It is presumed that no apology will be required for presenting to the
public the life of a Hero who has lately taken such high rank among the
distinguished individuals of America. In the following pages he will be
seen in the character of a Warrior, a Patriot and a State prisoner;
in every situation he is still the chief of his Band, asserting their
rights with dignity, firmness and courage. Several accounts of the late
war having been published, in which he thinks justice is not done to
himself or nation, he determined to make known to the world the injuries
his people have received from the whites, the causes which brought
on the war on the part of his nation, and a general history of it
throughout the campaign. In his opinion this is the only method now left
him to rescue his little Band, the remnant of those who fought bravely
with him, from the effects of the statements that have already gone
forth.
The facts which he states, respecting the Treaty of 1804, in virtue of
the provisions of which the government claimed the country in dispute
and enforced its arguments with the sword, are worthy of attention. It
purported to cede tot he United States all of the country, including the
village and corn-fields of Black Hawk and his band, on the east side of
the Mississippi. Four individuals of the tribe, who were on a visit to
St. Louis to obtain the liberation of on of their people from prison,
were prevailed upon, says Black Hawk, to make this important treaty,
without the knowledge or authority of the tribes, or nation.
In treating with the Indians for their country, it has always been
customary to assemble the whole nation; because, as has been truly
suggested by the Secretary of War, the nature of the authority of the
chiefs of the tribe is such, that it is not often that they dare make a
treaty of much consequence, and we might add, never, when involving so
much magnitude as the one under consideration, without the presence
of their young men. A rule so reasonable and just ought never to
be violated, and the Indians might well question the right of the
Government to dispossess them, when such violation was made the basis of
its right.
The Editor has written this work according to the dictation of Black
Hawk, through the United States Interpreter, at the Sac and Fox Agency
of Rock Island. He does not, therefore, consider himself responsible for
any of the facts, or views, contained in it, and leaves the Old Chief
and his story with the public, whilst he neither asks, nor expects, any
fame for his services as an amanuensis.