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Show :20 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF on ~.,ever River. But I was discovered by my 0088 and detained, he holding himself responsible for my appearance until my father's decision was learned. Accordingly, I went home to my father, and related the difficulty I had recently had with my master. He counseled me to return to my apprenticeship, but I declared my determ.ination never to be reconciled again. My father then Wished me to set up in business in his settlement, but I expressed disinclination, and declared a grovving wish to travel. Seeing rny determination, my ~ather finally consented to my departure. He admonished me with some \vholesome precepts, gave me fiv~ hundred dollar~ in cash, together with a good hors~, saddle, and bndle, and bade me God speed ui1on my JOurney. Bidding adieu to all my friends, I proceeded to the boat and ':ent on board. The object for which the boat \Vas ~1spatched up the Fever River vvas to make a treaty ~vith the ~ac Indians, to gain their consent to our vvorlnn? .the mines, ~t that time in their possession. The expedition was strictly of a pacific character and was led by Colonel R. M. Johnson. A brother of the colon~l's accompanied us, and several other gentlernen went In the boat as passengers. JAJ)l.ES P. BEUK,VOURTH. 21 I CHAPTER II. Expedition to the Mines.-Am Hunter to the Party.-First Trip to New Orleans.- Sick with Yellow Fever. - Return Home. -First Trip to the Great West. THE expedition consisted of from six to eight boats, carrying probably about one hundred men. The party in our boat numbered some eight or ten men, among whom were Colonel Johnson, his son Darwin Johnson, Messrs. January, Simtnes, Kenner ley, and others, whose names have escaped me. I engaged in the capacity of hunter to the party. We pushed off, and after a slow and tedious trip of about twenty days, arrived at our place of destination (Galena of the present day). We found Indians in great nun1bers awaiting our disembarkation, who were already acquainted vvith the object of our expedition. The two tribes, Sacs and Foxes, received us peaceably, but, being all armed, they presented a very formidable appearance. There was a considerable force of United States troops quartered in that region, under the command of Colonel Morgan, stationed in detachtnents at Prairie du Chien, Rock Island, St. Peter's, and Des Moines. After nine days' parleying, a treaty was effected with them, and ratified by the signatures of the contracting parties. On the part of the Indians, it was signed by Black Thunder, Yellow, Bank, and Keokuk (father to the Keokuk who figured in the Black Hawk war). On the part of the United States, Colonels Morgan and Johnson attached their signatures. This negotiatjon |