HE The Sauks aj6 t/e JUCKlOTKffiAR in H p.. P. d J/JiJf THE SAUKS AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR, WITH Biographical Sketches, Etc, BY Hon. PERRY A. ARMSTRONG, OF MORRIS, ILLINOIS, ILLUSTRATED. MM*- SP1INGFIELD. ILL. : H. W. Rokker, Printer and Binder. 1887. •S3 A7^ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1886, By Hon. PERRY A. ARMSTRONG, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. J/MJf- CONTENTS AND INDEX. Page. CHAPTER I-The Sauks 0-24 Their Discovery and Name, 9. Peculiarities. 10. Migrations and Alliance with the Foxes, 11. Conquests in Iowa, 11. Extent of Territory, 12. Great Men, 12. Foxes not in Black Hawk War, 12. Form of Government, 13. The Gens in Female Line, 13. Chieftaincies, 14. Legend about Selecting their Chiefs, 15. Painting their Sons at Birth, 16. Laws, .and Modes of Enforcing them, 16. Adjustment of Murders, 16. Honesty and Similarity to the Israelites, 16. Love-making and Marriages, 17. Easy Divorces, 18. National Religious Feasts. 18. Modes of Worship. 19. The Dread of Night, 19. Civilization, 19. Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, 20. Their Councils, 21. Parliamentary Rules, 21. Adhesive Power Decreased, with Increase of Numbers, 22. Divided by the War of 1812-14, 22. Keokuk and Black Hawk Rivals, 22. This Division Never Healed. 22. Black Hawk's Band called "British Band," 23. White Man's Path, 24. CHAPTER II— Their Farm Lands 25-38 Three Thousand Acres Cultivated, 25. Corn, Beans and Pumpkius, 25. Fences, 25. Public Road, 26.. Fort Armstrong, 26. Trading-house, 26. Pasture Land, 26. Ponies not Breachy, 27. White Men's Stock held their Fences in Contempt, 27. That of Rinnah Wells made a mistake and lost their Liberty, 27. The Fee of their Lands, 28. Allottments, 28. Three kinds of Corn. 28. Their Orchard and Garden, 28. Land ol the Foxes, 28. Right of Selection of Land, 28. Continuous Occupancy, 29. Boundaries Defined, 29. A Usufruct Title, 29. Descent, 29. Analagous to a Dower Interest, 29. No desire for Land or Wealth of any kind, 30. No Money Lenders or Corporations, 30. Rivalry, 30. No Employers or Labor Strikes, 30. Annuities, per capita and pro rata, 30. They could not hold Land in fee in severalty under the Indian or White Man's Law, 30. Which Robbed Shaubenee of his Home, 31. Indians Incapable to Trade and Bar- ter, 31. A Jug of Whisky with a few Gew-Gaws, 32. Their Title to Real Estate Defined, 32. Black Hawk's and Tecumseh's Views Thereof, 32. Corn Hills Preserved, 34. Indians Sold Corn, 34. Legend of the origin of Corn, Beans and Tobacco, 35. Their Crude Farm Implements, 36. Pre- venting the Soul from Escape, 36. Superstitions, 36. Selecting Big Med- icine and Totem, 37. CHAPTER HI— Saukenuk 39-58 Location, Construction and Population. 39. Streets, Alleys and Palli- sades, 40. Hodenosotes, 41. Beds any Modes of Living, 42. Carver's and Adair's Comments, 43. Customs when Traveling, 43. Women Gov- erned the Household, 43. Sanedrian, or Council House, 44. Public Square, 44. Mass Meetings and Public Gatherings, 45. Scenery, 46. Van- druffs and Big Islands, 46. Milan, 46. Black Hawk's Watch Tower, 47. Chippinock, 47. Stone Coal, 48. Lead and Iron Ores, 48. Geological In- terest, 49. Sauk Sentinels, 49. Telegraphy, 49. Black Hawk's descrip- tion of this Rock, 50. Black Hawk's Watch Tower Pavilion, 57. Reflec- tions, 51. Sauk Legend of Love and Death, 53. Land Slide, 54. San- teaux Legend, 51. Poom thereon, 55. Quarryman's Story, 57. M181784 Vi CONTENTS AND INDEX. Page. CHAPTER IV— Origin of the Black Hawk War 58-70 Cuvier Settlement, 58. Whisky the Cause of the Trouble, 59. An Insulted Indian Maiden and Drunken Father, 59. Knocked Down and Dragged Out, 59. A Murder and an Indian Escape, 60. The Murderer Surren- dered to the Military, 60. Quashquamme and Associates go to St. Louis, 61. They are Treated to the Amount of 12,234.50, and Attempt to Cede the Land of their Nation to Secure its Payment, 61. The Indian Prisoner Released and Shot, 61. Forsythe's Statement of this Affair, 62. The Quashquamme Treaty, 66. Their Lands Surveyed at the Special Request of Col. Davenport, 70. CHAPTER V— Black Hawk's Statement 71-88 One of our People Killed an American and was taken Prisoner, 71. Quashquamme and Party on their Return were Dressed in Fine Coats, 71. Quashquamme's Statement, 71. Drunk while in St. Louis, 72. Ellsk- watawa's Prophecy, 72. President Madison Advised them to keep Neu- tral in the War of 1812, 72. They were Deceived by the Promise of Goods on Credit, 73. LaGutrie, a British Trader, Supplied them with Goods. 73. He Induced Black Hawk to join the British, but he Deserted soon and Re- turned Home, 74. His Comments on the White Man's Mode of War. 74. Nomite Dies, 74. LaGutrie's Advice, 74. "What you "say is a lie," 75. "Touched the Goose Quill," 75. "Might Buy our Bodies for Dissection, and we not Know what we are Doing," 75. "A White Man may do Wrong all his Life, Repent and be Saved, but it is Different with us." 75. Preparing for War in Time of Peace, 75. More Liquor. 76. Accused of Killing Hogs and Beaten therefor, 76. Cutting a Bee Tree, 76. Col. Davenport's Ad- vice, 77. Keokuk left Saukenuk in 1830, 77. Black Hawk Assumed Com- mand of the Opponents of Keokuk. 77. Offer to Exchange their Lead Mines for their Farm Lands near Saukenuk, 77. Black Hawk visits the Winnebago Agent, 78. Visits the Prophet, 78. The Prophet's Advice, 78. Land Cannot be Sold, 79. White Intruders Cultivating their Lands, 79. The Squaws could not Climb their Fences, 79. Many Grievances, 79. Making Right look Wrong and Wrong look Right, 80. Gov. Cole and Judge Hall visit Rock Island, 80. Black Hawk made a Speech to them, 80. Conspiracy to Kill Col. Davenport and St. Vrain, their Agent, 81. Claiming the Right under Article Seven of the Quashquamme Treaty, 82. Seeking Advice, 82. Puzzled, 83. Visits Rock Island Again, 81. $6,000 Offer, 84. Gen. Gaines' Speech and Black Hawk's Reply, 86. The Pro- phet again Consulted, and Mattata's Daughter sent to Gen. Gaines, 87. Another Proposition Made, 87. Gen. Gaines' Business at Saukenuk, 88. CHAPTER VI— Treaty or November 3, 1804, Considered 89-104 Might was the only Right Obtained, 89. Engineered by the French Trader, without the Merit of a Mormon Acquisition of Land, 89. The Mormon Rule, 90. Waited Upon by Angels, 90. The Validity of this Treaty never before Questioned by the Historian, 90. Quashquamme and his Four Associates had no Power to make a Cession, and their Act in Attempting so to do was never Ratified or Acknowledged by their Tribe, 91. The Curse of Canaan. 92. Gov. Ford's Statement, 92. His Groundless Charge that Black Hawk knew Nothing about this Trans- action, 93. Ford's Statement Continued, 94. Gov. Edward's Spite at these Indians, and his Efforts for their Removal, 95. They were Granted One Year's Grace, 95. Gov. Edward's Statements, 96. Gov. Reynolds' Declaration, 96. Yet he Admits that Black Hawk Desired Peace, 97. Both Edwards and Ford rely upon Subsequent Treaties as Affirming that of 1804, but are in Error, 97. These Subsequent Treaties originated un- der the 9th Article of the Treaty of Ghent, and the Act of Congress of March 11, 1815, which gave the Commissioners no Power to make them, 98. These Indian Treaties Given, 98-104. CONTENTS AND INDEX. Vll Page. CHAPTER VII— Views of Govs. Edwards, Reynolds and Ford Criticised. 105-121 The Truth was Hidden in the Center of a Mountain of Concealment, Mis- representation, Prejudice and Ignorance, 105. The Black Hawk War a Series of Murders, 105. Reasons why the Quashquamme Compact was not a Treaty, 105. The Word Treaty Defined, 106. The Fox Nation was not Bound by It, 106. If not a Treaty, What was It? 106. Insuperable Objections to its validity, 106. Did Gen. Harrison consider it a Treaty? 