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ILLUSTRATIONS
OP THE
k'l
^
TV
MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND CONDITION
OP TUB
NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS
WITH
LETTERS AND NOTES
WRITTEN DURING EIGHT YEARS OE TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE AMONG THE
WILDEST AND MOST REMARKABLE TRIBES NOW EXISTING
WITH THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ENGRAVINOS,
FROU THE
autljor'is ©n'fltiiat »amt«nflj«.
BY GEO. C ATI IN. /'^ , ^,
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
TENTH EDtTION.
LONDON:
HENRY G. BOHN. YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN.
1866.
K >
1
c ♦ ,»
s/
FaoNTttpi:
Maf of li
Wyoming,
Travels
the Far 1
visited, f
of the In
tliem, an
CERTinCATl
Mouth of "
Missouri-
Indian £
Cliaracter of
turesque c
and curiou
at the mou
tribes in tl
rEINTED BY J. E. ADLABD,
BAITBOLOHEVr CLOU.
Upper Missoi
Pis. 7, 8
Wounded t
from the cb
CONTENTS
OF
THE FIRST VOLUME.
Ma- of W, Loc,„„,. „„,^^^^^ ^.^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ J
letter—No. i.
Wyoming, birth-place of the Author n 9 h- r
Travels to the Indian Country-De Wattrff'r ^''™" ^'•°'«"''"'-^'"« "«« of hi,
the Far WestJn 1832, p.3.-Des;Iofr;r" PWladelphia-First start to
visited, and number o Paintinran/IIeT' T"' ^^''-^-Numbers of Tribe,
of thelndians. p. S.-Former "nd o !r . ?' '"'"''■ P' ^-^-bable extinction
them, and estim'atin, thenral::;:"^,^" °^ "^"^ P^P^ -"-^ aPP-chin,
letter-No. 2.
fll(mth of Yellovr Stone, p. 14 pi 3 n; , r
Missouri-PoHteness of Mr. Ch tt^ m' T '' ^""'^-^'ffi-''- of the
Indian Epicures-New and true sZo f T\ '''''''"'~^^^ Company's Fort-
true School for the Arts-Beautiful Models, p. 14-16
letter-No. 3, Mout„ of Yellow stoxe
Character of Missouri River n 18 .1 ^ »
turesque clay bluffs, p. 19 ', g Ij ! ^ ''^"' ^'^'^ ^^•''««' P' l^' P'- S-Pic
and curious conjectures of the Indians 7'"™"'' °' " "'""'^^ "' "^« ^^^^ ^tone.
at the mouth 0/ Yel.ow BtZ-uZn u' '' '"•~^" "^""^"^'^ Establishmen;
tribes in this vicinity, p. 22. ''^"^'^-H" table and politeness, p. 81._L,dian
Un M- ^^^''^^-N^- 4' Mouth ot Yei.i.ow Stonk.
Upper Missouri Indians-General character p 23 -Buff ' n
Pis- r,8.-Modes of killing them-Buffaloh f --f "ff'»'°««-Description of, p. 24,
Wounded bull, p. 26 p,. 10 -E J"? "" ' '" ''-^''"<'-'« ^-P. P- 26, pi 9.-
from the chase, p. ,,, ' -^-traord.naor feat of Mr. M<Kenzie. p. 2r._Lur.
IV
LETTER_No. 5, Mouth of Yellow Stone.
Avthor*! painting-r om, and characters in it, p. Z9, — Blackroot chief, p. 99, pi. 11. — Ottie>'
Blackfoot chiefs, and their costumes, p. 30. — Blackfoot woman and child, p. 30.
pis. it, 13.— Scalps, and objects for which taken — red pipes, and pipe-stone quarry, p. 91.
—Blackfoot bows, shields, arrows and lances, p. 32, 33, pi. 18, — Several distinguished
Blackfeet, p. 34, pis. 14, 15, 16, 17.
LETTER— No. 6, Mouth of Yellow Stone.
Medicines or mysteries— medicine-bag— origin of the word medicine, p. 35. — Mode of
forming the medicine-bag, p. 36. — Value of the medicine-bog to the Indian, and mate-
riols for their construction, p. 37, pi. 18.— Blackfoot doctor or medicine-man— his mode
of curing the sick, p. 39, pi. 19.— Different ofiSces and importance of medicine-men,
p. 41.
LETTER — No. 7, Mouth of Yellow Stone.
Crows and Blackfeet— General character and appearance, p. 42.— Killing and drying
meat, p. 43, pi. 22.— Crow lodge or wigwam, p. 43, pi. 20.— Striking their tents and
encampment moving, p. 44, pi. 21.— Mode of dressing and smoking skins, p. 45. —
Crows— Beauty of their dresses — Horse-stealing or capturing — Reasons why they are
called rogues and robbers of the first order, &c. p. 46.
J LETTER — No. 8, Mouth of Yellow Stone.
Further remarks on the Crows— Extraordinary length of hair, p. 49.— Peculiarities of the
Crow head, ond several portraits, p. 50, pis. 24, 25, 26, 27.— Crow and Blackfeet women
Their modes of dressing and painting, p. 51. — Differences between the Crow and
Blackfoot languages, p. 51. — Differer.t bands— Different languages, and numbers of the
Blackfeet, p. 52. — Knisteneaux — Assinneboins, and Ojibbeways, p. 53. — Assinneboins
a part of the Sioux — Their mode of boiling meat, p. 54.— Pipe-dance, p." 65, pi. 32. —
Wi-jun-jon (a chief) and wife, pis. 28, 29.— Ilis visit to Washington, p. 56.— Dresses
of women and children of the Assinneboins, p. 57, pi. 34.— Knisteneaux (or Crees')—
choracter and numbers, and several portraits, p. 57, pis. 30. 31.— Ojibbeways— Cttief
and wife, p. 58, pis. 35, 36.
LETTER— No. 9, Mouth of Yellow Stone,
Contemplolions of the Great Far West and its customs, p. 59. — Old acquaintance,
p. 60.— March and effects of civilization, p. 60.— The " Far West"— The Author iu
search of it, p. 62.— Meeting with " Ba'tiste," a free trapper, p. 63, 64.
LETTER— No. 10, Mand.\n Village, Upper Missouri.
A strange place— Voyage from Mouth of Yellow Stone down the river to Mandans —
Commencement— Leave M'Kenzie's Fort, p. 66.— Assinneboins encamped on the river
- Wijun-jon lecturing on the customs of white people— Mountain-sheep, p. 67.—
ih ! ';f -'^°°''-*'-"->P«'<r «" »»■« night-Voluptuous scene of wild flowers, b.ml
bu»h and berr.es. p. 72._Adventure after an elk-War-party discovered, p. rLuZ
nficent scenery .„ the -Grand D6tour"-Stupendous clay bluffs-Table land. p. 75.
pL39,-AnteIopeshooUng.p.76. pi. 40.-" Grand Dome"-Prairie dogs-Village-
7 ;. "tr'? "'"' '""°' "• "• *"• ^^-^•'-"-'l bluff and the Three DoLs.
p. 78, pis. 43, 44.-Arnval at the Mandan village, p. 79.
letter-No. n, Mandan Village.
Location-Village, p 80, pi. 45.-Fonner location,, fortificaion of their viUage-Descrip.
Irio It W """' "^ ""-'-"'^■'^ 'beir wigwa.«. p. 81. 82.-Description rf
.ntenor-Beds-Weapons-Family groups, p. 82. 83, pi. 46._India„ garrulity-Joke.
Zc"et \r '""^'*'"'°^' P- «4-Causes of Indian taciturnity in civilized
LETTER— No. 12, Mandan Village.
Bird's-eye view of the village, p. 87, pi. 47.-The "big canoe"-Medicine-lodge-A
strange medley, p. 88.— Mode of depositing the dead on scaffolds, p. 89.— Respect to
the dead— Visiting the dead— Feeding the dead— Converse with the dead— Bones of
the dead, p. 90, pi. 48.
LETTER— No. 13, Mandaw Village.
The wolf-chief-IIead-chief of the tribe, p. 92, pi. 49.-Several portraits, p. 92. pis. liO.
51, 52, 53.— Personal appearance—Peculiarities- Complexion, p. 93.— "Cheveux gris.
p. 94. -Hair of the men-Hni. of the women, p. 95, pi. 54.-Bathing and swimming]
p. 96.— Mode of swimming— Sudatories or vapour-baths, p. 97-8, pi. 71.
LETTER— No. 14, Mandan Village.
Costumes of the Mandans- High value set upon them— Two horses for a head-dres.;—
Made of war-eagles' quilU and ermine, p. 100. 101. -Head-dresses with horns, p. 103
— A Jewish custom, p. 104.
LETTER— No. 15, Mandan Village.
Astonishment of the Mandans at the operation of the Author's brush, p. 105.— The Author
installed medicine or medicine-man, p. 106.— Crowds around the Author— Curiosity to
see and to touch him, p. 107,— Superstitious fears for those who were painted, p. 108.—
Objections raised to being painted, p. 109.— The Author's operations opposed by a
Alandan doctor, or medicine-man, and how brought over, p. 110, pi. 55.
I
LETTER— No. 16, Mandan Village.
An Indian beau or dandy, p. 113. — A fruitless endeavour to paint one, p. 113, — Mah-tc-
toli-pa ("the four bears), second chief of the tribe — The Author feasted in his wi^am.
p. 114, pi. 6it. — Viands of the feast, p. 115. — Pemioan and marrow-fat — Mandan pottery
—Robe presented, p. 116.
LETTER— No. 17, Mandan Village.
Polygamy — Reasons and excuses for it, p. 118. — Marriages, how contracted — Wires
bought and sold, p. 120. — Paternal and filial affection — Virtue and modesty of women —
Early marriages — Slavish lives and occupations of the Indian women, p. 141. — Pomme
blanche — Dried meat — Caches — Modes of cooking, and times of eating — Attitudes in
eating, p. 122. — Separation of males and females in eating — the Indians moderate eaters
—Some exceptions, p. 123.— Curing meat in the sun, without smoke or salt— The wild
Indians eat no salt, p. 134>
LETTER— No. 18. Mandan Village.
Indian doncing— '• Buffalo dance," p. 127, pi. 56— Discovery of buffaloes-Preparations
for the chase— Start— A decoy— A retreat— Death and scalping, p. 129.
letter-No. 19, Mandan Village.
Sham fight and sham scalp dance of the Mandan boys, p. 131 , pi, 5r.-Game of Tchung-kee
p. 132, pi. 59.-Fea8Ung-Fasting and sacrificing-White buffalo robe-Its value'
p. 133, pi. 47.-Ilain makers and rain stoppers, p. 13l.-Rain making, p. 135, pi. 58^
" The thunder boat"— The big double medicine, p. 140.
letter-No. 20, Mandan Village.
Mandan archery-" Game of the arrow," p. 141. pi. 60._Wild horses-Horse-racing
p. 142, pi. 61.— Foot war-party in council, p. 143, pi. 63.
letter— No. 21, Mandan Village, Upper Missouri.
Mah-to-toh-pa, Cthe Four Bears)- His costume and his portrait, p. 145, pi. 64.— The robe
of Mah-to-toh-pa, with all the battles of his life painted on it, p. 148, pi. 65.
letter-No. 22, Mandan Village.
Mandan religious ceremonies-Mandan religious creed, p. 156.-Three objects of the
ceremony, p. 157.-PIace of holding the ceremony-Big canoe-Season of commoner,
-and manner, p. 158.-Opening the medicine lodge-Sacrifices to the water, p. lav J.
Fastmg scene for four days and nights, p. 161, pi. 66.-Bel.lohck-nah.pick, (the bull
dance), p. 164. pi. 67.-Pohk.hong (the cutting or torturing scene), p. 169 pi. 68 -
fll
l.-k«.iiri..k.-nrii.pick. (the lut race) p. 173, pi. 69._Extniordin.ry in.eancei of
eiMlty in .elf-torture, p. 175.-Sacrificing to the water, p. 176.-tertifioau. of the
Mandan oeremonie.— Inferenoes drawn from these horrible orueltie., with tr.dition.
IV l77.-.Tradition of O-kee-hee-de (the Evil Spirit), p. 179.-Mand«n. can be oivi-'
llMUf p. 183.
LETTER— No. 23, Minatauee Village.
Looation and numbera-Origin, p. 185.-Prinoipal village, pi. 70._ Vapour bath., pi. 7i -
Old chief. Black Mocoaain. p. ISO. pi. 7«._Two portrait., man and woman, pU. 73. 74.
Oreen corn dance, p. 189, pi. 75.
LETTER— No. 24, Minataree Village.
Crow., in the Minataree village, p. 191. —Crow chief on horseback, in full dre.g, p. I9f,
pi. 76— Peculiarities of the Crows— Long hair— Semi-lunar face., p. 193, pU. 77, 78.-!
Rats in the Minataree village, p. 195.-Cro3sing Knife River in " bull boaf-Swimmiuf
of Minataree girls, p. 196— Horse-racing— A banter— Riding a " naked horse." p. IP?.—
Grand buffalo surround, p. 199. pl.79.— CutUng up and carrying in meat, p.'«01.
LETTER— No. 25, Little Mandan Village, Upper Missouri.
An Indian offering himself for a pillow, p. «03.— Portrait, of Riccareea. p. 204, p!*, 83,
84, 82.81.— Riccaree village, p. 204, pi. 80.— Origin of the Mandan.— Welsh colony
—Expedition of Madoc.p, 206-7.
LETTER— No. 26, Mouth of Teton River.
Sioux or (Dah-co-ta;, p. 208.-Fort Pierre, pi. 85.-Missis8ippi and Missouri Sioux
p. 209.-Ha-wan.je-tah (chief) p. 211. pi. 86.-Puncahs, Shoo-de-ga-cha (chief; and
wife, p. 812, pls.87,88.— Four wives taken at once, p. 213. pi. 90. —Portiait of one of
the wives, p. 214, pi. 89— Early marriages— Cauaes of, p. 215.
LETTER— No. 27, Mouth op Teton River.
Custom of exposing the aged. p.216.-A tedious march on foot, p.8l8.-Level prairiea-
" Out of sight of land"_Mirage-Looming of the prairies, p. 218._Turning the toes in
-Bijou h,lla-Salt meadows, p. 2I9_Arrive at Fort Pierre-Great assemblage of Sioux
-Paint the portrait of the chief-SupersUtious objections-Opposed by the doctors
p. 220._Difficulty settled-Death of Ha-wan-je-tah (the chief)-Mode of. p. 221 -Por!
traits of other Sioux chiefs-Wampum, p. 222-3, pis. 91, 92— Beautiful Sioux women-
Daughter of Black Rook-Chardon, his Indian wife, p. 224-5, pis. 94, 95.
LETTER— -No. 28, Mouth of Teton River.
Difficulty of painting Indian women, p. 226— Indian vanity-Watching their portnuta-
Amjti of the first .teamer amongst the Sioux, p. 227— Dog-feast p. 828, pi. 96.
V111
LETTER— No. 29, Mouth of Tetom Rivrh,
VolonUry torture, " looking at the iun," p. 232, pi. 97.— Religioui ceremony, p. J33.—
Smoking " k'niok-k'neok"— I'ipeii, p. 234. pi. 98.— Calumeti or pipe* of pence, p. 23S —
Tomihawki and icalping knives, p. 935-6, pi. 99.— Dance of the chiefi, p. 237, pi. 100.
— SoaIp»— Mode of taking, and object, p. 238-9.— Modea of carrying and uaing the
■oalpi, p. 240, pi. 101.
LETTER — No. 30, Mouth or Teton River.
Indian weapons and inatruments of rausio, p. 241, pi. lOlJ.— Quiver and shield— Smoking
the ahield p. 241 .—Tobacco pouches— Drums— Rattles — Whistles— Lutes, p. 242, pi
101|.— Dear dance, p. 244, pi. 102.— Beggars' dance— Scalp dance, p. 24.^, pl8.103,lCi
LETTER — No. 31, Mourn or Teton Riveu.
Bisons (or buffaloes) description of, p. 247.— Habits of, p. 248 — Bulls' fighting— Buffalo
wallows — Fairy circles, p. 2*9, pla. 105, t06. — Running the buffaloes, and throwing the
arrow, p. 251, pi. 107.— Buffalo chase — Use of the laso, p. 253, pi. 108, 109. — Hunting
under masque of white wolfskins, p. 254, pi. 110. — Horses destroyed in buffalo hunting,
p. 255, pi. 111.— Buffalo calf— Mode of catching and bringing in, p. 255, pi. 11*. —
Immense and wanton destruction of buffaloes — 1,400 killed, p. 256. — White wolves
attacking buffaloes, p. 257-8, pis. 113, 114. —Contemplations on the probable eztinodon
of oaffaloes and Indiana, p. 258, 264.
in
, p. 133.—
B, p.SSft —
37, pi. 100.
using tbe
I — Smoking
, p. ^43, pi
I|.103,1C4
ig— Buffalo
irowiiig the
. — Hunting
ilo hunting,
pi. in.—
iiita wolre*
I extinodon
Sc't
LETTERS AND NOTES
ON THE
NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS.
letter-No. i
As ti.e following pages have been hastily comcileH nt ♦!,«
of a number of mv friends fmm « ^^'!'"'y/°'"P"ed. at the urgent request
myself during sevm years' -M V^ ^'"'^^ '"'^ ^^^^^ ^"«en by
w/idest andi:;t.^o::ir:rr'N:::;;^r"^" a n b_, j
thought it best to make thi, n,o ! u ■ ^""^"c^n Indians, I have
with Preface, and Ten w S D dt " ^T'"^ '' "^ '^^^'^ ^ ^'^P-^g"
-akeofit,wthannrhrat to thn r'^n' ''"" ^'"^ "'"^^ ^ '^^^l''
If it be necessary to renS I ^ ' r*" ^'" ^''^^ *'^« P^'"« *« ^^^^^ it. '
-y reader, XnCand tS l''hl7 " ''^'""'"^ *'"^ unceremoniously
to throw away • nor Lh t! . ".° '^^'^ '" ''^^^^' "^ fi--^* 'olumel,
4^fTfero7:atgllt"^of^thf"^^1'/-'"- *° -^^ "P-
spoken ; although I J^^.^ .^ ^ ^^^ ° ^^^^«- of which I have
beguining of my book • hv wLi. T ?. ' ^"'^ P'^*='"^' '* at the
duce myself to L T.. I \ u ™''"' ^ '"'" ^^ ^"'^'^'^'l briefly to intro-
customs desc ibed in t em a Ti nl^v f ' "f "^' "^^'^"^''""^ °^ ^I-
floot l^tr'ltel!,:^^^ ^'^'I -'' '^^''^ -^'^^-d age,
making a book at all I„H ^ 1 ^' "' '""'y '' P°^^'"^'^' ^^ "^^^ P^^don to
much inte eTted in my narr t- ""' ^" "^ "^'"^ ^'^^"''^ '^^-^ so
work) to tak som coL'ea rcrrdtr^'^K "^ ""' ^'^ "^^^^'^^ °^ '^^
upon their time and pSee "^''^ ^"^^^ ^--^ t-spassed too long
wy^in^in Nor J. A^ri^ ::^ ;bi;:7^i.;:f;^;r ,--—
B
who entered that beautiful and famed valley soon ofter the close of the
revolutionary war, and the disastrous event of the ♦♦ Indian massacre."
The early part of my life was whiled away, apparently, somewhat in vain,
with Looks reluctantly held in one hand, and a rifle or fishing-pole firmly
and affectionately grasped in the other.
At llie uro-ent request of my father, who was a practising lawyer, I was
prevailed upon to abandon these favourite themes, and also my occasional
di.bblings with the brush, which had secured already a corner in my
ailbctions ; and I commenced reading the law for a profession, under the
direction of Kceve and Gould, of Connecticut. I attended the lectures o.
these learned judges for two years— was admitted to the bar— and practised
the law as a sort of Nimrodical lawyer, in my native land, for the term of
C^o or 'three years ; when 1 very deliberately sold my law library and all
(save my rifle and fishing-tackle), and converting their proceeds into brushes
and paint pots ; I commenced the art of painting in Philadelphia, wrthout
.eacher or adviser.
I there closely applied my hand to the labours of the art for several years;
during which time my mind was continually reaching for some branch or
enterprise of the art, on which to devote a whole life-time of enthusiasm ;
when a delegation of some ten or fifteen noble and dignified-looking Indians,
from the wilds of the " Far West," suddenly arrived in the city, arrayed
and equipped in ail their classic beauty,— with shield and helmet,—
with tunic and manteau— tinted and tassclled off, exactly for the painter's
palette !
In silent and stoic dignity, these lords of the forest strutted about the city
for a few days, wrapped in their pictured robes, with their brows plumed with
the quills of the war-eagle, attracting the gaze and admiration of all who
beheld them. After this, they took their leave for Washington City, and I
was left fo reflect and regret, which I did long and deeply, until I came to
the following deductions and conclusions.
Black and blue cloth and civilization are destined, not only to veil, but to
obliterate the grace and beauty of Nature. Man, in the simplicity and
loftiness of his nature, unrestrained and unfettered by the disguises of art,
IS surely the most beautiful model for the painter,— and the country from
which he hails is un piestionably the best study or school of the arts in the
world : such I am sure, from the models I have seen, is the wilderness of
North America. And the history and customs of such a people, preserved
by pictorial illustrations, are themes worthy the life-time of one man, and
nothing short of the loss of my life, shall prevent me from visiting their
country, and of becoming their historian.
There was something inexpressibly delightful in the above resolve, which
was to bring me amidst such living models for my brush : and at the same
time to place in my hands again, for my living and protection, the objects
of my heart above-named ; which had long been laid by to rust and decav
imulatf """"' "" "'"''"' P"^P^^^ '' ^^^- -"^"bating to n,y
I had fully resolved-l opened my view, to mv friends and relations but
got not one advocate or abettor. 1 tried fairly and faithfullv. but it wl in
va.n to reason w.th those whose anxieties were ready to fabricate eve J
difficulty and danger timt could be imagined, without being able to under-
stand or appreciate the extent or importance of my designs, and I broke
from them all.-from my wife and my aged parents,_°myself my only
adviser and protector. ' j 'V ""ly
With these views firmly fixed-armed, equipped, and supplied [ started
out in the year 1832, and penetrated the vLt and pathless'w Ids'w nS re
A.miharly denommated the great "Far West" of the North Ame ican
Continent, with a light heart, inspired with an enthusiastic hope and re re"
hat 1 could meet and overcome all the hazards and privaLs o a life
devoted to the production of a literal and graphic deli.eation o( the h v 1
n.anner3 customs, and character of an interesting race of people who
are rapidly passing away from the face of the earth-lending a hLd To a
Sh'fi" r;. ° "' "? historians or biographers of theirow^n to pour tray
.h fiaehty their native looks and history; thus snatching from^a hasty
bhvion what could be saved for the benefit of posterity, and perpotuaSg
.t,^as a fair and just monument, to the memory of a truly lofty and noblf
I have spent about eight years already in the pursuit above-named, having
b.cn for the most of that time immersed in the Indian country, min.linf
with red men, and identifying myself with them as much as possibi! in
their games and amusements ; in order the better to familiarize myself with
tieir superstitions and mysteries, which are the keys to Indian life and
cliaracter.
