"I am a _Sac_! My forefather was a SAC! I and all the nations call me a
SAC!!"
The war chief said:
"I came here neither to beg nor hire you to leave your village. My
business is to remove you, peaceably if I can, forcibly if I must! I
will now give you two days in which to remove, and if you do not cross
the Mississippi by that time, I will adopt measures to force you away."
I told him that I never would consent to leave my village and was
determined not to leave it.
The council broke up and the war chief retired to his fort. I consulted
the prophet again. He said he had been dreaming, and that the Great
Spirit had directed that a woman, the daughter of Mattatas, 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 Mattatas, and that
he had always been the white man's friend. That he had fought their
battles, been wounded in their service and had always spoken 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, he had one favor to
ask; she wished her people to be allowed to remain long enough to gather
their provisions now growing in their fields; that she was a woman and
had worked hard to raise something to support her children. And now, if
we are driven from our village without being allowed to save our corn,
many of our little children must perish with hunger.
Accordingly Mattatas' daughter was sent to the fort, accompanied by
several of our young men and was 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. That our young men most leave the fort, but she might
remain if she wished.
All our plans were defeated. We must cross the river, or return to our
village and await the coming of the war chief with his soldiers. We
determined on the latter, but finding that our agent, interpreter,
trader and Keokuk, were determined on breaking my ranks, and had induced
several of my warriors to cross the Mississippi, I sent a deputation
to the agent, at the request of my band, pledging myself to leave the
county in the fall, provided permission was given us to remain, and
secure our crop of corn then growing, 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 than that specified, and if we were not then
gone he would remove us."
I directed my village crier to proclaim that my orders were, in the
event of the war chief coming to our village to remove us, that not a
gun should be fired or 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 hurt 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 in our power. But his manly conduct and soldierly
deportment, his mild yet energetic manner, which proved his bravery,
forbade it.
Some of our young men who had been out as spies came in and reported
that they had discovered a large body of mounted men coming toward our
village, who looked like a war party. They arrived and took a position
below Rock river, for their place of encampment. The great war chief,
General Gaines, entered Rock river in a steamboat, 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; 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
assistance, there was not a brave in my band who would not willingly
have aided them. Their people were 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 by the regulars, but was afraid of the multitude
of pale faced militia, who were on horse back, as they were under no
restraint of their chiefs.
We crossed the river during the night, and encamped some distance below
Rock Island. The great war chief convened another council, for the
purpose 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 the women and
children, for their roasting ears, beans and squashes. To satisfy them,
a small party of braves went over in the night to take corn from
their own fields. They were discovered by the whites and fired upon.
Complaints were again made of the depredations committed by some of my
people, on their own corn fields.
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 plowed if we required it. I therefore called upon him, and
requested him to have a small log home built for me, and a field plowed
that fall, as I wished to live retired. He promised to have it done. I
then went to the trader, Colonel Davenport, and asked for permission
to be buried in the graveyard 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 inquired for the Menomonee camp. They requested
him to go on before them and see if there were any Winnebagoes 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 soon 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 surrendered 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 demanding them, when he had suffered all their chiefs to be
decoyed away, and murdered by the Menomonees, without ever having made a
similar demand of them. If he had no right in the first instance he had
none now, and for my part, I conceived the right very questionable, if
not an act of usurpation in any case, where a difference exists between
two nations, for him to interfere. The Foxes joined my band with the
intention to go out with them on the fall hunt.
About this time, Neapope, who started to Malden when it was ascertained
that the great war chief, General Gaines, was coming to remove us,
returned. He said he had seen the chief of our British Father, and asked
him if the Americans could force us to leave our village. He said: "If
you had not sold your land the Americans could not take your village
from you. That the right being vested in you only, could be transferred
by the voice and will of the whole nation, and that as you have never
given your consent to the sale of your country, it yet remains your
exclusive property, from which the American government never could force
you away, and that in the event of war, you should have nothing to fear,
as we would stand by and assist you."
He said that he had called at the prophet's lodge on his way down, and
there had learned for the first time, that we had left our village. He
informed me privately, that the prophet was anxious to see me, as 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 give you all the
particulars, but I would much rather you would see him yourself and
learn all from him. But I will tell you that he has received expresses
from our British Father, who says that he is going to send us guns,
ammunition, provisions and clothing early in the spring. The vessels
that bring them will come by way of Milwaukee. The prophet has likewise
received wampum and tobacco from the different nations on the lakes,
Ottawas, Chippewas, and Pottowattomies, and as to the Winnebagoes he has
them all at his command. We are going to be happy once more."
