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The Blackhawk War BY HENRY LITTLE, 1875
Through the politeness of a much esteemed friend, I have been put in possession of the commission of Colonel David E. Brown, formerly of Prairie Ronde, whose demise occurred about three years ago at Keokuk, Iowa.
This commission, as it now lies before me, this choice relic of the past, is a fresh reminder of olden times, with all its associations, with all its varied, moving, active, exciting scenes, and stirring events, and especially of him who had the distinguished honor to hold this commission, of the able, faithful, and impartial manner he met and discharged all the duties of life, both public and private.
I am also reminded of hundreds of others, who like- our friend began with us in the wilderness forty-four years ago, who amidst hardships and great privations, labored diligently in hewing out and laying the foundations of this infant Territory, who like him, have faithfully performed their allotted task, and retired to uninterrupted rest.
I am also reminded of the rude log cabin, of the soft silent tread of those moccasined feet, whose presence was made known by the sense of seeing, and not by hearing. I am also reminded of all the attractive and delightful phases of "the shaking, freezing/burning fever and ague of those good old times, and of the countless myriads of hungry mosquitoes, whose voracious appetites were never satisfied, and of the thrilling melodious notes of the midnight howling wolves, and of the piteous despairing cries of the young porkers whom the wolves had captivated and were bearing away in triumph.
Michigan
Page 35
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