"The Great Spirit has sent our brother back; let us shake hands in friendship."
Black Hawk silently returned the pressure, and looked in the face of Keokuk with a world of pathos in his gloomy features. As he still remained silent, too depressed to find words, Keokuk began asking him questions about his journey home. Then pipes were brought out, and all smoked and chatted for an hour or more. A more formal reception took place on the morrow, when Keokuk returned and the grand council was held. There was some friction during the speaking, in which the commandant of the fort took part, but in the end all was made smooth, and Black Hawk finally left for his wigwam, with expressions of good will toward all, including the chief who had supplanted him.
Black Hawk died October 3, 1838, and his funeral was attended by hundreds of whites as well as Indians. He was buried at his request in a sitting posture, with his cane between his knees and grasped in his hands. His bones were stolen and found a year later in the possession of a surgeon of Quincy, Illinois. Governor Lucas of Iowa compelled their restoration to the friends of the dead chieftain.
THE EARLY RAILROAD
IN INDIAN COUNTRY
CHAPTER XIV
THE HERO OF THE EVERGLADES
OSCEOLA AND THE SEMINOLE WAR