107. Ante- cedent Facts to the Appointment of the Commissioners under Article 9 ofthe Treaty of Ghent, 108. This Article Given, 109. Its Object, 110. Scope or Extent of the Commissioner's Power under this Article, 111. Yet they Arrogated to themselves Power and Authority to make Treaties, etc., 111. They Notified the Indians to meet them at the Portage de Sioux to enter into Treaties with them, 112. And to prevent Collision, they made a Re- quisition for Troops, and Gen. Henry Dodge, with a Strong Military Force, was sent for that Purpose. 112. Their Pompous and Ludicrous Actions formed the Plot for an Improved Pinafore, 112. Which the Jona- than and which the David? 113. Quashquamme a Poltroon and Coward, 113. Treaty of September 14, 1815, considered, 115. Great Speech of Black Thunder, 115. Treaty of May 13, 1816, Anomolous, 118. This was the first time Black Hawk's Name was Signed to a Treaty, 119. "The White Man's Lying Paper," 120. Conceived in Avarice, the Offspring of Deception, Ill-shapen and Deformed at its Birth, the Quashquamme Treaty never had any Real Life, 120. CHAPTER VIII— Cobwebs Brushed Aside 122-134 The Ownership of Land had nothing whatever to do with the War of 1831, 123. Saukenuk stood upon the Land of Col. Davenport, and the Indians were his Tenants, 123. From 1818 to 1830, Black Hawk was a Subaltern Chief, 124. His Courtesy and Kindness to the Whites, 124. While Gov. Ford copied the Views of Gov. Edwards with regard to the Black Hawk War, he did not quite Believe Black Hawk was a British Spy, 125. Is Black Hawk's Story of these Matters worthy of Credence? 126. Black Hawk had no Allies from the Pottawattamies and Kickapoos, when he Recrossed the Mississippi in 1832, 127. The Division of the Sauks in 1813 still Exists, 127. The Sauks and Foxes were never United as a Confeder- ation, 127. The Charge made by Gov. Ford and other Historians that the Sauks threw down the fences, etc., of the White People, was Putting the Shoe on the Wrong Foot, 128. Gov. Reynolds' First Call for Volunteers, 128. Gov. Ford's Services to the State, 130. John Davis' Report on the Woodsawing Little Governor, 131. Died Poor, 134. •CHAPTER IX— Sale or the Sauk Lands 135-147 Alarmed at the Building of Fort Armstrong. 135. The Spirit of the Cave, 135. Holy Ground, 136. Great Ability of Col. Davenport, 136. Indian Benevolence, 137. The Luxuries of the Forest paid Tribute, 137. Sauks Wintered in Missouri, 138. Getting Credit, 138. Davenport and Farm- ham, 138. Davenport's Foresight, 139. Fought with Old Hickory, 139. At Washington City, 139. A Chilling Frost upon his Hopes, 140. Bound- ary Lines, 141. "By the Eternal," 142. Black Hawk and Davenport, 142. A Modified Order, 142. Full of Resources, 143. The Children of Japheth Commingle with those of Shem, 143. Davenport decides to Purchase the Sauk Lands, 144. His Object Therefor, ,144. Black Hawk Offended. 144. His Conference with Davenport, 144. Keokuk's Visit to Washing- ton City, 145. Black Hawk offered to Accept $6,000 and leave, 146. Out- side Pressure, 147. CHAPTER X— Whisky the Ultimate Cause 148-166 Joshua Vandruff, 148. Intrusive Possession, 148. Black Hawk and Van- druff, 148. A Drawing Card, 149. Hand Mill as an Appetizer, 149. The White People brought Whisky, 150. Ordered to Quit Selling It, 150. Vandruff's and Big Island, 150. Wet Grocery Store and its First Invoice, Vlll CONTENTS AND INDEX. CHAPTER X— Continued. Page. 150. Liquid Poison and Jim-jams, 150. Black Hawk's Protest, 151. Worse than Useless Brutes, 151. Forbearance Ceased, and Black Hawk De- stroyed his Liquors. 152, Dare not further Beard the Lion in his Den, 152. Charges against the Indians of Destroying Property Formulated and Laid before the Governor, 153. The Old Ranger's Predicament, 154. And a call was issued for 700 Mounted Volunteers, 156. Gov. Reynolds' hate of the Indians, 157. And like Barkis, "was willin'," 157. Was there a Hostile Invasion of the State ? 158. Spilling the Whisky was the "Priests all Shaven and Shorn," 159. His Excellency on the Stump Beating up for Volunteers, 160. The War Spirit, 160. The British Allies, 160. One Thousand Six Hundred Volunteers Accepted, 160. Gov. Ford's Slight of Gov. Reynolds, 161. Heterogeneous Crowd, 163. If the Rider had a Will and a Mission the Mule had a Will and a Resolution, 163. Variety of Fire Arms, 164. Indian Scalp Law, 164. Lex tallonis the Rule, 166. CHAPTER XI— Gen. Gaines Holds a Council 167-180 Gen. Gaines reached Fort Armstrong, but found no Hostile Indians, 167. He determined to remove them. 168. And called a Council at Fort Armstrong, 168. Keokuk, Wappello and Black Hawk, 168. Black Hawk refused to enter the Council, and Why ? 168. His Declaration when He did Enter It, 169. Two days given for the Indians to Remove. 169. For- bearance of Gen. Gaines. He visits Saukenuk and meets with no Hos- tility; even the Indian Children did not Cease their Plays, 170. Gen. Gaines' opinion of their Feelings and Intentions, 171. One-third of them persuaded to Leave, 171. Black Hawk desperately in Earnest, 175. Treaties of September 3, 1822, and August 4, 1825-176. CHAPTER XII— Winnesheik and His Dkeams or Peace 181-193 Like the Israelites, these Indians had their Prophets, 181. Winnesheik born in 1790, 181. His great Ability and Pride, 182. Black Hawk's Evil Genius, 183. Like humbug Trance Mediums, 184. Mattata's Daughter and her Mission, 185. Failure of her Mission, 185. Black Hawk's offer to leave in the Fall, 187. Gov. Reynolds' Untimely Appearance, 188. Belief in Dreams, 189. Dog Feast, 190. "In Gideon the Lord Appeared," 190. Peace Prevailed till Gov. Reynolds Came, 191. Black Hawk's Last Hope fled, 193. CHAPTER XIII— The Wak or 1831 Easy to Take and Suke to Cuke 194-205- Gen. Gaines Assumes the Responsibility of this War, 195. Concerted Plan of Operation, 196. A Battle Expected, 196. Fierce Charge upon the Brush and Briars of Vandruffs Island, and Confusion Worse Con- founded, 196. The order of Battle against the Brush and Briars, 196. Black Hawk's Ruse, 197. Did Gen. Gaines know the Indians had Es- caped? 197. The Brush and Briars were the Victors, 198. The Invincible Spirit of the Still, 198. Did Gen. Gaines intend to Kill his own Men? 198. Black Hawk with his entire Band cross the Mississippi, 199. Saukenuk Burnt, 201. Gen. Duncan Elected Governor, 201. Fort Arm- strong, 202. Black Hawk Sues for Peace, 202. " Like the Punishment of Moses, " 204. Their Growing Corn Appraised, 205. Gen. Duncan's Volunteers Returned Home, 205. CHAPTER XIV— Exodus or Black Hawk 206-220 Immediate Flight to Escape Death, 206. Wonderful Escape, 207. Broken hearted Mothers, 207. Prayers and Supplications, 207. Prime Leaders Gone to their Reward, 208. Late Repentance, 208. Treaty of Fort Arm- strong, 208. Never Reported or Confirmed, 210. Jackson's Indian Views, 211. Who drew this Treaty, 213. The Blunders of Gen. Gaines, 212. Criticisms on this so-called Treaty, 213. A Tissue of Falsehoods, 214. Outgrowth of Imagination, 214. Clothed in Sack-cloth, 215. "Their lives CONTENTS AND INDEX. IX CHAPTER XLY-Continued. Page, and assigns," 215. What were their Assets? 215. Hard on the Jews, 216. Gov. Reynolds' pretended Sympathy, 216. Nobody was Hurt, 217. Press Comments, 218. Rather Perish than Ask a Favor, 219. Pitiable Condi- tion, 219. Shooting at Squaws, 220. CHAPTER XV— Great Expectations 221-233 Promises as Thick as Hops, 221. Demand on the British, 221. Black Hawk Goes to Canada, 222. Glad Tidings from other Indian tribes, 222. Black Hawk Appeals to the British, 223. Neapope follows him to Canada, 224. What Black Hawk Found on his Return, 224. He Confers with Col. Daven- port and others, 225. The Great Spirit made the Ice Strong, 225. He Visits Winnesheik and Receives his Advice, 225. He tries to Enter Fort Arm- strong, but Fails, 225. His Visit to the Winnebagoes, 225. Again he Tries to Enter the Fort, 226. Neapope Returns from Canada loaded with Lies, 226. Neapope's Stories, 226. Gen. Dixon's Advice, 227. Boundary Lines of no Force, 227. "Oh! the Circumstantial Villain," 228. "You have been Imposed upon by Liars," 229. The Thirty-Bottle Chief, 230. Keokuk tries to go to Washington City, but Fails, 231. Black Hawk's Connection with the Menominee- Sioux Difficulty, 231. His Unpardonable Sin, 232. If Black Hawk was a British Spy, what was he to Spy ? 