprmined to keep it in possession. I told them that the white people had already enter- ed our village, 6urn/ our. lodges, destroyed our fences, ploughed up our corn, and beat our people: that they had brought whisky into our country, mo^/e our people drunk, and taken from them their horses, guns, and traps; and fhat I had borne all this injury, without suffering any of my braves to raise a hand against the whites. My object in holding this council wag to get the opinion of these two chiefs, as to the besi course for me to pursue. I had appealed in vain, time after time, to our agent, who regularly represented our situation to the great chief at St* Louis, whose duty it was to Pipppiiinl I nerer father, le bad, nd con- le other sr than t get as ;he true ^sent: I to them of our 1 others Quaeh- ig ever '11 them r f enter- fences, ley had 5 drunk^ f)s; and ing any • get the urse for iT time, ituation ; was to ^;i»; LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. 93 call upon our Great Father to have justice done to us; but instead of this, we are told that the white people want our country, and we must leave it to them.' ^f I did not think it possible that our Great Father wished us to leave our village, where we had lived fo long, and where the bones of so many of our people, had been laid. The great chief said that, as he was no longer a chief, he could do nothing for us; and felt sorry that it was not in his power to aid us — nor did he know how to advise us. Neither of them could do any thing for us; but both ev Jen tly appeared very sorry. It would give me groat pleasure, at all times, to take these two chiefs by the; hand. That fall I paid a visit to the agent, before we started to our hunting grounds, to hear if he had any good news for me. He had news! He said that the land on which our village stood was now ordered to be sold to individuals; and that, when sold, our right to remain, by treaty, would be at an end, and that if we returned next spring, we would be forced to remove! We learned during the winter, that part of the lands where our village stood had been sold to individuals, and that the trader at Rock Island had bought the greater part that had been sold. The reason was now plain to me, why he urged us to remove. His object, we thought, was to get our lands. We held several councils that winter to determine what •¥& should do, and resolved, in one of then^, to return to our village in the spring, as usual: and ooocUided, that If we wer« m--^ ^li '"'IIWPPWI Jffk^ r # •fo ^ LIVB OF BLACK HAWK. removed by force, that the trader, agent, and others, must be the c»use| and that, if found guilty of having us* driven from our village, they should b«) killed! The trader stood foremost on this list. He had purchased the land on which my lodge stood, and .that of our graveyard also! Ne-a-pope promised to kill hiin, the agent, interpreted, the great chief at 8t. Louis, the ir^r chief at fort Armslron^^ Rock Island, and Ke-o- kuck — -these being the principal persons to blame for endeavoring to remove us. Our women received bad accounts from the women that had been raising corn at the new village — the dif- ficulty of breaking the new prairie with hoes — and the small quantity of corn raised. We were nearly in the same situation in regard to the latter, it being the first time I ever knew our people to be in want of provision. I prevail'^d upon some of Ke-o-kuck's band to re- tdm this spring to the Rock river village. Ke^o-kuck would not return with us. I hoped that we would get permission to go to Washington to settle our affairs With our Great Father. I visited the agent at Rock Islands He was dis||]eased because we had returned to our village, and told me that we must remove to the West of the Mississippi. I told him plainly that we would not! I visited the interpreter at his house, whd advised me to do as the agent had directed me. I then went to see the trader, and upbraided him for buying oiir lands. He said thai if he had not purchased them, aome person else would^ and that if our Great Father otherS) having a The rchased : of our lirn, the ais, the id Ke-o- ame for I women -the diA -and the \y in the the first ovision. d to re- !^o-kuck >uld get r affairs it Rock eturned e to the that we se, who I then buying d them, Father * LBPS OP BIACK BAVSIK. ** 1||p would make an exchange with fii, he would wilHogljjF give up the land he had purchased to the governmeDt* This I thought was fair, and be();an to think that he had not acted as badly as I had suspected. We again ' repaired'our lodges, and built others, as roost of our village had been burnt and destroyed. Our women selected small patches to plant corn, (where the whites had not taken them within their fences,) and worked hard to raise something for our children to subsist upon, I was told that, according to the treaty, we had no right to remain upon the fands sold, and that the gov- ernment would ybrce us to leave them. There was but a small portion, however, that had been sold; the bal* ance, remaining in the hands of the government, we claimed the right (if we had no other) to '^ live and hunt upon, as long as it remained the property of the government," by a stipulation in the same treaty that required us to evacuate it ajler it had been sold. This was the land that we wished to inhabit, and thought we had the best right to occupy^ I heard that there wad a great chief on the Wabash, and sent a party to get his advice* They informed him th.':t we had not sold our village. He assured them then, that if we had not sold the land on which our village stood, our Great Father would not take it from us. * I started early to Maiden ^ to see the c^ief of my British father, and told him my story. He gave the lame reply that th3 chief on ^e Wabash had given; 4 I .iiuan«ni«i!llHPaBrmiiP mimmi'!'''''wimmimii(miifi UVB er WiAOK hawk* and, in jiislice to him^ I must say, that he never gave me any bad advice: but advised me to apply to our American Father, who, he said, would do us justice. I next called on the great chief at Detroit, and made the same statement to him that I had to the chief of our British father. He gave the same reply. He said, if we had not sold our lands, and would remain peaceably on them, that we would not be disturbed. This assured me that I was right, and determined me to hold out, as I had promised my people. I returned from Maiden late in the fall. My people were gone to their hunting ground, whither I followed. Here I learned that they had been badly treated all summer by the whites; and that a treaty had been held at Prairie du Chien. Ke-o-kuck and some of our peo- ple attended it, and found out that our Great Father had exchanged a small strip of the land that was cedqd by Quash-qua-me and his party, with the Pottowato- mies, for a portion of their land, near Chicago; and that the object of this treaty waa to get it back again; and that the United States had agreed to give them sixteen thousand dollars a year forever, for this small strip of land — it being less than the twentieth part of that taken from our nation, for one thousand dollars a year! This bears evidence of something I cannot explain. This land, they say, belonged to the United States. What reason, then, could have induced them to ex- change it with the Pottowatomies? If it was so valuable, why not keep it? Qr, if they found that they had mm «k- ^ LIFB OF BLACK HAWK. made a bad bargain with the Poitowatomies, why not take back their land at a fair proportion of what they gave our nation for it? If this small portion of the land that they took from us for one thousand dollars a yeaf) be worth sixteen thousand dollars a year forever^ to the Pottowatomies, then the whole tract of country taken from us ought to be worth, to our nation, twenty times ai much as this small fraction. Here I was again puzzled to find out how the whitt people reasoned; and began to doubt whether they had any standard of right and wrong! T)ommunication was kept up between mysalf and the Prophet. Runners were sent to the Arkansas, Red river and Texas — not on the subject of our lands, but a secret mission, which I am not, at present, permitted to explain. ^ It was related to me, that the chiefs and headmen of the Foxes had been invited to Prairie du Chien, to hold a council to settle the diiierences existing between them and the Sioux. That tb6 chiefs and headmen, amounting to nine, started for the place designated, taking with them one woman — and were met by the Menomonees and Sioux, near the Ouisconsin, and all killed, except one man. Haying understood that the whole matter was published shortly after it occurred, and is known to the white people, I will say no more about it ■- ■■ V ^'-' -^''" •* I would here remark, that our pastimes and sportir had been laid aside for the last two years. We were 9 ■^"^^(Pl "^w^^ ■""^"■niVMPVHVMW ^•mmmmmmmmmm 98 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. a divided people, forming two parties. Ke-o-kucic being at the head of one, willing to barter our rights merely for the good opinion of the whites; and cow- ardly enough to desert our village to them. I was at the head of the other party, and was determined to hold on to my village, although I had been ordered to leave it. But, I considered, as myself and band had no agency in selling our country — and that as provisioTi had been made in the treaty, for us all to remain on it as long as it belonged to the United States, that we could not be forced away. I refused, therefore, to quit my village. It was here, that I was born — and hete lie the bones of my friends and relations. For this spot I felt a sacred reverence, and never could consent to leave it, without being forced therefrom. When I called to mind the scenes of my youth, and those of later days — and reflected that the theatre on which these wei*e acted, had