seat, his companions following his example.  For some time all was silence—­no one presuming to utter a word until the chief had spoken.  At last, Keokuk inquired of Black Hawk how long he had been upon the road; and, remarked that he had been expecting his arrival, and was coming up the river to meet him, when met by the messenger of Major Garland.  The pipe was now introduced and passed round among both parties, and an interchange of friendly civilities ensued.  After an hour of alternate smoking and talking, Keokuk arose and shook hands with Black Hawk, saying he should return to-morrow; and then recrossed the river in silence.  A considerable part of that night was spent by the chief and his party in singing and dancing.

The grand council, for the final liberation of the captives, was held, with all due solemnity, upon the ensuing day.  It presented the novel spectacle of a chief, compelled by a third power, to acknowledge the authority of a rival, and formally descend from the rank which he had long sustained among his people.  Fort Armstrong presented a commodious room, for the ceremonies of the day, and it was fitted up for the occasion.  About ten o’clock in the forenoon, Keokuk and one hundred followers, recrossed the river, and proceeded in martial array to the garrison.  They were conducted into the council room, and shown the seats which they were to occupy.  Keokuk was seated with Pashepahow (the Stabber) on one side, Wapellar (the little Prince) on the other.  The former a chief of the Sacs, the latter of the Foxes.  The remainder of his band took their seats in the rear, and maintained throughout the ceremony, profound silence.

It was not long before Black Hawk and his associates, made their appearance.  As they entered the room, Keokuk and the two chiefs by his side, arose and greeted them.  They were seated directly opposite to Keokuk.  Black Hawk, and his son, Nasinewiskuk, who seems to have been warmly attached to his father, appeared to be much dejected.  They had the day previous made objections to this council, as unnecessary, and painful to their feelings.  They now came into it with deep feelings of mortification.  For a time profound silence reigned throughout the assembly.  Major Garland at length arose and addressed the council.  He was pleased to find so much good feeling existing among the Sacs and Foxes towards Black Hawk and his party; and he felt confident from what he had observed, since their arrival, that they would hereafter live in peace:  He had but little further to add, as the President’s speech, addressed to Black Hawk and his party, in Baltimore, contained the views of their great Father on the matters before them; and, this speech he should cause to be again interpreted to them.

Keokuk followed Major Garland, and after having shaken hands with those around him said,