233. CHAPTER XVI— An Early Winter and Late Spring 234-250 The Winter of 1831-32, 234. Scarcity of Provisions at Fort Armstrong. 234. A Small Garrison, 234. The Fort Weak and Garrison Sick, 234. Surrounded by Unfriendly Indians, 235. Much Anxiety Felt, and Many Conferences Held, 235. Plotting Indians, 235. Josiah Smart sent to Prairie du Chien for Reinforcements and Supplies, 236. Danger from Indian Attacks on Fort Crawford Prevented Sending Reinforcements, 236. Provisions Sent Down on Keel-boats, 237. Sergeant Coulter Sent to Jefferson Barracks, 237. Keokuk's Pledge. 237. He sends for a Witness to his Fidelity, 237. Josiah Smart Sent to Keokuk's Village, and is Concealed, 238. Winne- sheik Visits Rock Island and Calls on Col. Davenport and others, 238. His Real Object, 239. Inhibited from Crossing the Mississippi, 241. A Stockade Built, 232. The Country around Rock Island notified of their Danger, 244. John W. Spencer's Work, 244. How the People reached the Island, 244. They Acted First and Thought After, 244. Crowded Condition of the Fort and Stockade, 245. The Turkey Scare, 246. The Tale of a Teapot, 247. Found in Forty Years, 249. Excitement Ran Riot, 250. CHAPTER XVII— Black Hawk's War Dance 251-264 Black Hawk's Intended Indian Confederacy, 251. Powder Plot to Blow Up Fort Armstrong, 252. He Starts for Keokuk's Village to hold his War Dance, to Enlist Soldiers from his Band, 253. Whisky again to the Front, 254. Black Hawk and Neapope in British Uniform, 255. Carrying a Brit- ish Flag they reach Keokuk's Village, 255. Erecting his War Post, 255. How it was Constructed, 255. Description of the War Dance. 255. Black Hawk's great War Speech. 256. Neapope's Speech, 266. Wild Excitement among the Indians, 263. Black Hawk Happy, 263. But like Lucifer he was to be soon Cast Down. 263. Keokuk the Mighty, to the front, 262. CHAPTER XVLTJ— Black Hawk's Fond Scheme Defeated 265-274 Wonderful Speech of Keokuk, 265. And its Influence, 268. Even the wolfish Dogs felt the sudden change, 269. " He came to gather wool but went away shorn," 269. Josiah Smart, the only white man who heard this Speech, 269. This Speech prevented the Formation of an Indian Con- federacy, 270. Keokuk's Ability and Special Study, 271. Keokuk com- pared to King Solomon, 272. Black Hawk withdrew from the War Dance with the loss of one-third of his Band, 273. Like a dismantled ship he had no fixed course, 273. Too proud to admit the failure of his plan, he re- solved to cross the Mississippi and take the chances. X CONTENTS AND INDEX. Page. CHAPTER XIX— Black Hawk Re-crosses the Mississippi 275-292 The life of a Nation Analagous to that of Man, 275. Vanity of Black Hawk and his Susceptibility to Flattery, 275. Still relying upon False Re- ports he staked every thing upon the single cast of the die and lost, 275. His Critical Position, 276. The Rubicon Crossed, 276. He Marches up the Illinois side to Rockport where he is met by Winnesheik, 277. Winne- sheik Addressed the Sauks, 278. No Indian War Chief was ever known to go upon the War Path accompanied by the families of his Warriors, 278. Why did Black Hawk take his Women and Children with him while his Warriors were Clothed in the Panoply of War? 275. He was simply changing his Village from Iowa to Saukenuk, and why ? 279. He reached Mill Creek, near Saukenuk, April 11, 1832, and on that evening forded over to the Island of Rock Island at the head of about 200 Braves, 280. Remaining in the Grove near the Fort that night, 281. His plan to Capture the Fort, 281. What Captain Pike and Companions Saw, 282. Heroic Josequa, 283. Loaded to the Brim, 283. Keokuk to the Rescue, 284. Gen. Atkinson with Reinforcements and Supplies Arrived in the Nick of Time, 285. A Welcome Signal Gun to the Garrison, but a Terror to the Stockade, 285. " Wattair he be bettair zan ze prayair," 286. Black Hawk Silently Stole away at Break of Day, 286. An anxious Night to the Squaws and Papooses, 287. Indian Mourners, 288. They must either go down the Mississippi or up Rock River, and selected the latter, 289. Vis- ited by Phil. Kearney, 290. Black Hawk denied all Hostile Designs, 290. Atkinson Attempts to Follow Him, 291. CHAPTER XX— Black Hawk Passes up Rock River 292-30 With the Signal Gun's Salute Black Hawk's Hopes of Capturing the Fort was Dissipated, 292. From being an Aggressive Nation they were Converted into a Band of Timid Fugitives, 292. Not a Gun was Fired by his Band on his Trip up Rock River, 293. Judge Hall's Statement, 29S. Warmly Welcomed at the Prophet's Town, 283. Negotiating for Corn Lands, 294. The News of Black Hawk's Return to Illinois Spread Like a Prairie Fire, 294. A Messenger sent to Gov. Reynolds, and he at once Called for 1,000 Volunteers, 295. His Circular Letter, 295. Of all things Black Hawk, in his then Condition, dreaded. was War, 294. A half dozen boys with toy pistols could have put his Band to flight, 297. Had the Good Spirit Deserted Them? 297. Gov. Reynolds' Statement, 298. Com- ments Thereon, 299. Majors Stillman and Bailey, 300. Their Biographies, 301. The State Militia Law, 302. The five Grand Divisions, 302. Gov. Reynolds' Version, 303. Under the Governor's Call of April 16, fully 2,000 Volunteers offered their Services, and 1,935 were Received, 303. These were Organized into four Regiments under Gen. Whiteside, 304. They were Marched to Oquawka, 305. Short of Provisions, and a Mutiny Threat- ened, 306. Provisions sent from Fort Armstrong, 307. False Rumors and Foolish Movements, 307. Incompetency of General Atkinson, 307. Was he Afraid of the Indian Wolf , 308. Whiteside's Army taken up the Miss- issippi and Sworn into the Military Service by, Lieutenants Jefferson Davis and Robert Anderson, 308. The Mounted Volunteers pass up Rock River on Horseback, while the Regulars, with Supplies, go up in Keel- boats, 308. Whiteside's Men became Demoralized at Seeing "Immolated Dogs," or by Burning the Prophet's Deserted Village and made a Forced March on Dixon, leaving their Baggage, Wagons and Provisions on the Prairie, 309. CHAPTER XXI— Whisky Again to the Front 310-329 Stillman's Run, 310. The Governor was Ambitious, 311. If he could Cap- ture Black Hawk before Gen. Atkinson arrived the Presidential Chair would be his, 311. In Maj. Stillman he put his Trust, 312. His Orders to Stillman, 312. Stillman's Outfit and Start, 312. Encountering Quicksand Land his Whisky is Stuck, 313. Carry it they could not, and Saved it by CONTENTS AND INDEX. XI CHAPTER XXI- Continued. Page. Drinking, 313. Encamped in a Ravine, Black Hawk sends him a White Flag, which is Insulted and a War began. 315. Forty Indians Stampede 275. Militiamen, 315. A Terrific Panic, 316. "Mr. Indian, I surrender," 319. Col. Strode wins the Thirty Mile Race, and tells the Tale in Glowing Terms. 