been so long the home of my fathers, who now slept on the hills around it, I could not bring my mind to consent to leave this country to the whites, for any earthly consideration. The winter passe4 off in gloom. We made a bad hunt, for want of the guns, traps, &c. that the whites had taken from our people for whisky! The prospect before us was a bad one. I fasted, and called upon the Great Spirit to direct my steps to the right path. I was in great sorrow — because all the whites with whom I was acquainted, and had been on terms of friendship, 4. *• m vt,- LIFE OF BLACK IIA17K. 90 i-o-kuck ir rights nd cow- [ was at uined to -dered to ind had fFovisioTi main on that we I, to quit nd hete For thii consent nth, and satre on home of , I could [intry to ; a bad i whitei irospeci d upon )nth. I whom ndship, advised me so contrary to my wishes, that I begun to doubt whether I had a friend among them. Ke-o-kuck, who has a smooth tongue, and is a great speaker, was busy in persuading my band that I was wrong — and thereby making many of them dissatisfied with me. I had one consolation, for all the women were on my side, on account of their corn-fields. On my arrival again at my village, with my band in- creased, I found it worse than before. I visited Rock Island. The agent again ordered me to quit my vil- lage. He said, that if we did not, troops would be sent to drive us off. He reasoned with me, and told me, it would be better for us to be with the rest of our people, so that we might avoid difficulty, and live in peace. The interpreter joined him, and gave me so many good reasons, that I almost wished I had not undertaken the difficult task that I had pledged myself to my brave band to perform. In this mood, I called upon the trader, who is fond of talking, and had long been my friend, but now amongst those advising me to give up my village. He received me very friendly, and went on to defend Ke-o-kuck tn what he had done, and endeavored to show me tha.t I was bringing dis- tress on our women and children. He inquired, if some terms could not be made, that would be honora- ble to me, and satisfactory to my braves, for us to ire- move to the west side of the Mississippi f I replied, that if our Great Father would do us justice, and would make the propositio|), I could then give up hon- *- ^ *.: V>^* ^" II ■ .>Vlil«M^-mVH IQO UVB OF BLACK HAWK. ^^ ^t^ orably. He asked me '^ if the great chief at St. Louis would give us six thousand dollars, to purchase provis- ions and other articles, if I would give up peaceably, and remove to the west side of the Mississippi? Af- ter thinking some lime, I agreed, that I could honora- bly give up, by being paid for it, according to our cus- toms; but ur cus- roposal dishon- if, by that he ited, to arrived lire, the ef, who e steam > Louis nswer." ) place, t much anish it turned, • at St. did not wrought aid my consid- ie, as I LIFE OF BLAUK HAWK. 101 expected, I would for the sake of my women and chil- dren, have removed peaceabljr. I now resolved to remain in my village, and make no resistance, if the military came, but submit to my fate! I impressed the importance of this course on all my band, and directed them, in case the military came, not to raise an arm against them. About this time, our agent was put out of office — for what reason, I never could ascertain. I then thought, if it was for wanting to make us leave our village, it was right — because I was tired hearing him talk about it. The interpreter, who had been equally as bad in trying to persuade us to leave our village, was retained in office — and the young man who took the place of our agent, told the same old story over, ajbout removing us. I was then satisfied,*that this could not have been the cause. Our women had planted a few patches of corn which was growing finety, and promised a subsistence for our children — but the white people again comrrm- sed ploughing it up! I now determined to put a stop to it, by clearing our country of the intruders, I went to the principal men and told them, that they must and should leave our country — and gave them until the middle of the next day, to remove in. ^he worst left within the time appointed — but the one who remained, represented, that his family, (which was large,} would be in a starving condition, if he went and kA bis crop — and promised to behavo well, if I *9 103 UWU Of BL/iOK HAWK* 4 ♦ ■A. would consent to let him remain until fall, in order to secure hifl crop. He spoke reasonably, and I con- sented. We now resumed some of our games and pastimes — having been ft8i>ured by the prophet that we would not i)e removed. But in a little while it was ascertained that a great war chief, [Gen. Gaines J with a large num. i)cr of soldiers, was on his way to Rock river. I again called upon the prophet, who requested a little time to see into the matter. Early next morning he came to me, and said he had been dreaming! ** That he saw nothing bad in this great war chief, [Gen. Gaines,] who was now near Rock river. That ihe object of his mission was to frijhten us from our village, thai the white people might get our land for nothing P^ He assured us that this ^' great war chief dare not, and would not, hurt any of us. That the Americans were at peace with the British, and when they made peace, the British required, (which the Americans agreed to,) liiat they should never interrupt any nation of Indians that was at peace — and that all we had to do to retain Gur village, wat* to refuse any, and every offer that might be made by this war chief." The war chief arrived, and convenjed aipouncil at the agency. Kc-o-kuck and Wa-pel-lo were sent for, and came with a number of their band. The council^ house was opened, and they were all admittec Myself and band were then sent for to a.tend the council. When we arrived at the door, singing a war soh^, and * ; M w' ¥- ,.'<•* ^ .V 4e LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. 103 Armed with lances, spears, war clubs, and bows, and arrows, as if going to battle, I halted, and refused to enter — as I could see no necessity or propriety in hav- ing the room crowded with those who were already there. If the council was convened for U9, why have others there in our room? The war chi^f having tent all out except Ke-o-kuck, Wa-pel-lo, and a few of their chiefs and braves, we entered the council-house, in (his warliice appearance, being desirous to show the war chief that we were not afraid! He then rose and made a speech. * He said: " '' The president is very sorry to be put to the trouble and expense of sending a large body of soldiers here, to remove you from the lands you have long since ceded to the United States. Your Great Father has already warned you repeatedly, through your agent, to lea e the country; pnd he is very sorry to find that you have disobeyed his orders. Your Great Father wishes you well; a asks nothing from you but what is reasonable and right. I hope you will consult your own interest, and leave the country you are occupying, and go to the other side of the Mississippi." I replied: **That we had never sold our country. We never received any annuities from our American Father! And we are determined to hold on to our village !" The war chief, apparently angry, rose and said: — ^'Whois Black Hawk? Who U Biack Hawk r ':J'A ^ - ■' ■ ■ 104 UVE OP BLACK HAWK. I responded: ^' I am a Sac! my forefather was a Sac! and 9II the nations call me a SAC!!" The war chief said: •* I came here, neither to beg nor hire you to leaye yoor village. My business is to remove you, peacea- bly if I can, hut forcibly if I must ! I will now give you two days to remove in — and if you do not cross the Mississippi within that, time, I will adopt measures to ^rcc you away !" '^ » 4; * I told him that I never could cdisent to leave my Tillage, and was determined not to leave it! The council broke up, and the war chief retired to the fort. I consulted the prophet again : He said he had been dreaming, and that the Great Spirit had di- rected that a woman, the daughter of Mat-ta-tas, the old chief of the village, should take a stick in her hand, and go before the war chief, and tell him that she is the daughter of Mat-ta-tas, and that he had always been the white man's friend! That he had fought their battles — been wounded in their service — and had al- ways spoke well of them — and she had never heard him say that he had sold their village. The whites are numerous, and can take it from us if they choose; but she hoped they would not be so unfriendly. If they were, she had one favor to ask: she wished her people to be allowed to remain long enough to gather the provisions now growing in their fields: that she was a woman, and had worked hard to rais« somathiog mmmmmimm PIP" PPUP ^PPi||^^^ it LinS OV BLACK HAWK. 105 to support her children! And, if we are driven from our village without being allowed to save our corn, many of our little children must perish with hunger!" Accordingly, Mat-ta-tas' daughter was sent to tho fort, accompanied by several of our young men. They were admitted. She went before the war chief, and told the story of the prophet! The war chief said that the president did not send him here to make treaties with the women, nor to hold council With them! T^at our young men must leave the fort, but she might re' main if she wished! All our plans were now defeated. We must cross the river, or return to our village and await the com- ing of the war chief with his spldiers. We determined on the latter: but finding that our agent, interpreter^ trader,and Ke-o-kuck,(who v^ere determined on break- ing my ranks,) had seduced several of my warriors to cross the Mississippi, I sent a deputation to the agents at the request of my band, pledging myself to leave the country in the fall, provided pcrmissioi> was given us to remain, and secure our crop of corn, then grow- ing — as we would be in a starving situation if we were driven off without the means of subsistence. The deputation returned with an answer from the war chief, "that no further time would be given us than that specified, and if we were not then gone, he would remove us!" r directed my village crier to proclaim, that my or* .;^- r .