Richmond Enquirer

The President and the Indians.—The editor of the Baltimore Republican has been obligingly favored with a copy of the following parting address of the President of the United States, delivered on Friday morning, to which the Prophet made a reply, a copy of which follows the address.

Black Hawk and his party were introduced to the President, who addressed them as follows:

My Children—When I saw you in Washington, I told you that you had behaved very badly, in raising the tomahawk against the white people, and killing men, women and children upon the frontier. Your conduct last year compelled me to send my warriors against you, and your people were defeated with great loss, and your men surrendered to be kept until I should be satisfied, that you would not try to do any more injury. I told you I would inquire whether your people wished you should return, and whether if you did return, there would be any danger to the frontier. Gen. Clark, and Gen. Atkinson, whom you know, have informed me that Keokuk your principal Chief and the rest of your people are anxious you should return, and Keokuk has asked me to send you back. Your Chiefs have pledged themselves for your good conduct, and I have given directions, that you should be taken to your own country.

But before you go, I wish to say a few words to you. You have no longer any thing to do with the affairs of war. Your people have placed themselves under the protection of the Great Father, and his Chiefs, and they are now at peace. You have no right to call them to war, or to raise the tomahawk against any one. If you do, you will bring destruction upon yourself, and your own people. You have no cause to complain of the white people. They have always treated you with kindness, and if you had listened to my young warriors, Keokuk and others, you would have been happy. You have now no lands to fight for. All your lands have been given up to the United States, and you can never get them back again. What can you do against us? You may kill a few women and children, but such a force would be soon sent against you, as would destroy your whole tribe. Let the red men hunt and take care of their families, but I hope they will not again raise their hands against their white brethren. We do not wish to injure you. We desire your prosperity and improvement. But if you again plunge your knives into the breasts of our people, I shall send a force, which will severely punish you for all your cruelties.

When you go back, listen to the councils of Ke-o-kuk and the other friendly Chiefs. Bury the tomahawk, and live in peace with the frontiers. And I pray the Great Spirit to give you a smooth path and a fair sky to return.

To this the Prophet and the others answered:

My Father,—My ears are open to your words. I am glad to hear them. I am glad to go back to my people. I want to see my family. I did not behave well last summer. I ought not to have taken up the tomahawk. But my people have suffered a great deal. When I get back, I will remember your words. I won't go to war again. I will live in peace. I shall hold you by the hand.