321. Gov. Reynolds' Account of this Affair, 323. Black Hawk's Version of It, 324. What was found in Strode's Saddle-bags, and His Statement about it, 329. CHAPTER XXII— Doleful Tidings feom Stillman's Defeat 330-345 Each Survivor claimed that he alone Escaped, 330. The News to Gov. Reynolds was Specially Sad, 330. Atkinson had not Reached Dixon, and Gov. Reynolds called for 2,000 Mounted Volunteers, 331. Press Com- ments and Wild Rumors, 331. The Governor's Call, 332. Further Com- ments from the Public Press, 332. It was not what they Saw, but what they Felt, 337. Neapope's Version, 339. Gov. Reynold's Statement that Maj. Stillman Disobeyed his Orders is not Correct, 340. How the News of Stillman's Defeat was Carried, 341. Our own Recollections of the Matter, 342. Our Flight, 342. A False Alarm and a Heroic Woman, 343. Capt. Soloman Hoge brought Confidence out of Despair, 344. False Reports as to being Short of Provisions, 344. Gen. Atkinson's Command fully 2,500, 345. CHAPTER XXni— Black Hawk Holds another War Dance and the In- dian Cbeek Massacre 340-370 Black Hawk Dined with Col. Dixon and said he was going into the Win- nebago Territory to lease Corn Lands, 346. Elated over his Easy Victory over Stillman, yet he knew he would soon be Pursued, 346. Reasons why the Pottawattamies should Sympathize with Black Hawk, 347. To Rouse them to Action he held a War Dance at Paw Paw Grove, 348. Black Hawk's Appeal to Shaubenee and his Reply, 349. Shaubenee Head-Man of three Nations, 349. Waubanse or Wauponsee, 349. Deceived on all sides, Black Hawk's Band were Starving, 350. Shaubenee held his Nations in Check, 350. Yet he knew some of the White Settlers were Doomed and Determined to Save their Lives, 350. Warning Them, 350. His Great La- bor and Long Ride, 351. He Suffered the Tortures of the Damned, 352. Mr. Davis would not Heed his Warning and was Lost with many others, 352. The Indian Creek Massacre, 353. Black Hawk's Version, 357. Kewasse the Leader, 357. The Statement of John W. Hall and his Sister, who were the Captives, 358. How they were Treated, 367. Their Presents, 367. Ke- ■ wasse, Taqua-wee and Comee, three Pottawattamies Indicted, but finally Acquitted, 367. Court Record, 368. Hon. T. J. Henderson's Statement, 370. CHAPTER XXIV— Whiteside's Army Go Home 371-388 Burying the Slain at Stillman's Run, 371. More than the Illinois Volun- teers could Endure, 371. All Mustered Out, 372. Gen. Anderson's Letter, 372. His Fine Memory, 377. The word Lenneway or lllini, 377. Cowardice, 378. Appeal of Gov. Reynolds, 379. The bold deft of Whiteside, 379. Five Companies are Organized for Guard Duty, and Gen. Fry Elected to the Command, 380. The Hoosier Regiment, 380. Six Independent Companies, 380. Old Grannie Atkinson in Mortal Fear of Black Hawk, 381. A Huge Farce, 381, Comments of the Public Press, 382. Strodes' Proclamation of Military Rule. 3S6. " Praise God Bowels," 386. Black Hawk Flees North, Whiteside South, 389. CHAPTER XXV-Second Army of 1832 389-405 The Twenty-day Volunteers, 389. Capt. Snyder has a Skirmish at Burr Oak Grove, 389. Gen. Whiteside and Judge Semple, 389. A Good Shot, 390. McDaniel, Makenson and Scott Killed, 390. Two Thousand more Volunteers called Out, 390. Three Thousand One Hundred and Forty- eight Organized into ten Regiments, three Brigades, and three Spy Xll CONTENTS AND INDEX. CHAPTER XXV— Continued. Page. Battalions, 390. Military Men Plenty. 390. They Select their own Officers, Alexander Posey, Milton K. Alexander and James D. Henry elected Brigadier Generals, 390. List of Companies Composing each Brigade, 391. Murray McConnell, 392. Peter Cartright, 392. General Robert Anderson, of Fort Sumter fame. Drill Master, 392. Stockades, 393. Shaubenee Wau- ponsee, Big Thunder and the Red Devil, 393. Washeown. 394. Rev. Jesse and George Walker, 394. Mission House, 394. Francois Bourbone, Jr., 395. The Schermerhorn and Hazelton Murderers, 396. The Beresford Mur- der, 398. Murder of Rev. Adam Payne, the Dunker, 399. George Hollen- beck's House Burned, 400. Elijah Phillips Killed. 400. Aaron Gunn's Statement, 401. Fort Strawn, 403. We Stood Guard, 403. Night Hawks, 403. Indians never Attack in the Night, 503. Murder of Rev. James Sample, 404. The Bastard Whelp of Simon Girty, 404. Black Hawk's Sit- uation, 404. Every Indian was Dreaded, 405. CHAPTER XXVI— Jim. Work's Dream 406-424 A Shiftless Never-do-Well, 406. He had a Dream, or said he had, 407. *My Master, 409. Aaron Payne and His Revenge, 409. Treaty of Aug. 24, 1816, 411. Black Hawk's Statement of These Murders, 413. Murder of Boxley and Thompson, 414. Murder of St. Vrain and Three Volunteers, 415. Gov. Ford in Error, 415. Old Hickory Takes a Hand, and Orders Gen. Scott to Take Command, 416. Press Comment, 418. Gen. Henry Dodge, 420. Gen. Albert Sydney Johnston's Account, 421. CHAPTER XXVII— Battle of Kellogg's Grove, etc 425-448 Attack on Apple River Fort, 426. Heroic Conduct of the Besieged, 426. Black Hawk's Statement of It. 427. Col . Strode to the Rescue, 427. Battle of Peckatonica, 428. Batttle of Prairie Grove, 429. Battle of Kellogg's Grove, 430. Gen. Taylor's Unjust Criticism, 431. Col. Dement's Reply, 482. Hon. Isaac Funk, 432. Gov. Zadok Casey, 431. Heroism of Col. Dement, 433. Stealing Horses, 434. Bravery of Dement's Command, 435. Black Hawk's Version of It, 435. The March of Gen. Posey, 436. The Black Hawk War Monument. 437. Strength of the American Army and its Commanders, 440. Cen. William S. Harney's Statement, 440. Indian Allies, 440. Disposition of Soldiers, 440. Gen. Brady, 440. Turtle Village, 440. False Alarms, 441. Col. Fry and Major Ewing Scoured the Surrounding Country, 441. An Old Blind Sauk Captured, Fed and Killed, 441. No Information of the Where- . abouts of Black Hawk, 442. Burnt Village, 442. Bridges built across a 3-foot Stream, 442. The Trembling Land, 442. Col. Wm. S. Hamilton with his Sioux and Menominees, 443. Tired of Soldier Life, 443. Mutiny Immi- nent, 444. Capt. Dunn Wounded, 444. Gen. Posey sent to Fort Hamilton; Generals Henry, Alexander and Maj. Dodge sent to Fort Winnebago for Provisions ; Generals Atkinson and Brady fall back to Lake Kushkanong and Build a Fort ; Col. Zach. Taylor sent to Fort Crawford, 444. Generals Alexander and Henry's Horses Stampeded and Disabled, 445. They learn that Black Hawk is at the Manitou Village, 445. They, with Maj. Dodge, hold a Council of War, in which Gen. Henry and Major Dodge determined to follow Black Hawk, while Gen. Alexander declared it a Wild Goose Chase, and refused to join them, and returned with Provisions to Gen. At- kinson, 446. A Mutiny threatened in General Henry's Command; Sub- altern Officers put under Arrest; an Apology and Reconciliation, 447. " Every Cloud has a Silver Lining," 447. CHAPTER XXVIII— Gen. Henry Pursues Black Hawk 449-464 Led by White Pawnee, a Winnebago Chief, and Paquette, a half-breed, as Guides. Gen. Henry Starts in Pursuit of Black Hawk, 449. Deceived by Black Hawk's Spies, 450. Treachery of Little Thunder, and Black Hawk's Trail Struck by Accident, 450. Maj. Murray McConnell's Prompt Action, 451. Discarding Heavy Baggage, 451. Evidence of Famine among the In- dians, 451, Gen. Henry and Maj. McConnell relieving their Infantry, 451. CONTENTS AND INDEX. Xlll CHAPTER XXVIII-Continued. Page. Sleeping upon the Wet Ground with a piece of the Sky for their Blankets, 452. A Shot in the Dark, 452. Maj. McConnell's Position, 453. An Indian Killed and Scalped, 453. Wonderful Generalship of Black Hawk, 455. Battle of Wisconsin, 456. Gov. Reynolds' Description of this Battle, 458. The Indian Harrangue, 458. Gov. Ford's Version, 458. Col. Dodge's Ver- sion, 459. Black Hawk's Statememt of It, 460. It was Neosho who gave the Imaginary Orders of the Battle, 462. Black Hawk Escapes to an Island in Wisconsin, and Gen. Henry gives up the Chase, 463. CHAPTER XXIX— On to the Massacke 463-486 Black Hawk's Escape to the Island, 465. Gen. Atkinson Starts in Pursuit, 466. The Buzzards and Crows Mark the Line of Black Hawk's Retreat, 466. Gen. Atkinson Reached the Bluffs of the Mississippi, August 2, 467. Black Mawk's Band were then Crossing the Mississippi, 467. The Sioux Join the Whites, 467. Capt. Throckmorton and Steamboat Warrior, 467. Black Hawk's Statement. 469. Battle of The Bad Axe, 470. Atkinson Thrown off the Trail by a Ruse, but Gen. Henry was not Deceived by It, 470. The Father of Waters Blushed to a Scarlet Red, 472. Brave Mothers and Heroic Children, 472. Black Hawk's Statement, 473. Black Hawk's Retreat the Equal of Xenophon or Hannibal, 475. The Illinois Volunteers Mustered Out, 476. Black Hawk Surrendered Himself. 