■ % 106 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. ders were, in the event of the war chief coming to our Tillage to remove us, that not a gun should be fired, nor any resistance offered. That if he determined to fight, for them to remain quietly in their lodges, and let him kill them if he chose ! I felt conscious that this great war chief would not hlli^t our people — and my object was not war! Had it been, we would have attacked, and killed the war chief and his braves, when in council with us — as they were then completely iu our power. But his manly conduct and soldierly deportment, his mild, yet ener- getic manner, which proved his bravery, forbade it. Some of our young men who had been out asspie^, eame in and reported, that they had discovered a large body of mounted men coming towards our village, who looked like a war party* They arrived, and took a position below Rock river, for their place of encamp- ment. The great war chief, (Gen. Gaines,) entered Rock river in a steam boat, with his soldiers and one big gun! They passed, and returned close by our village; but excited no alarm among my braves. No attention was paid to the boat by any of our people — even our little children, who were playing on the bank of the river, as usual, continued their amusement. The water being shallow, the boat got aground, which gave the whites some trouble. If they had asked for assis- tance, there was not a brave in my band, who would Qot, willingly, have aided them. Their people were .*.*'' UFB or BLACK RAWK. ■m 107 permitted to pass and repass through our village, and were treated with friendship by our people. The war chief appointed the next day to remove us! I would have remained and been taken prisoner bj the regularsy but was afraid of the multitude of pale faces, who were on horseback, as they were under no restraint of their chiefs. We crossed the Mississippi during the night, and encamped some distance below Rock Island. The great war chief convened another council, for the pur- pose of making a treaty with us. In this treaty, he agreed to give us corn in place of that we had left growing in our fields. I touched the goose quill to this treaty, and was determined to live in peace. The corn that had been given us, was soon found to be inadequate to our wants; when loud lamentations were heard in the camp, by our women and children, for their roasting-ears, beans, and squashes. To satisfy them, a small party of braves went over, in the night, to steal corn from their own fields. They were discov- ered by the whites, and fired upon. Complaints were again made of the depredations committed by some of my people, on their own cornrfields! I understood from our agent, that there had been a provision made in one of our treaties for assistance in agriculture, and that we could have our fields ploughed, if we required it^ I therefore called upon him, and requested him to have me a ^mall log house built, and a field ploughed that fall, as I wished to live retired. * « «»" 4 ■•^■; nH • «, #lw 108 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK* He promised to have it done. I then went to the tra- der, and asked for permission to be buried in the grave- yard at our village,among my old friends and warriors; which he gave cheerfully. I then returned to my people satisfied. A short time after this, a party of Foxes went up to Prairie du Chien to avenge the murder of their chiefs and relations, which had been committed the summer previous, by the Menomonees and Sioux. When they arrived in the vicinity of the encampment of the Menomonees, they met with a Winnebago, and in- quired for tiie Menomonee camp; and requested him to go on before them and see if there were any Win- nebagoes in it — and if so, to tell them that they had better return to their own camp. He went, and gave the information, not only to the Winnebagoes, but to the Menomonees, that they might be prepared. The party si.'^i followed, killed twenty-eight Menomonees, and made their escape. This retaliation (which with us is considered lawful and right) created considerable excitement among the whites! A demand was made for the Foxes to be sur- rendered to, and tried by, the white people! The principal men came to me during the fall, and asked my advice. I conceived that they had done right,and that our Great Father acted very unjustly^ in demand- ing them^ when he had suffered all their chiefs to be decoyed away, and murdered by the Menomonees, without having ever made a similai demand of ih«m. % • If ■)■' UPH or BLACK ItKWK. too If be had no right in the first instance, he had non« now; and for my part, I conceive the right very qtki^' HtmaMe, if not altogether usurpation, in any case, where a difference exists between two nations, for him to in- terfere ! The Foxes joined my band, with an inten- tion to go out with them to; hunt^ About this tinie, Ne-a-pope, (who started to Maided when it was ascertained that the great war chief, Gen^ Gaines, was coming to remove us,) returned. He said be had seen the chief of our British father, and asked him if the Americans could force us to leave our vil- lage? He said — ^^ If we had not sold our village and land, the American government could not tiake them from us. That the right, being vested in us, could only be transferred by the voice and will of the whole ttjition; and that, as we had never given our consent to the sale of our country, it remained our exclusive prop- erty — from which the American government never could force us away! and that, in the event of war, we should have iiothmg to fear! as they would stand by anda5m/us!" He said he had called at the prophet^s village on his way down, and had there learned, for the first time, that we had left our village. He informed me, privately, that the prophet was anxious to see me, at he had much good news to tell me, and that I Would hear good news in the spring from our British father. The prophet requested me to inform you of all the particulars. I would much rather, however, you should 10 no LIFB OF BLACK HAWK. see him, and learn all from himself. But I will tell jou, that he has received expresses from our British father, who says that he is going to send us guns, ammunition, provisions, and clothing, earlj in the spring. The vessels that bring them will come bj way of Mil' wii-ke. The prophet has likewise received wampum and tobacco from the different nations on the lakes — Ottowas, Chippewas, Pottowatomi^s; and as for the Winnebagoes, he has them all at his command. We are going to be happy once more! I told him that I was pleased to hear that our Brii.dh father intended to see us righted. That we had been driven from our lands without receiving any thing for them — and I now began to hope, from his talk, that mj people would be once more happy. If I could accom- plish this, I would be satisfied. I am now growing old, and could spend the remnant of my time anywhere. But I wish first to see my people happy. I can then leave them cheerfully. This has always been my constant aim; and I now begin to hope that our sky will soon be clear. Ne-a-pope said: '' The prophet told me that all the diffeicnt tribes before mentioned would Jight for us, if necessary, and the British would support us. And, if we should be nhippedy(which is hardly possible,) we will still be safe, the prophet having received a friendly talk from the chief of Was-sa-cum-mi-co, (at Selkirk's set- tlement,) telling him, that if we were not satisfied in our country, to let him know, and he would make us ^ y M ■m- #-*1 Iim OF BLACX HAWK. Ill happj. That he had received information from our British father, that we had been badly treated by the Americans. We must go and see the prophet. I will go first; you had better remain and get as many of our people to join us as you can. You now know every thing that we have done. We leave the matter with you, to arrange among your people as you please. I will return to the prophet's village to-morrow; you can, in the mean time, make up your mind as to the course you will take, and send word to the prophet by me, as he is anxious to assist us, and wishes to know whether you will join us, and assist to make your people happy !" During that night, I thought over every thing that Ne-a-pope had told me, and was pleased to think that, by a little exertion on my part, I could accomplish the object of all my wishes. I determined to follow the advice of the prophet, and sent word by Ne-a-pope, that I would get all my braves together, and explain every thing that I had heard to them; and recruit as many as I could from the different villages. Accordingly, I sent word to Ke-o-kuck's band and the Fox tiibe, and explained to them all the good news I had heard. They would not hear. Ke-o-kuck said that I had been imposed upon by liars, and had much better remain where I was and keep quiet. When he found that I was determined to make an attempt to secure my village, and fearing that some difficulty would arise, he made application to the agent and great chief at St. Louis, for permission for the chiefs of m. -■■■Jmb' - « > # UWm OF BLACK HAWK. 113 kuck and his people hnd been, in a great measure, the cause of our having been driren from our Tillage, I as- cribed their present feelings to the same cause; and im- mediately went to work to recruit all my own bafjid, and made preparations to ascend Rock river. I made my encampment on the Mississippi, where fort Madison h d stood ; requested my people to rendezvous at that place, and .sent out soldiers to bring in