102 NOTES ON THE NORTHWEST. 



the population increased rapidly, and pressed upon the 

 Indian territories and settlements. Jealousies arose, aggres- 

 sions took place, irritations were created, on both sides. In 



1827, the Indians attacked two keel-boats which were trans- 

 porting military stores to Fort Snelling, and killed two of their 

 men, and wounded others. General Atkinson, thereupon, 

 marched into the Winnebago country, and brought in Red 

 Bird, a chief, and six others, who were held in confinement 

 for trial. Red Bird died in prison. The others were tried, 

 and a part of them convicted, and executed in December, 



1828. Black Hawk, a Sac chief, whose Indian name was 

 Muckatai-mishakiahkiah, was one of those imprisoned, but 

 he was acquitted for want of proof. It is said that he after- 

 ward confessed his participation. His long imprisonment 

 increased his former irritation. It had inflicted a rankling 

 wound, which the blood of the Americans alone could cure. 

 In 1830, a treaty was made by the Sacs and Foxes, and other 

 tribes, with the American government, in which they ceded 

 all their lands east of the Missisippi. Black Hawk dissented, 

 refused to leave the ceded country, and was supported by a 

 party of the Sacs. Having received personal abuse and 

 insult, it is said, from the whites, instigated by his opposition 

 to the treaty, and a desire to retain his old home ; irritated by 

 personal indignities, and being promised the aid of the Cliip- 

 pewas, Ottawas, Potawatamis, and Winnebagoes, and in- 

 formed, also, that the British were ready to help him, he 

 commenced hostilities. Previously, however, it is said, he 

 proposed a compromise with Keokuk, the head of the treaty 

 party, and offered to give up the mineral region on the pro- 

 mise of Keokuk that he would endeavor to have the Rock 

 River peninsula, where they had long resided and cultivated, 

 and where they had buried their fathers, restored to them. 

 In expectation that this arrangement would be made, they 