It was during the several years of my life just mentioned, and whilst I
was in familiar participation with them in their sports and amusements, that
1 penned the following series of epistles; describing only such glowii,. o
cunous scenes and events as passed under my immediate observation ; leafing
their early history, and many of their traditions, language, &c. for a subse
quent and riiuch more elaborate work, for which I have procured the
materials, and which I may eventually publish.
I set out on my arduous and perilous undertaking with the determination
of reaching u timately, every tribe of Indians on the Continent of North
J nienea, and of bringing home faithful portraits of their principal persona^^es
both n.en and women, from each tribe ; views of their villages, games, &c
and full notes on their character and history. I designed, als^^to procure
tl.eir costmnes. and a complete collection of their manufactures and weapon,
and 10 perpetuate them in a Gallery unique, for the use and instruction oi
lUiure ages.
I claim whatever merit there may have been in the originality of such a
b2
,1.
li
design, as I was undoubtedly the first artist who ever set out upon such a
work, designing to carry his canvass to the Rocky Mountains ; and a con-
siderable part of the following Letters were written and published in the New
York Papers, as early as the years 1832 and 1833 ; long before the Tours of
Washington Irving, and several others, whose interesting narratives are
before the world.
1 have, as yet, by no means visited all the tribes ; but I have progressed a
very great way with the enterprise, and with far greater and more complete
success than I expected. . , » r
I have visited forty-eight different tribes, the greater part of which I found
speaking different languages, and containing in all 400,000 souls. I have
brought home safe, and in good order, 310 portraits in oil, all painted m
their native dress, and in their own wigwams ; and also 200 other pamtmgs
in oil, containing views of their villages— their wigwams— their games and
religious ceremonies— their dances— t^cir ball plays— their buffalo hunting,
and other amusements (containing in all, over 3000 full-length figures);
and the landscapes of the country they live in, as well as a very extensive
and curious collection of their costumes, and all their other manufactures,
from the size of a wigwam down to the size of a quill or a rattle.
A considerable part of the above-named paintings, and Indian manufac-
tures, will be found amongst the very numerous illustrations in the following
pages; having been, in every instance, faithfully copied and reduced by my
own hand, for the engraver, from my original paintings ; and the reader of
this book who will take the pains to step in to '*Catlin's North
Ameuican Indian Gallery," will find nearly every scene and custom
which is described in this work, as well as many others, carefully and
correctly delineated, and displayed upon the walls, and every weapon (and
every " Sachem" and every " Sagamore" who has wielded them) according
to the tenor of the tales herein recited.
So much of myself and of my tiorks, which is all that I wish to say at
present.
Of the Indians, I have much more to say, and to the following de-
lineations of them, and their character and customs, I shall make no furtlier
' apology for requesting the attention of my readers.
The Indians (as I shall call them), the savages or red men of the forests
. and prairies of North America, are at this time a subject of great interest
and some importance to the civilized world ; rendered more particularly so in
this age, from their relative position to, and their rapid declension from, the
civilized nations of the earth. A numerous nation of human beings, whose
origin is beyond the reach of human investigation, — whose early history is
lost — whose term of national existence is nearly expired — three-fourths of
whose country has l»llen into the possession of civilized man within the short
space of 250 years — twelve millions of whose bodies have fattened the soil in
the mean time ; who have fallei< victims to whiskey, the small-pox. and the
bayonet; eavmg at tins time but a meagre proportion to live . short time
longer, in the certain apprehension of soon sharing a similar fate
The wnter who would undertake to embody the whole history of such a
people, with all the.r misfortunes and calamities, must needs have much
more space than I have allotted to this epitome ; and he must needs Trin
also as I am domg) wuh those who are lining, or he would be very apt to
dwell upon the preamble of his work, until the present living rem/anT of
he race should have passed away ; and their existence and customs ike
those of ages gone bye, become subjects of doubt and incredu Ity to L
world for whom h.s book was preparing. Such an historian also, to do til
just.ce, must needs correct many theories and opinions which have e U^e"
.gnorantly or maliciously, gone forth to the world' in indelible charge" s
and gather and arrange a vast deal which has been butgmperfectlv recorded'
or p aced to the credit of a people who have not hadlKea„T record n<:
•t th mse ves ; but have entrusted it, from necessity, to the honesty and
punctuality of their enemies. «= uonebiy ana
In such an history should be embodied, also, a correct account of their
treatment and the causes which have led to their rapid destruction ; and a
plam and systematical prophecy as to the time and manner of the r final
Snsion. ' "''" "'' '""''' '"'* "'' ''''° "^ '^'''' ^''""'^ ^"d present
So Herculean a task may fall to my lot at a future period, or it may not :
but I send forth these volumes at this time, fresh and full of their Ving
deeds and customs as a familiar and unstudied introduction (at least) to
them and their native character; which I confidently hope wil repay the
The world know generally, that the Indians of North America are copper^
coloured ; that their eyes and their hair are black, &c. ; that they are mostly
u^c■vll■^ed, and consequently unchristianized ; that they are LverZ s
human beings with features, thoughts, reason, and sympathies like our own-
but few yet know how they live, how they dre.s., how they v^orsl^ whai
■e their actions, their customs, their religion, their amusement ,&c a
whKirthe " '", '" "rr"'"'^ ^^^'^"^ '' ^'-'^ uninvaded'c^u -tr
wh h It IS the mam object of this work, clearly and distinctly to set forth '
ex Lr^ / '1""P°^^"^'^ ^\ ^h^ -™« '--^' in a book of these dimensions, to
na 1 ed hi '"","■' '"f '"''°"' "^ '^''' P^^?'^ ' '^"^ ^« ^^^ ^« they Le
se n i' Z'"! "T 'r-7'''' 'y ™y P^"' "P°" ^'- ^P°t' - I have
that D don^!u^ T'T ' ^ ''"'' '^' ^"^•'^ ^'" •^^ ''"-"^y *° ^^tend to me
X St hh -1 " !•' r'*°'"''"y '° y'^''^ ^« '^H -*'^t^ ^'ho^e main faults
P r"s birt'" *'-';.-'--g, rather than in tV drawing <.f their
P rdonfo,. r ? "°''""^ '^'' '" *'^^'"' ' ^'»»'^' ■ ' I «h°uld ask
pardon toi, even though some of them should stagger credulity, and incur
for me the censure of those critics, who sometimes, unthinkingly or un-
mercifully, sit at home at their desks, enjoying the luxury of wine and a
good cigar, over the simple narration of the honest and weather-worn
traveller (who shortens his half-starved life in catering for the world), to
condemn him and his work to oblivion, and his wife and his little children to
poverty and starvation ; merely because he describes scenes which they have
not beheld, and which, consequently, they are unable to believe.
The Indians of North America, as I have before said, are copper-coloured,
with long black hair, black eyes, tall, straight, and elastic forms— are less
than two millions in number— were originally the undisputed owners of the
soil, and got their title to their lands from the Great Spirit who created
them on it,— were once a happy and flourishing people, enjoying all the
comforts and luxuries of life which they knew of, and consequently cared
for -.—were sixteen niillions in number--, and sent that number of dady
prayers to the Almighty, and thanks for his goodness and protection. Their
country was entered by white men, b i! a few hundred years since : and
thirty millions of these are now scuffling for the goods and luxuries of life,
over the bones and ashes of twelve millions of red men ; six millions of
whom have fallen victims to the small-pox, and the remainder to the sword,
the bayonet, and whiskey ; all of which means of their death and destruction
have been introduced and visited upon them by acquisitive white men ; and
by while men, also, whose forefathers were welcomed and embraced in the
land where the poor Indian met and fed them with " ears of green corn and
with pemican " Of the two millions remaining alive at this time, about
1,400,000, are already the miserable living victims and dupes of white man's
cupidity, degraded, discouraged and lost in the bewildering maze that is
produced by the use of whiskey and its concomitant vices; and the
remaining number are yet unroused and unenticed from their wild haunts
or their primitive modes, by the dread or love of white man and his
allurements.
It has been with these, mostly, that I have spent my time, and of these,
chiefly, and their customs, that the following Letters treat. Tiieir habits
(and their's alone) as we can see them transacted, are native, and such as I
have wished to fix and preserve for future ages.
Of the dead, and of those who are dying, of those who ha^^ suffered death,
and of those who are now trodden and kicked througii it, I may speak more
fully in some deductions at the close of this book ; or at some future time,
when I may find more leisure, and may he able to speak of these scenes
without giving offence to the world, or to any body in it.
Such a portrait then as I have set forth in the following pages (taken by
myself from the free and vivid realities of life, instead of the vague and uncer-
tain imagery of recollection, or from the haggard deformities and distortions
of disease and death), I ofler to the world for their amusement, as well as for
their information ; and I trust they will pardon mc, if it should be thought
that I have over-estimated the Indian ch
too much into the details and minutia of TnHi!' °' ""^ *'*.'"' *''""' descended
The reader. then, to understand n.e ri^.t v 1 "l 'T'T' '"'^ 'absurdities,
information which they are intended to g / 'ittr "" '^''' ^'"'''^ '^^^
the c,v.hzed world ; he must needs wend Ws'^ J T """ " ^^'^ ^"y '"'•o"'
over the Alleghany, and far beyond the mi^r ">^ ^'^^ °f New York,
base and summit of the Rocky Mounf.ln " ^ ^Imoun, and even to the
nnles from the Atlantic coast. HeshoulTf T' ^"'^ ^^ *'^''^^ ''>°"«=»nfl
in the books of Indian barbarities, of wanto?^ .T"^ "''°^'"^^ ''^ ^^' r^^''
divest himself, as far as possible of thrdLl "',""'' """"'^^^ ' '^"''
carried from his childhood, against this Jr^ '"''•' "''"'' ''^'''^' ''« ^^^
part of the race of his fellow-man ""^rtunate and most abused
He should consider, that if he has seen th. =
out making such a tour, he has fixed hi ''^'' °'^^'°''"^ ^""''"'^ ^it''-
sions (in all probability) only from those who 11^ 'f ^'^""^ '"' '°"'='"-
have been changed-whose pride has beerc f H °"^'"" = ^'^°''= '^'^'^'t^
ransacked— whose wives and daucjupr, uSir'^^'°^'' *'°""*''y ''^^ been
land, have bee., wrested from them-w'rr f ? '""'^"''y ^'^"^^d-whosa
naked by the excessre use of whiskev-wl! "f T ''''°'"' """"^^^^ and
prematurely thrown into their craves T ''"'^ '*''"''°"* ^^^^ been
last given way to the unnatural vices^ iercivT^'.^"^' '""^ ^'"^^"'^y ''^^-^ ^*
"pon them, to be silently nurturedLd n «'!,'u '"^^^''^ ''^^ ^"g^^^ted
jury and injustice, and r'eady ^Lt cruel S'' '' ^'""'"-^ ""^^ "^ '"-
the hand that is palsied by refin d 11" ^""""" "'"''' '^'''' ''^"^ *'^°'"
ous influences of refined and moral culSZ ''tI "I^ ^'r' 1^^ *'" ^'°"-
he considers well-founded knowlprl T i , ~"^''''* '^ ''^ ^^« ^^'d "P what
read, and from newspapers ^f/^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^J- '°°'^ ^^^"'^^ ''^ '-
sentence before he pass s it unon ZT ^ '^ ^' '""'*' ""^^ ^'^hhold his
the hands of their iaen ies vvithout , "''''" "' ' P^'^P'^' ^^''^^ ^^^ dying at
-struggling in their nakedne 'v Lrsill "^"''"^ ''''' °^" ^"-'^
gunpowder-against whiskey and s el and Z "^^P?"^' ^?^'"»«t ^""^ and
are continually trampling them to ^,7. ! f ' ^"'^ '""''''' ^^"^O" ^'^o
ting from the%ery Ll"! ^ "he ^^^^^^^^^
h.story of his cruelties and barbarities wSk u" '^" ^''' ^^^"^^' '""^
under the very furrows which the r ^ I attrn" "" "' '^""''^ "^'"°
So great and unfortunate aro fl.o turnmg.
, numbers-in weapons and deSce'-I^P;:;'^^ ^^^^^ -vage and civil, in
: that the former is almost un.veS7 h T'"' ■'" "'^'' '^"^ '" ^d"^^''^".
i and not less so after his pipe a!^d I ' tol^ T,' '"'"'' *" P^^^^ «' '» --
h™, and his character KfUot ??''''"'" '^'^''^^^^^^he grave wi.h
8
terns of justice whenever it is meted to the poor Indian, it comes invariably
too late, or is administered at an ineffectual distance ; and that too when his
enemies are continually about him, and effectually applying the means of his
destruction.
Some writers, 1 have been grieved to see, have written down the character
of the North American Indian, as dark, relentless, cruel and murderous in the
last degree ; with scarce a quality to stamp their existence of a higher order
than that of the brutes :— whilst others have given them a higli rank, as I feel
myself authorized to do, as honourable and highly-intellectual bemgs; and
others, both friends and foes to the red men. have spoken of them as an
" anomaly in nature ! "
In this place I have no time or inclination to reply to so unaccountable
an assertion as this ; contenting myself with the belief, that the term would be
far more correctly applied to that part of the human famdy who have strayed
farthest from nature, than it could be to those who are simply moving m, and
filling the sphere for which they were designed by the Great Spirit who made
them.
From what I have seen of these people I feel authorized to say, that there
is nothing very strange or unaccountable in their character; but tiiat it is a
simple one, and easv to be learned and understood, if the right means be taken
to familiarize ourselves with it. Although it has its dark spots, yet there is
much in it to be applauded, and much to recommend it to the admiration of
the enlightened world. And I trust that the reader, who looks through these
volumes with care, will be disposed to join me in the conclusion that the
North American Indian in his native state, is an honest, hospitable, faithful,
brave, warlike, cruel, revengeful, relentless,— yet honourable, contemplative
and religious being.
If such be the case, I am sure there is enough in it to recommend it to the
fair perusal of the world, and charity enough in all civilized countries, in this
enlightened age, to extend a helping hand to a dying race ; provided that
prejudice and fear can be removed, which have heretofore constantly held
the civilized portions in dread of the savage— and away from that familiar
and friendly embrace, in which alone his true native character can be justly
appreciated.
I am fully convinced, from a long familiarity with these people, that the
Indian's misfortune has consisted chiefly in our ignorance of their true native
character and disposition, which has always held us at a distrustful distance
from them ; inducing us to look upon them in no other light than that ot a
hostile foe, and worthy only of that system of continued warfare and abuse
that has been for ever waged against them.
There is no difficulty in approaching the Indian and getting acquainted
with him in his wild and unsophisticated state, and finding him an honest
and honourable man ; with feelings to meet feelings, if the above prejudice and
dread can be laid aside, and any one will take the pains, as I have done, to
mes invariably
t too when his
e means of his
1 the character
irderous in tiie
I higher order
ranlc, as I feel
1 beings ; and
of them as an
unaccountable
term would be
have strayed
fioving in, and
jirit who made
say, that there
but tiiat it is a
neans be taken
9, yet tliere is
admiration of
i through these
sion that the
table, faitiiful,
contemplative
nmend it to the
untries, in this
provided tiiat
lonstantly held
u that familiar
r can be justly
eople, that the
leir true native
ustful distance
than that ot a
fare and abuse
ing acquainted
him an honest
e prejudice and
[ have done, to
9
go and see him in the simplicity of his native «♦„♦
his own humble roof, with his Lk Z7ZeTLZt"' ''! ^'^ ""^"
dogs and horses hanging about his hospitab e eVe Zf ^ "^^f '^'f"'
see him and smoke h s friendlv Dii» whioK "*'"^^^'—^o the world man
them; and share, w.th a I Jt7>^dcom t k ^T^^^^^'y "tended t^
for the appetite, whid. is a way! et out to "J ''''' ''^ ^'^^'"^ ^^^^''^
after he enters. ^ '' °"^ *° ^ '^'^"S^' the next moment
But so the mass of the wnrM m«.» ■•
they are too far olf. JaZ^SZ Xs^JnT''' T "^ ''''' '^'^'^ ^ ^-
alone lead them to those remote region. 7 { ''''°'' ^'"''^^'^^ ^^^P'^ity
from publishing to the world vTe Vhict i^r'^T ^"^^"'^ '''"'
trampled under foot. '' "'''y ^^^^ thrown down and
The very use of the word savaee as i> U o^ r i • •
am inclined to believe is an abuse'of'the word a'^'^'t. '" "' P""'' ''"^^' ^
applied. The word, in its true defi. i b„ ml' P'°P'' '"^ ^f^^'" '^ ''»
-««; and a wild man may have b en e'r H T T' "*'" "^''^' «'' ^^'^'^
humane and noble traits that I,L • th'eTeart^ ''1 T'' ^'' ^" '''
Ignorance and dread or fear of th... '"^ "^*ft of a tame man. Our
definition to the adject veani nea77''u*''r'"''^' ^^"^ S'^«" * "^vv
-rd savage, as exC 4 of t ^It L^^^^^^
character that can be described °"'' """'' ^"'^ murderous
an^uSrl'ryih:^^^:^^^!;^ •* blood-th.rsty, ravenous
feared and dreaded (from h'e^Utln^' . ^l^' ""^^ •"^"' ^^ve been
Lave kept us from the:? offrot ^eL" Tbt^^^ '."orance and prejudice
when we have come in close ^0^^? .u . ''^"'' "' ^""'^ P''«'=tised
shewed the world, that even reseTro ^''\ ''^^'")' »»*» Van Amburgh
exc« of pa»io,„, „„tt.S rL":,!" T"' """..t'-"^""^
Christianity. ^ salutary mfluences of laws and
i people, under an almoItT f^^ te TaS " f i °" '""'"' ^'""'^"'^ '*'' ^^-«
I'nany and decided volunta^lrn?^ 7"'"''"^'' and from the very
i bound to pronounce them bv n»? V . ''"'P"^'"y ""'^ ^•"'»"^«^' ^ <eel
been welcLed gTneranv /n ^ '' ' '"'^ ^"'^^'^^' P'^^'^' ^ ^^^e
could give -.sr«tVnV ir^rrrd^tr^'^r^ ''^^^^'•^^
{escorted me through their eneS T/ ""^ ^°'"''J ' they have often
lives, and aided me in na sinTm . '■^, '* '"'"^ '^^^"^'^ *° '^^'" «*«
[ vot. I. P^'""^ mountams and rivers with my awkward bag-
c
10
gage ; and under all of these cirrumstances of exposure, no Indian ever be-
trayed mc, struck me a blow, or stole from me a shilling's worth of my
property that I am aware of.
This is saying a great deal, (and proving it too, if the reader will believe
me) in favour of the virtues of these people ; when it is borne in mind, as it
should be, that there is no law in their land to punish a man for theft — tlnit
locks and keys are not known in their country — that the commandments have
never been divulged amongst them ; nor can any human retribution fall upon
the head of a thief, save the disgrace which attaches as a stigma to his cha-
racter, in the eyes of his people about him.
And thus in these little communities, strange as it may seem, in the ab-
sence of all systems of jurisprudence, 1 have often beheld peace and hiippi-
jess, and quiet, reigning supreme, for which even kings and emperors migiit
mvy them. I have seen rights and virtue protected, and wrongs redressed ;
and I have seen conjugal, filial and paternal affection in the simplicity and
contentedness of nature. I have unavoidably, formed warm and enduring
attachments to some of these men which I do not wish to forget — who have
brought me near to their hearts, and in our final separation have embraced
me in their arms, and commended me and my affairs to the keeping of tiie
Great Spirit.
For the above reasons, the reader will be disposed to forgive me for dwel-
ling so long and so strong on the justness of the claims of these people; and
for my occasional expressions of sadness, when my heart bleeds for the fate
that awaits the remainder of their unlucky race ; which is long to be outlived
by the rocks, by the beasts, and even birds and reptiles of the country they
live in ; — set upon by their fellow-man, whose cupidity, it is feared, will fix
no bounds to the Indian's earthly calamity, short of the grave.
I cannot help but repeat, before I close this Letter, that the tribes of the
red men of North America, as a nation of human beings, are on their
wane ; that (to use their own very beautiful figure) " they are fast travelling
to the shades of their fathers, towards the setting sun ;" and that the travel-
ler who would see these people in their native simplicity and beauty, must
needs be hastily on his way to the prairies and Rocky Mountains, or he will
see them only as they are now seen on the frontiers, as a basket of dead
game, — harassed, chased, bleeding and dead ; with their plumage and colours
despoiled ; to be gazed amongst in vain for some system or moral, or for
some scale by which to estimate their true native character, other than that
which has too often recorded them but a dark and unintelligible mass of
cruelty and barbarity.
Without further comments I close this Letter, introducing my readers at
once to the heart of the Indian country, only asking their forgiveness for
having made it so h)ng, and their patience whilst travelling through the
following pages (as I journeyed through those remote realms) in search of
information and rational amusement ; in tracing out the true character of
ndian ever be-
i worth of my
ler will believe
in mind, us it
or theft — tiiiit
mdments have
itinn full upon
ia to his cha-
sm, in the ab-
ice and happi-
nperora mi<^ht
igs redressed ;
simplicity and
and enduring;
et — who have
ave embraced
;eeping of the
; me for dwel-
e people ; and
ds for the fate
to be outlived
country they
eared, will fix
! tribes of the
are on their
fast travelling
lat the travel-
beauty, must
ins, or he will
isket of dead
;e and colours
moral, or for
Lher than that
;ible mass of
my readers at
»rgiveness for
through the
in search of
5 character of
11
that ' ,trange an(maly" of man i„ the simple elements of his nature »n-
djssolved or compounded mto the mysteries of enlightened and fashion^
NOTE.
A,tht,inguhr manner, of, h. Country ut forth in th, following page,, and th* txtra.
ordinary, cenu repre,entBd in the very numernu, illu.tratton,, are of ,uch a character a,
toreguireall po„ible aid. for the ,ati,faction of the reader,; I hope they mil excuse me
Jor intruding in thi, place the numerou. Certificate, which follow, and which have been
voluntarily furnished me by men whose live,, it will be ,een. have been .pent, in great part
.n the Indian Country, and in familiarity with the men and manner, ,et forth in the work : '
CERTIFICATES.
•• I hereby certify, that the persons whose signatures are affixed to the certiBct.. h«re
be ow.by Mr.CATUN.are officers in the service of the United States, as herein set forth
exhibited by h.m in his < Indmn GALLEnv,' are entitled to full credit.
" J. R. POINSETT. Secretary of War, Washington."