477. The One-Eyed Decori and Lying Cheators, 477. Their Fulsome Speeches, 477. Gen. Street and Col. Taylor's Replies, 478. Black Hawk's Account, 480. The Treaty of Fort Armstrong, 482. CHAPTER XXX— Ravelings and Sequences 487-505 Gen. Atkinson Wins a 20-mile Race, 487. " You no hitte me, by gar," 491. " Take him avay, he is bitee like ze tarn dog, " 492. " I don't wish to fight the Yankee, but would like to trade hats," 493. Twenty-seventh Regiment, 493. Various Detached Companies, 494. One hundred and seventy-seven Companies, 495. Dastardly Attack upon Col. Davenport by Illinois Volunteers, 496. Neapope Badly Squeezed and Discouraged, 497. Implicit Confidence in the Public Press, 500. The Indians Build no Forti- fications and Risk no General Engagements, 501. Eighty Million Acres of Indian Land Obtained for $690,000, 501. Causes Why the Campaign was a Long and Tedious One, 501. An Array of Prominent Men who Partici- pated in Those Events, 502. Captivity of Black Hawk, 503. " I am a man and you are another," 504. Black Hawk Released from Prison; Loaded with Presents and Shown Through the Country: Feted and Returned Home, 504. Patriotism of Illinois, 504. CHAPTER XXXI— Life of Black Hawk from his Bikth to the Time of the Black Hawk War 506-523 CHAPTER XXXII— Black Hawk's Captivity and Release, with Speci- mens of his Wonderful Eloquence. His Death, Burial, Resur- rection. REBURI AL AND FINAL CREMATION 524-541 CHAPTER XXXIH— Life of Keokuk 542-554 CHAPTER XXXIV— Life of Powesheik 555-570 CHAPTER XXXV— Life of Shaubenee 571-604 His Birth and Education, 571. Great Strength and Ability, 572. Integrity- He Visits Chicago and Marries a Pottawattamie Squaw, 573. His Wooing, and Wedding Feast, 574. Death of Tecumseh and Shaubenee's Vow, 576. His Various Names and Why, 577. Canoka,577. His Little Wife, Nebe- baqua, 578. Shaubenee's Children, 578. Head-man of Three Tribes, 579. Winnebago War. 580. Namaque and Shaubenee, 581. Shaubenee's Ser- vices^ the White People in 1832, 582. Robbed by the Government, 583. Treaty of Prairie du Chien, 583. XIV CONTENTS AND INDEX. Page. CHAPTER XXXVI— Shaubenee's Removal West 587-603 The Pottawattamies are Removed West of the Mississippi in 1836 by the United States, 587. Held but a Usufruct Title, 589. Selecting a Beauty, 592. Shaubenee's House, Death and Burial 593. Wife and Grand-Child Drowned, 593. Decorating his Grave, 594. Death of Pyps and Smoke, 594. Crossing a Toll Bridge, 594. Humanity and Wisdom, 596. Adhering to Indian Customs, 596. The Family Leave Illinois, 597. Failure of Cit- izenship, 597. Diminishing their Reservation, 598. Mission School, 598. Letter of Geo. W. James, 600. A Slight Increase of Tribe, 691. Chief Shaugh-nes-see, 602. Matwa and his Surperstitions, 602. Yaubee, 603. Moquska and Matwaweiska. 603. Obnessee, 603. CHAPTER XXXVII— Habits, Customs, Etc 605-616 Born Gamblers, 605. Their Annuities, 605. Distrust of Palefaces, 606. Swindled, 608. Laziness their Characteristic, 606. Fences and Crops, 606. Marriages, 607. Support of Illigitimate Offspring, 607. Hard on the Widowers, 607. A Barbarous Law, 608. The Sabbath, 608. Thunder and Lightning, 609. St. Vitus' Dance, 609. Burial of a Chief, 610. Modes of Burial, 610. Big Medicine Men, 611. First Fruits, 610. Death of Nishusqus and Her Pet Dog, 611. Masquas and His Shirt, 613. Shaubenee's Grave and Rev. D. K. Foster, 614. Rose How's Beautiful Letter, 615. " Always in want; frequently in distress," 615. Beneath the Evergreens, 616. CHAPTER XXXVIII— Biogbaphical Sketches 617-65 Col. George Davenport, 617. Gen. Jacob Fry, 622. Gen. Milton K. Alex- ander, 626. Col. John Dement, 630. Col. John Thomas, 635. Hon. Bailey Davenport, 639. Gen. John Strawn, 642. Gov. Zadok Casey, 645. Judge William Thomas, 650. ENGRAVINGS. Alexander, Gen. M. K 626 Armstrong, P. A 2 Black Hawk 506 Black Hawk's Watch Tower 47 Black Hawk War Monument 437 Casey, Gov. Zadok 645 Davenport, Col. George 617 Davenport's House 620 Davenport, Hon. Bailey 639 Dement, Col. John 630 Fry, Gen. Jacob 622 Hodenosote, or Long House 41 Keokuk 542 Powesheik 555 Shaubenee 571 Strawn, Gen. John 642 Thomas. Col. John 635 Thomas, Judge William 650 Vandruffs Island 149 Winnesheik 181 INDEX TO THE APPENDIX. XV Index to the Appendix, Name of Captain. County. Page. Perry. 720 Tazewe 11 ;.. 673 Aldenrath B. J Jo Daviess 692 Arnett, J. T. Morgan 716 Wabash 710-713 Armstrong, Aaron Madison 681 Vermilion 685 Vermilion 685 Ball, AselF Fulton 675-681 Ball, J. A Sangamon 669 Bankson. Andrew Clinton 719 Bannon, Aaron Greene 718 Madison.. . 659 Barnes, David W Fulton 675 Barnes, John Lawrence 714 Marshall 683 Barney, Benjamin Pike 663 Bays, John Gallatin 699 Biggerstaff , Ardin Hamilton 703 Montgomery. 661 Jefferson. 706 Bowyer, George P Franklin 701 Briggs, Jonah Randolph 720 Brimberry , Samuel Edgar 708 Bristow, George F Morgan 716 Brown, Reuben Sangamon 723 Burns, James Washington 721 Butler, Peter Warren 680 Butler, Walter Morgan 717 Carlin, Thomas Greene 667 Greene 662 Clark. James N .- Wayne 705 Clay well, Jesse Sangamon 722 Coffee, Achilles Gallatin 701 Connor, James Randolph 721 Covell. M. L McLean 674-683 Craig, B. B Union 690 Craig, James Jo Daviess 679 Craig, Jonathan Jo Daviess 693 Crow, Daniel Adams . . 670 Cox, Alex D 680 Dawson, John Sangamon 666 Dement, John Fayette 667 Dobbins, William N Monroe 705 Dorsey, Charles S Tazewell 689 Dowling, Nicholas Jo Daviess. . 693 Duncan, Enoch Jo Daviess.. . 682 Pope 702 Durman, Jonathan Pope 703-706 Eads, Abner Peoria 675 Earley . Jacob M Sangamon.. 691 Ebey , Jacob Sangamon 669 Flood, William G Adams . 661 Gear, H. H Jo Daviess 694 Gillespie, I. M Vermilion. .. 685 Gillham, William Morgan 715 Given, William T Morgan 670 XVI INDEX TO THE APPENDIX. Name of Captain. County. Page. Goodan, L. W Sangamon 671 716 (Spies) 688 Lawrence 713-715 Vermilion ...• 685 Griffin Robert Edgar 708 Pike 722 Hamilton 704 Monroe Macoupin 663 White 711 Putnam ... (584 Crawford 714 Gallatin 700-707 1 703 Crawford 709-714 725 Edwards 711 Hutt C R Vermilion 686 Sangamon 676 Bond 662-667 Jackson 691 Wabash . 710 Rock Island.. 680 Greene.. 714-718 665 Morgan 724 Madison 660 Edwards 711 683 Maugh, Milton M Jo Daviess .. 694 Edgar. . 1 709-714 White . 713 McClure, Robert McLean . 674 McCoy, Charles Jo Daviess 695 McDow, Thomas Greene . . . 671 McFadden, George R LaSalle. 680 McMurtrv, William Knox . 687- Miller, Solomon St. Clair . 697 Moffett, Th omas Sangamon 723 Moore, William St. Clair . 672 Napier, Joseph 698 Nott, Roval A 709 Novvlen, Bennett Macoupin.. . 714-722 nslott, John Clay 704 Palmer, James 686 Patterson, Gershom 718 Payne, Morgan L 686 Petty, Elisha Pike . 664 Pierce, Earle 692-714 White 712 Pratt, Beth 690 Shelby 668 Pugh. I.C Rail, William C Macon 674 Pike 665-677 Richardson, John F Clark . 712 Ross, Thomas B Coles. 707 Roundtree, Hiram 713-717 Russell, David B Gallatin 699 Sanf ord, Isaac 708 Scales, Samuel H Jo Daviess 696 Sain, John Pulton 687 Simpson, Gideon St, Clair 660 Seission, Holden Will.. . 697 Smith, David 715 Smith, Jeremiah Greene 663 Smith, Samuel 672-677 Smith, William B....... Morgan 664 Snyder, Adam W St. Clair 678 Stennett, John Schuyler 688 Stewart, William M Putnam. 684 Stephenson, William J Franklin. 702-706 Stone, Clack 696 Stout, Thomas Bond. 719 Tate, John . . ■ St. Clair \. ....... 