Header Graphic
Black Hawk War

Transcribed from the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF WHITESIDE COUNTY, IL
Originally published 1885
Chapman Bros.
Chicago, IL


Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com


Page 805


BLACK HAWK WAR


This conflict, though occurring prior to the settlement of Whiteside county, has an important bearing upon its history. It was the fertile valley of the Rock River that the old chief and his braves wanted to repossess, that was the cause of the war. Black Hawk had recrossed to the eastern bank of the Mississippi prior to 1832, as stated above, but it was during the early part of that year that he made the most concerted and desperate effort to regain the country so dear to him and which he considered he had been unjustly deprived of. There has been much speculation as to Black Hawk’s motives in returning to Illinois, many claiming he came only to get food for his tribe and not with hostile intentions. Upon Black Hawk with his force appearing on this bank of the Mississippi, a large force was at once raised and marched against him. On the evening of May 14, 1832, the first engagement occurred between the military and Black Hawk’s band, in which the former were defeated.


This attack and its result aroused the whites. A large force of men was raised, and Gen. Scott hastened from the seaboard, by way of the lakes, with United States troops and artillery to aid in the subjugation of he Indians. On the 24th of June, Black Hawk, with 200 warriors, was repulsed by Major Demont between Rock River and Galena. The American army continued to move up Rock River toward the main body of the Indians, and on the 21st of July came upon Black Hawk and his band, and defeated them near the Blue Mounds.


Black Hawk, with his twenty braves, retreated up the Wisconsin River. The Winnebagoes, desirous of securing the friendship of the whites, went in pursuit and captured and delivered them to Gen Street, the United States Indian Agent. Among the prisoners were the son of Black Hawk and the prophet of the tribe. These with Black Hawk were taken to Washington, D.C., and soon consigned as prisoners at Fortress Monroe.


At the interview Black Hawk had with th President, he closed his speech delivered on the occasion in the following words: “We did not expect to conquer the whites. They have too many houses, too many men. I took up the hatchet, for my part, to revenge injuries which my people could no longer endure. Had I borne them longer without striking, my people would have said, “Black Hawk is a woman; he is too old to be a chief; he is no Sac.’ These reflections caused me to raise the war-whoop. I say no more. It is known to you. Keokak once was here; you took him by the hand, and when he wished to return to his home, you were willing. Black Hawk expects, like Keokuk, he shall be permitted to return too.”


After their release from prison they were conducted, in charge of Major Garland, through some of the principal cities, that they might witness the power of the United States and learn their own inability to cope with them in war. Great multitudes flocked to see them wherever they were taken and the attention paid them rendered their progress through the country a triumphal procession instead of the transportation of prisoners by an officer. At Rock Island the prisoners were given their liberty, amid great and impressive ceremony. In 1838 Black Hawk built him a dwelling near Des Moines, Iowa, and furnished it after the manner of the whites, and engaged in agricultural pursuits and hunting and fishing. Here, with is wife, to whom he was greatly attached, he passed the few remaining days of his life. To his credit, it may be said, that Black Hawk remained true to his wife, and served her with a devotion uncommon among Indians, living with her upward of 40 years.


In September, 1838, while on his way to Rock Island to receive his annuity from the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted in a fatal attack of bilious fever, and terminated his life October 3. After his death he was dressed in the uniform presented to him by the President while in Washington. He was buried in a grave six feet deep, situated upon a beautiful eminence. The body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture upon a seat constructed for that purpose. On his left side the cane given him by Henry Clay was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it. Thus, after a long, adventurous and shifting life, Black Hawk was gathered to his fathers.


TAMPICO AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MUSEUM - FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY/RESEARCH CENTER  119 Main St., P. O. Box 154,  Tampico, IL  61283   www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com   tampicoareahistory@gmail.com  We are an all-volunteer organization so your donations are always appreciated!  Sign up to receive our e-newsletter. Thank you!  Visit us on FACEBOOK.