Biography and history of the Indians of North America : comprising a general account of them ... Also, a history of their wars; their manners and customs ... Likewise exhibiting an analysis of ... the great question of the first peopling of America / [Samuel Gardner Drake].

  • Drake, Samuel G., 1798-1875
Date:
1837
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Biography and history of the Indians of North America : comprising a general account of them ... Also, a history of their wars; their manners and customs ... Likewise exhibiting an analysis of ... the great question of the first peopling of America / [Samuel Gardner Drake]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    632/638 (page 168)
    They visited the Washington monument, among other places, while at Baltimore, and were at first afraid to ascend in it, upon its circular steps; saying it was the Manitou of the white people. At length JYaopope said he would venture up. Black-hawk observed, that then they would all go ; for if it fell down, he said they would not be safer on the ground at its base than if they were in it. They visited the circus also, while here, and were much better pleased with the performances there, than at the theatre. The elegant horses pleased them far more than the stars and garters of the mock lords and ladies of the theatre, and it was very natural they should. To see a lady ride upon one foot, while the horse was running at his utmost speed, was matter of fact to them, and excited the greatest admiration. But to see a fellow popping out from behind a curtain, strutting about the stage, uttering to himself some unintelligible nonsense, could not interest any one similarly situated. They said they believed those who rode in the circus could hunt buffalo even better than the Sacs. Considerable inconvenience was experienced from the meeting of two such conspicuous characters as the president of the United States and Black-hawk, at the same time, in populous places; and it was announced in a Philadelphia paper, of 9 June, that Major Garland had arrived there, but had left the Indians in Baltimore, and that they would not proceed to N. York until the day after the president. Accordingly they did not arrive in Philadelphia until 10 June, when they were conducted to lodgings in Con- gress Hall. The next day there was a great military display, accompanied by an immense procession, and the whole passed up Third Street, opposite Congress Hall, by which means the Indians had a fine opportunity to see and contemplate their numbers. Pointing to the soldiers, Black-hawk asked if they were the same that were in his country last summer. Having visited all places of amusement and curiosity in Philadelphia, the Indians departed for N. York, where they arrived in a steam-boat of the People’s Line, about 5 o’clock, 14 June, on Friday. The arrival of Lafayette* in 1825, could not have attracted a greater crowd than was now assembled at and in the vicinity of Castle Garden. As it happened, Mr. Durant, the aeronaut, had just got ready to ascend in his balloon from the garden. The steam-boat, therefore, rounded to, that the passengers might witness the ascension. When it was known on shore that the Indians were on board, the cheering and clapping became tremendous; and it was not a little aug- mented from those on board the numerous craft in the river. Those in the boat answered as well as their numbers would admit. The Indians, at first, were some terrified, supposing they had at last come to an enemy, and that the noise about them was the war-whoop of the whites, but were soon undeceived. Soon after the balloon had cleared the walls of the castle, and Mr. Durant had unfurled his flag, Black-hawk Vas asked what he thought of it. To which he answered:— “ That man is a great brave. I don’t think he’ll ever get hack. He must he a Sac.” Another said, “ If he is a Sac, he’ll get none of his brothers to follow in his trail. None of ’em will ever see the smoke of his wigwam. He wul have to live alone—without any squaw.” When the balloon had attained a vast height, and almost out of the old chief’s sight, (which had become considerably impaired,) he exclaimed, “ I think he can go to the heavens; to the Great Spirit.” Pomalioe then said* “ I think he can see the country of the English.” The Prophet, or Wahokieshiek, having been asked what he thought of the balloon, said, “ I can’t form any idea, hut think he can go up to the clouds if he will. Should think he could see the Great Spirit now.” From N. York the Indians were conducted to their own country without any remarkable circumstance. FINIS.