the warriors, and stationed my sentinels in a position to prevent any from moving up until all were ready. My party having all come in and got ready, we com- menced our march up the Mississippi — our women and children in canoes, carrying such provisions as we had, camp equipage, &c. and my braves and warriora on horseback, armed and equipped for defence. The prophet came down and joined us below Rock river, having called at Rock Island, on his way down; to con- sult the war chief, agent, and trader, who (he said) ased many arguments to dissuade him from going with us; and requested him to come and meet us, and turn us back. They told him also, that there was a war chief on his way to Rock Island with a large body of loldiers. The prophet said he would not listen (o this to/Ar, be- cause no war chief dare molest us as long as we are at peace. That we had a right to go where we pleased peaceably; and advised me to say nothing to my braves and warriors until we encamped that night. We moved onward until we arrived at the place where *10 * Hi urm or blaok hawk. Gen* Gaines had made hif encampment the jear be- Ibre, and encamped for the night The prophet then addrened my braves and warriors. He told them to ^iollow us, and act iilce braves, and we had nothing to fioTf biilt much to gain. That the American war chief might come, but would not, nor dare not, interfere with vs so long as we acted peaceablj! That w? were not jfei rtad^ to act otherwise. We must wait until we as- cend Rock river and receive our reinforcements, and we will then be able to withstand any army I" That night the White Beaver, [Gen. Atkinson,] with a party of soldiers, passed up in steam boats. Our party became alarmed, expecting to meet the soldiers at Rock river, to prevent us from going up. On our ar- rival at its mouth, we discovered that the steam boats had passed on. I was fearful that the war chief had stationed his men on some bluff, or in some, ravine, that we might be taken by surprise. Consequently, on en- tering Rock river, we commenced beating our drums and singing, to show the Americans that we were not afraid. Having met with no opposition, we moved up Rock river leisurely some distance, when we were overtaken by an express from the White Beaver, with an order for me to return with my band, and recross the Mis- sissippi again. I sent him word that *^ I would not, (not recognizing his right to make such a demand,) as I was acting peaceably, and intended to go to the pro- phet's village, at his request, to make corn." Urm OV BLACK VAWK* 115 year be- phet then d them to M>thiDg to war chief fere with were not itil we as- lentsy and iOD,] with Dur party oldiers at m our ar- 3am boats chief had vine, that l7,on en- >ur drunos were not up Rock vertaken n ORDER the Mis- >uld not, laud,) as the pro- The expreiB retamed. We moved on, and encamped some distance below the prophet's Tillage. Here ano- ther express came from the White BeaTcr, threatening to pursue us and drive us back, if we did not return peaceably! This message roused the spirit of my band, and all were determined to remain with me and con- test the ground with the war chief, should he come and attempt to drive us. We therefore directed the ex- press to say to the war chief, ^ if he wished io fight us, he might come on P' We were determined never to be driven, and equally so, tio< to make the first attack, our object being to act only on the defensive. This we conceived our right. Soon after the express returned, Mr. Gratiot, sub- agent for the Winnebagoes, with several of the chiefs and headmen of the Winnelngo nation, came to our encampment. He had no interpreter — and was com- pelled to talk through his chiefs. They said the ob- ject of his mission was, to persuade us to return. But they advised us to go on — assuring us, that the further we went up Rock river, the more friends we would meet, and our situation be bettered: that they were on our side, and all their people were our friends: that we must not give up— but continue to ascend Rock river, on which, in a short time, we would receive a reinforcement sufficiently strong to repulse any enemy I They said they would go down with their agent, to as- certain the strength of the enemy, and then return ■'ft'.. 110 Lira OF BLACK MAWK. and give lit the news: that they had to uie lonie strat* agem to deceive their agent, in order to helpvi»\ During this council, a number of my braves hoisted the British flag, mounted their horses, aiid surrounded the council lodge! I discovered that the agent was very much frightened ! I told one of his chiefs to tell him that he need not be alarmed — and then went out and directed my braves to desist. Every warrior im- mediately dismounted, and returned to his lodge. Af- ter the council adjourned, I placed a sentinel at the agent's lodge, to guard him — fen ^ing that some of my warriors might again frighten him! I had always thought that he was a good man, and was determined that he should not be hurt. He started, with his chiefs, for Rock Island. Having ascertained that the White Beaver would not permit us to remain here, I began to consider what was best to be done, and concluded to keep up the river and see the Pottowatomies, and have a talk with them. Several Winnebago chiefs were present, whom I advised of my intentions, as thet/ did not seem disposed to render us any assistance. I asked them if they had not sent us wampum during the winter, and requested us to come and join their people and enjoy all the rights and privileges of their country? They did not deny this; and said if the white people did not interfere, they had no objection to our making corn this year, with our friend the prophet; but did not wish us to go any further up. "^y < ■ Ura or BLACK H4WK. in The next day, I utarted witk my party to Kitli-wii- eo-kee. That night I encamped n ibort distance above the propbef 8 viillage. After all wai quiet in mycamf^ I sent for my chicfi, and told them that we had been deceived! That all thei fair promises that had been held out to u8, through Ne-a-pope, were fahe! But it would not do to let our party know it. We mutt keep it secret among ourselves— and move on to Kish- wft-co-kee, as if all was right, and say something on the way to encourage our people. I will then call on the Pottowatomies, and hear what they say, and see what they will do. We started the next morning, after telling our peo- ple that news had just come from Mil-w&-kee, that a chief of our British father would be there io a few days! Finding that all our plans were defeated, I told the prophet that he must go with me, and we would see what could be done with the Pottowatomies. On our arrival at Kish-wli-co-kee, an express was sent to the Pottowatomie villages. The next day a deputation arrived. I inquired if they had com in their villages? They said they had very little, and could not spare any ! I asked them different questions, and received unsat- isfactory answers. This talk was in the presence of all my people. I afterwards spoke to them privately, and requested them to come to my lodge after my people had got to sleep. They came, and took seats. I asked them if they had received any news from the 118 UFB OF BLACK HAWK* lake from the British? Thej said, no. I inquired if they had heard that a chief of our British father was coming to Mil-wk-kee, to hring us guns, alnmunition, goods and provisions? They said, no! I then told them what news had been brought to me, and request- ed them to return to their village, and tell the chiefs that I wished to see them and have a talk with them. After this deputation started, I concluded to tell my people, that if the White Beaver came after us, we would go back — as it was useless to think of stopping or going on, without provisions. I discovered that the Winnebagoes and Pottowatomies were not disposed to render us any assistance. The next day, the Potto- watomie chiefs arrived at my camp. I had a dog kill- ed, and made a feast. When it was ready, I spread my medicine bags, and the chiefs began to eat. When the ceremony was about ending, I received news, that three or four hundred white men, on horseback, had been seen about eight miles off*. I immediately started three young men, with a white flag, to meet them, and conduct them to our camp, that we might hold a coun- cil with them, and descend Rock river again. And directed them, in case the whites had encamped^ to re- turn, and I would go and see them. After this party had started, I sent five young men to see what might take place. The first party went to the encampment of the whites, and were taken prisoners. The last party had not proceeded far, before they saw about twenty men coming to. yards them in full gallop? They *. ^ Ura OF BLACK HAWK. stopped, and finding that the whites were con^g m> fast, in a warlike attitude, they turned and retre^ed, but were pursued, and two of them overtaken a) killed! The others made their escape. When they came in with the news, I was preparing my flags to meet the war chief. The alarm was given. Nearly all my young men were absent, about ten miles off. I started with what I had left, (aboutybr^y,) and had pro- ceeded but a short distance, before we saw a part of the army approaching. I raised a yell, and said to my braves:-^" Some of our people have been killed! — wantonly and cruelly murdered! We must revenge their death !