THE RECEPTION OF
BLACK HAWK AND HIS PARTY.
The
excitement and interest produced among all classes, by the arrival
of the President, experienced no diminution when Black
Hawk and his party approached the harbor of New York. About half past
2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, (the usual hour of the arrival of the
Rail
Road Line,) the streets, wharves and vessels in the neighborhood of the
landing place were completely crowded with an anxious populace, all
desirous
of having a first look at this distinguished Warrior. About 3 o'clock,
a steamboat was seen approaching the wharf, when all eyes were instantly
directed towards her, confident that Black Hawk was on board. But she
proved to be the Cinderella, from Elizabethtown Point, with the President
and his suite, on their return from Newark and Elizabethtown. After
they
had landed, and pressed their way through carts, carriages, &c. followed
by the crowd, a calm existed for a few minutes; but the boat of the Rail
Road Line soon made her appearance, and another scene of confusion arose,
as all were assured by most of the papers that the Indians would come
in her. But here again they were doomed to disappointment, when the crowd
again dispersed, and bent their course towards the Battery, to await
the
ascension of the Balloon. A few minutes after 5, the boat of the People's
Line made her appearance off the Battery, with Black Hawk and his party
on board, and rounded to abreast of Castle Garden, in order to give them
an opportunity of witnessing the, to them novel, sight of a balloon ascension.
As soon as the immense concourse on the Battery and Castle ascertained
they were on board, they commenced cheering, and it was immediately responded
to by those in the numerous Steam Boats and small craft plying in the
neighborhood. At this time the balloon was sufficiently inflated, and
was soon seen from the upper deck of the boat, floating above the walls
of the Castle. A friend who was on board at the time and heard their remarks
on the occasion, has kindly furnished us with a few facts which cannot
but prove interesting to our readers, as they will evince the feelings
of these natives of the forrest. Before proceeding to the detail, it is
proper to observe that they had, previous to their arrival been informed
of what they would witness on reaching New York, and they could not, apparently,
comprehend exactly how a man could sail in the air. With these few remarks
we proceed to the relation of our friend:---
Immediately after the balloon had cleared the walls of the Castle, and
Mr. Durant unfurled his flag, Black Hawk was asked what he thought of
the ascension, to which he instantly replied, "that man is a great
brave"---"Don't think he will ever get back."
As the balloon continued to ascend, and after it had gone nearly beyond
the view of Black hawk, whose sight is rather impaired, he exclaimed, "I think he can go to the heavens, to the Great Spirit." When
the Balloon had nearly reached its greatest altitude, Pa-maah-hooh the
adopted son of Black Hawk was asked his opinion, to which he replied,
"I think he can see the English country." The prophet was also
asked what he thought of the ascension, his answer was, "Can't form
any idea, but think he can go up to the clouds if he choose."
After the balloon began to descend, the steam boat got under way to proceed
to the landing, and in passing the Castle, Black Hawk presented himself
to the assembled multitude, raised his hat and made a few remarks to
this
effect. How do you do? How do you do all? The great Spirit above knows
that I love you and that my heart is with you all."
On reaching the wharf the crowd in the neighborhood was so dense that
it was next to impossible to effect a passage through them. The aid of
a few efficient police officers was however of great service and the whole
were safely placed in carriages provided for them, and after much difficulty
in forcing a passage through Washington street, as far as Rector street,
they succeeded in reaching their quarters at the Exchange Hotel, in Broad
street.
After the arrival of the party at the Hotel, the large space in front
of the building, was instantly crowded, and the greatest exertions were
requisite to prevent a forcible entrance into the house, so great was
the anxiety to witness the new visitors. But Black Hawk soon showed himself
from the window, and after remaining a short time withdrew. He repeated
the movement several times, when the blinds were closed, and the spectators
quietly dispersed. The Indians then retired, being much exhausted from
their exposure to the heat of the weather.
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