I told him I was pleased that our British Father intended to see us
righted. That we had been driven from our lands without receiving
anything for them, and I now began to hope from his talk, that my
people would once more be happy. If I could accomplish 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.
Neapope said:
"The prophet told me that all the tribes mentioned would fight for us
if necessary, and the British father will support us. If we should be
whipped, which is hardly possible, we will still be safe, the prophet
having received a friendly talk from the chief of Wassicummico, at
Selkirk's settlement, telling him, that if we were not happy in our own
country, to let him know and he would make us happy. 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 your people to join you as you can.
You know everything 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 meantime make up your mind an 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 the night I thought over everything that Neapope 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 Neapope, that I would get all
my braves together, explain everything that I had heard to them, and
recruit as many as I could from the different villages.
Accordingly I sent word to Keokuk's band and the Fox tribe, explaining
to them all the good news I had heard. They would not hear. Keokuk 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 recover my village, fearing that some difficulty would arise,
he made application to the agent and great chief at St. Louis, asking
permission for the chiefs of our nation to go to Washington to see our
Great Father, that we might have our difficulties settled amicably.
Keokuk also requested the trader, Colonel Davenport, who was going to
Washington, to call on our Great Father and explain everything to him,
and ask permission for us to come on and see him.
Having heard nothing favorable from the great chief at St. Louis, I
concluded that I had better keep my band together, and recruit as many
as possible, so that I would be prepared to make the attempt to rescue
my village in the spring, provided our Great Father did not send word
for us to go to Washington. The trader returned. He said he had called
on our Great Father and made a full statement to him in relation to our
difficulties, and had asked leave for us to go to Washington, but had
received no answer.
I had determined to listen to the advice of my friends, and if permitted
to go to see our Great Father, to abide by his counsel, whatever it
might be. Every overture was made by Keokuk to prevent difficulty, and I
anxiously hoped that something would be done for my people that it might
be avoided. But there was bad management somewhere, or the difficulty
that has taken place would have been avoided.
When it was ascertained that we would not be permitted to go to
Washington, I resolved upon my course, and again tied to recruit some
braves from Keookuk's band, to accompany me, but could not.
Conceiving that the peaceable disposition of Keokuk and his people had
been in a great measure the cause of our having been driven from our
village, I ascribed their present feelings to the same cause, and
immediately went to work to recruit all my own band, and making
preparations to ascend Rock river, I made my encampment on the
Mississippi, where Fort Madison had stood. I requested my people to
rendezvous at that place, sending out soldiers to bring in the warriors,
and stationed my sentinels in a position to prevent any from moving off
until all were ready.
My party having all come in and got ready, we commenced our march up the
Mississippi; our women and children in canoes, carrying such provisions
as we had, camp equipage, &c. My braves and warriors were on horseback,
armed and equipped for defence. The prophet came down and joining us
below Rock river, having called at Rock Island on his way down, to
consult the war chief, agent and trader; who, he said, used many
arguments to dissuade him from going with us, requesting him to come and
meet us and turn us back. They told him also there was a war chief on
his way to Rock Island with a large body of soldiers.
The prophet said he would not listen to this talk, because no war chief
would dare molest us so long as we were 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 General Gaines had made his encampment the
year before, and encamped for the night. The prophet then addressed my
braves and warriors. He told them to "follow us and act like braves,
and we have nothing to fear and much to gain. The American war chief
may come, but will not, nor dare not interfere with us so long as we act
peaceably. We are not yet ready to act otherwise. We must wait until we
ascend Rock river and receive our reinforcements, and we will then be
able to withstand any army."
That night the White Beaver, General Atkinson, with a party of soldiers
passed up in a steamboat. Our party became alarmed, expecting to meet
the soldiers at Rock river, to prevent us going up. On our arrival at
its mouth, we discovered that the steamboat had passed on.
I was fearful that the war chief had stationed his men on some
high bluff, or in some ravine, that we might be taken by surprise.
Consequently, on entering 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 for some
distance, when we were overtaken by an express from White Beaver, with
an order for me to return with my band and recross the Mississippi
again. I sent him word that I would not, not recognizing his right to
make such a demand, is I was acting peaceably, and intended to go to the
prophet's village at his request, to make corn.
The express returned. We moved on and encamped some distance below the
prophet's village. Here another express came from the White Beaver,
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 contest the ground with the war chief,
should he come and attempt to drive us. We therefore directed the
express to say to the war chief "if he wished to fight us he might come
on." We were determined never to be driven, and equally so, not to make
the first attack, our object being to act only on the defensive. This we
conceived to be our right.