" With regard to the gentlemen whose names are affixed to certificates below I am fullv
warranted in saying, that no individuals have had better opportunities of acquLg . knS
i dge of the persons habits, costumes, and sports of the Indian tribes, or possess stronel
claims upon the public confidence in the statements they make resnec in/Z. T^
of delineations. &c. of Mr. C.u.'s I.vou. 0....„v , Ldl m^ "^y w„ termX'
with regard to many of those Indians whom I have seen and wiLn lit testimony,
collection, .nd sketched with fidelity and correctness '""""" "" "* ''"'
" C. A. HARRIS, Commis,ioner of Indian Affair,, Washington.'
" I have seen Mr.CATUN's Collection of Portraits of Indians, east of the Rocky Mountain,
" W. CLARK. Superintendent of Indian Affair,. St. Loui,."
"JOHNF.A.SANFORD,
" U. SS. Indian Agent for Mandans. Rickarees. Minatarett,
Crows, Knitteneaux, Assinneboins, Blackfeet, Sic."
c 2
ii
12
" W« h%y Mm Mr. CATtiN't PortrmiU of Indiint cut of th« Rooky Monnttin*, mtny
of which are familiar to ui ; the likeneiief are aatily reoogniied, bearing a itrong reiem*
blance to the originnia, ai well ai a faithful representatiou of their ooatumea
"J. DOUGHERTY, Indian Ag*nt.
" November iTth, 1837. J. GANTI'."
" We hereby certify, that the Portraits of the Grand Pawnees, Republican Pawneea,
Pawnee Lnupt, Tappnge Pawnees, Utona, Umnhawa, and Miiiouriea, which ore in Mr.
Caii.in's Indian Gallery, were painted from life by Mr. Geo. Catlin, and that the indi*
viduaU sat to him in the costumes precisely in which they are painted.
"J. DUUGilGRTV, /. A. for Pawneei, Omahawt.and Otot*.
•• New York, 1837. J. OANIT."
" I hare aeen Mr. Catmn's Collection of Indian Portraits, many of which were familiar to
me, and pniiitnd in my presence at their own villages, I hare spent the greater part of
my life amongst the tribes and individuals he has represented, and I do not hesitate to
pronounce them correct likenesses, and easily recognized : also his sketches of their
maiinen and cuttoms, I think, are excellent; and the landicape viewi on the Missouri and
Mississippi, are correct representations.
" K. M'KKNZIE, of the Am. Fur Co. Mouthof Yellow Stont."
" We hereby certify, that the Portraits of Seminoles and Euchees, in Mr. Catun's Oal-
LBRY, were painted by him, from the life, at Kort Moultrie ; that the Indians sat or stood
in the costumes precisely in which they are painted, and that the likenesses are remark-
ably good.
*• P. MORRISON. Capt. 4th Inft. II. WHARTON, 8d. Lieut. 6th Inft.
J. S. HATHAWAY, 2d Lieut. 1st Art. F. WEEDON, Assistant Surgeoa.
Fort Moultrie, Jan. 26, 1838."
" Having examined Mr. Catlin's Collection of Portraits of Indians of the Missouri to
the Rocky Mountains, I have no hesitation in pronouncing them, so far as I am acquainted
with the Individuals, to be the best I have ever seen, both a» regards the expression of
countenance, and the exact and complete manner in which the costume has been painted
by him.
" J. L. BEAN, S. Agent for Indian Affairs."
" I have been for many years past in familiar acquaintance with the Indian tribes of
the Upper Missouri to the Rocky Mountains, and also with the landscape and other
scenes represented in Mr. Catlin's Collection ; and it gives me great pleasure to assn're
the world, that on looking them over, I found the likenesses of my old friends easily to
be recognized ; and his sketches of Manners and Customs to be pourtrayed with singular
truth and correctness.
"J. PILCllKR, Agent J jr Upper Mittouri Indiani.''
" It gives me great pleasure in being enabled to add my name to the list of those who
have spontaneously expressed their approbation of Mr. Catlin's Collection of Indian
Paintin(;s. His Collection of materials place it in his power to throw much light on the
Indian character, and his portraits, so far as I have seen them, are drawn with great
fdelity as to character and likeness.
" n. SCHOOLCRAFT, Indian Agent for Wiiconiin Territory."
Irill!!i
uui|, and Otou,
YlUoW StOTM."
ndian Affairt,"
19
•• HtrliiK lir«d tnd de.lt with th« BUok FmI Inditni for Ar* y..rR pMt. I wai .n.bled
to reooKoii. .wry on. of the 1'ortr.it. of thoi. people. ,nd of the Crowe ,),« ^hioh
ftlr. Catlin hM m hie ColleoUon, from the fiithful likeneeeee they bor« to the oriKin.le
" **• ^'^'*' "**• " J. K UlUZKAU."
" H«Ting ipent lizteen yeert in the oonUnutl eoqueintMoe with the Inditni of the
Mveral tribee of the Miiiouri, repreeented in Mr. Catmn'. Gellery of Indian Peintinire
1 w«i enabled to judge of the oorreotneee of the lilceneeiee, and I imtantly rtcogniu'd
tvery ont of thtm, when I looked them over, from the striking reiemblanoe they bore to the
originaU— io olio, of the Landioapei on the Mitiouri.
" HONORE PICOTTE,"
Mouri Indiani,"
The Portraits, in i ;,n poe«.!,^,ion ol Mr. Catlin, of Pawnee Picts. Kiowaye. Camanchee
WeooB.and Oaagea, were pnmted by hirayrom life, when on a tour to their country, with
the United Stetn. Diagooi... The likemuet are good, very easily to be reoogniied, and
the ceitumM ini'lifully represented,
" lU. V>, , BODOE. Col. of Drag. D. PERKINS. Copt, of Drag.
U. H. MASON. Major of Ditto. M. DUNCAN. Ditto.
D. HUNTER, Copt. Ditto. T. D. WIIEELOCK, Lieut. Drag."
'• The Landscapes. Buffalo-Hunting scenes. &o. above-mentioned, I have seen and
although It has been thirty years since I travelled over th.it country ; yet a oonside'rable
number of them I recognized as faithful representations, and the remainder of them are
BO much in the peculiar character of that country as to seem entirely familiar to me.
WM. CLARK, Suptrintendtnt of Indian Affairt."
•• The Landscape Views on the Missouri. Buffalo Hunts, and other scenes, taken by -ny
friend Mr. Catun, are correct delineaUons of the scenes they profess to represent as I
»ni perfectly well acquainted with the country, having passed through it more than a
dozen times. And further, I know, thnt they were taken on the spot, from nature as I
wus present whra Mr. Catlin visited that country. '
" JOHN F. A. SANFORD, V. SS. Indian Agent."
"It gives me great pleasure to be able to pronounce the Landscape Views, Views of
Huntmg, and other scenes, taken on the Upper Missouri by Mr. Catlin, to be correct
ilelineauons of the scenery they profess to represent; and although I was not present
when they were taken in the field, I was able to idenUfy almost ewry one between St.
Louis and the grand bend of the Missouri.
" J. L. BEAN, S. Agtnt of Indian Affairs."
" I have examined a series of paintings by Mr. Catlin, representing Indian Buffalo
lunts. Landtcape,, gfc, and from an acquaintance of twenty-seven years with such scenes
as are represented. I feel qualified to judge them, and do unhesitatingly pronounce them
good and unriaggerateil roinesentations.
JNO. DOUGHERTY, /ndian Agtnt for Pawntet, Omahawt, and Ou<u.''
iiin Territory."
^
It
LETTER— No. 2.
MOUTH OF YELLOW STONE. UPPER MISSOURI, 1838.
I ARRIVED at this place yesterday in the steamer " Yellow Stone," after a
voyage of nearly three months from St. Louis, a distance of two thousand
miles, the greater part of which has never before been navigated by steam ;
and the almost insurmountable difficulties which continually oppose the
voyageur on this turbid stream, have been by degrees overcome by the
indefatigable zeal of Mr. Chouteau, a gentleman of great perseverance, and
part proprietor of the boat. To the politeness of this gentleman I am
indebted for my passage from St. Louis to this place, and I had also the
pleasure of his company, with that of Major Sanford, the government agent
for the Missouri Indians.
The American Fur Company have erected here, for their protection against
the savages, a very substantial Fort, 300 feet square, with bastions armed
with ordnance (plate 3) ; and our approach to it under the continued roar of
cannon for half an hour, and the shrill yells of the half-affrighted savages
who lined the shores, presented a scene of the most thrilling and picturesque
appearance. A voyage so full of incident, and furnishing so many novel
scenes of the pictures(|ue and romantic, as we have passed the nvmerous
villages of the " astonished natives," saluting them with the puffing of
steam and the thunder of artillery, would aflford subject for many epistles ;
and I cannot deny myself the pleasure of occasionally giving you some
little sketches of scenes that I have witnessed, and am witnessing ; and of
the singular feelings that are excited in the breast of the stranger travelling
through this interesting country. Interesting (as I have said) and luxurious,
for this is truly the land of Epicures; we are invited by the savages to
feasts of dog's meat, as the most honourable food that can be presented to
a stranger, and glutted with the more delicious food of beavers' tails, and
buffaloes' tongues. You will, no doubt, be somewhat surprised on the receipt
of a Letter from me, so far strayed into the Western World ; and still more
startled, when I tell you that I am here in the full enthusiasm and practice of
my art. That enthusiasm alone has brought me into this remote region, 3500
miles from my native soil ; the last 2000 of which have furnished me with
almost unlimited models, both in landscape and the human figure, exactly
suited to my feelings. I am now in the full possession and enjoyments of
7.
tone," after a
two thousand
ed by steam ;
^ oppose the
come by the
iverance, and
tleman I am
had also the
'nment agent
iction against
istions armed
tinued roar of
;hted savages
d picturesque
) many novel
;he numerous
lie puffing of
lany epistles ;
ng you some
•sing ; and of
;er travelling
nd luxurious,
le savages to
presented to
ers' tails, and
on the receipt
nd still more
nd practice of
! region, 3500
shed me with
igure, exactly
njoyments of
" .'•^;,•'i;>;"■^r,-.iv^i'iK&<:.t'<'V'•''i'*'*•'^-'J«?^
■''&
"ii-^ i
-•■~;^:
■ ■■ ■ , ... c
■'; ". jIi-i...T\.i.('i,-.,.- .
, , .;-. ^- Ji
■^■.<<ry.
"rm/i-.''
X -^^S?!^
■V-'
.r. :>:
Ell
li
:i
15
those conditiong, on which alone I was m^„ i
fession: and in anticipation of which alone m„ "? ^"""' '^"^ ^^ as a pro-
ever have been kindled into a purrflate ' T """L'""" ^«' ^^e art could
und.sg„ised models, with the pSge of "electr? ''' '" "^^ °^ -tuTe's
los.ng the benefit of the fleeting fashions of J a' "'^''^^- ^^ ^ ^^ ''«re
elegant polish, which the worid'say aTa tist shouW J' '"' "^^'^^»'"^ ^^^^
".tercourse w.th the polite world ; yet hat I thi 'V™'" * •^""'■■""«'
country, I am entirely divested of tL i ^^"solation, that in th^
which beset an artist i^; fash ab e li e Lc??"'^r r^' ^"^ ^"-e.ents
away from the contemplation of t . b;aulr'' 'T' '' ''''' "^y thoughts
If, also, I have not here the benefit of fhf^ T'^"'' '^'' ^'' ^^out me.
tl>e life and spur to the arts, Xer arti t arl" '"^ •'' '""'''"'-' -'^-^ -
I surrounded by living „,ode Is of ucr t/an/'^^Tf ' '''''^''' ' ^'^ ^»'
uncea^smg excitement of a much higL ofd" T ""'^' ''''' ' '''' «"
drawmg knowledge from the true source Mu''''''"'^ '^^' ^ ^™
man ,n the honest and elegant simplictv'nfr '"'''" ^^'miration of
warmestfeelingsofmybosol.andshu h Ifth?''"'^'' has always fed the
the specious refinements of the accomoliiH 'u ""'' *" "^^ ^^^^^ «g«'"nst
wuh the desire to study my arK rd:;^'; 7:;' . ^^^^ ^-'i"^. together
the nd,culous fashions of civilized socilhL//^ ^'"barrassments which
-eto the wilderness for a while, as t^eT 'e Lh JuJX'"'^ "'^' '^^ '^^
1 nave for a lone- timp h«o« «<• • • »i-"ooi ot the arts.
afforded models e.^^ '^1^^^^ G^ ^"'^^'"^^^ «* ^^ ^-'y
to the marble such inimitable gmce and k ?'"" ''"'P'°" transferred
confirmed in this opinion, since I have im^ T^' '"^ ^ ^"^ »°^ '"ore
sands and tens oMhouIands of t^e "^ S' 7\''' r "^^ "''^^^ "^ ^'^--
I'ves are lives of chf .airy, and whose dai v f. ? "J""''''' ''^^'' ^^ole
-ght vie with those of tl. Grecia^. youth ' in u!: T"' vt "^'^'^ "'"^^'
Olympian games. ^ ^ '" "'^ beautiful rivalry of the
No man's imagination, with all the -lirU nf i • •
to It, can 3ver picture the beauty ai d w Idnel 'j"'?^'"" ''^^^ -» be given
Witnessed m this romantic country of h"nT J /"'' '^^' ""^y ^e daily
w-thout a care to wrinkle, or a feaT ;o distu b th M. " ^""'"' y^"^''^'
and enjoyment that beams upon the r fac " ,f f "'^'''''''' ^^ P'^^^"'-^
With tiieir horses' tails, floating h^^ the 1^7 .'• ?^ ^''"'^ '^^'^ "'"»''"^
carpeted prairie, and d;aling de'at wit .ref; "''" ^^^^^ ^^ %-& over" thf
. infuriated buffaloes; or thefr sple lid '„ ^ "^^ ^"^ "--^o a band of
•n all their gorgeous colours and t app nT'"" •" ' "'"P^^^^^' ^"^y^d
grace and manly beauty, added to that Sdr""^ T'"' ""'"' ^^'l"'^'"'^
h.s front, who acknowledges no sunerinr . u *"" ^'^''^'^ '"'"» carries on
laws except the laws of o'od and iCu, '"''' '"' "'^'^ '^ ^^-^^le to no
in addition to the knowlede-e nf 1.. '
, hope to ac,uire by this toi ofne d exZsi"'""/"' "'' "^ ^«' ""-•'» ^
•n view, which, if it nhould not be of eauti ""^"''»''"^' ' ''-e another
1 Of equal service to me, will be of no less
¥ ■
16
interest and value to posterity. I have, for many years past, contemplated
the noble races of red men who are now spread over these trackless forests
and boundless prairies, melting away at the approach of civilization. Their
rights invaded, their morals corrupted, their lands wrested from them, their
customs changed, and therefore lost to the world ; and they at last sunk
into the earth, and the ploughshare turning the sod over their graves,
and I have flown to their rescue— not of their lives or of their race (for they
are " doomed" and must perish), but to the rescue of their looks and their
modes, at which the acquisitive world may hurl their poison and every
besom of destruction, and trample them down and crush them to deatli ;
yet, phoenix-like, they may rise from the "stain on a painter's palette," and
live again upon canvass, and stand forth for centuiies yet to come, the
living monuments of a noble race. For this purpose, I have designed to
visit every tribe of Indians on the Continent, if my life should be spared ;
for the purpose of procuring portraits of distinguished Indians, of both sexes
in each tribe, painted in their native costume ; accompanied with pictures of
their villages, domestic habits, games, mysteries, religious ceremonies, &c.
with anecdotes, traditions, and history of their reipective nations.
If I should live to accomplish my design, the result of my labours will
doubtless be interesting to future ages ; who will have little else left from
which to judge of the original inhabitants of this simple race of beings, who
require but a few years more of the march of civilization and death, to de-
prive them of all their native customs and character. I have been kindly
supplied by the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Secretary of War,
with letters to the commander of every military post, and every Indian agent
on the Western Frontier, with instructions to render me all the facilities in
their power, which will be of great service to me in so arduous an under-
taking. The opportunity afforded me by familiarity with so many trUies of
human beings in the simplicity of nature, devoid of the deformities of art ;
of drawing fair conclusions in the interesting sciences of physiognomy and
phrenology ; of manners and customs, rites, ceremonies, &c. ; and the op-
portunity of examining the geology and mineralogy of this western, and yet
unexplored country, will enable me occasionally to entertain you with much
new and interesting information, which I shall take equal pleasure in com-
municating by an occasional Letter in my clumsy way.
i ! i
17
IJ:TTE11— iNo. 3.
MOUTH OF YELLOW STONE. UPPER MISSOURI.
SivcE the date of my former Letter, I have been so much engaged in the
amusements of the country, and the use of my brush, that I have sca^e v
been able to drop you a line until the present moment. '"^
Before Met you into the amusements and customs of this defehtfnl
country however (and wh.ch. as yet. are secrets to most of the wtSd
must hasfly travel with you over the tedious journey of 2000 mires from
St. Lou,s to th.s place ; over which distance one is obliged to p^Lefor"
he can reach this wild and lovely spot. ^ '
The Missouri is, perhaps, different in appearance and character from all
ln.nT IT'''''' muddy waters from the Mississippi. From the
mouth of the Yellow Stone River, which is the place from whence I aTno w
-.t.ng. to .ts junction with the Mississippi, a distance of 2000 m les I
rent, and m the whole distance there is scarcely an eddy or restinornhce
for a canoe. Owing to the continual falling in of its rich alluvial bailks i
water ,s always turbid and opaque ; having, at all seasons of the ^r t
colour of a cup of chocolate or coffee, with sugar and cream stirred Tnto
To give a better definition of its density and opacity. I have tried a numbe;
esuts of which I was exceedingly surprised. By placing a piece of silver
nd afterwards a piece of shell, which is a much whiter' substance) a
t mbler of its water, and looking through the side of the glass, I asce u ned
s how "'^'""^ r"" "'' '' ''''' ^•»-S'> tl- -=^hU, part of an i ci
Ter ZT'' '!,'" ''^' 'P™'° '^ ^'"^ y^^--'^^''- t''^° '•r^^-t is upon r ;
ver rendering the water undoubtedly, much more turbid than it m'o uld b
event t 1 "" ''"'^ ""^"n't""" colour, a stranger would think
even ,„ ts lowest state, that there was a freshet upon it. '
(and in ''1'' °' .'''' '""^^ ''''''' ^'- 1'°"'^' ^''^ «''ores of this river
aft f;^^ ""T /""""' "'" ''^'^' ^^^ '^'^' ^t^^^-") ^^^ filled with sna's nd
raft fornied of trees of the largest size, which hav been undermined by te
!i!
W
falling banks and cast into the stream ; their roots becoming fastened in the
bottom of the river, with their tops floating on the surface of the water, and
pointing down the stream, forming the most frightful and discouraging pro-
spect for the adventurous voyageur. (See plate 4.)
Almost every island and sand-bar is covered with huge piles of these
floating trees, and when the river is flooded, its surface is almost literally
covered with floating raft and drift wood which bid positive defiance to
keel-boats and steamers, on their way up the river.
With what propriety this " Hell of waters" might be denominated the
" River Styx," I will not undertake to decide ; but nothing could be more
appropriate or innocent than to call it the River of Sticks.
The scene is not, however, all so dreary ; there is a redeeming beauty in
the green and carpeted shores, which hem in this huge and terrible deformity
of waters. There is much of the way though, where the mighty forests of
stately cotton wood stand, and frown in horrid dark and coolness over the
filthy abyss below ; into which they are ready to plunge headlong, when the
mud and soil in which they were germed and reared hare been washed out
from underneath them, and with the rolling current are mixed, and on
their way to the ocean.
The greater part of the shores of this river, however, are without timber,
where the eye is delightfully relieved by wandering over the beautiful prairies ;
most of the way gracefully sloping down to the water's edge, carpeted with
the deepest green, and, in distance, softening into velvet of the richest hues,
entirely beyond the reach of the artist's pencil. Such is the character of the
upper part of the river especially ; and as one advances towards its source,
and through its upper half, it becomes more pleasing to the eye, for snags
and raft are no longer to be seen ; yet the current holds its stiff and onwi\rd
turbid character.
It has been, heretofore, very erroneously represented to the world, that the
scenery on this river was monotonous, and wanting in picturesque beauty.
This intelligence is surely incorrect, and that because it has been brought
perhaps, by men who are not the best judges in the world, of Nature's
beautiful works ; and if they were, they always pass them by, in pain or
desperate distress, in toil and trembling fear for the safety of their furs and
peltries, or for their lives, which are at the mercy of the^elling savages who
inhabit this delightful country.
One thousand miles or more of the upper part of the river, was, to my
eye, like fairy-land ; and during our transit through that part of our voyage,
I was most of the time rivetted to the deck of the boat, indulging my eyes
in the boundless and tireless pleasure of roaming over the thousand hills,
and bluffs, and dales, and ravines ; where the astonished herds of buffaloes,
of elks, and antelopes, and sneaking wolves, and mountain-goats, were to be
seen bounding up and down and over the green fields ; e?ch one and each
tribe, band, and gang, taking their own way, and using their own means to
tened in the
B water, and
uraging pro-
les of these
lost literally
defiance to
minated the
uld be more
tig beauty in
le deformity
ty forests of
Bss over the
g, when the
washed out
led, and on
hout timber,
ifiil prairies ;
arpeted with
richest hues,
racter of the
s its source,
^e, for snags
and onwi\rd
irld, that the
que beauty,
sen brought
of Nature's
, in pain or
leir furs and
savages who
, was, to my
our voyage,
ng my eyes
usand hills,
Df buffaloes,
, were to be
ne and each
vn means to
19
the greatest advantage possible, to leave th. • u
of our boat ; which was fnr tu ^ ^"* "8'>' a»d sound nf .u
one continued prairie ; with ,1,, . ™'»ouri, a distance of 26l)n »i .
along the bank of the ri", a„d .heT°" °' " '^ "' ^^'V^Lf' "<
.red feet abovelS lov^fTn^rirrV' '--»■»"- h™
Picturesque and beautiful shapes alcoTur' '° "' ^'°"^^« «» the mo"
green Sides gracefully slope down in the 1,? TT"''^'-''^^ -''h theL
edge (PLATE 5) ; whilst others, divested oHh'''^ ^""""P^ '^ '^^ vvater^
in immense masses of clav nf ' ""^^^^ed of their verdure, present tl,. 7
carrying them into the river. ^'"'' ^^ ^^^^'"g down their sides a^d
Amongst these groups mav h.
appearance, before C'^ZtJ^:} t'^' ^'^"^' '^^ '-: ', t^^J
•uins-ramparts, terraces, domes towirT/?'''"* ^"^ ''^"ndless c yb
cupolas, and magnificent porticoes Tndlr '1' f^ ^^^^^les may be set'^
crumblmg pedestal, and even sp Ss 'f ^ ^•V'^'^^ " ^^''tary column a'nd
'ng m distance, as the sHn',, '^ ^^^ "^^'^^ stand alone-a„H i .
