|
|
Best known as president of the Confederacy during the
American Civil War, Jefferson Davis’ early military service included serving
under Taylor in the Black Hawk War of 1832.
He was also a Mexican War hero, served in the House of Representatives
and the Senate, and was secretary of war under Franklin Pierce. After the
Civil War he became a symbol of the Lost Cause. |
|
Circa 1840’s Circa 1860’s
Background:
When the first soldiers began to appear, Black Hawk turned west
(July 17th) fearing encirclement and in a desperate attempt to flee
to the west bank of the Mississippi River.
By this time members of his Band were badly exhausted and starving when the
Americans caught up with them at the Wisconsin River. Black Hawk and his remaining warriors fought a rear-guard action
(July 21st) to buy time allowing the women and children to cross the
river; the Americans broke off the engagement as darkness fell.
Many years later in a
conversation with Mr. Aldrich, Curator of the Historical Department of Iowa,
two years before he died, Jefferson Davis said:
“……..We were one day pursuing the Indians, when we came close to the Wisconsin River. Reaching the riverbank, the Indians made so determined a stand, and fought with such desperation, that they held us in check. During this time the squaws tore bark from the trees, with which they made little shallops, in which they floated their papooses and other impedimenta across to an island, also swimming over the ponies.
As soon as this was accomplished, half the warriors plunged in and swam across, each holding his gun in one hand over his head, and swimming with the other. As soon as they reached the opposite bank, they also opened fire upon us, under the cover of which the other half slipped down the bank and swam over in like manner.
This was the most brilliant
exhibition of military tactics I ever witnessed—a feat of most consummate
management and bravery, in the face of an enemy of greatly superior
numbers. I never read anything that
could be compared with it. Had it been
performed by white men, it would have been immortalized as one of the most
splendid achievements in military history…………”
.— Jefferson Davis