Some time in 1832, five of the friendly Sacs belonging to Keokuk’s party, murdered a man by the name of Martin, in Warren county, Illinois.  One of these, proved to be a nephew of Keokuk, but by the orders of his uncle, he was seized and delivered over to the civil authority of that state to be tried for the murder.  The other four made their escape.  Some time afterwards, Keokuk was called upon to deliver up the other four Sacs, who had been concerned in the outrage, that they also might be brought to justice.  He replied that they were beyond his reach, but that he would call a council of his head-men and take measures to give satisfaction to the whites.  The council was held, and Keokuk stated the demand of their Great Father, the President; and that if satisfaction were not made to him, he feared an army would be sent into their country, and that many troubles would overtake them.  Immediately four young warriors arose and offered to be surrendered up to the whites, and suffer death in place of the real offenders, to prevent their nation from incurring the displeasure of the President.  Keokuk, supposing that this would satisfy the demands of justice, delivered them up as the murderers and they were imprisoned.  Upon their trial, Keokuk was present, as a witness.  In giving his testimony, he stated with honest simplicity, that the young men then arraigned in court, for the murder of Martin, were not the guilty ones, but they had agreed to die in place of the real murderers who could not be found.  The prisoners were, as a matter of course, set at liberty.

Some months after the close of the “Black Hawk war,” Keokuk was informed that reports were in circulation, in the state of Illinois, that the Indians were dissatisfied and preparing for fresh hostilities.  He dictated a letter to the Governor upon the subject, which was forwarded to him.  It is in these words.

                 “Raccoon Fork of Des Moines river, Nov. 30, 1832. 
      “To the Great Chief of Illinois. 
    “MY FATHER: 

“I have been told by a trader, that several of your village criers [editors] have been circulating bad news, informing the whites that the Indians are preparing for war, and that we are dissatisfied.  My Father, you were present when the tomahawk was buried, and assisted me to place it so deep, that it will never again be raised against your white children of Illinois.

“My Father, very few of that misguided band that entered Rock river last summer, remain.  You have humbled them by war, and have made them friendly by your generous conduct to them after they were defeated.

“Myself and the greater part of the Sacs and Foxes, have firmly held you by the hand:  We followed your advice and did as you told us.  My Father, take pity on those of my nation that you forgave, and never mention the disasters of last summer.  I wish them to be forgotten.