«)• Over and thwjfc these '''°tV *"'' ""' "« «>'"-o<l (PC
" IS amidst thesp wiu j .
««*andin, anteCp^ "^^"^ t^' ™""?'»-^-P. »- "^
herds, secure from their enemies,
P
!|J
ill'
' J
in,, I
20
to whom the sides and slopes of these bluffs (around which they fearletsly
bound) are nearly inaccessible.
The grizzly bear also has chosen these places for his abode ; he sullenly
sneaks through the gulphs and chasms, and ravines, and frowns away the
lurking Indian ; whilst the mountain-sheep and antelope are boundmg over
and around the hill tops, safe and free from harm of man and beast.
Such is a hasty sketch of the river scenes and scenery for 2000 miles,
over which we tugged, and puffed, and blowed, and toiled for three months,
before we reached this place. Since we arrived here, the steamer has re-
turned and left me here to explore the country and visit the tribes in this
vicinity, and then descend the river from this place to St. Louis ; which
Tour, if I live through it, will furnish material for many a story and curious
incident, which I may give you in detail in future epistles, and when I have
more leisure than I have at the present moment. I will then undertake to
tell how we astonished the natives, in many an instance, which I can m
this Letter but just hint at and say adieu. If anything did ever literally and
completely " astonish (and astound) the natives," it was the appearance of
our steamer, puffing and blowing, and paddling and rushing by their villages
which were on the banks of the river.
These poor and ignorant people for the distance of 2000 miles, had never
before seen or heard of a steam-boat, and in some places they seemed at a
loss to know what to do, or how to act ; they could not, as the Dutch did at
Newburgh, on the Hudson River, take it to be a "floating saw-mill "—and
they had no namfe for it— so it was, like every thing else (with them), which is
mysterious and unaccountable, called medicine (mystery). We had on board
one twelve-pound cannon and three or four eight-pound swivels, which we
were taking up to arm the Fur Company's Fort at the mouth of Yellow Stone,
and at the approach to every village they were all discharged several times
in rapid succession, which threw the inhabitants into utter confusion and
amazement— some of them laid their faces to the ground, and cried to the
Great Spirit— some shot their horses and dogs, and sacrificed them to appease
the Great Spirit, whom they conceived was offended— some deserted their
villages and ran to the tops of the bluffs some miles distant ; and others, in
some places, as the boat landed in front of their villages, came with great
caution, and peeped over the bank of the river to see the fate of their chiefs,
whose duty it was (from the nature of their office) to approach us, whether
friends or foes, and to go on board. Sometimes, in this plight, they were in-
stantly thrown'neck and heels' over each other's heads and shoulders— men,
women and children, and dog*— sage, sachem, old and young— all in amass,
at the frightful discharge of the steam from the escape-pipe, which the cap-
tain of the boat let loose upon them for his own fun and amusement.
There were many curious conjectures amongst their wise men, with regard
to the nature and powers of the steam-boat. Amongst the Mandans, some
called it the " big thunder canoe ;" for when in distance below the village,
% .
^
-^■•^'■-ei^r^SS;
:^'^^ c.i}>.
•/
4^:"^^
I^C^
^>»X)
'mi
'r:.
"l„ -.■■>^7Nv:^:.
'•^■■■.■■■;/^.-.::
Vv
.' .''-
^s:-:S,^>^::t
:ps^:
I'rl
V V "
(
iV
._<_- ^£>-
they
it;
(tnysi
said I
tiled
Til
and V
I ma;
ciirioi
many
TIk
occup
the r
Fur {
liand I
concei
a I'resh
Tbe
near tl
mates
Mr.
to havi
tills to
inside
and hi
about
He I
Pierre '
welcom
buffalo
sans br
and go(
set In a
At tl
forms i
poilshec
I arrive(
The g
Hamilto
seems tc
and wh(
country
bring th(
and the
21
they Baw the lightning flash from \u Bides, and heard the thunder come from
It; others called it the " big medicine canoe with eyes :" it was «,.d.vZ
(mystery) because they could not understand it ; and it must have eves for
t'hl cSer' '''* ''' °*" '''^' ''"^ ''''"' "'" '^''P ***" '" '^^ '"''•'"'« «<"
They had no idea of the boat being steered by the man at the wheel
and we 1 they might have been astonished at its taking the deepest water'
I may (if I do not forget it) hereafter give you an account of some other
curious incidents of this kind, which we met with in this voyage ; for we met
many, and some of them were really laughable.
The Fort in which I am residing was built by Mr. M'Kenzie, who now
occupies It. It IS the largest and best-built establishment of the kind on
the river, being the great or principal head-quarters and dep6t of the
Fur Company's business in this region. A vast stock of goods is kept on
hand at this place ; and at certain times of the year the numerous out-posts
concentrate here with the returns of their season's trade, and refit out with
a iresh supply of goods to trade with the Indians.
The site for the Fort is well selected, being a beautiful prairie on the bank
near the junction of the Missouri with the Yellow Stone rivers; and its in-
mates and its stores well protected from Indian assaults.
Mr. M'Kenzie is a kind-hearted and high-minded Scotchman ; and seems
to have charge of all the Fur Companies' business in this region, and from
this to the Rocky Mountains. He lives in good and comfortable style,
inside of the Fort, which contains some eight or ten log-houses and stores
and has generally forty or fifty men, and one hundred and fifty horses
about him. •'
He has, with the same spirit of liberality and politeness with which Mons
Pierre Chouteau treated me on my passage up the river, pronounced me
wekome at his table, which groans under the luxuries of the country • with
buffalo meat and tongues, with beavers' tails and marrow-fat ; but sans coffee
sans bread and butter. Good cheer and good living we get at it however'
and good wine also ; for a bottle of Madeira and one of excellent Port are
set in a pail of ice every day, and exhausted at dinner.
At the hospitable board of this gentleman I found also another, who
forms a happy companion for mine host; and whose intellectual and
polished society has added not a little to my pleasure and amusement since
1 arrived here.
The gentleman of whom I am speaking is an Englishman, by the name of
Hamilton of the most pleasing and entertaining conversation, whose mind
seems to be a complete store-house of ancient and modern literature and art-
and whose free and familiar acquaintance with the manners and men of his
country gives him the stamp of a gentleman, who has hud the curiosity to
bring the embellishments of the enlightened world, to contrast with the rude
and the wild of these remote regions.
92
We three bons vivants form the group ubout the dinner-table, of whicli I
have before spoken, and crack our jokes and fun over the bottles of Port
and Madeira, which I have named : and a considerable part of which, this
gentleman has brought with great and precious care from his own country.
This post is the general rendezvous of a great number of Indian uibes iii
these regions, who are continually concentrating hero for the purpose of
trade ; sometimes coming, the whole tribe together, in a mass. There are
now here, and encamped about the Fort, a great many, and I am continually
ut work with my brush ; we have around us at this time the Knisteneaux,
Crows, Assinneboins and Blackfeet, and in a few days are to have large
accessions.
The finest specimens of Indians on the Continent are in these regions ; and
bi^fore I leave these parts, I shall make excursions into their respective coun-
tries, to their own native fire-sides ; and there study their looks and peculiar
customs; enabling me to drop you now and then an interesting Letter.
The tribes which I shall be enabled to see and study by my visit to this
region, are the Ojibbeways, the Assinneboins, Knisteneaux, Blackfett, Crows,
Siiiennes, Grosventres, Mandans, and others ; of whom and their customs,
their history, traditions, costumes, &c., 1 shall in due season, give you
further and minute accouats.
i
23
letter-No. 4.
MOUTH OF YELLOW STONE.
lookin,. best equipped, and n.ost V if^ ^ le"; f"'''"'^ *'^ '^"^^^
tment. They live in a country well-stocked wi^h. ^1 ""^ °" '^^ ^°"-
which furnish then, an exceliLt nreasHi'^^'f '^'"f ""''-"'1 Worses,
which produces good health and lonr^ ' „,' »K t''^""' '■" ^'"''
pendent and the happiest .aces of Indians' IhavnL'itli t^"^ '"'^;
entirely in a state of primitive wildness and rl 7 ' ^''''^ '"'^ »"
and handsome, almost' beyond desc i^S^n n: Lrr^^ rr'^'''
kmd. can possibly surpass in beauty S„d erace ?'l r u""'^"^' °'" "'
^ments-their gambols aud pa Jdes. of^^irHl^ tZnTp^
found most entirely in a state of na ure wih. ^ /"''""' ^''^ ^""''^ ^e
society, would be found tt be th" mos't cIo. " 'I '"°"''''^^ "^ ^'^"'^^^
their dress and manners, and nio^.W ife t'^h" ^^ P"""^' ^'^»«"^ '"
s..ch tribes, perhaps the 6rows ani B ck^et and' IT'' S"'"''""- ^^
be able to appreciate the richness and p p!1 ? f' and no one would
whichsome of these people dreTswrhoulfi'"'' •'''" '^''' '«°)' -''''
1 will do all I can. however to 1^*. fT *''"" '" '^''" °^^" <=°"»try.
to the world: I wilS^th 1 >"'.''! ''^'''^' ^"^^°™« ''"«wn
bring their plimes I'pluLg d7sse;"weao"o 'T'' f' "^^ P^"' -^^
- Indian himseMoU^^^^dZ-^^;:^^^^^^^
kn&i!!^: ::;r r iiiTs^r ^rn °^?^ p-'^'^) ^ «
deems worthy of his exertions ar. 11 .t ' ""'^ ^'^'"^^ ^^''^ ^^
and quiver slung, his Irrow shiel 1 . r " '""'""^ ''''^' ^'^»^ '>'"^ bow
in Ihl war-parad;or dieted ofrrn T' '"'^ ''"^ '°"^ '^"'^^ ^"^'^-S
a simple bow and iui ;r ^0 lit , ". 'h "" "'' *"PP'"^^' ^^^^ with
buffuL. and with' rs'nrwytfw^^^^^^^^^^^ !l^^ «^'"= '^^''^ "'•
deep to life's fountain the Z ing a^r f '' "'''''" '^^"'^^ '" -'»' ^° ^rive
h
'V I
24
Tlie buffalo herds, which graze in almost countless numbers on these
beautiful prairies, afford them an abundance of meat ; and so much is it
preferred to all other, that the deer, the elk, and the antelope sport upon
the prairies in herds in the greatest security ; as the Indians seldom kill
them, unless they want their skins for a dress. The buffalo (or more correctly
speaking bison) is a noble animal, that roams over *he vast praines, from
the borders of Mexico on the south, to Hudson's Bay on the north. Tlie.r
size is somewhat above that of our common bullock, and their flesh of a
delicious flavour, resembling and equalling that of fat beef. Their flesh
which is easily procured, furnishes the savages of these vast regions tlie
means of a wholesome and good subsistence, and they live almost exclusively
upon it— converting the skins, horns, hoofs and bones, to the construction
of dresses, shields, bows, &c. The buffalo bull is one of the most formidable
and fri<^htful looking animals in the world when excited to resistance ; his
Ion- sh°ag<^y mane hangs in great profusion over his neck and shoulders,
and" often extends quite down to the ground (i'Late 7). The cow is less
in stature, and less ferocious ; though not much less wild and frightful
in her appearance (plate 8). . ■ j i i i
The mode in which these Indians kill this noble animal is spirited and tliril-
ling in the extreme ; and I must in a future epistle, give you a minute account
of it. I have almost daily accompanied parties of Indians to see the fun, and
have often shared in it myself; but much oftener ran my horse by their sides,
to see how the thing was done— to study the modes and expressions of these
splendid scenes, which I am industriously putting upon the canvass.
They are all (or nearly so) killed with arrows and the lance, while at full
speed ; and the reader may easily imagine, that these scenes afford the most
spirited and picturesque views of the sporting kind that can possibly be
S6Gn*
At present, I will give a little sketch of a bit of fun I joined in yesterday,
with Mr. M'Kenzie and a number of his men, without the company or aid
of Indians.
I mentioned the other day, that M'Kenzie's table from day to day groans
under the weight of buffalo tongues and beavers' tails, and other luxuries of
this western land. He has within his Fort a spacious ice-house, in which he
preserves his meat fresh for any length of time required ; and sometimes,
when his larder runs low, he starts out, rallying some five or six of his
best hunters (not to hunt, but to " go for meat"). He leads the party,
mounted on his favourite buffalo horse (t. e. the horse amongst his whole
group which is best trained to run the buffalo), trailing a light and short
gun in his hand, such an one as he can most easily reload whilst his horse
is at full speed.
Such was the condition of the ice-house yesterday morning, which caused
these self-catering ge^itlemen to cast their eyes with a wishful look over the
prairies; and such was the plight in which our host took the lead, and 1,
:rs on tiiesc
3 much is it
5 sport upon
seldom kill
ore correctly
rairies, from
orth. Their
ir flesh of a
Their flesh
regions the
t exclusively
construction
(t formidable
iistance ; his
d shoulders^
e cow is less
md frightful
ted and tliril-
nute account
(the fun, and
ly their sides,
sions of these
vass.
while at full
ibrd tiie most
possibly be
P
^
in yesterday,
npauy or aid
;o day groans
er luxuries of
I, in which he
d sometimes,
or six of his
ds the party,
igst his whole
jht and short
lilst his horse
which causfiil
look over the
} lead, and 1,
8
\ ■ i i
M^
25
or five of his ^en, and tZtCt ZlTL T'f ""^'^ "P -">« f°-
many o„e-hor«e carts, which Cwa^^ou'r^^ our trail, with as
meat ; « ferry them across the river iaie scow " " M T^' '° ''"""^ ^^"'"^ ^^e
tra>l through the bottom you wiU ZT ' u ? ^''' " ^"'^ <'°"o^i"& our
Yellow Stone and the Mi'sLu, Lr wilh^m at' ''^'" f"'^^' ''^*--» ^'^^
My watch on yonder bluff' has iu t toldl h . '"°T'' '° '°^^ y°" •^^'"e.
a plenty on that spot, and we are It " , ^ ' T'^"' '^'' '^''' ^'' ^^"'^
crossed the river.\nd ^67 awTv^ ' T ''? '' P^^^"''^'" ^e all
mounted the bluff"; and fo Ke If '°"f''.'^ '"''^^ °^ ««' ^^en we
a fine herd of some four Z fi e huldred'buff f' '"" T^ '" '"" ^'^ ^^ -
t eir own estimation (probably ;:Slye^te"' 's"^^^ ^^^^' ^"^ '"
others were lying down and sleepinr 1 Id ! '. """^ ^^"^'"«' ^"^
them in full view, and came to a ft'' Mons crS "!"" ' ""'^ '' '' ''
(acustomalwaysobseryed.totry r oul ofS ; ^T^ '^'^ ^^^*'^^^"
"stripping" as it is termed (i. /"'"-! "J^' - ""^ commenced
every extraneous and unnec ssa y anln . ?? '^'"^'"''^ ^"'^ '''^ ^^^^^^ of
incumbrance in running) : hat' IreTudo;'' ',''"''' **^- ^'"^ '"''^^^ ^ean
sleeves are rolled up, a hanLTl, "f . '. '"^'°'*'-""'^ bullet pouches;
another around the wlist-cS^^^^ "''' ^'^^^ --"«d the head, and
coat pocket, or a half doze" bdlets^tr^T' '"^ P'^^^'' '" »''« ^-^t'
all of which takes up some te„ o! fif ""^ '"'° ''^^ •"°"''^'" &<=•' &e..
or in eff-ect, unlike abound of war OurL"?'' ." ' '^ '"^' '" ^PP^^^"-
chase, and preliminaries all fixe! gun^ aS a 7 " "'' ''''' °'^'^^
we mount and start for the onset tZ i , ™'"™''' '" «"•• ^^nds,
ness. and seem to enter nto i " hh asm T'" ,'"■'" '^""^^ *'<''■ '^'^' ^'^^-
a spirit as the riders themsX s WhTl ! ?""".'"' ^"^ "'"> ^^ ^^^'-^
exhibit the mostrestlessl "nee a d il T' '"? '"°""^'"°^' '''^^
all of us abreast, upon a slow walk .'h '^PP-'oaching "-(which is,
until they discover'us an ru„7 h'evall ' '''""'' ""' '"""^'^ ^''^ '-«>•
spintofthechase,forth a Itt^^^ '^^^^ ^^^''^ entirely the
city in his step-champinVh b t r "^'' "'"" P'"^"'^^^ ^'"^ ^» ^'^sti.
his head, andLd upoTL ™~^^^^^ ^^^ ^^--^ 0"t of
saddle of his rider. ^„ .'t';' If'^'T; "^''f ''^ ^^-'''- under the
within some forty or fifty roUwhl t "f i' T^ "'"^^'^ ""^'^^'^' ""^''
laid their course in a ma^ At' tit " ''"' '^"*'^°^«""^^ "«> wheeled ar.d
for no one could che k he fur ^^^t ."^^ T ''"^ ' ^"^'^ ^" '"'"^ ^^-^'
ment.) and away all sailed .,7n '"'' ^^ *'"'^ '"^'"e"' of excite-
wasrisedbytlLfL::^^^^^^^^
on,i„ — J., . .„ I. «"oors. M Kenzie was foremost in the throno-
i7"f-~v^^--w=S
fattest and
VOL. I.
the fastest I h,d ^ ' "'"'"'^^ ^'^^ ^ft^"- the
•istest. I had -scovered a huge bull whose shoulder.
26
i;
[l-»
towered above the whole band, and I picked my way through the crowd to
get alongside of him. I went not for " meat," but for a trophy ; I wanted his
head and horns. I dashed along through the tlmndeiing mass, as they swept
away over the plain, scarcely able to tell whether I was on a buffalo's back or
my horse — liit, and hooked, and jostled about, till at length I found myself
alongside of my game, when I gave him a shot, as I passed him. I saw
guns flash in several directions about me, but i heard them not. Amidst the
trampling throng, Mons. Chardon had wounded a stately bull, and at this
moment was passing him again with his piece levelled for another shot ;
they were both at full speed and I also, within the reach of the muzzle of my
gun, when the bull instantly turned and receiving the horse upon his horns,
and the ground received poor Chardon, who made a frog's leap of some
twenty feet or more over the bull's back (plate 9), and almost under my
horse's heels. I wheeled my horse as soon as possible and rode back, where
lay poor Chardon, gasping to start his breath again ; and within a few paces of
him his huge victim, with his heels high in the air, and tlie horse lying across
him. I dismounted instantly, but Chardon was raising himself on his hands,
with his eyes and mouth full of dirt, and feeling for his gun, which lay about
thirty feet in advance of him. " Heaven spare you ! are you hurt, Chardon ?"
•' hi — hie hie hie hie hie no,
- - -hie no no, I believe not. Oh ! this is not much, Mons.
Cataline — this is nothing new — but this is a d .d hard piece of ground
here— hie— oh ! hie ! " At this the poor fellow fainted, but in a few moments
arose, picked up his gun, took his horse by the bit; which then opened its
eyes, and with a hie and a ugh — uoiik ! sprang upon its feet — shook off
the dirt — and here we were, all upon our legs again, save the bull, whose fate
had been more sad than that of either.
I turned my eyes in the direction where the herd had gone, and our com-
panions ill pursuit, and nothing could be seen of them, nor indication, except
the cloud of dust which thoy left behind them. At a little distance on the
right, however, I beheld my huge victim endeavouring to make as much
head-way as he possiljly could, from this dangerous ground, upon three legs,
I galloped off to him, and at my approach he wheeled around — and bristled
up for battle ; he seemed to know perfectly well that he could not escape from
me, and resolved to meet his enemy and death as bravely as possible.
I found that my shot had entered him a little too far forward, breaking one
of his shoulders, and lodging in his breast, and from his very great weight
it was impossible for him to make much advance upon me. As I rode
up within a few paces of him, he would bristle up with fury enough in
hjs looks alone, almost to annihilate mc (platk 10) ; and making one lunge
at me, would fall upon his neck and nose, so that I found the sagacity of
my horse alone enough to keep me out of reach of danger : and I drew
from my pocket my sketch-book, laid my gun across my lap, and commenced
taking bis likeness. He stood stiffened up, and swelling with awful
m
V
'rJ^^^
It
10
27
vengeance, which was sublime for a picture, but which he could not veut
upon me. I rode around him and sketched him in numerous attitudes
sometimes he would lie down, and I would then sketch him ; then throw mv
cap at him, and rousing him on his legs, rally a new expression, and sketch
him again.
In tiiis way I added to my sketch-book some invaluable sketclies of this
grim-visaged monster, who knew not that he was standing for his likeness
No man on earth can imagine what is the look and expression of such a
subject before him as this was. I defy the world to produce another animal
than can look so frightful as a huge buffalo bull, when wounded as he was,
turned around for battle, and swelling with rage;-his eyes bloodshot, and
his long sliaggy mane hanging to the ground.-his mouth open, and his
horrid rage hissing in streams of smoke and blood from his mouth and
through his nostrils, as he is bending forward to spring upon his assailant
After I had had the requisite time and opportunity for using my pencil,
M'Kenzieand his companions came walking their exhausted hurses back
from the chase, and in our rear came four or five carts to carry home the
meat. The party met from all quarters around me and my buffalo bull,
whom I then shot in the head and finished. And being seated together for
a few minutes, each one took a smoke of the pipe, and recited his exploits,
and his 'coups or deaths ; when all parties had a hearty laugh at me, as
a novice, for having aimed at an old bull, whose flesh was not suitable for
food, and the carts were escorted on the trail, to bring away the meat. I
rode back With Mr. M'Kenzie, who pointed out five cows which he had
killed, and all of them selected as the fattest and slickest of the herd.
This astonishing feat was all performed within the distance of one mile-all
were ki led at full speed and every one shot through the heart. In the short
space of time required for a horse under " full whip," to run the distance of
one mile, he had discharged his gun five, and loaded it four times-selected
Im animals, and killed at every shot ! There were six or eight others killed
at the same time, which altogether furnished, as will be seen, abundance of
freigh for the carts : which returned, as well as several packhorses, loaded
w. 1 the choicest parts which were cut from the animals, 'and the remainder
of the carcasses left a prey for the wolves.
Such is the mode by which white men live in this country-such the way
-a the hazard of every bone m one's body, to feel the fine and thrilling
xhilaration of the chase for a moment, and then as often to upbraid and
blame himself for his fdly and imprudence ^
From this scene we commenced leisurely wending our way back • and
isiuounting at the place where we had stripped, each' man drJss^ himself
again, or slung his extra articles of dress, &c. across his saddle, astride o
whic he sat ; and we rode back to the Fort, reciting as we rode ad for
twenty-four hours afterwards, deeds of chivalry and ch'ase, and h rib eadS^
J
28
escapes which each and either had fought and run on former occasions
M'Kenzic, with all the true character and dignity of a leader, was silent on
these subjects ; but smiled, while those in his train were reciting for him the
astonishing and almost incredible deeds of his sinewy arms, which they had
witnessed in similar scenes ; from which I learned (as well as from my own
observations), that he was reputed (and actually wa5) the most distinguished
of all the white men who have flourished in these regions, in the pursuit and
death of the buffalo.
