near the storehouse of an Indian
trader, where he had previously erected a good house for his future
home. His family embraced his wife, two sons, Nashashuk and Gamesett,
and an only daughter and her husband. As he had given up the chase
entirely--having sufficient means from the annuities--he now turned his
attention to the improvement of his grounds, and soon had everything
comfortably around him. Here he had frequent visits from the whites, who
came out in large numbers to look at the country, many of whom called
through curiosity to see the great war chief, but all were made welcome
and treated with great hospitality.

In 1838 Fort Madison had grown to be a little village, and its
inhabitants were not only enterprising and industrious, but patriotic
citizens. On the 4th of July of that year they had a celebration and
having known and respected Black Hawk while residing in that part of the
country, invited him to join them as a guest on that occasion.

In reply to a letter of B.F. Drake, Esq., of Cincinnati, asking for such
incidents in the life of Black Hawk as he knew, Hon. W. Henry Starr, of
Burlington, Iowa, whom we knew for many years as a highly honorable and
intelligent gentleman, gave the following account of the celebration in
his reply, dated March 21, 1839:

"On the 4th of July, 1838, Black Hawk was present by special invitation,
and was the most conspicuous guest of the citizens assembled in
commemoration of that day. Among the toasts called forth by the occasion
was the following:

"'Our illustrious guest, Black Hawk: May his declining years be as calm
and serene as his previous life has been boisterous and full of warlike
incidents. His attachment and great friendship to his white brethren,
fully entitle him to a seat at our festive board.'"

"So soon as this sentiment was drank, Black Hawk arose and delivered the
following speech, which was taken down at the time by two interpreted,
and by them furnished for publication:

"It has pleased the Great Spirit that I am here to-day. I have eaten
with my white friends. The earth is our mother--we are now on it--with
the Great Spirit above us--it is good. I hope we are all friends here.
A few summers ago I was fighting against you--I did wrong, perhaps; but
that is past--it is buried--let it be forgotten.

"Rock river was a beautiful country--liked my towns, my cornfields, and
the home of my people. I fought for it. It is now yours--keep it as we
did--