Soon after the express returned, Mr. Gratiot, sub-agent for the
Winnebagoes, came to our encampment. He had no interpreter, and was
compelled to talk through his chiefs. They said the object 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 would be bettered. They were on our
side and all of their people were our friends. We must not give up,
but continue to ascend Rock river, on which, in a short time, we would
receive reinforcements sufficiently strong to repulse any enemy. They
said they would go down with their agent, to ascertain the strength of
the enemy, and then return and give us the news. They had to use some
stratagem to deceive their agent in order to help us.
During this council several of my braves hoisted the British flag,
mounted their horses and 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 immediately dismounted and returned to his lodge.
After the council adjourned I placed a sentinel at the agent's lodge to
guard him, fearing that some of my warriors might again frighten him. I
had always thought he was a good man and was determined that he should
not be hurt. He started with his chiefs to Rock Island.
Having ascertained that White Beaver would not permit us to remain where
we were, I began to consider what was best to be done, and concluded to
keep on up the river, see the Pottowattomies and have a talk with them.
Several Winnebago chiefs were present, whom I advised of my intentions,
as they 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.
The next day I started with my party to Kishwacokee. That night I
encamped a short distance above the prophet's village. After all was
quiet in our camp I sent for my chiefs, and told them that we had
been deceived. That all the fair promises that had been held out to us
through Neapope were false. But it would not do to let our party know
it. We must keep it secret among ourselves, move on to Kishwacokee, as
if all was right, and say something on the way to encourage our people.
I will then call on the Pottowattomies, hear what they say, and see what
they will do.
We started the next morning, after telling our people that news had just
come from Milwaukee that a chief of our British Father would be there in
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
Pottowattomies. On our arrival at Kishwacokee an express was sent to the
Pottowattomie villages. The next day a deputation arrived. I inquired
if they had corn in their villages. They said they had a very little and
could not spare any. I asked them different questions and received very
unsatisfactory 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 gone to sleep. They came and took seats. I
asked them if they had received any news from the British on the lake.
They said no. I inquired if they had heard that a chief of our British
Father was coming to Milwaukee to bring us guns, ammunition, goods and
provisions. They said no. I told them what news had been brought to me,
and requested 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
White Beaver came after us, we would go back, as it was useless to
think of stopping or going on without more provisions and ammunition. I
discovered that the Winnebagoes and Pottowattomies were not disposed to
render us any assistance. The next day the Pottowattomie chiefs arrived
in my camp. I had a dog killed, 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 horse-back 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 council with them and descend Rock river
again. I also directed them, in case the whites had encamped, to return,
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
camp of the whites, and were taken prisoners. The last party had not
proceeded far before they saw about twenty men coming toward them at
full gallop. They stopped, and, finding that the whites were coming
toward them in such a warlike attitude, they turned and retreated, but
were pursued, and two of them overtaken and killed. The others then 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 ten miles away. I started with what I had left, about forty, and
had proceeded but a short distance, before we saw a part of the army
approaching. I raised a yell, saying to y braves, "Some of our people
have been killed. Wantonly and cruelly murdered! We must avenge their
death!"
In a little while we discovered the whole army coming towards us at a
full gallop. We were now confident that our first party had been killed.
I immediately placed my men behind a cluster of bushes, that we might
have the first fire when they had 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 they would all be killed.
They did charge. Every man rushed towards the enemy and fired, and they
retreated in the utmost confusion and consternation before my little but
brave band of warriors.
After following the enemy for some distance, I found it useless
to pursue them further, as they rode so fast, and returned to the
encampment with a few braves, as about twenty-five of them continued in
pursuit of the flying enemy. I lighted my pipe and sat down to thank the
Great Spirit for what he had done. I had not been meditating long, when
two of the three young men I had seat with the flag to meet the American
war chief, entered. My astonishment was not greater than my joy to see
them living and well. I eagerly listened to their story, which was as
follows:
"When we arrived near the encampment of the whites, a number of them
rushed out to meet us, bringing their guns with them. They took us into
their camp, where an American who spoke the Sac language a little told
us that his chief wanted to know how we were, where we were going, where
our camp was, and where was Black Hawk? 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 intention of going to war."
This man had once been a member of our tribe, having been adopted by me
many years before and treated with the same kindness as was shown to our
young men, but like the caged bird of the woods, he yearned for freedom,
and after a few years residence with us an opportunity for escape came
and he left us. On this occasion he would have respected our flag and
carried back the message I had sent to his chief, had he not been taken
prisoner, with a comrade, by some of my braves who did not recognize
him, and brought him into camp. They were securely tied with cords to
trees and left to meditate, but were occasionally buffeted by my young
men when passing near them. When I passed by him there was a recognition
on the part of us both, but on account of former friendship I concluded
to let him go, and some little time before the sun went down I
released him from his captivity by untying the cords that bound him and
accompanied him outside of our lines so that he could escape safely.
