ten subject.

"The next morning my captors forced me to go with them to their village
on Rock river, where, after going through a tedious ceremony, I was
dressed and painted, and thus turned from a white man into an Indian.

"For nearly three years ensuing it was my constant study to give my
adopted brothers the slip, but during the whole of that time I was
so carefully watched and guarded that I never found an opportunity to
escape.

"However, it is a long lane that has no turning, and so it proves in
my case. Pretending to be well satisfied with my new mode of life, I at
last gained upon the confidence of the savages, and one day when their
vigilance was considerably relaxed, I made my escape and returned in
safety to my friends, who had mourned for me as dead.

"Many years after this I was a participant in the battle at Sycamore
Creek, which, as you know, is a tributary of Rock river. I was employed
by the government as a scout, in which capacity it was acknowledged that
I had no superior; but I felt no pride in hearing myself praised, for I
knew I was working against Black Hawk, who, although he was an Indian,
had once spared my life, and I was one never to forget a kindness. And
besides this I had taken a great liking to him, for there was something
noble and generous in his nature. However, my first duty was to my
country, and I did my duty at all hazards.

"Now you must know that Black Hawk, after moving west of the
Mississippi, had recrossed, contrary to his agreement, not, however,
from any hostile motive, but to raise a crop of corn and beans with the
Pottowattomies and Winnebagoes, of which his own people stood in the
utmost need. With this intention he had gone some distance up Rock
river, when an express from General Atkinson ordered him peremptorily
to return. This order the old chief refused to obey, saying that
the General had no right to issue it. A second express from Atkinson
threatened Black Hawk that if he did not return peaceably, force would
be resorted to. The aged warrior became incensed at this and utterly
refused to obey the mandate, but at the same time sent word to the
General that he would not be the first one to commence hostilities.

"The movement of the renowned warrior was immediately trumpeted abroad
as an invasion of the State, and with more rashness thin wisdom,
Governor Reynolds ordered the Illinois militia to take the field, and
these were joined by the regulars, under Genera