660 INDEX TO THE APPENDIX. XV11 Name of Captain. County. Page. Thomas, John B... Thomas, William.. Thompson, James. Vansburgh, L. P . . Walker, James Warren, Peter Warnick, William . Webb, Henry L.... Wells. B. Q West, Obediah Wheeler, Erastus.. Willis, George B... Wilson, Harrison.. Wilson. M. G White, Alexander.. White, James Willbourn, John S. Winstanley, John . Winters, Nathan... Vermilion. White Randolph . Cook Shelby Macon Alexander. Wayne Franklin . . Madison... Putnam . . . Gallatin Pike Adams Hancock .. Morgan St. Clair.... Morgan 687 712 720 6% 691 668 689 724 705 702-707 672 684 700 666 679 690 679 673 664 DEDICATORY. <7p|o the early settlers of Illinois, with whose dangers and ^fc£ fears, toils, turmoils, privations and tribulations, we par- ticipated over fifty years ago, — When these prairies and woodlands, rivers and lea, Alike to the savage and wild beasts were free — Whose brave hearts, strong arms and willing hands, coupled with habits of industry, economy, integrity and perseverance, converted the wilderness of broad, bleak prairies into smiling farms, happy homes and a noble State, is this work dedicated by The Author. PREFACE. Over fifty eventful years have come and gone since the Black Hawk War occurred, with no general history of those stirring events. Although there was really no war worthy the name, the excitement and terror caused thereby were far more intense and widespread than any other Indian War of the then North- west. In compliance with a promise made to the late Judge Dickey and Dean Terry year^ ago, we have been deligently col- lecting data with a view of giving an exhaustive history, not only of these events, but the causes which led to the Black Hawk War of 1831-2, and the lives of the celebrated Sauk Chiefs, Black Hawk and Keokuk, Powesheik, the Fox Chief and Shaubenee, the celebrated Pottawattamie Chief, whose names and deeds are a part of the history of that war. In collecting material for our history, we have consulted every authority within our reach having any bearing upon our subject, — chief among which are Edward's, Ford's, Brown's, Davidson and Stuve's "Histories of Illinois," Beynold's "My own Times," "Black Hawk's Autobio- graphy, and the Black Hawk War of 1832," by Col. John B. Pat- terson ; "The Book of Indians," by Prof. S. G. Drake ; "Waubun or Early Days," by Mrs. John H. Kenzie ; "Indian Kaces of North America," by Prof . Bowen; "The North American Indians," by Geo. Catlin ; "Our Wild Indians," by Col. E. J. Dodge ; "Origin of the North American Indians," by John Mcintosh ; "Black Hawk and Mexican War Becords," by Adjutant-Gen. I. H. Elliott ; "The Indian Tribes of the Northwest," by McKinney and Hall; Becol- lections of the Black Hawk War," by Gen. Bobert Anderson, of Fort Sumpter fame, who was Inspector General of the Illinois volunteers during the Black Hawk War. "The Black Hawk War," by W. Preston Johnston, compiled from the field notes of his late father, Albert Sidney Johnston, while acting as Adjutant General on General Henry Atkinson's staff. "The Book of Indian Treaties," "President Jackson's Messages and 8 PREFACE. Proclamations," "Home-lives, Laws and Customs of the Aborig- ines of America," by L. H. Morgan, and numerous other writers upon Indian character, habits, customs, etc. ; the public press of 1831-2, and the recollections of many old settlers of Illinois who participated in those exciting events. To Hon. Bailey Dav- enport, of the city of Eock Island, son of Col. George Daven- port, who located on Kock Island May 12, 1816, and was robbed and murdered there by what were known as the Prairie Bandits, — Fox, Birch, Baxter and the Long brothers, July 4, 1845, — are we indebted for more new matter of fact and circumstances perti- nent to our subject, than all other unpublished sources com- bined. A man of fine natural ability, coupled with a good edu- cation and tenacious memory, he was raised among the Sauks and Foxes, and therefore perfectly familiar with their characteris- tics, as well as the events of 1831-2. In the collection of facts we have spared neither time or expense. Several trips have been made to Bock Island, (which was the central location of the events we have narrated), Kansas and the Indian Territory, in search of needed information, while our correspondence has been large. Eegretting that our biographies of those celebrated In- dian Chiefs, Black Hawk and Keokuk of the Sauks, and Shau- benee of the Pottawattamies, are so meagre, yet we have given all the reliable facts we have been able to obtain in relation to their lives and deeds. Neither of them kept a record of their acts, nor did they understand or speak any written language, hence the impossibility of giving their every day life and conduct. In compiling our history we have endeavored to be fair to all — partial to none — yet unsparing in our censure of men and measures whenever and wherever their action deserved it. If, therefore, we have inadvertently done injustice to the dead, or wounded the feelings of the living, such has been unintentional. Our aim and object have been "to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the trnth," regardless alike of "fear, favor or af- fection ;" and if our effort shall meet the approbation of the early settlers of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri, who, with us, passed through those trying days, then will we feel satisfied with our long and tedious labor in writing this, our first book. The Author. J/M CHAPTER I. The Osaukie or Sauk Nation of Indians— A Short Sketch of their Migrations, Loca- tions, Allies, Customs, Religious Beliefs, Laws and Numerical Strength. "I love the wigwam home, Its brands so cheerful burning, Wherever I may roam. I love the sweet returning, And when this life shall end, When calls the Great So-wan-a,* Southwestern shall I wend To roam the broad Savana."— Levi Bishop. As the cautious sportsman, before placing his bets upon any contest of skill, strength or endurance, carefully investigates the previous achievements and record of the contestants, so should the historian, before giving the great events of his history, first introduce to his readers the heroes of his story. To do so in our case, with any degree of satisfaction, is a difficult, indeed, im- possible, thing, so far at least, as one of the contesting parties is concerned, for the Indians kept no records, and did not speak any written language. Hence we are remitted to their legends and traditions, which are always more or less mythical, extrava- gant, and unreal. Indeed an Indian can be nothing if not mys- terious, stoical and superstitious. We shall, therefore, endeavor to give facts and circumstances clearly, truthfully, and faithfully ; and from those facts and circumstances endeavor to trace their intentions, as well as their acts. In doing this we ask the indul- gent reader to accompany us in drawing conclusions, and censure us when, in their judgment, censure is our due. On the other side, we shall give the facts as we find them of lee >rd, and when erroneous we shall criticise them unsparingly and fearlessly. From all the authorities we can find, the Osaukies, or men from the White Earth, or clay, so-called, when first found by the French Voyageurs in Northern Canada, in 1668, on account of the snow upon the ground where they lived, were a powerful *The Indian term for God over all. 10 THE SAUKS AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR. nation, numerically and physically. The French, being unable to pronounce the word Osaukie, omitted the first and latter syll- ables, and to further harmonise the sound of the word to their language, changed the sound from Sauk to Sac. By this latter name have they almost universally, but erroneously, been known, a few writers even spelling the word Sock. We shall adhere to the name Sauk in these pages. In stature these Indians were above the average of other northern tribes of the aborigines. Though bold, war-like and aggressive, they were very intelli- gent, hospitable and humane. In their knowledge of the arts sciences, and agriculture, they were the foremost nation of the North American Indians, and the absolute wonder of the age. Nor were they deficient in mechanism and engineering. Quick to perceive and apt in copying everything of utility, they were the leading Indian nation in point of wisdom, skill and useful infor- mation. In