His companion had previously made a desperate effort to escape from his
guards and was killed by them.
They continued their story:
"At the conclusion of this talk a party of white men came in on
horseback. We saw by their countenances that something had happened. A
general tumult arose. They looked at us with indignation, talked among
themselves for a moment, when several of them cocked their guns and
fired at us in the crowd. Our companion fell dead. We rushed through
the crowd and made our escape. We remained in ambush but a short time,
before we heard yelling like Indians running an enemy. In a little while
we saw some of the whites in full speed. One of them came near us. I
threw my tomahawk and struck him on 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 brought my friend here behind me. We
turned to follow our braves, who were chasing 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 scalp, 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 had retreated. We inquired 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 recognize us, it being dark, we
again asked how many of our braves had been killed? They said five. 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 prisoners and
killed in the encampment, and that out of a party of five, who followed
to see the meeting of the first party with the whites, two had been
killed. We were now certain that they did not recognize us, nor did we
tell who we were until we arrived at our camp. The news of our death had
reached it some time before, and all 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
to bury the dead. We first disposed of them and then commenced an
examination in the enemy's deserted encampment for plunder. We found
arms and ammunition and provisions, all of which we were sadly in want
of, particularly the latter, as we were entirely without. We found also
a variety of saddle bags, which I distributed among my braves, a small
quantity of whisky 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 pale faces,
when acting is soldiers in the field, were strictly temperate.
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, knowing, too, that the Americans generally shoot well, as
I was to see this army of several hundreds retreating, without showing
fight, and passing immediately through their encampment, I did think
they intended to halt there, as the situation would have forbidden
attack by my party if their number had not exceeded half of mine, as
we would have been compelled to take the open prairie whilst they could
have picked trees to shield themselves from our fire.
I was never so much surprised in my life as I was in this attack. An
army of three or four hundred men, after having learned that we were
sueing for peace, to attempt to kill the flag bearers that had gone
unarmed to ask for a meeting of the war chiefs of the two contending
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. At our feast with the Pottowattomies I was convinced
that we had been imposed upon by those who had brought in reports of
large re-enforcements to my band and resolved not to strike a blow; and
in order to get permission from White Beaver to return and re-cross the
Mississippi, I sent a flag of peace to the American war chief, who was
reported to be close by with his army, expecting that he would convene
a council and listen to what we had to say. But this chief, instead
of pursuing that honorable and chivalric course, such as I have always
practiced, shot down our flag-bearer and thus forced us into war
with less than five hundred warriors to contend against three or four
thousand soldiers.
The supplies that Neapope 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 British Father to say were never promised, his chief
being 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 going
to war."
What was now to be done? It was worse than folly to turn back and meet
an enemy where the odds were so much against us and thereby sacrifice
ourselves, our wives and children to the fury of an enemy who had
murdered some of our brave and unarmed warriors 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 movements of the army, and
commenced moving up Kishwacokee 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 Kishwacokee, so that the Americans would have some
difficulty if they attempted to follow us.
On arriving at the head of Kishwacokee, I was met by a party of
Winnebagoes, who seemed to rejoice at our success. They said they had
come to offer their services, and were anxious to join in. I asked them
if they knew where there was a safe place for our women and children.
They told us that they would send two old men with us to guide us to a
good safe place.
I arranged war parties to send out in different directions, before I
proceeded further. The Winnebagoes went alone. The war parties having
all been fitted out and started, we commenced moving to the Four Lakes,
the place where our guides were to conduct us. We had not gone far
before six Winnebagoes came in with one scalp. They said they had killed
a man at a grove, on the road from Dixon's to the lead mines. Four
days after, the party of Winnebagoes who had gone out from the head of
Kishwacokee, overtook us, and told me that they had killed four men
and taken their scalps: and that one of them was Keokuk's father, (the
agent). They proposed to have a dance over their scalps. I told them
that I could have no dancing in my camp, in consequence of my having
lost three young braves; but they might dance in their own camp, which
they did. Two days after, we arrived in safety at the place where
the Winnebagoes had directed us. In a few days a great number of our
warriors came in. I called them all around me, and addressed them.
I told them: "Now is the time, if any of you wish to come into
distinction, and be honored with the medicine bag! Now is the time to
show your courage and bravery, and avenge the murder of our three
braves!"