On our return to the Fort, a bottle or two of wine were set forth upon the
table, and around them a half dozen parched throats were soon moistened,
and good cheer ensued. Ba'tiste D^fonde, Chardon, &c., retired to their
' quarters, enlarging smoothly upon the events of our morning's work ; which
they were reciting to their wives and sweethearts ; when about this time the
e;ate of the Fort was thrown open, and the procession of carts and pack-
horses laden with buffalo meat made its entree ; gladdening the hearts of a
hundred women and children, and tickling the noses of as many hungry
dogs and puppies, who were stealing in and smelling at the tail of the pro-
cession. The door of the ice-house was thrown open, the meat was dis>
cliarged into it, and I being fatigued, went to sleep.
occasions,
as silent on
for him the
;h they had
)m my own
stinguished
pursuit and
h upon the
moistened,
!d to their
>rk; which
lis time the
and pack-
bearts of a
my hungry
jf the pro-
t was dia-
•itiin.
h **i
i: 1.
'J»
letter-No. 5.
mouth of yellow stone, upper missouri.
In my former epistle I told you there were encamped about the Fort a
host of wid, ■ncor.gruous spirits-chiefs and sachems-warrir b Ives a„d
women and ch.klren of different tribes-of Crows and Birkfeet-O Jbhe
oTtll'; "'"r'";'^""' "^"^^ "' K"'«teneaux. Among t and the mid i
s-« before me/an^l'het^; L^hTf ^ 1^;^^.^^::^
comfortab e seat whilst her muzzle is looking out at one of he po -ho e,
IVI'Z - ""^ ''■"^*^ ''' '"^"^"- "f '^^ '"ghest order to tie red
ons of the prame and my room the earliest and latest place of concentmt on
of these wdd and jealous spirits, who all meet here to be amused and paj
me signal honours; but gaze upon each other, sending then sidelong looks
of deep-rooted hatred and revenge around the group Howeve whi st in
he Fort. the,r weapons are placed within the arsLaUnd nTugh 'but lo "
and thoughts can be breathed here; but death and grim destrucUon wU
loot H f T ^'^P^" ''"'' °^^^^' «'-" '"^'^ -"d spirits Sn a
loose and free to breathe and act upon the plains
I have thw day been painting a portrait of the head chief of the Black-
foot nation ; he .s a good-looking and dignified Indian, about fifty years of
age, and superbly dressed (plate U); whilst sitting for his picture he has
been surrounded by his own braves and warriors, and also gazed at by h
enem.es, the Crows and the Knisteneaux, Assinneboins and Ojibbeways ; a
number of d.stmguished personages of each of which tribes, have laid all
day around the sides of my room; reciting to each other the battles they
have fought, and pomtmg to the scalp-locks, worn as proofs of their victories,
and attached to the seams of their shirts and leggings. This is a curious
scene to witness, when one sits in the midst of such inflammable and com-
bustible materials, brought together, unarmed, for the first time in their lives ;
peaceably and calmly recounting over the deeds of their lives, and smoking
their pipes upon it, when a few weeks or days will bring them on the plains
again, where the war-cry will be raised, and their deadly bows will again be
drawn on each other. ^
The name of this dignitary, of whom I have just spoken, is Stu-mick-o-
sucks (the buffalo's back fat), i. e. the '< hump" or •' fleece," the most
delicious part of the buffalo's flesh. I have also painted, of the Blackfeet,
^j
30
Pe-toli-pee-kUs (the eaple ribs), and Mix-ke-motP-skin-na (the iron horn),
nritl Wun-nes-tou (the white buffalo), and Tcha-aes-sa-ko-nmh-pee (the
bear's cliild), and In-ne-o-cose (the buffalo's child), and half-a-dozen others,
:iiul all ill rich and costly dresses.
There is no tribe, perhaps, on the Continent, who dress more comfortably,
and more gaudily, than the Blackfeet, unless it be the tribe of Crows,
There is no great difference, however, in the costliness or elegance of their
costumes; nor in the materials of which they are formed; though there
is a distinctive mode in each tribe, of stitching or ornamenting with the
porcupine quills, which constitute one of the principal ornaments to all
their fine dresses ; and which can be easily recognized, by any one a little
familiar with their modes, as belonging to such or such a tribe. The
dress, for instance of the cliief whom I have just mentioned, and whose
portrait I have just painted, consists of a shirt or tunic, mode of two deer
skins finely dressed, and so placed together with the necks of the skins
downwards, and the skins of the hind legs stitched together, the seams
running down on each arm, from the neck to the knuckles of the hand ;
this seam is covered with a band of two inches in width, of very beautiful
embroidery of porcupine quills, and suspended from the under edge of this,
from the shoulders to the hands, is a fringe of the locks of black hair, which
he has taken from the heads of victims slain by his own hand in battle.
The leggings are made also of the same material ; and down the outer side
of the leg, from the hip to the feet, extends also a similar band or belt of
the same width ; and wrought in the same manner, with porcupine quills,
and fringed with scalp locks. These locks of hair are procured from scalps,
and worn as trophies.
The wife (or squaw) of this dignitary Eeh-nis-kin (the crystal stone), 1
have also placed upon my canvass (plate 13); her countenance is rather
pleasing, which is an uncommon thing amongst the Blackfeet — her dress is
made of skins, and being the youngest of a bevy of six or eight, and the
last one taken under his guardianship, was smiled upon with great satisfac-
tion, whilst he exempted her from the drudgeries of the camp ; and keeping
her continually in the halo of his own person, watched and guarded her as
the apple of his eye. The grandson also of this sachem, a boy of six years
of age, and too young as yet to have acquired a name, has stood forth like
a tried warrior; and I have painted him at full length (plate 12), with his
bow and quiver slung, and his robe made of a racoon skin. The history of
this child is somewhat curious and interesting ; his father is dead, and in
case of the death of the chief, of whom I have spoken, he becomes hereditary
chief of the tribe. This boy has been twice stolen away by the Crows by
ingenious stratagems, and twice re-captured by the Blackfeet, at consider-
able sacrifice of life, and at present he is lodged with Mr. M'Kenzie, for safe
keeping and protection, until he shall arrive at the proper age to take the
office to which he is to succeed, and able to protect himself.
31
The scalp of which I spoke above, is procured by cutting out a piece of
the skm of the head, the size of the palm of the hand or iess. cor.-
tainmg the very centre or crown of the head, the place where the hair
radiates from a point, and exactly over what the phrenologists call self-
esteem. Th>s patch then is kept and dried with great care, as proof
positive of the death of an enemy, and evidence of a man's claims as a war-
rior : and after having been formally " danced," as the saying is, (i. e after it
has beeii stuck up upon a pole or held up by an " old woman," and the war-
riors have danced around it for two or three weeks at intervals ) it is
fastened to the handle of a lance, or the end of a war-club, or divided into a
great many small locks and used to fringe and ornament the victor's dress
When these dresses are seen bearing such trophies, it is of course a difficult
matter to purchase them of the Indian, for they often hold them above all
price. I shall hereafter take occasion to speak of the scalp-dance ; describing
It m all its parts, and giving a long Letter, at the same time on scalps and
scalping, an interesting and general custom amongst all the North Ameri-
can Indians.
In the chiefs dress, which I am describing, there are his moccasins, made
also of buckskin, and ornamented in a corresponding manner. And over all
his robe, made of the skin of a young buffalo bull, with the hair remaining on :'
and on the inner or flesh side, beautifully garnished with porcupine quills,
and the battles of h.s life very ingeniously, though rudely, pourtrayed in picto-
rial representations. In his hand he holds a very beautiful pipe, the
stem 0. which ,s four or five feet long, and two inches wide, curiously wound
with braids of the porcupine quills of various colours ; and the bowl of the
pipe ingeniously carved by himself from a piece of red steatite of an interest-
ing character, and which they all tell me is procured somewhere between this
place and the Falls of St. Anthony, on the head waters of the Mississippi.
Ihis curious stone has many peculiar qualities, and has, undoubtedly but
one origin in this country, and perhaps in the world. It is found but in the
hands of the savage, and every tribe, and nearly every individual in the tribe
has his pipe naade of it. I consider this stone a subject of great interest, and
curiosity to the world ; and I shall most assuredly make it a point, during- my
Indian rambles, to visit the place from whence it is brought. I have already
got a number of most remarkable traditions and stories relating to the
sacred quarry ;" of pilgrimages performed there to procure the stone, and
of curious transactions that have taken place on that ground. It seems
from all I can learn, that all the tribes in these regions, and also of the
Mississippi and the Lakes, have been in the habit of going to that place, and
meeting their enemies there, whom they are obliged to treat as friends
under an injunction of the Great Spirit.
So then is this sachem (the buffalo's back fat) dressed; and in a very
similar manner, and almost the same, is each of the others above named ;
and all are armed with bow and quiver, lance and shield. These north
32
western tribes are all armed with the bow and lance, and protected with tlie
shield or arrow fender, which is carried outside of the left arm, exactly as
the Roman and Grecian shield was carried, and for the same purpose.
There is an appearance purely classic in the plight and equipment of these
warriors and " knights of the lance." They are almost literally always on
their horses' backs, and they wield these weapons with desperate effect upon
the open plains; where they kill their game while at full speed, and contend
in like manner in battles with their enemy. There is one prevailing custom
in these respects, amongst all the tribes who inhabit the great plains or prairies
of these western regions. These plains afford them an abundance of wild and
fleet horses, which are easily procured ; and on their backs at full speed, they
can come alongside of any animai, which they easily destroy.
The bow with which they are armed is small, and apparently an insigni-
ficant weapon, though one of great and almost incredible power in the hands
of its owner, whose sinews have been from childhood habituated to its use
and service. The lengtii of these bows is generally about three feet, and
sometimes not more than two and a half (plate 18 a). They have, no
doubt, studied to get the requisite power in the smallest compass possible,
as it is more easily and handily used on horseback than one of greater
length. The greater number of these bows are made of ash, or of "bois d'arc"
(as the French call it), and lined on the back with layers of buffalo or deer's
sinews, which are inseparably attached to them, and give them great elasticity.
There are very many also (amongst the Blackfeet and the Crows) which
are made of bone, and others of the horn of the mountain-sheep. Tliose
made of bone are decidedly the most valuable, and cannot in this country
be procured of a good quality short of the price of one or two horses.
About these there is a mystery yet to be solved, and I advance my opinion
against all theories that I have heard in the country where they are used
and made. I have procured several very fine specimens, and when pur-
chasing them have inquired of the Indians, what bone they were made of?
and in every instance, the answer was, " That's medicine," meaning that it
was a mystery to them, or that they did not wish to be questioned about
them. The bone of which they are made is certainly not the bone of any
animal now grazing on the prairies, or in the mountains between this place
and the Pacific Ocean ; for some of these bows are three feet in length,
of a solid piece of bone, and that as close-grained — as hard — as white, and
as highly polished as any ivory ; it cannot, therefore be made from the elks'
horn (as some have supposed), which is of a dark colour and porous : nor
can it come from the buffalo. It is my opinion, therefore, that the Indians
on the Pacific coast procure the bone from the jaw of the sperm whale,
which is often stranded on that coast, and bringing the bone into the moun-
tains, trade it to the Blackfeet and Crows, who manufacture it into these
bows without knowing any n.ore than we do, from what source it has been
procured.
II
)|
^
i
^. C'-.lUiiK
(
trai
po\
whi
woi
bu£
arm
gusi
1
flint
as t
Moi
and
deat
upoi
are <
whic
the I
easil
Si
deatj
the a
left ;
loose
anim
heart
throu
An
bow i
arrow
and (
fourte
aii of
fendei
hardei
are ar
turnec
Thi
and u
or smi
tliose (
of bu
was K
Trojan
VOL
33
powerful weapon in L open plains ZZl . \ " ' "'"'' ''^'''''' ^^^
which these missiles are tlfrown and thfLn.u rrv'S'r^''?'^ '""^^ -'»'
wonnds, until he has rode by th^ side of a na.l' f ^ ' ^'"^"'^^^ ^y '^eir
buffaloes, and witnessed the app Int easf^^^^^^
ar.s have drawn the bow, anr^^sri ;trL\: ^I^'^ ""r^'^^
gus ,ng out their hearts' blood fro. their mou'ths a d „o^rt'"^ ''^"" "''"
•« they are now chiefly furnished bv ,h. P., r j ' *' " ""'' "«'•
Monnt.i„,(pi„,i8 d) The „!1., i , "■' '>"'""' 'he Rocky
and „ade o^f .he V^i^ 0^7^:^:: -f«™ly car™d on ,he back!
deadly weapons, and generally conuins' ^vH " ^hrofeTb ,"'"°
upon an enemy ffenprallv nnio,.^ i i '"y"'^^' J ne one to be drawn
a., designed .0 tannifhladeTn !h;° ", , '""''' ""'"' °' '""■'»• ">''">•
which .hey are bu. slilh.J, 1 '? !h f "' ""' '^"'^ '» ""rawn, in
.he blade i.>yt:'^T/z;:ti:!7r:Tr''' "-"Y" ''••"■ ""'
easily be draw/fron, .b, "onnltdl'lf f! t:::* ■ '"«' '• ""y
.r„d 2-=- :Lp,:".r etr ^h:t:":= -• - -
i^^nrrr:;eiir^^^^^^
l».e npon i., necHr ^ t , * "Sn^ 1^ "";""'"" '' ""^'"'^
animal, when the arrow i. fhr """ "'""n three or four pace, of the
heartland instnerioltroer w^e r aTro ^^^^'"'^ ^/^^
through the animal's body °"' P^''^' ""'"^'^'y
bowi';ttntrnrhisT::^r ^ 'n-^r t"-^^^--^ ''°-' ^^^^^ '^'^
arrows, of which he can thZ if "^ "" " ' ''"'""'"^" '" '""''^^'J
and dangerous enem? M.nv lf7 '' '7"'^'" ' '"'""^^' '^ ' ^°™'dabie
fourteen feet in length (p^r/ 18 r",' " u V''^ ' ''^"^^ °^ *^^*^'- -•
all of them (as a pro ecUo„ for I •^' "^ , ' ^''^' '' P°"^'^^^ ^'^^' ' "-'
fendermadeoftLskTno ll.«^^^^^ ' ''^'''^ "' '"""''-
..araened with tttri:::: S:':,:et ^c LVnr c^^^^
are arrow-proof, and will p-ianrn nff o a '>*'^'*ie 18). These shields
.anted obh^uei;, whict'ti^;: l^^Z. ""' ''*" '*" ^^ ^-^•
J::ed':r.,:::r":;;rLirr' ™'' -' ""''- "'"*'"■
er snrall shield in the Uoman „d G ia Ta/arrr Th' ""' ''" 'Y"
wasK'ao':ti;H:s7„::f:r.r:t'"- 't- "" "^'"«'- «"'■'•
Trojan wars 1„ .h,,.; I "°"'"" ''""" "l^ ">« G'eek and
VOL. r '' "'"° """ """^ »' J»"li»» ami lances; .he
34
same were also used by the Ancient Britons ; and such exactly are now in
use amongst the Arabs and the North American Indians.
In this wise then, are all of these wild red knights of the prairie, armed
and equipped,— and while nothing can possibly be more picturesque and
thrilling than a troop or war-party of these fellows, galloping over these green
and endless prairies ; there can be no set of mounted men of equal numbers,
so effective and so invincible in this country as they would be, could they
be inspired with confidence of their own powers and their own superiority ;
yet this never can be done ;— for the Indian, as far as the name of white man
has travelled, and long before he has to try his strength with him, is
trembling with fright and fear of his approach ; he hears of white man's
arts and artifice— his tricks and cunning, and his hundred instruments of
death and destruction— he dreads his approach, shrinks from him with fear
and trembling— his heart sickens, and his pride and courage wither, at the
thoughts of contending with an enemy, whom he thinks may war and
destroy with weapons of medicine or mystery.
Of the Blackfeet, whom I mentioned in the beginning of this Letter, and
whose portraits are now standing in my room, there is another of whom I
must say a few words; Pe-toh-pee-kiss, the eagle ribs (plate 14). This man
is one of the extraordinary men of the Blackfoot tribe ; though not a chief, he
stands here in the Fort, and deliberately boasts of eight scalps, which he says he
has taken from the heads of trappers and traders with his own hand. His dress
is really superb, almost literally covered with scalp-locks, of savage and civil.
I have painted him at full length, with a head-dress made entirely of
ermine skins and horns of the buffalo. This custom of wearing horns
beautifully polished and surmounting the head-dress, is a very curious one,
being worn only by the bravest of the brave ; by the most extraordinary men
in the nation. Of their importance and meaning, I shall say more in a future
epistle. When he stood for his picture, he also held a lance and two
"medicine-bags" in his hand; of lances i have spoken, —but " medicine-
bags" and " medicine" will be the text for my next Letter.
Besides the chiefs and warriors above-named, 1 have also transferred to
my canvass the "looks and very resemblance" of an aged chief, who
combines with his high office, the envied title of mystery or medicine-man,
I. c. doctor— magician— prophet— soothsayer— jongleur— and high priest,
all combined in one person, who necessarily is looked upon as " Sir Oracle"
of the nation. The name of this distinguished functionary is Wun-nes-tou,
the white buffalo (plate 15) ; and on his left arm he presents his mystery-
drum or tarnbour, in which are concealed the hidden and sacred mysteries
of his healing art.
And tl-.ere is also In-ne-o-cose, the iron-horn (plate 16), at full length,
ip a splendid dress, with his "medicine-bag" in his hand ; and Ah-kay-ee-
•pix-en, the woman who strikes many (plate 17), in a beautiful dress of the
mountain-goals' skin, and lier roby of the young buffalo's hide.
Pi 4
la
w
:
t.'- Cttlli./,
1,5
;■ ! i
t
8A
I.I£TT£U-No. 6.
MOUTH OF YELLOW STONE. UPPER MISSOURI.
N,,-. for medicines or mysteries -for doctors, high-priests, for hocus
pocus, witchcraft, and animal magnetism !
In the last Letter I spoke of Pe-toh-pee-kiss (the eagle ribs), a Blackfoot
brave, whose portra.t I had just painted at full length, in a splendid dresn.
I mentioned also, that he held two medicine-bags in his hand ; as they are
represented m the picture; both of them made of the skins of otters, and
curiously ornamented with ermine, and other strange things.
I must needs stop here_my painting and every thing else, until I can
explam the word -merficine," and " medicine- bag ;•' and also some medi-
cine operations, which I have seen transacted at this place within a few days
pas . Med.cme ' is a great word in this country ; and it is very necessary
hat one should know the meaning of it. whilst he is scanning and estimating
lupersSns '''*''' ^^^'^' '' '"'''' "^' '" ^ ^'''' ^'^'''' °^ ""'^''^'"'^ ^"^
The word medicine, in its common acceptation here, means mystenj, and
nothmg elsev, and in that sense I shall use it very frequently in my Notes
on Indian Manners and Customs. ■> -^ j }
The Fur Traders in this country, are nearly all French; and in their
language a doctor or physician, is called " Medecinr The Indian coun-
try ,s full of doctors; and as they are all magicians, and skilled, or profess
o be skilled in many mysteries, the word '« medecin" has become habi-
tualy applied to every thing mysterious or unaccountable; and the English
and Americans, who are also trading and passing through this country,
have easily and familiarly adopted the same word, with a slight alteration
conveying the same meaning; and to be a little more explicit, they have
denominated these personages "medicine-men," which means something
more than merely a doctor or physician. These physicians, however, are all
,„edicine-men, as they are all supposed to deal more or less in mysteries
and charms, which are aids and handmaids in their practice. Yet il was
necessary to give the word or phrase a still more comprehensive meaning—
as there were many personages amongst them, and also amongst the
white men who visit the country, who could deal in mysteries, though
not skilled in the application of drugs and medicines; and they all range
now, under the comprehensive and accommodating phrase of " medicine-
men. For instance, J am a " medicine-man" of the highest order amongst
I i
36
tliese superstitious people, on account of the art wliich I practice ; which is
a strange an«l iinaccoimtahle thing to them, and of course, called the greatest
of " medicine." My gun and pistols, which have percussion -locks, are
great medicine ; and no Indian can be prevailed on to fire them olF, for
they say they have nothing to do with white man's medicine.
The Indians do not use the word medicine, however ; but in each tribe
they have a word of their own construction, synonimous with mystery or
mystery-man.
The " medicine-bag" then, is a mystery-bag ; and its meaning and impor-
tance necessary to be understood, as it may be said to be the key to Indian
life and Indian character. These bags are constructed of the skins of
animals, of birds, or of reptiles, and ornamented and preserved in a thousand
different ways, as suits the taste or freak of the person who constructs them.
These skins are generally attached to some part of the clothing of the Indian,
or carried in his hand — they are oftentimes decorated in such a manner as
to be exceedingly ornamental to his person, and always are stuffed with
grass, or moss, or something of the kind ; and generally without drugs or
medicines within them, as they are religiously closed and sealed, and seldom,
if ever, to be opened. 1 find that every Indian in his primitive state, carries
his medicine-bii^ in some form or other, to which he pays the greatest
homage, and to which he looks for safety and protection through life — and
in fact, it might almost be called a species of idolatry ; for it would seem in
some instances, as if he actually worshipped it. Feasts are often made, and
dogs and horses sacrificed, to a man's medicine ; and days, and even weeks,
of fasting and penance of various kinds are often sufTered, to appease his
medicine, which he imagines he has in some way offended.
This curious custom has principally been done away with along the frontier,
where white men laugh at the Indian for the observance of so ridiculous
and useless a form : but in this country it is in full force, and every male
in the tribe carries this, his supernatural charm or guardian, to which he
looks for the preservation of his life, in battle or in other danger ; at which
times it would be considered ominous of bad luck and an ill fate to be
without it.