language, habits, customs and religious beliefs they were closely allied to the Pottawattamies, Ottawas, and Chippa- was, from whom they undoubtedly sprang, and with whom they were grouped under the generic term — Peuotomies. They were ever friendly with these nations as well as the Musquawkies, or Foxes. With the latter they were especially cordial, and, so far as we have been able to trace the history of these five nations, they were nearly always on terms of peace and good will, and not infre- quently, allies, — notably so in their long sanguinary war against the Illini or Illinois, culminating in the siege of Starved Kock, about the year 1760, of which many legends have been written — one by us in 1872, and published in a local paper. Whether the Sauks voluntarily left their northern home, and migrated to the bay in Michigan, which bears their name, — Saganaw or Sauga- nau, — or were driven from Canada, by their hereditary enemies, the Osages, or the more powerful Iroquois, who invaded and con- quered all the Indian tribes in Canada, about the time when the Sauks left it and came to the United States, we have not been able to definitely ascertain. But they did leave Canada, and locate in what is now the State of Michigan, along the banks of Sauginaw Bay, which was then called Saukenuk, or Saukietown, but since they left it has been called Sauginaw Bay. Here they did not remain but a short time before migrating to what is now the State of Wisconsin, and located on the banks of " Sauk river," so named for them. While here they formed an THE SAUKS AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 11 alliance with the Musquawkies, or Ottagamies, as called by many early writers, the former being correct, and meaning ''men from the red earth or clay." The French traders, finding these Indians too shrewd, wary and cunning to be gulled and deceived, called or dubbed them " Les Renards," — or in plain English, — Foxes, by which name they have been very generally known, and will be so called by us. The Foxes then were in possession of the country about Green Bay, and along Fox river of the Wisconsin, which was named for them. These Indians remained at this point in Wisconsin, until about the year 1730, during which time they had frequently descended the Mississippi in their canoes, and taken a strong liking to the magnificent country at, and sur- rounding the beautiful island of Rock Island, then in possession of the Santeaux*, who were a branch of the Chippewa, or Ojibway Nation, with their principal village where the large city of Rock Island now stands. Whether the Sauks and Foxes purchased these lands from the Santeaux, or took them by force, is not known. But since they spoke the same language and afterwards lived as neighbors with them, the strong presumption is, that they obtained them by purchase. The Santeaux moved farther down the Mississippi, making their principal village where the city of Quincy now stands. The Sauks and the Foxes left their homes in Wisconsin, and migrated to, and took possession of, these lands at and near Rock Island. The Sauks located their prin- cipal village at the foot of the promontory, on the north bank of Rock river, on the peninsula, some three miles south of the island of Rock Island, and named it Sauk-e-nuk or Saukietown, while the Foxes located their principal village on the north bank of the Mississippi, where the splendid city of Davenport now stands. The Mississippi at this point runs almost due east and west. Although these two Indian tribes were allies, they were never united, but were separate and distinct in their governments and possessions. Soon after their migration to this point, they levied war against the Aiouz or Ioway Indians, partially subjugating them and driving them back from their lands, which embraced the entire territory of the present State of Iowa, and that part of the present State of Missouri lying east of the Missouri river, and took possession thereof. Thus did their joint possessions em- brace all the territory, commencing on the Mississippi at the mouth of the Illinois river, running thence up the Illinois to where ♦Pronounced San-toes. 12 THE SAUKS AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR. the city of Peoria now stands, thence in a direct line to a point on the Wisconsin river, seventy miles above its mouth; thence down that river to the Mississippi, and down the Mississippi to the place of beginning, besides the entire State of Iowa and north- eastern Missouri, containing, in the aggregate, about fifty millions of acres of the finest agricultural lands in the United States — ter- ritory of sufficient size to build and support an empire. The Sauks had a small village near the mouth of the Des Moines river, in Iowa, and the Foxes a similar one on the south side of the Mississippi, where that fine city of Moline now stands. To the north and east of their possessions were the territories of the Pottawattamies and Winnebagoes, and adjoining them were the lands of the Chippewas and Ottawas, while to the south laid the lands of the Kickapoos. With all of these tribes the Sauks and Foxes were uniformly on terms of peace, and united by ties of blood and intermarriage, and with whom they were frequently confederated in repelling the aggressions of their common ene- mies, the Sioux. These seven tribes spoke substantially the same language. But the ties of friendship existing between the Sauks and Foxes were far stronger than those entertained by them for these other tribes. Yet they were never consolidated together as "the united bands or nations of Sacs and Foxes," as is errone- ously supposed, and inserted in the treaties of St. Louis of Nov. 3, 1804, and again in 1815, and others. The lands upon the pen- insula, lying between the Mississippi and Eock rivers, had prob- ably been cultivated by the Santeaux for a century or more prior to the advent of the Sauks to that locality. The Santeaux were a numerous and belligerent nation, else they could not have held this Indian Garden of Eden so many long years against their avaricious, savage neighbors. With the Ioways on their west, who were also a powerful and war-like nation, they had an almost incesssant guerrilla kind of warfare for many years prior to their surrendering possession to the Sauks and Foxes. The similarity existing between the latter tribes was so striking that they may be well-termed the same in general characteristics. And as history teaches us that the great men of every nation run or appear but once during its lifetime, and then in numbers, so with these two nations, and the period of time when their great men appeared, was that of which we are writing. Black Hawk and Keokuk, of the Sauks, Black Thunder and Powesheik, of the Foxes, were their greatest. But since the Foxes, as a nation, THE SAUKS AND THE BLACK HAWK WAK. took no part or lot in the so-called Black Hawk wars of 1P31-2, we shall confine our history as closely as practicable to the Sauks ; yet for a century or more the history of one would be the history of both, saving and excepting as to their rulers and the strength of their respective nations, the Sauks having double the number of the Foxes. The origin of the Sauk Nation as a government was not dis- similar to that of all other nations and peoples of the earth. It was of the common type, known as the Gentile organization — the oldest and most widely spread institution among men on earth, and the vehicle or instrumentality through and by which society has been organized and held together from the lowest grade of savagery up through the various stages of barbarism, to civiliza- tion and refinement. It is through and by means of the gens, or kin, phratry, or brotherhood, tribe and confederacy. Like the Grecian gens and phratry, the Eoman gens and curia, the Irish sept, the Scottish clan and Albanian