Several small parties went out, and returned again in a few days, with
success--bringing in provisions for our people. In the mean time, some
spies came in, and reported that the army had fallen back to Dixon's
ferry; and others brought news that the horsemen had broken up their
camp, disbanded, and returned home.
Finding that all was safe, I made a dog feast, preparatory to leaving
my camp with a large party, (as the enemy were stationed so far off).
Before my braves commenced feasting, I took my medicine bags, and
addressed them in the following language:
"BRAVES AND WARRIORS: These are the medicine bags of our forefather,
Mukataquet, who was the father of the Sac nation. They were handed down
to the great war chief of our nation, Nanamakee, who has been at war
with all the nations of the plains, and have never yet been disgraced! I
expect you all to protect them!"
After the ceremony was over and our feasting done I started, with about
two hundred warriors following my great medicine bags. I directed my
course toward sunset and dreamed, the second night after we started,
that there would be a great feast prepared for us after one day's
travel. I told my warriors my dream in the morning and we started for
Moscohocoynak, (Apple river). When we arrived in the vicinity of a fort
the white people had built there we saw four men on horseback. One of
my braves fired and wounded a man when the others set up a yell as if
a large force were near and ready to come against us. We concealed
ourselves and remained in this position for some time watching to see
the enemy approach, but none came. The four men, in the mean time, ran
to the fort and gave the alarm. We followed them and attacked their
fort. One of their braves, who seemed more valiant than the rest, raised
his head above the picketing to fire at us when one of my braves, with a
well-directed shot, put an end to his bravery. Finding that these people
could not be killed without setting fire to their houses and fort I
thought it more prudent to be content with what flour, provisions,
cattle and horses we could find than to set fire to their buildings, as
the light would be seen at a distance and the army might suppose we were
in the neighborhood and come upon us with a strong force. Accordingly
we opened a house and filled our bags with flour and provisions, took
several horses and drove off some of their cattle.
We started in a direction toward sunrise. After marching a considerable
time I discovered some white men coming towards us. I told my braves
that we would go into the woods and kill them when they approached.
We concealed ourselves until they came near enough and then commenced
yelling and firing and made a rush upon them. About this time their
chief, with a party of men, rushed up to rescue the men we had fired
upon. In a little while they commenced retreating and left their chief
and a few braves who seemed willing and anxious to fight. They acted
like men, but were forced to give way when I rushed upon them with my
braves. In a short time the chief returned with a lager party. He seemed
determined to fight, and anxious for a battle. When he came near enough
I raised the yell and firing commenced from both sides. The chief, who
seemed to be a small man, addressed his warriors in a loud voice, but
they soon retreated, leaving him and a few braves on the battle field.
A great number of my warriors pursued the retreating party and killed a
number of their horses as they ran.
The chief and his few braves were unwilling to leave the field. I
ordered my braves to rush upon them, and had the mortification of seeing
two of my chiefs killed before the enemy retreated.
This young chief deserves great praise for his courage and bravery, but
fortunately for us, his army was not all composed of such brave men.
During this attack we killed several men and about forty horses and lost
two young chiefs and seven warriors. My braves were anxious to pursue
them to the fort, attack and burn it, but I told them it was useless to
waste our powder as there was no possible chance of success if we did
attack them, and that as we had ran the bear into his hole we would
there leave him and return to our camp.
On arriving at our encampment we found that several of our spies had
returned, bringing intelligence that the army had commenced moving.
Another party of five 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 skirmish 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 two young white
squaws, whom they had given to the Winnebagoes to take to the whites.
They said they had joined a party of Pottowattomies and went with them
as a war party against the settlers of Illinois.
The leader of this party, a Pottowattomie, 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 Pottowattomie
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 party arrived. The
Pottowattomies 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 messenger 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 Pottowittomies, the two young squaws would have
shared the same fate as their friends.
During our encampment at the Four Lakes we were hard pressed to obtain
enough to eat to support nature. Situated 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 impossibility 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 reduced, as to actually die with hunger! Learning that the
army had commenced moving, and fearing that they might come upon and
surround our encampment, I concluded to remove our 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 Winnebagoes
acting as our guides, intending to descend the Wisconsin.
Neapope, with a party of twenty, remained in our rear, to watch for the
enemy, whilst we were proceeding to the Wisconsin, with our women and
children. We arrived, and had commenced crossing over 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 crossing) about a mile from the river,
When an attack immediately commenced, I was mounted on a fine horse,
and was pleased to see my warriors so brave. I addressed them in a load
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 into
a deep ravine, from which we continued firing at them and they at us,
until it began to grow dark. My horse having 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 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
Wisconsin, I ordered my warriors to return, by different routes, and
meet me at the Wisconsin, and was 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 Wisconsin, 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 our women and children to cross to an island. A warrior will
duly appreciate the embarrassments I labored under--and whatever may
be the sentiments of the white people in relation to this battle, my
nation, though fallen, will award to me the reputation of a great brave
in conducting it.