The manner in which this curious and important article is instituted is
this : a boy, at the age of fourteen or fifteen years, is said to be making or
« forming his medicine," when he wanders away from his father's lodge, and
absents himself for the space of two or three, and sometimes even four or
five, days ; lying on the ground in some remote or secluded spot, crying to
the Great Spirit, and fasting the whole time. During this period of peril
and abstinence, when he falls asleep, the first animal, bird, or reptile, of
which he dreams (or pretends to have dreamed, perhaps), he considers the
Great Spii it has designated for his mysterious protector through life. He
then returns home to his father's lodge, and relates his success; and after
allaying his thirst, and satiating his appetite, he sallies forth with weapons
37
or traps, until lie c;,,, procure llu unimal or l.ir.l, the skin of which he
prewrves entire, and ornament* it uccordinir to hi. own fancy, ami curries
.t w,th him through life. fo. •• ...o.! luck" (an he culls it) ; .i hin strength
.1. huttU— and III death his Kuardiun Spirit, that is buried with him and
which IS to conduct him safe to the lieautiful hunting grounds which ha
contemplates in the world to come. '
The value of the medicine-buKr lu the Indian is beyond all price; for to sell
.f. or give It away, would subject him to such signal disgrace in his tribe, that
he could never rise above it ; and again, his superstition would stand in the
way of any such disposition of it, for he considers it the gift of the Great
Spirit. An Indian carries his medicine-bar, into battle, and trusts to it for
his protection ; and if he loses it thus, when fighting ever so bravely for his
country, he sutlers a disgrace scarcely less than that which oc(;uis in case he
sells or gives it away ; his enemy carries it off and displays it to his own
people as a trophy ; whilst the loser is cut short of the respect that is due to
other young men of his tribe, and for ever subjected to the degrading
epithet of " a man without medicine," or " he who has lost his medicine "
until he can replace it again ; which can only be done, by rushing into battle
and plundering one from an enemy whom he slays with his own hand.
This done, his medicine is restored, and he is reinstated again in the esti-
mation of his tribe; and even higher than before, for such is called the begt
of medicine, or " medicine honourable."
It is a singular fact, tliat a man can institute his mystery or medicine, but
once in his life ; and equally singular that he can reinstate himself by the
adoption of the medicine of his enemy ; both of which regulations are strong
and violent inducements for him to fight bravely in battle : the first, that he
may protect and preserve his medicine ; and the second, in case he has been
so unlucky as to lose it, that he may restore it, and his reputation also, while
he IS desperately contending for the protection of his community.
r .ring my travels thus far, I have been unable to buy a medicine-bag of
an Indian, although I have otlered them extravagant prices for them ; and
even on the frontier, where they have been induced to abandon the practice,
though a white man may induce an Indian to relinquish his medicine, yet
lit- cannot buy it of him— the Indian in such case will bury it, to please a
white man, and save it from his sacrilegious touch ; and he will linger around
the spot and at regular times visit it and pay it his devotions, as long as
he lives.
These curious appendages to the persons or wardrobe of an Indian
(plate 18, g), are sometimes made of the skin of an otter, a beaver, a
musk-rat, a weazel, a racoon, a polecat, a snake, a frog, a toad, a bat,' a
mouse, a mole, a hawk, an eagle, a magpie, or a sparrow :— sometimes of
the skin of an animal so large as a wolf; and at others, of the skins of the
lesser animals, so small that they are hidden under the dress, and very
difficult to be found, even if searched for.
28
Such then is the medicine-bag- — such its meaning and importance ; and
when its owner dies, it is placed in his grave and decays with his body.
In the case of the portrait of which I spoke in the beginning of this Letter,
tliere are seen two medicine-bags in the hand of Pe-toh-pee-kiss ; the one
was of his own instituting, and the other was taken from his enemy, whom
he had slain in battle ; both of these he has a right tc display and boast ot
on such an occasion. This is but the beginning or incipient stage of '* me-
dicines," however, in this strange and superstitious country ; and if you have
patience, I will carry you a few degrees further into the mysteries of conju-
ration, before 1 close this Letter. Sit still then and read, until I relate a
scene of a tragic, and yet of the most grotesque character, which took place
in this Fort a few days since, and to all of which 1 was an eye-witness.
The scene I will relate as it transpired precisely ; and call it the story ot
the " doctor," or the " Blackioot medicine-man."
Not many weeks since, a party of Knisteneaux came here from the north,
for the purpose of making their summer's trade with the Fur Company;
and, whilst here, a party of Blackfeet, their natural enemies (the same who
are here now), came from the west, also to trade. These two belligerent
tribes encamped on different sides of the Fort, and had spent some weeks
here in the Fort and about it, in apparently good feeling and fellowship ;
unable in fact to act otherwise, for, according to a regulation of the Fort
their arras and weapons were all locked up by M'Kenzie in his " arsenal,'
for the purpose of preserving the peace amongst these fighting-cocks.
The Knisteneaux had completed their trade, and loitered about the pre-
mises, until ail, both Indians and white men, were getting tired of their
company, wishing them quietly off. When they were ready to start, with
their goods packed upon their backs, their arms were given them, and they
started ; bidding everybody, both friends and foes, a hearty farewell. They
went out of the Fort, and though the party gradually moved off, one of
them undiscovered, loitered about the Fort, until he got an opportunity to
poke the muzzle of his gun through between the piquets ; when he fired it at
one of the chiefs of the Blackfeet, who stood within a few paces, talking with
Mr. M'Kenzie, and shot him with two musket bullets through the centre of
his body ! The Blackfoot fell, and rolled about upon the ground in the
agonies of death, The Blackfaet who were in the Fort seized their weapons
and ran in a mass out of the Fort, in pursuit of the Knisteneaux, who were
rapidly retreating to the bluffs. The Frenchmen in the Fort, also, at so
flagrant and cowardly an insult, seized their guns and ran out, joining the
Blackfeet in the pursuit. I, at that moment, ran to my painting-room in one
of the bastions overlooking the plain, where I had a fair view of the affair;
many shots were exchanged back and forward, and a skirmish ensued which
lasted half an hour ; the parties, however, were so far apart that little effect
was produced ; the Knisteneaux were driven off over the bluffs, having lost
one man and had several others wounded. The Blackfeet and Frenchmen
Hit',
39
retu^edinto the Fort, .r.l ,hen, 1 saw what I never before saw in my life
medicmal world, and gam much celebrity in their nation. Their first nre-
scr,pt ons are roots and herbs, of which they have a great variety of species •
and t:\^:': '^^^^ ^" ^^ ^^' ^^- ^-^ reL is to^. ...ane'Cr Jy j
Iss oiild r'.' 7' "^r °' fr »>- ^ «*-"B« and unaccou'ntab
des conjured up and constructed during a life-time of practice in the
y.Mt to his dymg pat.ent,-danang over him, shaking his frightful rattles
and smgmg songs of incantation, in hopes to cure him by a cLrm There
are son.e ms ances, of course, where the exhausted patient unacrountablv
ccoyers, under the application of these absurd forms; and in such cies
th,s mgen,ous son of Indian Esculapius will be seen for several days aft '
on the top of a w.gwam. with his right arm extended and waving over the
gapmg muiftude. to whom he is vaunting forth, without modesty, tie surpH
s^ngskU) he has acqui..d in his art, and the undoubted effiLy ofTL
medTme or mystery. But if. on the contrary, the patient dies. \e soon
changes h,s dress, and joins in doleful lamentations with the mourners • and
easdy wuh h.s craft, and the ignorance and superstition of his peop e pro
tects h.s reputation and maintains his influence over them ; by assuring
them, that U was the will of the Great Spirit that his patient should d e Ld
when sent for, his feeble efforts must cease
inst"nt7' ''" '"'? '"'^ '"''^ "" ^"'^^"'dinary means resorted to in the
nstance I am now relating Several hundred spectators, including Indians
and raders, were assembled around the dying man, when it was announced
hat the medicineman was con.ing ; we were required to " form a ring ■'
kavmg a space of some thirty or forty feet in diameter around the dymg
r"l" ; ''' d^^^"-- .-""'J perform his wonderful operations; and a
^P e was also opened to allow him free room to pass thigh the crowd
w t hout touching any one. This being done, in a few moments his arrival
wa announced by the death-hke " hush sh " through the crowd;
and nothing was to be heard, save the light and casual tinkling of uL
rattles upon h.s dress, which was scarcely perceptible to the ear, as he
^'
If..
'4
(i : V'i
40
cautiously and slowly moved through the avenue left for htm ; which at leno-tli
brought him into the lin^, in view of the pitiable object over whom his
mysteries were to be performed.
Readers ! you may have seen or read of tlie witch of Endor — or you may
imagine all the ghosts, and spirits, and furies, that ever ranked amongst
the " rank and file" of demonology ; and yet you must see my painting of
this strange scene before you can form a just conception of real frightful
ugliness and Indian conjuration — yes, and even more : you must see the
magic dress of this Indian " big bug" (which I have this day procured m all
its parts), placed upon the back of some person who can imitate the strides,
and swells, the grunts, and spring the rattles of an Indian magician.
His entree and his garb were somewhat thus : — lie approached the ring with
his body in a crouching position (plate 19), with a slow and tilting step —
his body and head wore entirely covered with the skin of a yellow bear, the
head of which (his own head being inside of it) served as a mask ; the huge
claws of which also, were dangling on his wrists and ancles ; in one hand
he shook a frightful rattle, and in the other brandished his medicine-spear or
magic wand ; to the rattling din and discord of all of which, he added the
wild and startling jumps and yelps of the Indian, and the horrid and ap-
palling grunts, and snarls, and growls of the grizzly bear, iti ejaculatory and
guttural incantations to th . Good and Bad Spirits, in behalf of his patient ;
who was rolling and groaning in the agonies of death, whilst he was dancing
around him, jumping over him, and pawing him about, and rolling him in
every direction
In this wise, this strange operation proceeded for half an hour, to the sur-
prise of a numerous and death-like silent audience, until the man died ; and
the medicine-man danced oft" to his quarters, and packed up, and tied and
secured from the sight of the world, his mystery dress and equipments.
This dress, in all its pijrts, is one of the greatest curiosities in the whole
collection of Indian manufactures which I hav^ yet obtained in the Indian
country. It is the strangest medley and mixture, perhaps of the mysteries
of the animal and vegetable kingdoms that ever was seen. Besides the skin
of the yellow bear (which being almost an anomaly in that country, is out of
the regular order of nature, and, of course, great medicine, and converted (o
.- medicine use), there are attached to it the skins of many animals, wliicli
are also anomalies or deformities, which render them, in their estimation,
medicine ; and there are also the skins of snakes, and frogs, and bats, —
beaks and toes and tails of birds,— lioofs of deer, goats, and antelopes ; and,
in fact, the " odds and ends," and fag ends, and tails, and tips of almost
everything that swims, flies, or runs, in this part of the wide world.
Such is a medicine-man or a physician, and such is one of his wild and
ridiculous manceuvres, which I have just witnessed in this strange country.
These men, as I before remarked, are \id\uc(i as dignitaries in the tribe.
and the greatest respect is paid to them by tlie whole community ; not only
fori
in n
have
and
in al
and
cond
oraci
with
the«
41
for their skill in their •« materia m«li,,= ." i *
in magic and mysteries, in S Thecal deal toT ""^"""^ '" **'^'' *««
have much more to sav of th. ! u ? V ^ ""^""y ^""^^^ ^^t^"*- I shall
and barely oZrve i'Ve presen 'r^ ?' ''^^ '""^^ '" ^"*"- ^P'«^'-.
in all tribes their L orsTe 2^^^^^^^^^^ "" "" "' "'''°"' ^'""^ '-^'^^^
and I had like to have safd t^r "' 7 "' "^g«='«"«-are sooth-sayers,
conduct all the^rel It' £T "' '''T'''^ ^^ '^'^ superintend and
oracles of the natot T ', r^^'^f'-Jl'^y <«« looked upon by all as
with the chLft-atregu larW^^^^^^^^^ ""^^ Pff-' ^'^^y ^^ a seat
the greatest deference l^li;::^!";!,^^ '^ ^^^^ ^^
ijil
42
LETTER— No. 7.
i'
l!i
MOUTH OF YELLOW STONK, UPPKR MISSOURI.
The Letter which 1 gave you yesterday, on the subject of " medicines"
and " medicine-men," has somewhat broken the " thread of my discourse ;"
and left my painting-room (in the bastion), and all the Indians in it, and
portraits, and buffalo hunts, and landscapes of these beautiful regions, to be
taken up and discussed ; which I will now endeavour to do, beginning just
where I left (or digressed) off.
I was seated on the cool breech of a twelve-pounder, and had my easel
before me, and Crows and Blackfeet, and Assinneboins, whom I was tracing
upon the canvass. And so I have been doing to-day, and shall be for seve-
ral days to come. My painting-room has become so great a lounge, and I
so great a " medicine-man," that all otiier amusements are left, and all
other topics of conversation and gossip are postponed for future considera-
tion. The chiefs have had to place " soldiers" (as tliey are called) at my
door, with spears in hand to protect me from the throng, who otherwise
would press upon me ; and none but the worthies are allowed to come into
my medicine apartments, and none to be painted, except such as are decided
by the chiefs to be worthy of so high an honour.
The Crows and Blackfeet who are here together, are enemies of the most
deadly kind while out on the plains ; but here they sit and smoke quietly
together, yet with a studied and dignified reserve.
The Blackfeet are, perhaps, one of the most (if not entirely the most)
numerous and warlike tribes on the Continent. They occupy the whole of
the country about the sources of the Missouri, from this place to the Rocky
Mountains ; and their numbers, from the best computations, are something
like forty or fifty thousand — they are (like all other tribes whose numbers
are sufficiently large to give them boldness) warlike and ferocious, i. e. they
are predatory, are roaming fearlessly about the country, even into and
through every part of the Rocky Mountains, and carrying war amongst
their enemies, who are, of course, every tribe who inhabit the country about
them.
The Crows who live on the head waters of Yellow Stone, and extend from
this neighbourhood also to the base of the Rocky Mountains, are similar in
the above respects to the Blackfeet; roaming about a great part of the year
— and seeking their enemies wherever they can find them.
They are a much smaller tribe than the Blackfeet, with whom they are
i
o
al
bi
Oi
m
to
Wf
otl
th(
(|U
wh
ex<
the
inn
fori
twe
wlii
lire
tliei
wis!
com
rang
obje
wliic
for V
buff;
their
inarr
heav;
the s
tedio
skin .
but n
cabin
UijAau
cabin
most
the Si
dress
be;^ li
in sue
agreea
1
43
The Crows have not. perhaps. uJZ:'Z^,^Z^^'^y ''^""V
oahly not more than e.^ht hundrcl warriors or fi h L ?'' "'"^ »''■"■
more powerful tribes, like the Sioux » , H I ""'J^^^'J '"'»• Amongst the
to preserve their warriors t Tfai L f . ' "'" '"^^'^ ''"^^" ^-^^^'-i
warriors; but an.on, the Crow \dM,"''"'°" ^.^^"""^ «"« '"" Ave.,
other small but warlike trib h Ifrt """' "' ^"'""'"' ""' ^-^^'^l
these I havefo.nd two or threworn "''""'■' '^^ ' '' '" ^""^ «^
'l-.ence of the continual losseVs'Lir ' '""". '" "" "'''°"= *" ^•°--
whilst pursuing the buffa oelon 1. r ""■ '"'" '" ""^' ^"^ »»-
exceedingly exposed. ^'""" '"' '^°°'^' ^'^"« '''«ir lives are
The Blackfeet and the Crows liko H,o c , . .
the same n.ode of oonstrucZ 'thli "'"^ Assinneboins, have nearly
".nde of buffalo skirewertLrTT "' '°^^'^ = in which tribes it il
form of a tent p, ^ J S'^r """ '""^'^'^'"^ '"^"^ '"^» '^^'^
twenty-five feet n St^T" 7 '"'"' '"'"'^ '' ''''''^ ?'"« 1'°'- ^^
which the smoke cscapstdL.!.?'' T "^T'' "' '''^ top, through
are taken down in a Z n hn tes bt ," "'"''' . '""" '''^''' '' '-'^^•
their location, and easirv t rnl . ^, '''"'"'' ^^''^" '^'y ^^'«'> ^^ ^''^nge
wish to encamp ad the^'^ 1. '" "'• ''"' "'" "'^ ^"""^^y -^ere thty
course of the .;„: er S ^m? [ "'"^'^ ^""^^''' "^ '^'^'>' '"- '" tli
range over these vast Jlui„ I ' """""'" ''^''^^ "^ »^"«''»'«««. as they
objects for whicluhcT^l^rr,;'^^'^'^'--'^ ""'' ^^ ^""^'>- '^"«
which are brought i„ i.^ i, '^^-'^'^'-^^ Procure and dress their skins.
for white u.uV: l^l^y. td , f 'T'' "' "'' '"^ "" ^"^"^ ^-"P-y
buffalo meat (pr.,vrK 20') w i 1 k ' ^'"'P"^'^ "^ '''"'"g ^"^ ^'y^S
their horses' bick s, in ^lijt:,^'. '""f" '"'"• '"'^ ''""^^' P^^^^ «»
...arrow-fat for the r wh ter L! ' >"•'. '^ P""'^'""' «"'' P'-'^««^^i"S- the •
heavy-timbered bo om o, Zt] '' " '"'' ''" ^•^"^^'^''^ '^^^ "P '» -">«
.he surround,„g bl ft^ w c .' k^:/,^"" 'f '"' '^^^ '"^'^'''^'' -''>'"
tedious winter ilerable a d s p^'^^ ,;'^;;'''^«' ^'^ '-^e the, long and
skin lodges amongst the timbj a^d dw li • ^ "" '"'"'''""'^ '^^^'^^ ^''^'^
but more frequently cul lo s and „ '" • '"' ^"'"'^ ^''^ ''"^''^ '"""^hs ;
cabin, in whi h the^y au, h " H f " '"^ """''"'^ ^"'^ ' '^ ^^^ °f 'og
assaults of their enen s . e .r™" "'.''-^"" P'^^^^'^^^'^ ^^^ ^h^
ca^u isa tolerable ..ri^U^d '^l^^r^^^^ ^ ^" ^^^^'* -- ^ 'og
^ e Crows, of all the tribes i>, tl ^ , T' °"s-
most beautiful lod^e A I I " ;'^'°"' °.'' °" "'« Continent, make the
the Sioux .0, and take them of 'tt'' "'"""'''' ""^ ^°"^^^"^^ ^^^^^ -
'i.e- the skins of which they are ■"""'. T'"''' = ''' ^^^^ °"^"^""-
f>e: .iully garnish thomtS ;:::.pi::'S 7 " "''^ "^ ""^"' ^"'^
in such a variety of ways as renX T ^T' '"'^ °'-"''»'"^"^ ^»'«"»
ag.eeable to the eye. I I a;e pro " "^ . "". "''^^:!'^'"'^'^ P'^turesque and
y have procu,cd a very beautiful „„, ,{ this desc, iptiou
r-'
j I
M'
:r
f i
44
(plate 20), highly-ornamented, and fringed with icalp-locks, and »u(B-
ciently large for forty m^n to dine under. The poles which support it are
about tliirty in number, of pino, and all cut in the Rocky Mountaini, having
been some hundred years, p'-rhaps, in use. This tent, when erected, is
»bout twenty-five feet high, and has a very pleasing effect; with the Great
or Good Spirit painted on one side, and the Evil Spirit on the other. If I
can ever succeed in transporting it to New York and other eastern cities, it
will be looked upon as a beautiful and exceedingly interesting specimen.
The manner in which an encampment of Indians strike their tents and
transport theii is curious, und to the traveller in this country a very novel
and unexpected sight, when he first beholds it. Whilst ascending the river
to this place, I saw an encampment of Sioux, consisting of six hundred of
these lodge?, struck, and all things packed and on the move in a very few
minutes. The chief sends his runners or criers (for such all chiefs keep in
their employment) through the village, a few hours before they are to start ;
announcing his determination to move, and the hour fixed upon, and the
necessary preparations are in the meantime making ; and at the time an-
nounced, the lodge of the chief is seen flapping in the wind, a part of the
poles having been taken out from under it ; this is the signal, and in one
minute, six hundred of them (on a level and beautiful prairie), which before
had been strained tight and fixed, were seen waving and flapping in the wind,
and in one minute more all v. (ire flat upon the ground. Their horses and
dogs, of which they had a vast nunilicr, had all been secured upon the spot,
in readiness ;' and each one was speedily loaded with the burthen allotted to
it, and ready to fall into the grand procession.
For this strange cavalcade, preparation is made in the following manner :
the poles of a lodge are divided into two bunches, and the little ends of each
bunch fastened upon the shoulders or withers of a horse, leaving the butt
ends to drag behind on the ground on either side. Just behind the horse, a
brace or pole is tied across, which keeps the poles in their respective places;
and then upon that and the poles behind the horse, is placed the lodge or
tent, which is rolled up, and also numerous other articles of household and
domestic furniture, and on the top of all, two, three, and even (sometimes)
four women and children ! Each one of these horses has a conductress,
who sometimes walks before and leads it, with a tremendous pack upon
her own back ; and at otlurs she sits astride of its back, with a child, per-
haps, at her breast, and another astride of the horse's back behind her,
clinging to her waist with one arm, while it affectionately embraces a sneak-
ing dog-pup in the other.
In this way five or six hundred wigwams, with all their furniture (plate
21), may be seen drawn out for miles, creeping over the grass-covered plains
of this country ; and three times that number of men, on good horses,
strolling along in front or on the flank ; and, in some tribes, in the rear of
this heterogeneous caravan, at least five times that number of dogs, which
;-t.
i
f.>Ar l^y'
2 2
45
is encumbered wi h a ca o fledTortC !"° '"""'"^ '° ''^ ^-'«^«d,
which he patiently ^Z^loi^J^^Z^.n '^ '.^"" '=^"^'^>' ^
furniture of the lodge to which he hi} ^ V" '''"''''°''* ^°°^« «°d
long, are placed upo'n t e dol' sltulderfn'the " '°'"' ^'""^ '''^^" ^^^
poles are attached to the horses T.l I ''"' '"""""'" «« ^'^^ 'o^ge
ground beiund hi,n ; on .v^ ^ ^ Z d a L' n'" "1? '° '^^^ "P°" ^^«
to him to carrv. and with wl crh.rn? "^""^'^'^ ^^"^^ ^^ich is allotted
squaws; faithf^ll/arrcr fuUv raJ 'i^ ■ ^^ ""°'' "' ^''' ^"'
way loitering and'occasionally ^ '^'"^ ^'^ '^'^ ^'" "'^ht, and by the
"Catching at little bits of fun and glee
l"at s played on dogs enslaved by dog that's free."
mental and tlful cu o ' wh t' "' ''" ('"^^ hundreds of other orna-
suvage; withou 1' el I " "' '^''^^''^"'S)' borrowed from the
by whom invented '"'^'"^ '" ^"^"'" ^^^ -»^-- ^'-y come, or
therrr^trdtys'Lf;:;:? "; '"^t- ^-^ ^^'-^^ ^'''"^' -^ ^y '---g
removed ;\^l n L 1 ' [' ^"^ ' /"' "''"' ""^" ''' '"'^ ^^" '^^
sta.es orVinsXilt^Io: ;:e'edri:r::rtr°"h'^ T""'''^'^^
for several days, with the brains nf th . 1 1 . ' ""^^'^ ^^'^ ''='"^'"
them ; and at last k ed by "gr^l " " «" "^ •^' ^^'f ^^^^ ^"' °^^^
who use a sharpened bone, th shouk ltd "m ""f'' '^ "'^ ^^""^^ =
animal, sharpened at tl.P . . '"""'^''^'^.-^'^'^e or other large bone of the
which 'the irp'e "hf «e: t'sinr'l'tL^" b'^" ^'' ''' ''^'' ^'
weight of tiieir bodies tho.-.lL • , ' ^^""^^ °" '^ ^''"^ the
it for use. ' ^ ''''y'"^ '""^ softeningthe skin, and fitting
tionl!;::!^:^:!!::^^ °^^"^^'^° ^"^^-^^^ ^^"^ another opera.
