“When I saw you in Washington, I told you that you had behaved very badly, in raising the tomahawk against the white people, and killing men, women and children upon the frontier.  Your conduct last year, compelled me to send my warriors against you, and your people were defeated, with great loss, and your men surrendered, to be kept until I should be satisfied, that you would not try to do any more injury.  I told you, I would enquire 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 Sheckak, 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.

“Maj.  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 soon be sent against you, as would destroy your whole tribe.  Let the red men hunt and take care of their families, but I hope they will not again raise their hands against their white brethren.  We do not wish to injure you.  We desire your prosperity and improvement.  But if you again plunge your knives into the breasts of our people, I shall send a force, which will severely punish you for all your cruelties.  When you go back, listen to the councils of Keokuk and the other friendly chiefs.  Bury the tomahawk and live in peace with the frontiers.  And I pray the Great Spirit to give you a smooth path and a fair sky to return.”

The reply of Black Hawk to this address, was brief, and the Prophet merely said,

“My father,—­my ears are open to your words.  I am glad to hear them.  I am glad to go back to my people.  I want to see my family.  I did not behave well last summer.  I ought not to have taken up the tomahawk.  But my people have suffered a great deal.  When I get back I will remember your words.  I won’t go to war again.  I will live in peace.  I shall hold you by the hand.”

The object of the President, in directing the captives to be taken home through some of the principal cities of the union, was to exhibit to them the extent of the population, wealth, and means of defence of the United States; in the hope, that such impressions would be made on their minds, as would induce them to refrain from creating disturbances in future upon the frontiers.  They were accordingly directed to be carried as far north as Boston, and thence through Albany, Buffalo and Detroit, to their own country.