"American Chief, I have been attentive, and I have heard your words, and those of the red head (Gov. Clark). Yours entered one ear, and his the other: they shall not escape until my nation hears them. I feel the truth of all you have said, and have never been more for peace than now. All those braves have expressed their wish for peace with the red skins of Missouri. This partizan, who without reflection spoke exultingly of his feats, since he has heard your words is also for peace; not from any fear of those whom he has bled, but from an unwillingness to displease you, whom he conceives to be a man of truth.
"At our village on Rock river, and encampment at the De Moyen, we have five Oto prisoners, whom I will promise to deliver up, when you send for them.
"My brother, I only regret that my nation was not present on this occasion, to have heard your words. The wisdom of my nation, all the reflecting men, are for peace; but we have many young men difficult to restrain, whose ears, (I believe,) would open to words coming from your mouth, when mine, for the want of strength, may fail.
"My brother, I wish you to pause—I wish you to forbear until I disclose your words to my people, and you hear from them.
"My brother, we receive you as the son of the red head; and inasmuch as we love him, we love you, and do not wish to offend you."—James.
[B] Of the Sauk nation; they call themselves Sauke-waw-ke.
[208] For a sketch of Blackbird, see Bradbury's Travels, in our volume v, note 48.—Ed.
[209] On the custom of giving medals to chiefs in recognition of their leadership, see Thwaites, Original Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, index.—Ed.
