In estimating the characters and merits of prominent Indian chiefs, the writer has found an honest difference of opinion among pioneers who were personally acquainted with them. For instance, Captain James May, who enjoyed the acquaintance of Keokuk at an early day in the career of that chief, entertained for him a much more favorable opinion than others who knew him at a later day, after he had attained to a position in which he felt greater security in his power. His deposed and fallen rival, Black Hawk, appears toward the last to have had the sympathy of most of the pioneers. They regarded the latter as being endowed with more of the elements of real manhood than the haughty and imperious chief who enjoyed the favor and partiality of the Government.

It is designed that these pages shall faithfully record the earlier and ruder scenes in the great drama of humanity, as enacted on the soil of Iowa, following the actors in their various roles, to their final exit from the stage to give place to other actors in the grander and nobler scenes of that drama.

As preliminary to the main subject; to-wit., the Indians of Iowa, the author has thought it proper to give some general account of