The captives reached Philadelphia on the 10th of June, and remained at Congress Hall, until the 14th.  During their stay in the city, which was prolonged to four or five days, they visited the United States’ Mint, the Fair Mount Water Works and other objects of curiosity.  They had also an opportunity of witnessing a grand military display in front of their quarters in Congress Hall.  Black Hawk wished to know if these were the same soldiers, who were in his country last summer.  In making reference to his late contest with the United States, he said to those around him,

“My heart grew bitter against the whites, and my hands strong.  I dug up the tomahawk, and led on my warriors to fight.  I fought hard.  I was no coward.  Much blood was shed.  But the white men were mighty.  They were many as the leaves of the forest.  I and my people failed.  I am sorry the tomahawk was raised.  I have been a prisoner.  I see the strength of the white men.  They are many, very many.  The Indians are but few.  They are not cowards.  They are brave, but they are few.  While the Great Spirit above, keeps my heart as it now is, I will be the white man’s friend.  I will remain in peace.  I will go to my people and speak good of the white man.  I will tell them, they are as the leaves of the forest.  Very many—­very strong; and that I will fight no more against them.”

On the morning of the 14th, they set off for New York, and reached that city at 5 P.M. and had an opportunity, at the moment of their arrival at the Battery, of beholding the greatest assemblage of people they had yet seen, drawn together to witness the ascent of a balloon from Castle Garden.  This novel spectacle, greatly astonished the Indians, and one of them asked the prophet, if the aeronaut was “going to see the Great Spirit.”  When the crowd ascertained that Black Hawk and his party were on the steam boat, the air resounded with shouts of welcome.  Upon their landing, such was the press of the multitude to get a look at the strangers, that they could not reach their lodgings until placed in carriages, and committed to the charge of the police officers.  They were finally, with much difficulty, taken to the Exchange Hotel, which was immediately surrounded by thousands of people, who would not retire to their houses, until “General Black Hawk,” had presented himself several times at the window, and graciously bowed to the eager and admiring multitude.  During their whole visit to the city of New York, they were treated with marked attention.  Their rooms were crowded, daily, with ladies and gentlemen, and they were conducted with ceremony to the theatres, the public gardens, the arsenal, and other places of interest.  Speeches were made to them, and they received many handsome presents.  Among other civilities, John A. Graham, Esq., waited upon them, and made the following address.