phrara, this form of organi- zation seems to have run through the cycle of all human society from time immemorial. The word gens implies not only kin, but a body of kindred persons, or consanguinity, or as being de- scended from the same common ancestor, distinguished by a gentile name, and cemented together by the ties of blood or consanguinity. Nearly every ethnologist who has written upon the American aborigines, whom we call Indians, has used the word tribe, band, or clan, instead of the more apt, significant and comprehensive words gens, gentes, or phratries. With the Sauks, like all other Indian nations, the gens ran in the female line, and were based upon three cardinal principles — first, the bond of kin ; second, a pure lineage through descent, and third, non-intermarriage in the same gens. Thus the males of one gens must marry a female of another, and vice versa. Hence the gens must of necessity increase. The gens resting on the bond of kinship had a strong, cohesive principle for protecting each individual member, which could not have had existence in any other way. As the gens increased in number, other organi- zations became imperative, and produced the gentes and then the phratry, or subdivisions of the tribe. The natural increase of the phratry produced still another organization known as the tribe, or nation, and from surrounding danger and oppressions another organization ensued in the form of a confederation of two or more tribes, or nations, for purposes offensive and defensive. The gens 14 THE SAUKS AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR. ran into gentes, composed of a number of gens, each assuming a totem representing some animal or bird, the more notable of which were the bear, wolf, fox, tortoise, eagle, hawk and crane. These gentes were run into phratries, or brotherhoods, of the same tribe, or nation. The organization of the phratries was constantly- kept up, and exerted a powerful influence in the decision of all tribal questions, as each phratry cast their votes as a unit. Hence they stood in the same relation to their tribe that a well organized political club does in our political contests. Under the Sauk law inter-marriages seldom took place between members of the same phratry, for they, as a general rule, were at least cousins, whose inter-marriage was strongly condemned by the tribe as tending to deteriorate their offspring. Quoting from the pen of the late Judge Hall,* who spent much time among the Sauks about the time of which we are writing, we find that "the offic of Chief of the Sauks is partly elective and partly hereditary. The son is usually chosen as the successor of the father, if worthy, but if he be passed over, the most meritorious of the family is selected. There are several of n-ese dignitaries, and in describing their relative rank they narrate a tradition, which we suppose to be merely figurative. They say that a great while ago their fathers had a long lodge, in the center of which were ranged four fires. By the first stood two chiefs, one on the right hand, who was called the Great Bear, and one on the left hand, who was called the Little Bear. These were the Peace, or Village Ch'eis. T ey were the rulers of the band, and held the authority that we should describe as that of Chief Magistrate, but not in equal degree, for the Great Bear was Chief and the other next in authority. At the second fire stood two chiefs, one on the right called the Great Fox, and one on the left called Little Fox. These were their War Chiefs, or Generals. "At the third fire stood two braves, who were called, respect- ively, the Wolf and the Owl, and at the fourth fire stood two others, who were the Eagle and the Tortoise. The last four were not chiefs, but braves of high reputation, who occupied honor.ibie places in the council, and were persons of influence in peace or war. The lodge of four fires may have existed in fact, or the tra- dition may be merely metaphorical. The chiefs actually rank in the order presented in this legend, and the nation is divided into families, or clans, each of wh ich is distinguished by the n stood the lodge, or hodenosote of the old chief, Black Hawk. Saukenuk was not a mere aggregation of wigwams and tepees, but a permanent Indian abode, composed of the large bark-covered long houses known as ho-deno-so-tes, ranging from 30 to 100 feet in length and 16 to 40 feet in width. Many of them were the home of an entire gens, comprising the families of the grand parents, children and grand children, their husbands, wives and children. They were built and constructed of poles for frame- work and bark for covering. In shape they resembled our arbors. Selecting sapplings of proper size and length, they felled, trimmed and sharpened the lower ends and sunk them into the ground in two straight rows, equidistant apart. The distance between these lines or rows of poles was regulated according to the taste of the builders and length of their poles. The size of the hodeno- sote was governed by the number of persons it was intended to shelter and accommodate. Having firmly imbedded the lower ends of these sapplings or poles in two lines at interims of about four feet, their tops were inclined to the center, meeting and lap- ping at the desired height. They were securely lashed together with strips of strong, tough bark or hickory withes. When this THE SAUKS AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 41 was completed, other sapplings or poles were cut and split into equal halves and laid transversely upon these upright poles, com- mencing near the ground and upward at about three feet apart, lashing them fast at each intersection with thongs of deer skin or bark until the center or top was reached. This being done, they had a substantial framework upon which to rest their bark casing or weather boarding. For this purpose they obtained large blocks of bark — usually from elm trees— cutting it to the proper length and straightening the edges so they should meet and leave little or no cracks. These pieces of bark were laid upon the frame- work and securely bound to it by cutting small holes in the bark and running thongs of buckskin through them, and tying them around a perpendicular or horizontal pole in the framework. At both ends of the framework poles were set in the ground, extend- ing up to its intersection with the end arch and securely fastened thereto, and placing poles horizontally thereon for the bark cover- ing, leaving a doorway of about three feet in width in the center at each end, lashing a cross-piece at a distance of about six feet above the ground and covering the framework of the ends with bark, thus leaving an open doorway at each end of the hodenosote open. This was supplied by hanging the well-tanned skin of the buffalo from the cross-piece above extending down to the ground. The following sketches will more fully illustrate the Hodenosote as we now remember them : Figure 1. 00 Door. Hall. Door. 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 INTERNAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE HODENOSOTE. Figure 2. EXTERNAL APPEARANCE OF THE INDIAN LOG HOUSE OR HODENOSOTE. 42 THE SAUKS AND THE BTACK HEWK WAR. Figure 1, represents the internal arrangement of a hodenosote 64 feet long, by 22 feet wide, and is divided into 16 compartments, which would accomodate that number of families. The hall leading through the center of the building is their general living room, while the apartments 8 feet square were their sleeping rooms, — not being encumbered with chairs or tables, they had all the room they needed. The Indian always sits upon a mat or skin, flat on the ground. The mark o is their fire pits. Each fire served four families, a hole being left through the roof for the smoke to escape, as shown in figure 2, which represents the entire building. T