The loss of the enemy could not be ascertained by our party; but I am
of the opinion that it was much greater, in proportion, than mine. We
returned to the Wisconsin and crossed over to our people.
Here some of my people left me, and descended the Wisconsin, 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 traveling and starving
with 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 were stationed on the Wisconsin,
a short distance from its mouth, who fired upon our distressed people.
Some were killed, others drowned, several taken prisoners, and the
balance escaped to the woods and perished with hunger. Among this party
were a great many women and children.
I was astonished to find that Neapope and his party of spies had not
yet come in, they having been left in my rear to bring the news, if the
enemy were discovered. 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. Neapope and one other retired to the Winnebago village,
and there remained during the war. The balance of his party, being brave
men, and considering our interests as their own, returned, and joined
our ranks.
Myself and band having no means to descend the Wisconsin, 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 the Mississippi, having lost some of 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 steamboat (the
"Warrior,") coming. I told my braves not to shoot, as I intended going
on board, so that we might save our women and children. I knew the
captain (Throckmorton) and was determined to give myself up to him.
I then sent for my white flag. While the messenger was gone, I took
a small piece of white cotton and put it on a pole, and called to the
captain of the boat, and told him to send his little canoe ashore and
let me come aboard. The people on board asked whether we were Sacs or
Winnebagoes. I told a Winnebago to tell them that we were Sacs, and
wanted to give ourselves up! A Winnebago on the boat called out to us
"to run and hide, that the whites were going to shoot!" About this time
one of my braves had jumped into the river, bearing a white flag to the
boat, when another sprang in after him and brought him to the shore. The
firing then commenced from the boat, which was returned by my braves and
continued for some time. Very few of my people were hurt after the
first fire, having succeeded in getting behind old logs and trees, which
shielded them from the enemy's fire.
The Winnebago on the steamboat must either have misunderstood what
was told, or did not tell it to the captain correctly; because I am
confident he would not have allowed the soldiers to fire upon us if he
had known my wishes. I have always considered him a good man, and too
great a brave to fire upon an enemy when sueing for quarters.
After the boat left us, I told my people to cross if they could, and
wished; that I intended going into the Chippewa country. Some commenced
crossing, and such as had determined to follow them, remained; only
three lodges going with me. Next morning, at daybreak, a young man
overtook me, and said that all my party had determined to cross the
Mississippi--that a number had already got over safely and that he had
heard the white army last night within a few miles of them. I now began
to fear that the whites would come up with my people and kill them
before they could get across. I had determined to go and join the
Chippewas; but reflecting that by this I could only save myself, I
concluded to return, and die with my people, if the Great Spirit would
not give us another victory. During our stay in the thicket, a party of
whites came close by us, but passed on without discovering us.
Early in the morning a party of whites being in advance of the army,
came upon our people, who were attempting to cross the Mississippi.
They tried to give themselves up; the whites paid no attention to their
entreaties, but commenced slaughtering them. In a little while the whole
army arrived. Our braves, but few in umber, finding that the enemy paid
no regard to age or sex, and seeing that they were murdering helpless
women and little children, determined to fight until they were killed.
As many women as could, commenced swimming the Mississippi, with their
children on their backs. A number of them were drowned, and some shot
before they could reach the opposite shore.
One of my braves, who gave me this information, piled up some saddles
before him, (when the fight commenced), to shield himself from the
enemy's fire, and killed three white men. But seeing that the whites
were coming too close to him, he crawled to the bank of the without
being perceived, and hid himself under the bank until the enemy retired.
He then came to me and told me what had been done. After hearing this
sorrowful news, I started with my little party to the Winnebago village
at Prairie La Cross. On my arrival there I entered the lodge of one of
the chiefs, and told him that I wished him to go with me to his father,
that I intended giving myself up to the American war chief and die, if
the Great Spirit saw proper. He said he would go with me. I then took my
medicine bag and addressed the chief. I told him that it was "the soul
of the Sac nation--that it never had been dishonored in any battle, take
it, it is my life--dearer than life--and give it to the American chief!"
He said he would keep it, and take care of it, and if I was suffered to
live, he would send it to me.
During my stay at the village, the squaws made me a white dress of deer
skin. I then started with several Winnebagoes, and went to their agent,
at Prairie du Chien, and gave myself up.
