was he ordered to inflict this punishment upon me? If I had taken him
prisoner on the field of battle I would not have wounded his feelings
so much by such treatment, knowing that a brave war chief would prefer
death to dishonor. But I do not blame the White Beaver for the course he
pursued, as it is the custom among the white soldiers, and I suppose was
a part of his duty.

The time dragged heavily and gloomily along throughout the winter,
although the White Beaver did everything is his power to render us
comfortable. Having been accustomed, throughout a long life, to roam
the forests o'er, to go and come at liberty, confinement, and under such
circumstances, could not be less than torture.

We passed away the time making pipes until spring, when we were visited
by the agent, trader and interpreter, from Rock Island, Keokuk and
several chiefs and braves of our nation, and my wife and daughter. I
was rejoiced to see the two latter and spent my time very agreeably with
them and my people as long as they remained.

The trader, Sagenash, (Col. Davenport) presented me with some dried
venison, which had been killed and cured by some of my friends. This was
a valuable present, and although he had given me many before, none ever
pleased me so much. This was the first meat I had eaten for a long time
that reminded me of the former pleasures of my own wigwam, which had
always been stored with plenty.

Keokuk and his chiefs, during their stay at the barracks, petitioned our
Great Father, the president, to release us, and pledged themselves
for our good conduct. I now began to hope I would soon be restored to
liberty and the enjoyment of my family and friends, having heard that
Keokuk stood high in the estimation of our Great Father, because he
did not join me in the war, but I was soon disappointed in my hopes. An
order came from our Great Father to the White Beaver to send us on to
Washington.

In a little while all were ready and left Jefferson Barracks on board of
a steamboat, under charge of a young war chief and one soldier, whom the
White Beaver sent along as a guide to Washington. We were accompanied
by Keokuk, wife and son, Appanooce, Wapello, Poweshiek, Pashippaho,
Nashashuk, Saukee, Musquaukee, and our interpreter. Our principal
traders, Col. Geo. Davenport, of Rock Island, and S. S. Phelps and
clerk, William Cousland, of the Yellow Banks, also accompanied us. On
our way up the Ohio we passed several large village