^' ^ -^ In a little while we discovered the whole army com- ing towards us in full gallop ! We were now confi- dent that our first party had been killed ! I immedi- ately placed my men in front of some bushes, that we might have the first fire, when they approached close enough. They made a halt some distance from us. I gave another yell, and ordered my brave warriors to charge upon them — expecting that we would all be killed! They did charge! Every man rushed and fired, and the enemy retreated! in the utmost confusion and consternation, before my little, but brave band of warriors ! After pursuing the enemy some distance, I found it useless to follow them, as they rode so fast, and return- ed to my encampment with a few of my braves, (about twttnty-flve having gone in pursuit of the enemy.) I 4f ]ff0 y" UVB or BI^OK BAWS* Ufiij^ »y pipe? aiN( sat down to tbank the Great gui^t for what we had done. I had not been long ^ditatng, when two of the three young men I had •eat out with the "Rag to meet the American war chief, entSTod! My astonishment was not greater than my joy to see them living smd well. I eagerly listened to their story, which was as follows: ^ When we arrived near to the encampment of the whites^ a number of thein rushed out to meet us, bring- ing their gunt« with them. They took us into their camp, where an American, who spoke the Sac lan- guage a little, told us that his chief wanted to know how we were — where we were going — where our camp was — and where Black Hawk was? We told him that we had come to see his chief; that our chief had directed us to conduct him to our camp, in case he had not encamped ; and, in that event, to tell him, that he [Black Hawk,] would come to see him; he wished to hold a council with him, as he had given up all in- tention of going to war. ''At the conclusion of this talk, a party of white men came in, on horseback. We saw by their countenan- ces that something had happened. A general tumult arose. They looked at us with indignation — talked among themselves for a moment — when several cocked their guns — in a second, they fired at us in the crowd ; our companion fell dead! We rushed through the crowd and made our escape. We remained in am- bush but a short time, before we heard yelling, like .* .- -'¥■ -* ■■i-» '^'ii UFE OF BLACK HAWK. 121 Indians running an enemj. In a little while we saw some of the whites in full speed. One of theno. came near us. I threw my tomahawk, and struck him oo the head, which brought him to the ground! I ran to him, and with his own knife, took off his scalp! I took his gun, mounted his horse, and took my friend here behind me. We turned to follow our braves, who were running the enemy, and had not gone far before we overtook a white man, whose horse had mired in a swamp! My friend alighted, and tomahawked the man, who was apparently fast under his horse! He took his 5ca//?, horse, and gun! By this time our party was some distance ahead. We followed on, and saw several white men lying dead on the way. After riding about six miles, we met our party returning. We asked them how many of our men had been killed? They said none, after the Americans retreated. We inquired then, how many whites had been killed? They replied, that they did not know; but said we will soon ascertain, as we must scalp them as we go back. On our return, we found ten men, besides the two we had killed before we joined our friends. Seeing that they did not yet recognise us, it being dark, we again asked, how many of our braves had been killed? They said ^re/ We asked, who they were? They replied that the first party of three, who went out to meet the American war chief, had all been taken pris- oners, and killed in the encampment; and that out of a party of five, who followed to see the meeting of the II %' ' l.i^ i« 122 LIFE OF BLACK JAWK. ■Av. first party and the whites, two had been killed! We were now certain that they did not recognise us — nor did we tell them who we were until we arrived at our camp! The news of our death had reached it some time before, and al! were surprised to see us again !" The next morning I told the crier of my village to give notice that we must go and bury our dead. In a little while all were ready. A small deputation was sent for our absent warriors, and the remainder started. We first disposed of our dead, and then commenced an e:£amination, in the enemy's deserted encampment, for plunder. We found arms, ammunition, and provisions, all which we were in want of — particularly the lat- ter, as we were entirely without. We found, also, a variety of saddle-bags, (whicL I distributed among my braves,) and a small quantity of whisky I and some little barrels that had contained this bad medicine; but they were empty! I was surprised to find that the whites carried whisky with them, as I had understood that all the palefaces belonged to the temperance societies! The enemy's encampment was in a skirt of woods near a run, about half a day's travel from Dixon's ferry. We attacked them in the prairie, with a few bushes between us, about sundown, and I expected that my whole party would be killed! I never was so much surprised, in all the fighting I have seen — know- ing, too, that the Americans, generally, shoot well — as I was to see this army of several hundreds, retreating! WITHOUT SHOWING FIGHT !! and passing immediately * * ' ■4 # UlUB OP BLAOK HAWK. 123 through their encampment. I did think that thej in* tended to halt here, as the situation would have for- bidden attack by mi/party, if their number had not ex- ceeded half mine! as we would have been compelled to take the open prairie, whilst they could have picked trees to shield themselves from our fire! Never was I so much surprised in my life, as I was in this attack! An army of three or four hundred, after having learned that we were sueing for peace, to at- tempt to kill the flag-bearers that had gone, unarmed, to ask for a meeting of the war chiefs of the two con- tending parties to hold a council, that I might return to the west side of the Mississippi, to come forward, with a full determination to demolish the few braves I had with me, to retreat, when they had ten to one, was unaccountable to me. It proved a different spirit from any I had ever before seen among the pale faces! I expected to see them fight as the Americans did with the British during the last war! — but they had no such braves among them! I had resolved upon giving up the war — and sent 9-Jlag of peace to the American war chief — expecting, as a matter of right, reason and justice, that our flag would be respected, (I have always seen it so in war among the whites,) and a council convened, that we might explain our grievances, having been driven from our village the year before, without being per- mitted to gather the corn and provisions which our women had labored hard to cuJtivate, and ask for per- * wmm 124 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. « ff mission to return — thereby giving up all idea of going to war against the white?. Yet, instead of this honorable course^ which / have always practised in war, I was forced intoWAR, with about^ve hundred warriors, to contend against three or four thousand! The supplies that Ne-a-pope and the prophet told us about, and the reinforcements we were to have, were never more heard of; (and it is but justice to our Brit- ish father to say, were never promised — his chief having sent word in lieu of the lies that were brought to me, "for us to remain at peace, as we could accomplish NOTHING BUT OUR OWN RUIN, BY GOINO TO WAR!") What was now to be done? It was worse than folly to turn back and meet an enemy where the odds was so much against us — and thereby sacrifice ourselves, oui^ives and children, to the fury of an enemy who had murdered some of our brave and unarmed warri- ore, when they were on a mission to sue for peace! Having returned to our encampment, and found that all our young men had come in, I sent out spies^ to watch the movement of the army, and commenced moving up Kish-wa-co-kee, with the balance of my people. I did not know where to go to find a place of safety for my women and children, but expected- to find a good harbor about the head of Rock river. I concluded to go there — and thought my best route would be to go round the head of Kish-wa-co-kee, so 1.*^ --v. - ^V ■;«^...*n*^ *hik.le> 1^. .:m>- 'vl«r> p Ltn OF BLACK BA^^X. ido chance of success if we did attack them — and that, at we had run the bear into his hole, we would there leave him, and return to our camp. . On arriving at our encampment, we found that sev- eral parties of our spies had returned, bringing intelli- gence that the army had commenced moving. Another party o{ Jive came in and said they had been pursued for several hours, and were attacked by twenty-five or thirty whites in the woods ; that the whites rushed in upon them, as they lay concealed, and received their fire, without seeing them. They immediately retreated, whilst we reloaded. They entered the thicket again, and as soon as they came near enough, we fired! Again they retreated, and again they rushed into the thicket and fired ! We returned their fire, and a skir- mish ensued between two of their men and one of ours, who was killed by having his throat cut! This was the only man we lost. The enemy having had three killed, they again retreated. Another party of three Sacs had come in, and brought in two young white squaws, whom they had given to the Winnebagoes, to take to the whites. They said they had joined a party of Pottowatomies, and went with them, as a war party, against the set- tlers on the Illinois. The leader of this party, a Potto watomie, had been severely whipped by this settler, some time before, and was anxious to avenge the insult and injury. While the party was preparing to start, a young Potto ■# ^ lH) Lira OF BLAOK HAWK. watomie went to the settler's house, and told him to leave it — that a war party was coming to murder them. They started, but soon returned again, as it appeared that they were all there when the war partj arrived! The Pottowatomies killed the whole family, except two young squaws, whom the Sacs took up on their horses, and carried off, to save their lives. — They were brought to our encampment, and a messen- ger sent to the Winnebagoes, as they were friendly on both sides, to