Autobiography of Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak, or Black HawkBlack Hawk, Sauk chief
History
Autobiography of Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak, or Black Hawk
Black Hawk, Sauk chief
Black Hawk War, 1832; Black Hawk, Sauk chief, 1767-1838; Sauk Indians -- Biography
Here we came to another road much more wonderful than that through the
mountains. They call it a railroad, (the Baltimore and Ohio). I examined
it carefully, but need not describe it, as the whites know all about
it. It is the most astonishing sight I ever saw. The great road over the
mountains will bear no comparison to it, although it has given the white
people much trouble to make. I was surprised to see so much money and
labor expended to make a good road for easy traveling. I prefer riding
horse back, however, to any other way, but suppose these people would
not have gone to so much trouble and expense to make a road if they did
not prefer riding in their new fashioned carriages, which seem to run
without any trouble, being propelled by steam on the same principle that
boats are on the river. They certainly deserve great praise for their
industry.
On our arrival at Washington, we called to see our Great Father, the
President. He looks as if he had seen as many winters as I have, and
seems to be a great brave. I had very little talk with him, as he
appeared to be busy and did not seem to be much disposed to talk. I
think he is a good man; and although he talked but little, he treated
us very well. His wigwam is well furnished with every thing good and
pretty, and is very strongly built.
He said he wished to know the cause of my going to war against his white
children. I thought he ought to have known this before; and consequently
said but little to him about it, as I expected he knew as well as I cold
tell him.
He said he wanted us to go to Fortress Monroe and stay awhile with the
war chief who commanded it. But having been so long from my people, I
told him that I would rather return to my nation; that Keokuk had come
here once on a visit to him, as we had done, and he had let him return
again, as soon as he wished, and that I expected to be treated in the
same manner. He insisted, however, on our going to Fortress Monroe;
and as the interpreter then present could not understand enough of our
language to interpret a speech, I concluded it was best to obey our
Great Father, and say nothing contrary to his wishes.
During our stay at the city, we were called upon by many of the people,
who treated us well, particularly the squaws; we visited the great
council home of the Americans; the place where they keep their big guns;
and all the public buildings, and then started for Fortress Monroe. The
war chief met us on our arrival, and shook hands, and appeared glad
to see me. He treated us with great friendship, and talked to me
frequently. Previous to our leaving this fort, he made us a feast, and
gave us some presents, which I intend to keep for his sake. He is a very
good man and a great brave. I was sorry to leave him, although I was
going to return to my people, because he had treated me like a brother,
during all the time I remained with him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account