J i«t,cincr at the edges to secure the smoke within it ;
46
within this the skins to be smoked are placed, and in this condition the
tent will stand a day or so, enclosing the heated smoke ; and by some
cliemical process or other, which I do not understand, the skins thus acquire
a quality which enables them, after being ever so many times wet, to dry
soft and pliant as they were before, which secret I have never yet seen prac-
ticed in my own country ; and for the lack of which, all of our dressed skins
when once wet, are, I think, chiefly ruined.
An Indian's dress of deer skins, which is wet a hundred times upon his
back, dries soft; and his lodge also, which stands in the rains, and even
through the severity of winter, is taken down as soft and as clean as when
it was first put up.
A Crow is known wherever he is met by his beautiful white dress, and
his tall and elegant figure ; the greater part of the men being six feet high.
The Blackfeet on the other hand, are more of the Herculean make— about
middling stature, with broad shoulders, and great expansion of chest ; and
the skins of which their dresses are made, are chiefly dressed black, or of
a dark brown colour; from which circumstance, in all probability, they
having black leggings or moccasins, have got the name of Blackfeet.
The Crows are very handsome and gentlemanly Indians in their personal
appearance: and have been always reputed, since the first acquaintance
made with tbeiti, "i;>y civil and friendly.
These people to be sure, have in some instances plundered and robbed
trappers and Tro«;Ilers in their country ; and for that I have sometimes heard
them calked vascals and thieves, and rogues of the first order, &c.; yettliey
do not consider themselves such ; for thieving in their estimation is a high
crime, avi con»lde:ed the most disgraceful act that a man can possibly do
They call this capturing, where they sometimes run ofl" a Trader's horses, and
make their boast of it; considering it a kind of retaliation or summary
justice, which they think it right and honourable that they should administer.
And why not ? for the unlicensed trespass committed through their country
from one end to the other, by mercenary white men, who are destroying the
game, and catching all the beaver and other rich and valuable furs out of
their country, without paying them an equivalent, or, in fact, anything at
all, for it ; and this too, when they have been warned time and again of the
danger they would be in, if they longer persisted in the practice. Reader,
1 look upon the Indian as the most honest and honourable race of people
that I ever lived amongst in mv life ; and in their native state, I pledge you
my honour they are the last of all the human family to pilfer or to steal, if
you trust to their honour; and for this never-ending and boundless system
of theft and plunder, and debauchery, that is practiced off" upon these right-
ful owners o*' the soil, by acquisitive wLlte men, I consider the infliction, or
retuliation, by driving oft' and appropriating a few horses, but a lenient
punishment, which those persons at least should expect ; and which, in fact,
none but a very honourable and high-nii'iJed people coult inflict, instead
47
conversation relative to the CrZ. Z\ T ^"'" '^'^ ''^^''^' ^'^''e '«
in their dealing with he whks and th^!: ""'' '"^""^ ^"^ ''^^-able
Indian, of hi, acquaintance '' '^^ '^""^"^"^^ ^^^^ ^^e finest
highway robbers Ic &c Jd I h^ b ' ^f .^''-'^g -^ ^f vagabonds,
tion has become current in thp n . 'f"^ """"' '^^' '^''' '"^^""^
depredations upon th cLo of M ' r"". ''" '^^^ ^'^^^ '^'^ ^^^^ -"-
pany: and drove off a Zmh ^T"' .^T'^^ ^"^ Hunt of the Fur Corn-
through the Crow countrvT . "" ^"''''' "''^" ^'^^^ ^^^« P'^-ing
they had . gLa Ld":;^ t:::^: ^:'"^"^ ^^" "^' '-- ^'^ ^-' ^-
heads, &c . and s/o^n./ f ' ""?"'""'t'°n. ^^ knives, and spears, arrow-
Crow wintry IndTi^ '"T Tl '"s' ^"^^"P^'^ '" ^'^^ ™ids; of the
&c. (according to these in ll! "' ^™' ^"'^ ammunition,
wan!, and forlhich herbr " t a ^ "r"""''^f "''^' ^''^^ "^^^ '" ^^^^
repeatedlv in trade which h/ r T ""'"^ ''°"''' ""^^ ^'^^^^'^ them
nation of^arry „g the." o ods o tf "". '" '"^'' ^'"'^'"^ '" ^'^'^ ^«^-'»'-
tl'ereby disappSn^hes I„H [ f "'•'' ^'^''' ^"°^^ *'^^ ">°"'^t-i««:
hausting tl g m and fZ of Tl ■'' '''' ""^ '""^ "P°" ^''^-' -d-"
told the Crows ^hat the el '°""''"^- ""' ^'^"''*' ^'^^^^ g-"^'^'"^"
knew nothing nn,. I ^ ""'^ ^°'"^ '" ^'t°"^' «*' ^hich place thev
Blackfeet, their princioa tl ' K ^ "^7 '^ '' °"" *"PP"^^ ^^« '« the
Crows; where thrsTpi Tth T' "' '' " T" "'"'°^^ ^° °"^ "^ ^he
theirweapons and amT? " ' '""! '^"''^ ^'' ^ ^^^^'^^ P""^^ ^r
to turn u'pon the Crow ;7;rrr "'' •' "^'^ '' "°"'^ ^^''^ ^hem
these circ'umstancetthe' C ow o e" r!! ^^^'^^^^^^y- Under
drove off some of the Compan's horse!' fbr w l-h ^ T '""»""'^'°"'
been denominated a ba.d of'thieves dhig wl^ obber7 T "" T""
and a part of the svstnm «f ; • j "'i,"way roDbers,. It is a custom,
;po« .£ PC Jt";r„;i xroZonnk!'' «""-.•»-».«
let that punishment fall nnn„ »k1 7 -f Tu ' ^ '^^^ = '^"^ '^ "^t, to
surprised, therefore ^^ r cr«t r^uu i / , ^"" ^ ^ouid not be
II.'
i m
48
I have conversed often and much with Messrs. Sublette and Campbell,
two gentlemen of the highest respectability, who have traded with the Crows
for several years, and they tell me they are one of the most honourable,
honest, and high-minded races of people on earth ; and with Mr. TuUock,
also, a man of the strictest veracity, who is now here with a party of them ;
and, he says, they never steal, — have a high sense of honour, — and being
fearless and proud, are quick to punish or retaliate.
So much for the character of the Crows for the present, a subject which
I shall assuredly take up again, when I shall have seen more of them
mynelf.
49
letter-No. s.
MOUTH OF VELLOW STONE. UPPER MISSOURI.
making notes on the character ndcusTo'^^'^l m" ^''T^ ""^ P°^'^^''« «"d
- I have just been pal^Iin'a n I^oV^^^^^^^
noble gentlemen. They are reallv i ZT . ""'' ^''^ '°°'''"fr ^ncl
as can be seen in any part of he Ini tP' '"' "'"■'''™*^'' ''' ^^ "->
added to their dignit^of mann ^r^ eh g^ eTtC 7 "' T" ^"' ^^^'^^
cnce. I observed the other day ha mos nf , " """ °^ S«"t>««"en at
and very many of these have cuUi d Tor L^^"". T" ""'"'^ ''^^^ '''^'''
"'credible length, that itsweeos tZll 7 f ^^' ^""' ''^ ^'"^'^ ^" ^'-^ost
■•nstances ofthis'kind ongs^^ t e^^^^^^^^^^^^ ''^^ - f-quen.
it will drag on the grass as thev wlT' '"'"" ""'''' " '""^^ «■• ^^re of
their movements. 'They „ ,11 v^ 5"'"l ""'"'"^ ^"^'^ ^"^ ''-"'y ^o
grease every morning, whiel l Ifo d U T " "''. ' P"'"^'«" ^- ^e-'s
-hich their hair extends ; to ^ ' etnoTl'r . ''' """"^' '^""^^^ '^
other tribes throughout this eouU ueTe bear' ^^-<^ ^^ i^, for the
without producing the sameresul Thl M T ^T" '" ''I""' P''^''^^'^"
of whom I shall speak in future elisH. f \ ' '''^''"■' ^"'^ ^'^-^ ^ioux.
the hair, as many'of th m e seeT^Lr' '"f ' ' ^"^ ^'''' ^'•-^'' "^
This extraordinary length olnir '?''''' "'''" *° ^''^ S™""^.
-en alone ; for the 'women llTT^ '" ""'^ '' ^^"«"^'^ *« ^"^^
hair, and a gre^t profusL; of f ' uf"" ^"^' ^'"^^^ '^''^l beautiful
length; or elfe they a e o al loL ^ "" '' *^?'^'-t-' to so great a
«o ornamental (and'on wllh , eTnln .^ "'? ''"'^ '°^'^ '" ^ ^^•^•^'«"
obliged in many cases to cut itl:; off'^ '' ''"' ''^'"^^'^^^^' ^"'^ -«
wJsl'trNol'7esLt:Zn "^"' ^r"^ ^^--^-^ ^" ^he
t'.e Pawnees of the Pltr^o wi '?""'"\^''' ^"^^ ""^^--^ -d
in the habit of shaving nea^te'wTolerad" ^'^" "'^^^ '"'^ °"'y' -
-i:jr:i:j:: ::,;': s:-:r-"''^^ '•^-n.-'^air,- and,..
longest hair of any n. „,'.*; 'JT "^^ --"^stance of having the
-y. ere I leave'this pan of h: Unt' " "^^^
Known to several gentlemen with wJ,n^ r '" extraordmary man is
to Messrs. Sublette and f ' M ^ .'"" acquainted, and paraoularly
and Can,pbell. of whom I have before spoken, who
I' t
fiO
told me they had lived in his hospitable lodge for months together; and
assured me that they had measured his hair by a correct means, and
found it to be ten fe>^t and seven inches in length ; closely inspecting
every part of it at the same time, and satisfying themselves that it was
the natural growth.
On ordinary occnsrons n rs wound with a broad leather strap, from his
head to its extreme end, and then folded up into a budget or block, of some
ten or twelve inches in length, and of some pounds weight ; which when he
walks is carried under his arm, or placed in his bosom, within the folds of
his robe ; but on any greiit parade or similar occasion, his pride is to unfold
It, oil it with bear's grease and let it drag behind him, some three or four
feet of it spread out upon the grass, and black and shining like a raven's
wing.
It is a common custom amongst most of these upper tribes, to splice or
add on several lengths of hair, by fastening them with glue ; probably for
the purpose of imitating the Crows, upon whom alone Nature has bestowed
this conspicuous and signal ornament.
Amongst the Crows of distinction now at this place, I have painted the
portraits of several, who cxhil)it some striking peculiarities. Amongst whom
is Chah-ee-chopes, the four wolves (plate 24) ; a fine lookmg fellow, six
feet in stature, and whose natural hair sweeps the grass as he walks ; he is
beautifully clad, and carries liimself with the most graceful and manly
mien — he is in mourning for a brother; and according to their custom,
has cut off a number of locks of his long hair, which is as mucli as a man
can well spare of so valued an ornament, which he has been for the greater
part of his life cultivating ; whilst a woman who mourns for a husband or
child, is obliged to crop her hair short to her head, and so remain till it
grows out again ; ceasing gradually to mourn as her hair approaches to itt
former length.
Duhk-pits-a-ho-shee, the red bear (plate 26), a distinguished warrior ^
and Oo-je-en-a-he-ha, the woman who lives in the bear's den (plate 25).
I have also painted Pa-riska-roo-pa (two crows) the younger (plate 27),
one of the most extraordinary men in the Crow nation ; not only for his
looks, from the form of his head, which seems to be distortion itself— and
curtailed of all its fair proportions ; but from his extraordinary sagacity as
a counsellor and orator, even at an early stage of his life.
There is something very uncommon in this outline, and sets forth the
striking peculiarity of the Crow tribe, though rather in an exaggerated
form, liie semi-lunar outline of the Crow head, with an exceedingly low
and retreating forehead, .is ccrtiiinly a very peculiar and striking charac-
teristic; and though not so strongly marked in most of the tribe as in the
present instance, is sufficient for their detection whenever they are met;
and will be subject for further comment in another place.
The Crow women (and Blackfeet also) are not handsome, and I shall ac
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51
present say but little of them. Thev sue iiko ..II «.i , .-
slaves of their husbands: bein, obi' J;o periL ,7 h" f" "'""'"' "'^
and drudgeries of the tribe and nn , '" ''"^ ''oniestic duties
or ,«. ii„,, exZ L/Xl 2 "',"' '"'° ^ ";™ "'-- "" «" of, lee;
» observed, , neve.t'je .1 tl .^C ""» ''"''' ""' "»"=-'. ™-»
pi^r r,;r™:l':ts:t' "t -, '"'"°" -"-"^ --''- »"
n..n in the tribe ; tl, , ,ta, , ! T" "' '° '" '""'"'"' '» I-' ""'J
and entird^diZii:^'!.™ ''"T ^^ r""^^''^"^' ^^^^"^ ^^ ^-^'"^^
and radical^ I^^Ztra";^^^^^^^^^ '^"^""^'^ ''^ ''''' '^ ^^i^-^'t.
are always at wa 1 1 "''''' ^^""' '''^"'- ^« these people
in thee triDrd 1,1 . ^"^^^^''^'T of their words and sentences
^r f,. I T^i • ^ '^*^^'*"''^'' '^ pel niaiient and profitable svstPm
-„. .p ...eir ^.^>sz! -1:":^:^^.^:::^^—
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dwell' in them. The Blackfeet have repeatedly informed the Traders of the
Company, that if their men persiated in trapping beavers m their country,
they should kill them whenever they met them. They have executed theif
threats in many instances, and the Company lose some fifteen or twenty men
annually, who fall by the hands of these people, in defence of what they
deem their property and their rights. Trinkets and whiskey, however, will
soon spread their charms amongst these, as they have amongst other tribes;
nnd white man's voracity will sweep the prairies and the streams of their
wealth, to the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean ; leaving the Indians
to inhabit, and at last to starve upon, a dreary and solitary waste.
The Blackfeet, therefore, having been less traded with, and less seen by
white people than most of the other tribes, are more imperfectly understood;
and it yet remains a question to be solved— whether there are twenty, or
forty or fifty thousand of them ? for no one, as yet, can correctly estimate
their real strtyigth. From all I can learn, however, which is the best in-
formation that can be got from the Traders, there are not far from 40,000
Ihdians (altogether), who range under the general denomination of
Blackfeet.
From our slight and imperfect knowledge of them, and other tribes
occupying the country about the sources of the Missouri, there is no doubt
m my mind, that we are in the habit of bringing more Iidiaxis into the
computation. Uian are entitled justly to the appellation of " Blackfeet."
Such, for instance, are the " Grosvenfres de Prairie" and Cotonnes,
neither of which speak the Blackfeet language ; but hunt, and eat, and fight,
and intermarry with the Blackfeet ; living therefore in a state of confederacy
and friendship with them, but speaking tlieir own language, and practicing
their own customs.
The Blackfeet proper are divided into four bands or families, as follow:—
the " Pe-a-gans," of 500 lodges; the " Blackfoot" band, of 450 Sdges ;
the " Blood" band, of 450 lodges ; and the '< Small Robes," of 250 iodges.
These four bands constituting about 1650 lodges, averaging ten to the lodge,
amount to about 16,500 souls.
There are then of the other tribes above-mentioned (and whom we, per-
haps, incorrectly denominate Blackfeet), Grosventres des Prairies, 430
iodges, with language entirely distinct ; Circees. of 220 lodges, and Cotonnes.
ot 250 lodges, with language also distinct from either.*
There is in this region a rich and interesting field for the linguist or the
antiquarian ; and stubborn facts, I think, if they could be well procured, that
would do away the idea which many learned gentlemen entertain, that the
• Sever«l jeara since wriUng the above. I held a conversation with Major Pilcher Ca
•tricUy correct and honourable man. who was then the agent for these people, who has
uvea amongst them, and is at this time superintendent of Indian affairs at St. Louis), who
iniomed me. much to my surprise, that the Blackfeet were not far from 60.000 in
numbers, including all the confederacy of which I have just spoken.
63
Indian liinjruages of North America can all h„ ♦,, i .
Tl.e language of the DohcCan is ntirelv IdZu , '""' "' ''"^*" ''^''
tl.e Mandans, and theirs equally srfo.ul" HI n^'^^ 'TT ^'''"' '''"' *'
from the lips of Mr. Bra/eau l Tellll ff '"'^ "" ^™^«- ^nd
tion. who lias lived sev 'a s w t the Btlf"?'"". ""' ^'™' °"«"-
.peaks the language of tril ' ". lij^:,'*^^^ ''"' ^»^'-'- ^ -d wh.
J-guage, are radically distinct „d d s Ir /'TT' ""':" """ *'^^ ''""
also, that I hourl. he h»« hnnn «'«8'n"lar, as I have above stat. ; and
been able • , trac t e lid to "'''J"" T''^'' '^''' ^^'^-' »- »'- - ■
and Bla..foot, a^n^d' S^i^^ a ""^^ ManTn" tt "'^^^"' ?r""^'
great deal of corrobontin.r inf., . ^na iviandan tongues ; and from a
acquainted wi h it J ^^ "'"'' ' ^^ ^°^ ^-"' «'»- P--ns
statements. ' ""^ '""^ '°"^'"^^*^ ^^ ^^^^ correctness of his
Place"'at ll 7:k''\ "'" '^^°"^' ^'^'''" ^ '"'^ y- -- assembled at this
V r^rettv L 1 ^"■''•^"^,^"^ (°'- Crees. as they are commonly called a
■ins- exlcnJirlT " ""'"f '""""y. ■» a north-easton direction from
wLepcl Z ,7- ' ° ' ""'"'' P°"'^"""» " '"eh .10-11. a, lake
friends ;„,h"::A X?' Tl-'f r "tT"'":"' '"" "'" °"° "" '"""''f
^loTST f«'»'''»5 -4uain.cd, and who inhabit thTs" u'h.r ,
whenlt K ' ' '["'•"""' '^'^ '•^^ -"^""^^ in «hich, or of the time
wlien, they became severed from each other
thel personal ttr '" ' ^"'' "u '^' '''^'''''' «^ ^'°-' ""doubtedly; for
peisonal appearance as well as their language is very similar.
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23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 873-4503
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At what time, or in what manner, these two parts of a nation got strayed
away from each other is a mystery ; yet such cases have often occurred, of
which I shall say more in future. Large parties who are, straying off in pursuit
of game, or in the occupation of war, are oftentimes intercepted by their
enemy ; and being prevented from returning, are run off to a distant region,
where they take up their residence and establish themselves as a nation.
There is a very curious custom amongst the Assinneboins, from which
they have taken their name ; a name given them by their neighbours, from
a singular mode they have of boiling their meat, which is done in the fol-
lowing manner : — when they kill meat, a hole is dug in the ground about
the size of a common pot, and a piece of the raw hide of the animal,
as taken from the back, is put over the hole, and then pressed down with
tlie hands close around the sides, and filled with water. The meat to
be boiled is then put in this hole or pot of water ; and in a fire, which is
built near by, several large stones are heated to a red heat, which are
successively dipped and held in the water until the meat is boiled ; from
which singular and peculiar custom, the Ojibbeways have given them the
appellation of Assinneboins or stone boilers.
This custom is a very awkward and tedious one, and used only as an
ingenious means of boiling their meat, by a tribe who was too rude and
ignorant to construct a kettle or pot.
The Traders have recently supplied these people with pots ; and even
long before that, the Mandans had instructed them iu the secret of manu-
facturing very good and serviceable earthen pots ; which together have
entirely done away the custom, excepting at public festivals ; where they
seem, like all others of the human family, to take pleasure in cherishing
and perpetuating their ancient customs.
Of these three tribes, I have also lired my painting-room with a number
of very interesting portraits of the distinguished and brave men ; and also
representations of their games and ceremonies, which will be found in my
Indian Galleiiy, if I live, and they can be preserved until I get home.
The Assinneboins, or stone boilers, are a fine and noble looking race of
Indians ; bearing, both in their looks and customs, a striking resemblance
to the Dohcotas or Sioux, from whom they have undoubtedly sprung.
The men are tall, and graceful in their movements; and wear their pictured
robes of the buffalo hide with great skill and pleasing effect. They are
good hunters, and tolerably supplied with horses ; and living in a country
abounding with buffaloes, are well supplied with the necessaries of Indian
life, and may be said to live well. Their games and amusements are many,
of which the most valued one is the ball-play ; and in addition to which,
they have the game of the moccasin, horse-racing, and dancing; some one
of which, they seem to be almost continually practicing, and of all of which
1 shall hereafter give the reader (as well as of many others of their amuse-
ments) a minute account.