come and get them, and carry them to the whites. If these young men belonging to my band, had not gone with the Pottowatomies, the two young squaws would have shared the same fate as their friends. During our encampment at the Four Lakes, we were hard put to, to obtain enough to eat to support nature. Situate in a swampy, marshy country, (which had been selected in consequence of the great difficulty required to gain access thereto,) there was but little game of any sort to be found — and fish were equally scarce. The great distance to any settlement, and the impossi- bility of bringing supplies therefrom, if any could have been obtained, deterred our young men from making further attempts. We were forced to dig roots and bark trees, to obtain something to satisfy hunger and keep us alive! Several of our old people became so much reduced, as actually to die with hunger! And, finding that the army had commenced moving, and fearing that they might come upon and surround our ..3:v^. LIFB OF BLACK HAWK. 131 encampment, I concluded to remove my women and children across the Mississippi, that they might return to the Sac nation again. Accordingly, on the next day, we commenced moving,- with five Winnehagoes acting as our guides, intending to descend the Ouis- consin. ^ ^' Ne-a-pope, with a party of twenty, remained in our rear, to watch for the enemy, whilst we were proceed- ing to the Ouisconsin, with bur women an^ children. We arrived, and had commenced crossing t^em to an island, when we discovered a large body of the enemy coming towards us. We were now compelled to fight, or sacrifice our wives and children to the fury of the whites! I met them with fifty warriors, (having left the balance to assist our women and children in cross- ing,) about a mile from the river, when an attack im- mediately commenced. I was mounted on a fine horse, and was pleased to see my warriors so brave. I addressed them in a loud voice, telling them to stand their ground, and never yield it to the enemy. At this time I was on the rise of a hill, where I wished to form my warriors, that we might have some advantage over the whites. But the enemy succeeded in gaining this point, which compelled us to fall back into a deep ravine, from which we continued firing at them and they at us, until it began to grow dark. My horse hav- ing been wounded twice during this engagement, and fearing from his loss of blood, that he would soon give out—- and finding that the enemy would not come near H 133 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. enough to receive our fire, in the dusk of the evening — and knowing that our women and children had had sufficient time to reach the island in the On.isconsin, I ordered my warriors to return, in different routes, and meet me at the Ouisconsin — and were astonished to find that the enemy were not disposed to pursue us. In this skirmish, with fifty braves, I defended and accomplished my passage over the Ouisconsin, with a loss of only six men; though opposed by a host of mounted militia. I would not have fought there, but to gain time for my women and children to cross to an island. A warrior will duly appreciate the embarrass- ments I labored under — and whatever may be the sen- timents of the white people, in relation to this battle, my nation, though fallen, will award to me the repu- tation of a great brave, in conducting it. The loss of the enemy could not be ascertained by our party; but I am of opinion, that it was much great- er, in proportion, than mine. We returned to the Ouisconsin, and crossed over to our people. Here some of my people left me, and descended the Ouisconsin, hoping to escape to the west side of the Mississippi, that they might return home. I had no objection to their leaving me, as my people were all in a desperate condition — being worn out with tra celling, and starving from hunger. Our only hope to save ourselves, was to get across the Mississippi. But few of this party escaped. Unfortunately for them, a party of soldiers from Prairie du Chien, was stationed wm 0'.. LIFB OF BLACK HAWK. 133 on the Oaisconsin, a short distance from its mouth, who fired upon our distressed people. Some were killed, others drowned, several taken prisoners, and the bal- ance escaped to the woods and perished with hun» ger. Among this party were a great many women and children. ^s I was astonished to find that Ne-a-pope and his party of spie» had not yet come in — they having been ]ell.4n my rear to bring the news, if the enemy were discov- eredi It appeared, however, that the whites had come in a different direction, and intercepted our trail but a short distance from the place where we first saw them — leaving our spies considerably in the rear. Ne- a-pope, and one other, retired to the Winnebago vil- lage, and there remained during the war! The bal- ance of his party, being brave men, and considering our interest as tLeir own, returned, and joined our ranks. Myself and band having no means to descend the Ouisconsin, I started, over a rugged country, to go to the Mississippi, intending to cross it, and return to my nation. Many of our people were compelled to go on foot, for want of horses, which, in consequence of their' having had nothing to eat for a long time, caused our march to be very slow. At length we arrived at i\),e Mississippi, having lost some o( our old men and little children, who perished on the way with hunger. We had been here but a little while, before we saw a steam boat (the ^* Warrior,") coming* I told my 1 I m i UFE OF BLACK HAWK. 139 oner of war! but had surrendered myself. He re- ceived us kindly, and treated us well. We were now confined to the barracks, and forced to wear the ball and chain! This was extremely mor- tifying, and altogether useless. Was the White Beaver afraid that I would break out of his barracks, and run away? Or was he ordered to inflict this pun- ishment upon me? If I had taken him prisoner on the field of battle, I would not have wounded his feelings so much, by such treatment — ^knowing that a brave war chief would prefer death to dishonor! But I do not blame the White Beaver for the course he pursued — it is the custom among white soldiers, and, I suppose, was a part of his duty. The time dragged heavily and gloomy along turough- out the winter, although the White Beaver done every thing in his power to render us comfortable. Having been accustomed, throughout a long life, to roam the forests o'er — to go and come at liberty — confinement, and under such circumstances, could not be less than torture! We passed away the time making pipes, until spring, when we were visited by the agent, trader, and inter- preter, from Rock Island, Ke-o-kuck, and several chiefs and braves of our nation, and my wife and daughter. I was rejoiced to see the two latter, and spent my time very agreeably with them and my people, as long as they remained. The trader presented me with some dried venison, *'f^ 140 k 4t Um OF BLACK HAWK* which had been killed and cured bj some of mj friends. This was a valuable present; and although he had given me many before, none ever pleased me so much. This was the first meat I had eaten for a long time, that reminded me of the former pleasures of mj own wigwam, which had always been stored with plenty. Ke-o-kuck and hii^ chiefs, during their stay at the barracks^ petitioned our Great Father, the President, to release us; and pledged themselves for our good con- duct. I now began to hope that I would soon be resto- red to liberty, and the enjoyment of my family and friends; having heard that Ke-o-kuck stood high in the estimation of our Great Father, because he did not join me in the war. But I was soon disappointed in my hopes. An order came from our Great Father to the White Beaver, to send u on to Washington. In a little while all were ready, and left Jefferson barracks on board of a steamboat, under charge of a young war chief, whom the White Beaver sent along as a guide to Washington. He carried with him an interpreter and one soldier. On our way up the Ohio, we passed several large villages, the names of which were explained to me. The first is called Louisville, and is a very pretty village, situate on the bank of the Ohio river. The next is Cincinnati, which stands on the bp.nk of the same river. This is a large and beau- tiful village, and seemed to be in a thriving condition. # LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. 