On my arrival there, I found to my sorrow, that a large body of Sioux
had pursued and killed a number of our women and children, who had got
safely across the Mississippi. The whites ought not to have permitted
such conduct, and none but cowards would ever have been guilty of such
cruelty, a habit which had always been practiced on our nation by the
Sioux.
The massacre, which terminated the war, lasted about two hours. Our loss
in killed was about sixty, besides a number that was drowned. The loss
of the enemy could not be ascertained by my braves, exactly; but they
think that they killed about sixteen during the action.
I was now given up by the agent to the commanding officer at Fort
Crawford, the White Beaver having gone down the river. We remained here
a short time, and then started for Jefferson Barracks, in a steam boat,
under the charge of a young war chief, (Lieut. Jefferson Davis) who
treated us all with much kindness. He is a good and brave young chief,
with whose conduct I was much pleased. On our way down we called at
Galena and remained a short time. The people crowded to the boat to see
us: but the war chief would not permit them to enter the apartment where
we were--knowing, from what his feelings would have been if he had been
placed in a similar situation, that we did not wish to have a gaping
crowd around us.
We passed Rock Island without stopping. The great war chief, Gen. Scott,
who was then at Fort Armstrong, came out in a small boat to see us, but
the captain of the steamboat would not allow anybody from the fort to
come on board his boat, in consequence of the cholera raging among the
soldiers. I did think that the captain ought to have permitted the war
chief to come on board to see me, because I could see no danger to be
apprehended by it. The war chief looked well, and I have since heard was
constantly among his soldiers, who were sick and dying, administering to
their wants, and had not caught the disease from them and I thought it
absurd to think that any of the people on the steamboat could be afraid
of catching the disease from a well man. But these people are not brave
like war chiefs, who never fear anything.
On our way down, I surveyed the country that had cost us so much
trouble, anxiety and blood, and that now caused me to be a prisoner of
war. I reflected upon the ingratitude of the whites when I saw their
fine houses, rich harvests and everything desirable around them; and
recollected that all this land had been ours, for which I and my people
had never received a dollar, and that the whites were not satisfied
until they took our village and our graveyards from us and removed us
across the Mississippi.
On our arrival at Jefferson Barracks we met the great war chief, White
Beaver, who had commanded the American army against my little band. I
felt the humiliation of my situation; a little while before I had been
leader of my braves, now I was a prisoner of war, but had surrendered
myself. He received us kindly and treated us well.
We were now confined to the barracks and forced to wear the ball and
chain. This was extremely mortifying and altogether useless. Was the
White Beaver afraid I would break out of his barracks and run away? Or
was he ordered to inflict this punishment 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, as it is the custom among the white soldiers, and I suppose was
a part of his duty.
The time dragged heavily and gloomily along throughout the winter,
although the White Beaver did everything is 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 interpreter, from Rock Island, Keokuk 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, Sagenash, (Col. Davenport) presented me with some dried
venison, which had been killed and cured by some of my 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 my own wigwam, which had
always been stored with plenty.
Keokuk and his chiefs, during their stay at the barracks, petitioned our
Great Father, the president, to release us, and pledged themselves
for our good conduct. I now began to hope I would soon be restored to
liberty and the enjoyment of my family and friends, having heard that
Keokuk 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 us 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 and one soldier, whom the
White Beaver sent along as a guide to Washington. We were accompanied
by Keokuk, wife and son, Appanooce, Wapello, Poweshiek, Pashippaho,
Nashashuk, Saukee, Musquaukee, and our interpreter. Our principal
traders, Col. Geo. Davenport, of Rock Island, and S. S. Phelps and
clerk, William Cousland, of the Yellow Banks, also accompanied us. 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
petty village, situated on the bank of the Ohio River. The next is
Cincinnati, which stands on the bank of the same river. This is a large
and beautiful village and seemed to be in a thriving condition. 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 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 kindness, no one offering
to molest or misuse us. This village is not so large as either of those
before mentioned, but is quite a pretty one.
We left the steamboat then, having traveled a long distance on the
prettiest river I ever saw (except our Mississippi) and took the stage.
Being unaccustomed to this mode of traveling, we soon got tired and
wished ourselves seated in a canoe on one of our own rivers, that we
might return to our friends. We had traveled 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 several days, but had a good
trail for our carriage. It is astonishing what labor and pains the white
people have had to make this road, as it passes over several mountains,
which are generally covered with rocks and timber, yet it has been made
smooth and easy to travel upon.
