The pathway to glory is rough, and many gloomy hours obscure it. May the Great Spirit shed light on your path, so that you may never experience the humility that the power of the American government has reduced me to. This is the wish of a man who, in his native forests, was once as proud and bold as yourself - Black Hawk

The pathway to glory is rough, and many gloomy hours obscure it. May the Great Spirit shed light on your path, so that you may never experience the humility that the power of the American government has reduced me to. This is the wish of a man who, in his native forests, was once as proud and bold as yourself.

– Black Hawk

To Brigadier General H. Atkinson, who delivered final blow to Black Hawk Indians at Battle of Bad Axe River, August 1832. Quoted in dedication to the general in Black Hawk’s autobiography.