141 The people gathered on the bank as we passed, in great crowds, apparently anxious to see us. On our arrival at Wheeling, the streets and river's banks were crowded with people, who flocked from every direction to see us. While we remained here, many called upon us, and treated us with kind- ness — no one offering to molest or misuse us. This village is not so large as either of those before men- tioned, but is quite a pretty village. We left the steam boat here, having travelled a long distance on the prettiest river (except our Mississippi,) that 'I ever saw — and took the stage, fieing unaccus- tomed to this mode of travelling, we soon got tired, and wished ourselves seated in a canoe on xme of our own rivers, that we might return to our friends. We had travelled but a short distance, before our carriage turned over, from which I received a slight injury, and the soldier had one arm broken. I was sorry for this accident, as the young man had behaved well. We had a rough and mountainous country for seve- ral days, but had a good trail for our carriage. It is astonishing to see what labor and pains the white peo- ple have had to make this road, as it passes over an immense number of mountains, which are generally covered with rocks and timber; yet it has been made smooth, and easy to travel upon. Rough and mountainous as is this country, there are many wigwams and small Tillages standing on the road side. I could see nothing in the country to induce the in^ r-^ 142 Lira OF BLACK BAWK. people to live in it; and was astonished to find so many whites living on the hills! I have often thought of them since my return to my own people; and am happy to think that they prefer living in their own country, to coming out to ours, and driving us from it, that they might live upon and enjoy it — as many of the whites have already done. I think, with them, that wherever the Great Spirit places his people, they ought to be satisfied to remain, and thankful for what He has given them; and not drive others from the country He has given them, because it happens to be better than theirs! This is contrary to our way of thinking; and from my intercourse with the whites, I have learned that one great principle o{ their religion is, 'Ho do unto others as you wish them to do unto you!" Those people in the mountains seem to act upon this principle; but the settlers on our frontiers and on our lands, seem never to think of it, if we are to judge by their actions. The first village of importance that we came to, after leaving the mountains, is called Hagerstown. It is a large village to be so far from a river, and is very pretty. The people appear to live well, and enjoy themselves much. We passed through several small villages on the way to Fredericktown, but I have forgotten their names. This last is a large and beautiful village. The people treated us well, as they did at all the other villages where we stopped. •m * . Lira OF BLACK HAWK. 143 Here we came to another road, much more wonder- ful than that through the mountains. They call it a rail road! I examined it carefully, but need not describe it, as the whiles know all about it. It is the most astonishing sight I ever saw. The great road over the mountains will bear no comparison to it — although it has given the white people much trouble to make. I was surprised to see so much labor and money expended to make a good road for easy travel- ling. I prefer riding on horseback, however, to any other way ; but suppose that these people would not have gone to so much trouble and expense to make a road, if they did not prefer riding in their new fash- ioned carriages, which seem to run without any trouble. They certainly deserve great praise for their industry. On our arrival at Washington, we called to see our Great Father, the President. He looks as if he had seen as many winters as I have, and seems to be a great brave! I had very little talk with him, as he appeared to be busy, and did not seem much disposed to talk. I think he is a good man; and although he talked but little, he treated us very well. His wigwam is well furnished with every thing good and pretty, and is very strongly built. He said he wished to know the cause of my going to war against his white children . I thought he ought to have known this before; and, consequently, said but little to him about it — as I expected he knew as well as I could tell him. 144 UFI OF BLAUK UAWKt He said he wanted us to go to fortress Monroe, and staj awhile with the war chief who commanded it. But, haying been so long from my people, I told him that I would rather return to my nation — that Ke-o- kuck had come here once on a visit to see him, as we had done, and he let him return again, as soon as he wished; and that I expected to be treated in the same way. He insisted, however, on our going to fortress Monroe; and as our interpreter could not understand enough of our language to interpret a speech, I con* eluded it was best to obey our Great Father, and say nothing contrary to his wishes. During our stay at the city, we were called upon by many of f '^e people, who treated us well, particularly the squa a We visited the great council house of the Americans — the place where they keep their big guns — and all the public buildings, and then started to for- tress Monroe. The war chief met us, on our arrival, and shook hands, and appeared glad to see me. He treated us with great friendship, and talked to me fre- quently. Previous to our leaving this fort, he gave us a feast, and made us some presents, which I intend to keep for his sake. He is a very good man, and a great brave! I was sorry to leave him, although I was going to return to my people, because he had treated me like a brother, during all the time I remained with him. Having got a new guide, a war chief, [Maj. Gar- land,] we started for our own country, taking a circui- t0H8 route* Our Great Father being about to pay a . m m^mmmmm LIFa OF BLACK HAWK. !45 visit to his children in the big tmns towards sunrising, and being desirous thnt we should have an opportunity of seeing them, directed our guide to take us through. On our arrival at Baltimore , we were much aston- ished to see so large a village ; but the war chief told us that we would soon sec a iarger one. This surpris- ed us more. During our stay here, we visited all the public buildings and places of amusement — saw much to admire, and were well entertained by the people, who crowded to see us. Our Great Father was there at the same time, and seemed to be much liked by his white children, who flocked around him, (as they had done us,) to shake him by the hand. He did not re- main long — having left the city before us. We left Baltimore in a steam boat, and travelled in this way to the big village, where they make medalt and money, [Philadelphia.] We again expressed sur- prise at finding this village so much larger than the one we bad left; but the war chief again told us, that we would soon see another much larger tb'in this. I had no idea that the white people had such large vil- lages, and so many people. They were very kind to us^-^howed us all their great public works, their ships and steam boats. We visited the place where they make money, [the mint] and saw the men engaged at it. They presented each of us with a number of pieces of the coin as they fell from the mint, which are very handsome. I witnessed a militia training in this city, in which \\ 146 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK* were performed a namber of singular military feats. The chiefs and men were well dressed, and exhibited quite a warlike appearance. I think our system of military parade far better than that of the whites— but, as I am now done going to war, I will not describe it, or say any thing more about war, or the preparations necessary for it. We next started to New York, and on our arrival near the wharf, saw a large collection of people gath- ered at Castle-Garden. We had seen many wonder- ful sights in our way — ^large villages, the great national road over the mountains, the rail-roads, steam carriages, ships, steam boats, and many other things ; but we were now about to witness a sight more surprising than any of these. Wc were told that a man was going up into the air in a balloon ! We watched with anxiety to see if it could be true; and to our utter astonishment, saw him ascend in the air until the eye could no longer perceive him. Our people were all surprised, and one of our young men asked the prophet, if he was going up to see the Great Spirit? After the ascension of the balioon, we landed, and got into a carriage, to go to the house that had been provided for our reception. We had proceeded but a short distance, before the street was so crowded that it was impossible for the carr r.ge to pass. The war chief then directed the coachman to take another street, and stop at a different house from the one he had intended. On our arrival here, we were waited upon by a num- i Ll¥>E 6'P BLACK HAWK. 147 ber of gentlemen, who seemed much pleased to see us. We were furnished with good rooms, good provisions, and every thing necessary for our comfort. The chiefs of this big village^ being desirous that all their people should have an opportunity to see us, fitted up their great council-house for this purpose, where we saw an immense number of people; all of whom treated us widh friendship, and many with great generosity. The chiefs were particular in showing us every thing that they thought would be pleasing or gratifying to us. We went with them to Castle-Garden to see the fireworks, which was quite an agreeable entertainment — but to the whites who witnessed it, less magnificent than the sight of one of our large prairies would be when on fire. We visited all the public buildings and places of amusement, which to us were truly astonishing, yet very gratifying. Every body treated us with friendship, and many with great liberality. The squaws presented us many handsome little presents, that are said to be valuable. They were very kind, very good, and very pretty — for palefaces! ,. Among the men who treated us with marked friendship, by the presentation of many valuable pres- ents, I cannot omit to mention the name of my old friend. Crooks, of the American Fur Company. I have known him long, and have always found him to be a good chief-->one who gives good advice, and treats J** 118 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK. our people right. I shall always be proud to recog- nize him as a friend, and glad to shake him by the hand. Having seen all the wonders of this hig village^ and being anxious to return to our people, our guide started with us for our own country. On arriving at Albany, the people were so anxious to see us, that they crowded the street and wharves, where the steam boat landed, so much, that it was almost impossible for us to pass to the h<$tel which had been provided for our reception. We remained here but a short time, and then started for Detroit. I had spent many pleasant days at this place; and anticipated, on my arrival, to meet many of my old friends — but in this I was disappointed. What could be the cause of this? Are they all dead? Or what has become of them? I did not see our old father there, who had always