THE RED MEN OF IOWA.

The adherents of Hard Fish omitted no occasion to find fault with Keokuk's administration. It was the custom to pay the annuities in silver coin, which was put up in boxes containing five hundred dollars each. It was usually the case that by the time of the annual payment the accounts of the several traders were sufficiently large to absorb nearly the whole amount. It was the custom for a time to place the money in Keokuk's hands for distribution, and from him the traders received their pay. If any money was left in his hands it was turned over to the subordinate chiefs for distribution to those entitled to it in their respective bands. Frequent complaints were made of the payments to the traders, on the ground of the exorbitant prices charged. It was also alleged that some of their accounts were spurious. Keokuk was charged with entering into conspiracy with the traders to defraud the Indians, and especially those adhering to Hard Fish. Finally, the plan was adopted of making payment to the heads of families, but this did not meet the approbation of the traders. After one payment in this way the old method was resumed. The payment of annuities was the subject of more than one quarrel between Keokuk and the sons of Black Hawk. The latter doubtless found it,difficult at times to restrain themselves from taking revenge for Keokuk's treatment of their father after his downfall. It was with great difficulty that this feeling was prevented

A writer, speaking of Keokuk on the occasion of his visit to Cincinnati, while returning from Washington, in 1837, describes him as in person stout, graceful and commanding, with fine features and an intelligent countenance. He was a man of great activity and physical power, especially excelling in horsemanship and dancing. He acquired considerable property, and was exceedingly fond of parade and display. Having persistently refused to take any part against the whites in the Black Hawk War, he became the especial favorite of the government. It does not appear, however, that his character for integrity was above suspicion, and it is quite probable there was some ground for the charges made by the Hard Fish band. That he was a man of considerable shrewdness and tact, is evidenced by the following incident:
When General Harrison succeeded to the presidency in March, 1841, John Chambers, of Kentucky, a special friend of the new president, was appointed to succeed Governor Lucas as governor of the Territory of Iowa. The office included that of superintendent over the Indians and their agencies within the Territory. The change of governor was made the occasion of considerable rivalry between Keokuk and his adherents and the Hard Fish party as to which should secure the favor of the new governor. It was said that Governor Lucas had been disposed to favor the Hard Fish party, and of course it was the desire of that leader to have Governor Chambers pursue the same policy. Hard Fish, therefore, with a delegation of his principal men, hastened to Burlington for the purpose of