Rough and mountainous as this country is there are many wigwams and
small villages standing on the roadside. I could see nothing in the
country to induce the 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, 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 be thankful for what He
has given them, and not drive others from the country He has given them
because it happens to be better then theirs. This is contrary to our
way of thinking, and from my intercourse with the whites, I have learned
that one great principle of their religion is "to 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 other villages
where we stopped.
Here we came to another road much more wonderful than that through the
mountains. They call it a railroad, (the Baltimore and Ohio). I examined
it carefully, but need not describe it, as the whites 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 money and
labor expended to make a good road for easy traveling. I prefer riding
horse back, however, to any other way, but suppose 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 fashioned carriages, which seem to run
without any trouble, being propelled by steam on the same principle that
boats are on the river. 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 to be 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 cold
tell him.
He said he wanted us to go to Fortress Monroe and stay awhile with the
war chief who commanded it. But having been so long from my people, I
told him that I would rather return to my nation; that Keokuk had come
here once on a visit to him, as we had done, and he had let him return
again, as soon as he wished, and that I expected to be treated in the
same manner. He insisted, however, on our going to Fortress Monroe;
and as the interpreter then present could not understand enough of our
language to interpret a speech, I concluded 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 the people,
who treated us well, particularly the squaws; we visited the great
council home of the Americans; the place where they keep their big guns;
and all the public buildings, and then started for Fortress 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
frequently. Previous to our leaving this fort, he made us a feast, and
gave 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. Garland), we started for our
own country, taking a circuitous route. Our Great Father being about to
pay a visit to his children in the big towns towards sunrise, and being
desirous that we should have an opportunity of seeing them, had directed
our guide to take us through.
On our arrival at Baltimore, we were much astonished to see so large a
village; but the war chief told us we would soon see a larger one.
This surprised 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 around us) to shake him
by the hand. He did not remain long, having left the city before us. In
an interview, while here, the President said:
"When I saw you in Washington, I told you that you had behaved very
badly in going to war against the whites. Your conduct then compelled
me to send my warriors against you, and your people were defeated with
great loss, and several of you surrendered, to be kept until I should be
satisfied that you would not try to do any more injury. I told you,
too, that I would inquire whether your people wished you to return, and
whether, if you did return, there would be any danger to the frontier.
Gen. Clark and Gen. Atkinson, whom you know, have informed me that
your principal chief and the rest of your people are anxious you should
return, and Keokuk has asked me to send you back. Your chiefs have
pledged themselves for your good conduct, and I have given directions
that you should be taken to your own country.
"Major Garland, who is with you, will conduct you through some of our
towns. You will see the strength of the white people. You will see that
our young men are as numerous as the leaves in the woods. What can you
do against us? You may kill a few women and children, but such a force
would seen be sent against you as would destroy your whole tribe. Let
the red men hunt and take care of their families. I hope they will not
again raise the tomahawk against their white brethren. We do not wish to
injure you. We desire your prosperity and improvement. But if you again
make war against our people, I shall send a force which will severely
punish you. When you go back, listen to the councils of Keokuk and the
other friendly chiefs; bury the tomahawk and live in peace with the
people on the frontier. And I pray the Great Spirit to give you a smooth
path and a fair sky to return."
I was pleased with our Great Father's talk and thanked him. Told
him that the tomahawk had been buried so deep that it would never be
resurrected, and that my remaining days would be spent in peace with all
my white brethren.
We left Baltimore in a steamboat, and traveled in this way to the big
village, where they make medals and money, (Philadelphia.) We again
expressed surprise at finding this village so much larger than the one
we had left; but the war chief again told us we would see another much
larger than this. I had no idea that the white people had such large
villages, and so many people. They were very kind to us, showed us all
their great public works, their ships and steamboats. 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 were performed
a number of singular military feats. The chiefs and men were all 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 anything more about war, or
the preparations necessary for it.
We next started for New York, and on our arrival near the wharf, saw a
large collection of people gathered at Castle Garden. We had seen many
wonderful sights in our way--large villages, the great national road
over the mountains, the railroad, steam carriages, ships, steamboat,
and many other things; but we were now about to witness a sight more
surprising than any of these. We were told that a man was going up in
the air in a balloon. We watched with anxiety to see if this 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 balloon, 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 carriage to pass. The war chief then directed the
coachman to take another street, and stop at a different house from the
one we had intended. On our arrival here we were waited upon by a number
of gentlemen, who seemed much pleased to see us. We were furnished with
good rooms, good provisions, and everything 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 home
for this purpose, where we saw an immense number of people; all of whom
treated us with great friendship, and many with great generosity. One
of their great chiefs, John A. Graham, waited upon us and made a very
pretty talk, which appeared in the village papers, one of which I now
hand you.