gave me good advice, and treated me with friendship. After leaving Detroit, it was but a (ew days before we landed at Prairie du Chien. The war chief at the fort treated us very kindly, as did the people generally. I called on the father of the Winnebagoes, {Gen. J. M. Street,] to whom I had surrendered myself after the battle at the Bad Axe, who received me very friendly. I told him that I had left my great medicine bag with his chiefs before I gave myself up; and now, that I was to enjoy my liberty again, I was anxious to get it, that I might hand it down to my nation unsullied ! He said it was safe; he had heard his chiefs speak X ^- UFE OF BLACK HAWK* 149 of it, and would get it and send it to me. I hope he will not forget his promise, as the whites generally do — because I have always heard that he was a good man, and a good father — and made no promises that he did not fulfil. Passing down the Mississippi, I discovered a large collection of people in the mining country, on the west side of the river, and on the ground that we had given to our relation, Dubuque, a long time ago, I was surprised at this, as I had understood from our Crreat Father, that the Mississippi was to be the dividing line between his red and white children, and that he did not wish either to cross it, I was much pleased with this talk, as I knew that it would be much better for both parties. I have since found the country much settled by the whites further down, {ind near to our people, on the west side of the river. I am very much afraid that, in a few years, they will begin to drive and abuse our people, as they have formerly done. I may not live to see it, but I feel certain that the day is not distant. When we arrived at Rock Island, Ke-o-kuck and the other chiefs were sent for. They arrived the next day with a great number of their young men, and came over to see me. I was pleased to see them, and they all appeared glad to see me. Among them were some who had lost relations during the war -the year before. When we met, I perceived the tear of sor- row gush from their eyes at the recollection of their »13 %• 'n» m I 41 150 LIFE OF BLACK HAWK* loss; yet they exhibited a smiling countenance, from the joy they felt at seeing me alive and well. The next morning the war chief, our guide, conve- ned a council at fort Armstrong. Ke-o-kuck and his party went to the fort; but, in consequence of the war chief not having called for me to accompany him, I concluded that I would wait until 1 was sent for. Con- sequently the interpreter came, and said " they were ready, and had been waiting for me to come to the fort.^^ I told him I was ready, and would accompany him. On our arrival there, the council commenced. ^ The war chief said that the object of this council was :$: to deliver me up to Ke-o-kuck. He then read a paper, and directed me to follow Ke-o-kuck' s advice^ and he gov erned by his counsel in all things ! In this speech he said much that was mortifying to my feelings, and I m.ade an indignant reply, I do not know what object the war chief had in making such a speech, or whether he intended what he said; but I do know, that it was uncalled for, and did not become him. I have addressed many war chiefs, and have listened to their speeches with pleas- ure — but never had my feelings of pride and honor insulted on any former occasion. I am sorry that I was so hasty in reply to this chief, because I said that which I did not intend. In this council, I met my old friend, a great war chief, [Col. Wm. Davbnport,] whom I had known alN>Ht eighteen years. He is a good and bra?e chief. -*' UFB OF SLACr HAWK. 151 He always treated me well, and gave me good advice. He made a speech to me on this occasion, very differ' ent from that of the other chief. It sounded like coming from a brave! He said he had known me a long time — that we had heen good friends during that acquaintance — and, although he had fought against my braves, in our late war, he still extended the hand of friendship to me — and hoped, that I was now satisfied, from what I had seen in my travels, that it was felly to think of going to war against the whites, and would ever remain at peace. He said he would be glad to see me at all times — and on all oc- casions would be happy to give me good advice. If our Great Father were to make such men our agents, he would much better subserve the interests of our people, as well as his own, than in any other way. The war chiefs all know our people, and are respected by them. If the war chiefs, at the different military posts on the frontiers, were made agents, they could always prevent difficulties from arising among the Indians and whites; and I have no doubt, had the war chief above alluded to, been our agent, we never would have had the difficulties with the whites wliich we have had. Our agents ought always to be braves f I would, therefore, recommend to our Great Father, the propri* ety of breaking up the present Indian establishment, and creating a new one — and ci£ making the com- Bianding officers, at the different frontier posts, thft 1 '■'^ I 152 UFB OF BLACK HAWK. h^ agents of the government for the different nations of Indians. I have a good opinion of the American war chiefs, generally, with whom I am acquainted ; and my peo- ple, who had an opportunity of seeing and becoming well acquainted with the great war chief, [Gen. Win- field Scott,] who made the last treaty with them, in conjunction with the great chief of Illinois, [Gover- nor Reynolds,] all tell me that he is the greatest brave they ever saw, and a good man — one who ful^ all his promises. Our braves speak more highly of him, than any chief that has ever been among us, or made trea- ties with us. Whatever he says, may be depended upon. If he had been our Great Father, we never would have been compelled to join the British in their last war with America — and I .have thought that, as our Great Father is changed every few years, that his children would do well to put this great war chief in his place — as they cannot find a better chief for a Great Father any where. I would be glad if the village criers, [editors,] in all the villages I passed through, would let their people know my wishes and opinions about this great war chief. During my travels, my opinions were asked on dif- ferent subjects^^ut for want of a good interpreter, were very seldom given. Presuming that they would be equally acceptable now, I have thought it a part of my duty, to lay the most important before the public. IiIFS OF BLACK HAWK. 153 The subject of colonizing the negroes was intro- duced, and my opinion asked, as to the best method of getting clear of these people. I was not prepared, at the time, to answer — as I knew but little about their situation. I have since made many inquiries on the subject — and find that a number .of states admit no slaves, whilst the balance hold these negroes as slaves, ami are anxious, but do not know, how 40 get clear of them. I; will now give my plau, which, when under- stood, I hfO^e will be adopted. Let the free states remove all the male negroes within their limits, to the slave states — then let our Great Father buy all the female negroes in the slave states, between the ages of twelve and twenty, and sell them to the people of the free states, for a term of years-^say, those under fifteen, until they are twenty- one — and those of, and over fifteen, for five years— and continue to buy all the females in the slave states, as soon as they arrive at the age of twelve, and take them to the free states, and dispose of them in the same way as the first — and it will not be long before the country is clear of the black skins, about which, I am told, they have been talking for a long time; and for which they have expended a large amount of money. I have no doubt but our Great Father would wil- lingly do his part in accomplishing this object for his children — as he could not lose much by it, and would make them all happy. If the free states did not want 7:i :\ 154 LIVE Of BLACK HAWK. them all for servants, we would take the balance in our nation, to help our women make corn ! I have not time now, nor is it necessary, to enter more into detail about my travels through the United States. The white people know all about them, and my people have started to their hunting grounds, and I am anxious to follow tb»m. J» Before I take leave of the public, I must contradict the story of some village criers^ who (I have |een told,) accuse me of ^* having murdered women anoTchildren among the whites!" This assertion v&false^ I never did, nor have I any knowledge that any of my nation ever killed a white woman or chf^. I make this state- ment of truth, to satisfy the white people among whom • I have been travelling, (and by whom I have been treated with great kindness,) that, when they shook me by the hand so cordially, they did not shake the hand that had ever been raised against any but war- riors. It has always been our custom to receive all stran- gers that come to our village or camps, in time of peace, to share with them the best provisions we have, and give them all the assistance in our power. If on a journey, or lost, to put them on the right trail — and if in want of mocasins, to supply them. I feel grateful to the whites for the kind manner they treated me and my party, whilst travelling among them — and from my heaitt I assure them, that the white man will always be welcome in our village or camps, as a brother. ■» LIFE Ot BLACK HAWK. 155 The tomahawk is buried forever! We will forget what has past — and may the watchword between the Americans and Sacs and Foxes, ever be — ^*'/Wetu2rAtjp/" I am now done. A few more moons, and I must fol- low my fathers to the shades! May the Great Spirit "keep our people and the whites always at peace — is the sincere wish of BLACK HAWK. ♦ # ijft' '♦ i/l ^Wi m