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THE RED MEN OF IOWA.
to his village. 'There,' said I, 'is the trail to your village; go and tell your people that I, Pashepaho, the chief of the Sacs, sent you.' We thank our great father; our hearts are good toward him; I will see him before I lay down in peace; may the Great Spirit be in his councils. What our brother (Black Hawk) said to-day, let us forget. I am done."
This speech shows that Pashepaho favored the peace policy of Keokuk. After this event we have been able to learn but little of him that is authentic. He became in his old age much given to intemperate habits, and it is quite likely he went down to a drunkard's grave. When very old and feeble he migrated with his people to their new reservation beyond the Missouri, and doubtless for many years his dust has mingled with the soil of Kansas.
WAPELLO.
The name Wapello signifies prince, or chief. He was head chief of the Fox tribe, and was born at Prairie du Chien in 1787. At the time of the erection of Fort Armstrong (1816) he presided over one of the three principal villages in that vicinity. His village was on the east side of the Mississippi, near the foot of Rock Island, and not far from the famous Black Hawk village.
In 1829 he removed his village to Muscatine Slough, on the west side of the Mississippi, and then to a place at or near the present town of Wapello, in Louisa county. Like Keokuk and Pashepaho, he was in favor of abiding by the requirements of the treaty of 1804, and was, therefore, opposed to the hostile movements of Black Hawk.
Wapello was among the chiefs present on the occasion
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MINOR SAC AND FOX CHIEFS AND BRAVES.
of the liberation of Black Hawk at Fort Armstrong, in 1833. At that time, after several chiefs had spoken, he rose in the council and said: "I am not in the habit of talking--I think. I have been thinking all day; Keokuk has spoken; I am glad to see my brothers; I will shake hands with them. I am done."
The name of Wapello appears signed to several treaties relinquishing lands to the United States. He was one of the delegates who accompanied Keokuk to Washington in 1837. On that occasion he made a very favorable impression by the correctness of his deportment. He made a speech in the council which was held at that time by the secretary of war for the purpose of reconciling the Sioux with the Sacs and Foxes. After Keokuk had spoken Wapello commenced his speech by saying: "My father, you have heard what my chief has said. He is the chief of our nation. His tongue is ours. What he says we all say. Whatever he does we will be bound by it." It was conceded that Wapello's remarks were sensible and pertinent, and although he did not possees the fine form and commanding presence of Keokuk, many thought his speech was not inferior to Keokuk's.
After the conclusion of the business at Washington, the delegation visited Boston, where they held a levee in Faneuil Hall, and were afterward conducted to the State-house, where they were received by Governor Everett, members of the legislature, and other dignitaries. The governor addressed them, and the chiefs replied, Keokuk, as usual, speaking first. He was followed by Wapello, who said:
"I am happy to meet my friends in the land of my forefathers. When a boy I recollect my grandfather told