65
Their dances, which were freanont <.n.i • i
same as those of the Sioux oTS H '"■' ' ""'' ^^""^"y ^''^^•y the
Notes on the Sioux, and'wch ^ead !""'"" ' '""''"' ^^-"»' '" '"Y
one 0/ these scenes/howeve tha I w tnt ,' V°°". '"^^' "'^h. The.e was
to me to be peculiar to tSr b ' nd ex !!h^ ^^ ''^' "'"^ '^^'^^^^
which was described to me a the 1^ ^"^ ^P"'"''^^^"^ '" '*« ^ffe^t ;
hard-trodden pavement TnhLlnf7 Z"' '"^ ^^^ «« *°"°^« :-0n a
their public meeti:;!: Z' If "^^ ^"'^»^' ^''^^' P'- '« "-d for aS
were to compose the dance" had 1 tel T''"?''' '''' ^"""^ '"^"' ^^''»
(PtATE 32), and each one sited on Ir^ ^'T^'^' «^0"nd a small fire
In the centre and by the fi wl " , , "'.'"^'^ '^''^'^ "P°" ^"'^ ^^0""^.
chief (perhaps a doctor or medL t '^'^T'^' ^'^° ^^^'"^'i to be a
which he lighted at h fire and 'TT^ "'"' ' '°"^^ P'P^ '" ^'^ '^-d,
Bame time, in half-stranlj Tttn '"^^^^/ntly, grunting forth at the
translated to my saSctt^rlcV^;' IT'' ^''^^ ' ''' ^ ^-
none. While this was eoinj on „!„ f • ^ ^''° susceptible of
part of the group, commenced IT ^'T'"'^'^ *'^"°^ *" another
panied by his'voic Thro„e of th"' °" ' '"" °^ *^™^-"-' — '
on his feet, and commenced ,^n •^''""^ ""'" ''^'"^' «P'^"& 'nstantlv
leaping ab;ut on "rfol J^th" ""'::'' ''^ ^^^^^ «*' ^^^ '^'™' -^
able. In this way he we t s vera t '" "°f ""''"* "^^""^^ '■"^g''""
brandishing his fists in thTf T ,™'' """"""^ ''^^ circle, bosvingLd
he graspedVn of th m bvteTa r T-'^r ^^" ^^^^'^'*' ""'" ^* '-^^
feet; who joined in the dan e for ^ ' 'T'"' "" ''""^'^ "P "P^ 1^-
him up. to continue Ws st p and his r"' 'r""' '" °"^ "^° '^^'^ P""^^
he danced around in a sir^.^ "1 "V" ''' ''''''' '^ '^' ""?= whilst
his companion in he 0^ ^^ ^'' - "'^ '"'"'"■' '""^ ^^'^^ J°"""^^
to drag into the ring each on'. ' ''^'^ '"'' ''^ '""^^''^ ^""^ «» «»
at las^ joined in tt l^ f^^^^^ and
almost to make the eartrau/j S^^^'^"'^t'°"« and yells that seemed
which I did but parti W understrn: °", ^'^ ^'"^ ^^^'^"^^ '"^"'™.
hour; to the great am ierenoth " '"" *'^^-'l"-'-« «f an
around, and bfoke ITZhit . ^'^'"^ '""'"'"'*^ "'^^ ^^^« '^^^^mbled
so many affrighted dTgl P'"""= ^'"^ ^"'^ ^'^'''^ ^'^^^ ^hose of
Jf lelSrint'' ""r'^^ ''^^ ^'^^ ^--' -Itivate their hair to a very
.^n,ostinl;ror7hi"STfi:Tt^ "^^^'y^« ^'^^ ^-•'■"'^ •'"'
or adding on several legtf'Jhlh a- S^ Y'' ''■ P"'""' '' ^P^'^""^
of glue, and the joints ohilT . "^ ^"y '"g^"i°»«'y by means
with which the haH at „rr 1 orev": f '"^°' ''' ^^^^" ^"'^ ^'"^'
divided into locks and .JT? \_'^'^ ^''^ ""' ^hree inches filled, and
down over the back t' tte beds" '"'' " " '" '"^'^'^' ^"^ ^^"'"^ ^'^'^''^
trL.TE28), h.sdress,sa very handsome one. and .n every
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respect answers well to tiie descriptions I have given above. The name of
this man is Wi-jun-jon (the pigeon's egg head), and by the side of him
(plate 29) will be seen the portrait of his wife, Chin-cha-pee (the fire bug
that creeps), a fine looking squaw, in a handsome dress of the mountain-
sheep skin, holding in her hand a stick curiously carved, with which every
woman in this country is supplied ; for the purpose of digging up the
«* Pomme Blanche," or prairie turnip, which is found in great quantities in
these northern prairies, and furnishes the Indians with an abundant and
nourishing food. The women collect these turnips by striking the end of
the stick into the ground, and prying tliem out ; after which they are dried
and preserved in their wigwams for use during the season.
I have just had the satisfaction of seeing this travelled-gentleman (Wi-
jun-jon) meet his tribe, his wife and his little children ; after an absence of
a year or more, on his journey of 6000 miles to Washington City, and back
again (in company with Major Sanford, the Indian agent) ; where he has
been spending the winter amongst the fashionables in the polished circles of
civilized society. And I can assure you, readers, that his entree amongst
his own people, in the dress and with the airs of a civilized beau, was one of
no ordinary occurrence ; and produced no common sensation amongst the
red-visaged Assinneboins, or in the minds of those who were travellers, and
but spectators to the scene.
On liis way home from St. Louis to this place, a distance of 2000 miles,
I travelled with this gentleman, on the steamer Yellow-Stone; and saw
him step ashore (on a beautiful prairie, where several thousands of his
people were encamped), witli a complete suit en milituire, a colonel's uni-
form of blue, presented to him by the President of the United States, with
a beaver hat and feather, with epaulettes of gold — with sash and belt, and
broad sword ; with high-heeled boots — with a keg of whiskey under his
arm, and a blue umbrella in his hand. In this plight and metamorphose,
he took his position on the bank, amongst his friends — his wife and other
relations; not one of whom exiiibited, for an half-hour or more, the least
symptoms of recognition, although they knew well who was before them.
He also gazed upon them — upon his wife and parents, and little children,
who were about, as if they were foreign to him, and he had not a feeling
or thought to interchange with them. Thus the mutual gazings upon and
from this would-be-stranger, lasted lor full halt an hour ; when a gradual,
but cold and exceedingly formal recognition began to take place, and an
acquaintance ensued, which ultimately and smoothly resolved itself, without
the least apparent emotion, into its former state ; and the mutual kindred
intercourse seemed to flow on exactly where it had been broken off, as if it
had been but for a moment, and nothing had transpired in the interim to
check or change its character or expre;=si()n.
Such is one of the stoic instances of a custom which belongs to all tha
North American Indians, forming one of the most striking features in their
' ''n
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kta,whi],l he',-. ,wt4 up 1 hft'TL""' "'I-,"""* «ro.,J
•nd which to the,, i, u,,i„ol5ledt"rd ",;"'" '""""r"" ""'" ^
.« . «.d .he, „e .,„.d, se,U„„ hi™ d^^fs tZ. Z'l^ZT ' '"
that l!! ; of hese.that tiiey were about 3000 in numbers-bv
th.r trading; and who themselves, scarcely know Lylh I o hi it
extent of country over wliirh tKio „„. . •'"^'""& ^t the great
Their custom, m? , ? n»'»erous and scattered family range
ad.e„.u,o„. «be /LLt" vTd L Je TveTth^, Z HefL""' """
«„.,.<, .hei, e„e„,y, „„„„„,. With .h, numerous trTBrackfrS:;
jsr=e:Tr==^^^^^^^^^
less successful m mortal combats. ' *"^ "°*
J'im(PLATE3n hi r ' ? '\'»nd'^»'"e dress; and by the side of
33?w "be seen th ZN;n.r' . '"' T'^'^ '^'^''"^ ^°'"-- ' ^» —
he back, sh wig fS the^^^^ ^ ^'^"^ -
vol.. ,. ^ fairly the fashion of cutting and ornamenting the dresse.
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of the females in this tribe ; which, without further comment, is all I shall
■ay at this time, of the valorous tribe of Crees or Knisteneaux.
The Ojibbcways I have briefly mentioned in a former place, and of tlicm
should say more ; which will be done at a proper time, after I shall have
Tisited other branches of this great and scattered family.
The chief of that part of the Ojibbeway tribe who inhabit these northern
regions (plate 35), and whose name is Sha-co-pay (the Six), is a man of
huge size ; with dignity of manner, and pride and vanity, just about in
proportion to his bulk. He sat for his portrait in a most beautiful dress,
fringed with scalp locks in profusion ; which he had snatched, in his early
life from his enemies' heads, and now wears as proud trophies and proofs
of what his arm has accomplished in battles with his enemies. His shirt
of buckskin is beautifully embroidered and painted in curious hieroglyphics,
the history of his battles and charts of his life. This, and also each and
every article of his varied dress, had been manufactured by his wives, of
which he had several ; and one, though not the most agreeable (plate 36),
is seen represented by his side.
I have much to see of these people yet, and much consequently to write ;
■0 for the present I close my book.
I [si
50
LETTER— No. 9.
^.J
MOUTH OF YELLOW STONE, UPPER MISSOURI.
SiHCE lh« daU. of my oti.er Letters from this place, I have been takinir
•ome wild rambles about this beautiful country of green fields; jolted and
tossed about, on ho^eback and on foot, where pen, ink, and paper never
thought of gomg: and of course the most that I saw and have learned, and
would tel to the world, is yet to be written. It is not probable, however,
that I shall agam date a letter at this place, as I commence, in a few days
my voyage down the river in a canoe ; but yet I may give you many a retro'
•pective glance at this fuiry land and its amusements
A traveller on his tour through such a country as this, has no time to write,
and sca^^ely time enough to moralize. It is as nmch as he can well do to
look out for Ins scap' and •• for something to eat." Impressions, how-
ever, of the most v.vid kmd, are rapidly and indelibly made by the fleetin..
madents of savage l.fe ; and for the mind that can ruminate upon the«
w.th pleasure, there are abundant materials clinging to it for its endless
entertammentm driving the quill when he gets back. The mind susceptible
of such impressions catches volumes of incidents which are easy to write-
. IS but to unfold a web which the fascinations of this shorn country and its
allurements have spun over the soul-it is but to paint the splendid pano-
rama of a world entirely different from anythingseen or painted before ^vith
Its thousands of miles, and ton. of thousands of grassy hills and dales
where nought but silence reign,, and where the sotl of a contemplative
mould IS seemingly lifted up to its Creator. What man in the wo^rld 1
wou d ask ever ascended to the pinnacle of one of Missouri's green-c r-
p ed bluffs a thousand miles severed from his own familiar land, and
giddily gazed over the interminable and boundless ocean of grass-covered
In Is and valleys which lie beneath him. where the gloom of «W is com-
plete-where not even the voice of the sparrow or cricket is heard-without
feeling a sweet melancholy come over him. which seemed to drown his sense
of everything beneath ^nd on a level with him ?
It IS but to paint a vast country of green fields, where the men are all red
--where meat .s the staff of life-where no laws, but those of honour, are
-rr7d r T^ "' ""' ^'" P"" ^"^ "^y '' ^"^ -"—'« -<1 P-c-
Where the buffaloes range, the elk, mountain-sheep, and the fleet-bounding
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•ntclopc— where the magpie and chatterinjr parroqitettes supply the place of
•he ri'd-breatt and the blue-bird — where wolves are white and bears grizzly
.^where pheasants are hens of the prairie, and frogs have horns ! — where
the rivers are yellow, and white men are turned savages in looks. Through
the whole of this strange land the dogs are all wolves — women all slaves —
men all lords. The sun and rats alone (of all the list of old acquaintance),
could be recognised in this country of strange metamorphose. The former
shed everywhere his familiar rays ; and Monsr. Ilatapon was hailed as an
old acqiiaintance, which it gave me pleasure to meet ; though he had grown
a little more savaye in his look.
In traversing the immense regions of the classic West, the mind of a
philanthropist is filled to the brim with feelings of admiration ; but to
reach this country, one is obliged to descend from the light and glow of
civilized atmosphere, through the different grades of civilization, which
gradually sink to the most deplorable condition along the extreme frontier ;
thence through tiie most pitiable misery and wretchedness of savage degra-
dation ; where the genius of natural liberty and independence have been
blasted and destroyed by the contaminating vices and dissipations introduced
by the immoral part of civilized society. Through this dark and sunken
vale of wretchedness one hurries, as through a pestilence, until he gradually
rises again into the proud and ciiivalrous pale of savage society, in its
state of original nature, beyond the reach of civilized contamination ; here
he finds much to fix his enthusiasm upon, and much to admire. Even
here, the predominant passions of the savage breast, of ferocity and cruelty,
are oflen found ; yet restrained, and frequently subdued, by the noblest traits
of honour and magnanimity, — a race of men who live and enjoy life and its
luxuries, and practice its virtues, very far beyond the usual estimation of
the world , who are apt to judge the savage and his virtues from the poor,
degraded, and humbled specimens which alone can be seen along our
frontiers. From the first settlements of our Atlantic coast to the present
day, the bane of this blasting frontier has regularly crowded upon them,
from the northern to the southern extremities of our country ; and, like the
fire in a prairie, which destroys everything where it passes, it has blasted
and sunk them, and all but their names, into oblivion, wherever it has
travelled. It is to this tainted class alone that the epithet of " poor, naked,
and drunken savage," can be, with propriety, applied ; for all those nume-
rous tribes which I have visited, and are yet uncorruptcd by the vices of
civilized acquaintance, are well clad, in many instances cleanly, and in the
full enjoyment of life and its luxuries. It is for the character and preservation
of these noble fellows that I am an enthusiast; and it is for these uncontami-
nated people that I would be willing to devote the energies of my life. It
is a sad and melancholy truth to contemplate, that all the numerous tribes
who inhabited our vast Atlantic States have not " fled to the West ;"— that
tiiey are not to be found here— that they have been blasted by the fire which
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61
have be., f. . 4 1; So :r;„T.::;S r°"'''' *'• ''•'
and in most respect., diMinrt and ..nlrt.T " """' "O" po»»e<«:
U» Atlantic ooL. .ndl„ (^feoi! ^.T ""'°°' "''° ''"""lyi-l'abi.ed
p.-. of the »o,ld); h..e7ed « the wSt '"°°'°"' "■''"'°° "' » =-"«
What degree of happiness these sons of Nature mav attain tn ;„ *h
intellectual p e sures I do 1 - th f ^""' *""'''' '" P^^P""'''" *« «"'
n.:;: f, r/y t 'oi "i itT :i :i "■' tr^"'- ""• """ ""■ ""^ "■-"
£Sitr^:s;Sd-2d^rLo£:ir
. eade s freedom, w.th a soul unalloyed by mercenary lusts, too greaT^o
y Id to laws or power except from God. As these .ndependent felfows a^e
ictrref '" ""' t^ ^'^ ^" "^•^' ^"'^ -- «f the stee :;Tf
comparative poverty can strangle their just claims to renown. Who (I would
,'-.'>
I , .:
m
m
C2
uk) can look without admiring, into a society where peace and harmony
prevail — where virtue is cherished — where rights are protected, and wrong*
are redressed —with no laws, but the laws of honour, which are the supreme
laws of their land. Trust the boasted virtues of civilized society for awhile,
with all its intellectual refinements, to such a tribunal, and then write down
the degradation of the " lawless savage," and our trancendent virtues.
As these people have no laws, the sovereign right of summary redress lies
in the breast of the party (or friends of the party) aggrieved ; and infinitely
more dreaded is the certainty of cruel revenge from the licensed hands of an
offended savage, than the slow and uncertain vengeance of the law.
If you think me enthusiast, be it so ; for I deny it not. It has ever been
the predominant passion of my soul to seek Nature's wildest haunts, and
give my hand to Nature's men. Legends of these, and visits to those, filled
the earliest page of my juvenile impressions.
The tablet has stood, and I am an enthusiast for God's works as He lefl
them.
The sad tale of my native "valley,"* has been beautifully sung; and
from the flight of " Gertrude's" soul, my young imagination closely traced
the savage to his deep retreats, and gazed upon him in dreadful horror, un-
^il pity pleaded, and admiration worked a charm.
A journey of 4000 miles from the Atlantic shore, regularly receding from
the centre of civilized society to the extreme wilderness of Nature's original
work, and back again, opens a l)Ook for many an interesting tale to be
sketched ; and the mind which lives, but to relish the works of Nature, reaps
a reward on such a tour of a much higher order than can arise from the
selfish expectations of pecuniary emolument. Notwithstanding all that has
been written and said, there is scarcely any subject on which the knowing
people of the East, are yet less informed and instructed than on the charac-
ter and amusements of the West : by this I mean the " Far West;" — the
country whose fascinations spread a charm over the mind almost dangerous
to civilized pursuits. Few people even know the true definition of the term
" West ;" and where is its location ?— phantom-like it flies before us as we
travel, and on our way is continually gilded, before us, as we approach the
setting sun.
In the commencement of my Tour, several of my travelling companions
from the city of New York, found themselves at a frightful distance to the
West, when we arrived at Niagara Falls ; and hastened back to amuse their
friends with tales and scenes of the West. At Buffalo a steam-boat was
landing with 400 passengers, and twelve days out — " Where from ?" "From
the West." In the rich state of Ohio, hundreds were selling their farms and
going — to the West. In the beautiful city of Cincinnati, people said to me,
♦' Our town has passed the days of its most rapid growth, it is not far enough
West." — In St. louis, 1400 miles west of New York, my landlady aosurMl
• Wyiimiog.
K
l^ctnt^rmfhe^' A?esT'''* ulr^ ?T^'"' ''°' ^'^^y '"'^ «e"ly aU
boats, laden with pork, ho', 11 Z'^vr''''^'''''''- come those ste'am-
From the West.
Whence those ponderous bars of silver «!,; i, .u
They come l,om Santa F<», from .fc. Wel,
«.Sr*oT "" "^•'»" " -"y '-en .if, .„ ,.^., .^
She goes to Jefferson city.
Jeffereon city ?_Where is that?
Far to the West.
sXtl&t^rt;^^^^^^^ ^^« ^«"o.Stone.
I went on the Yellow Stone-. I ' ^^'V' " '"" ^^^^^^^ West."
the mouth of* Yellow Stone rivel^at^he We'st"" wT ^- *"' "^ "^^^^^^
ladmg. &c., a wholesale establishml L / . T*"^* ' '"'°''=^«' ^iU^ of
-.of which a,rLX'hl;:i"*'';r."'"'"°^ "•' f-™'-* ca,„a„,
Sr;f.j%?rhar"it^*'':a.^r-..,.,, .
•»<l»eeifIca„gotod.oWe.t» *""">" "'"7 " «S«in. I .ill .,,
Cotl^a'^' "^ ^" "^^^ °^ ^«"- «'- »>-, my good fellow ?
What distance ?-(stop)-quel distance ?
Pard6n Monsieur, je ne sais pas. Monsieur.
Neparlezvousl'Anglais?
^Noj. Mo„„. , .peak. ^ p„„,^ .^ ^ ^^^.^^_^ ^ ^ __^ ^^
aIII*™' "' ^ ""°"' ' ""' 'f-^ E-SU*. «nd yoo may „eal,
Pardon, pard6n, Monsieur.
}^ .ill. then we will both speak Americaine.
Ame;cat:: '' "'" ''" ""^"*' P°" ^^ ' - ^at you speaks p„«y eoot
What may I call your name?
i':-
I ■ .
(^K..'*'
I'i.
l!',^;'
i
m
11 !'
i
64
BaUiste, Monsieur
What Indians are those so splendidly dressed, and with such fine horses,
encamped on the plain yonder ?
lis sont Corbeaux.
Crows, ha ?
Yes, sare. Monsieur.
We are then in the Crow country ?
Non, Monsieur, not putty 6xact ; we are in de coontrae of de dam Pieda
noirs.
Blackfeet, ha ?
Oui.
What blue mountain is that which we see in the distance yonder ?
Ha, quel Montaigne ? cela est la Montaigne du (pard6n).
Du Rochers, I suppose ?
Oui, Monsieur, de Rock Montaigne.
You live here, I suppose ?
Non, Monsieur, I comes fair from de West.
What, from the West ! Where under the heavens is that ?
Wat, diable ! de West ? well you shall see, Monsieur, he is putty fair off,
«{ippose. Monsieur Pierre Chouteau can give you de histoire de ma vie —
il bien sait que je prends les castors, very fair in de West.
You carry goods, I suppose, to trade with the Snake Indians beyond the
mountains, and trap beaver also ?
Oui, Monsieur.
Do you see anything of the " Flat-heads" in your country ?
Non, Monsieur, ils demeurent very, very fair to de West.
Well, Ba'tiste, I'll lay my course back again for the present, and at some
future period, endeavour to go to the " West." But you say you trade
with the Indians and trap beavers ; you are in the employment of the Ame-
rican Fur Company, I suppose ?
Non, Monsieur, not quite exact ; mais, suppose, I am "free trappare,"
free, Monsr. free
Free trapper, what's that ? I don't understand you, Ba'tiste.
Well, Monsr. s6ppose he is easy pour understand — you shall know all.
In de first place, I am enlist for tree year in de Fur Comp in St. Louis —
for bount4 — pour bounte, eighty doUare (understand, ha?) den I am go
for wages, et I ave come de Missouri up, et I am trap castors putty much
for six years, you see, until I am learn very much ; and den you see, Monsr.
M'Kenzie is give me tree horse — one pour ride, et two pour pack (mais he
is not buy, him not give, he is lend), and he is lend twelve trap ; and I ave
make start into de Rocky Montaigne, et I am live all alone on de leet rivaies
pour prendre les castors. Sometime six months — sometime five month, and
I come back to Yel Stone, et Monsr. M'Kenzie is give me coot price
»ur all.
65
So Mr. M<Ken«ie fits you out. and take, your beaver of «... »♦ . ■
price ? ' ""^ oeaver o! yoii at a certain
Oui, Monsr. oui.
What price does he pay you for your beaver, Ba<tiste !
Ha ! suppose one dolJare pour one beavare
A dollar per skin, ah ?
Oui.
mraUTngT;'."™ ' '°""°'"' """ '^"•^'^ '»« °f We; can ,„„
» ^u .. . a. or^rccs Lf::, rrc: r-'" ■»'- -" =
Oui, Monsr. c'est vrai.
Have you been robbed this time, Ba'tiste?
Ou, Monsr. by de dam Pieds noirs-1 a,n loose much ; I am loose all-
btone to St. Lou,s; and I should like exceedingly to employ just such I
Ayoc tout mon cour, Monsr. remercie, remercie.
OuI'mS I'r Vd St? ' 1"" "^ r ^^ ^^^ '"^"''^ «^ ^^»- Stone.
R„/ ; « '''"^' ''°" '""■' b°» soir, Monsr.
But stop, Ba'tiste. you told me those were Crows encan^ped vonder
Oin, Monsieur, oui, des Corbeaux. encamped yonder.
And I suppose you are their interpreter ?
Non, Monsieur.
But you speak the Crow language ?
Ouis, Monsieur.
VOt. I.
,*..->
h'>' I
CiG
LETTER— No. 10.
i!'..
1 i -i
MANDAN VILLAGE, UPPER MISSOURI.
Soon after the writing of my last Letter, which was dated at tht Month
or Yellow Stone, I embarked on the river for this place, where I landed
safely ; and have resided for a couple of weeks, a guest in this almost sub-
terraneous city — the strangest place in the world ; where one sees in the
most rapid succession, scenes which force him to mirth — to pity and com-
passion to admiration— disgust ; to fear and astonishment. But before I
proceed to reveal them, I must give you a brief sketch of my voyage down
the river from the Mouth of the Yellow Stone river to this place, a distance
of 200 miles ; and which my little note-book says, was performed somewhat
in the following manner :
When I had completed my rambles and my sketches in those regions,
and Ba'tiste and Bogard had taken their last spree, and fought their last
battles, and forgotten them in thi- final and affectionate embrace and farewell
(all of which are habitual with these game-fellows, when settling up their
long-standing accounts with their fellow-trappers of the mountain streams) ;
and after Mr. M'Kenzie had procured for me a snug little craft, that was to
waft us down the mighty torrent ; we launched off one fine morning, taking
owr leave of the Fort, and the friends within it ; and also, for ever, of the
beautiful green fields, and hills, and dales, and prairie bluffs, that encompass
tJie enchanting shores of the Yellow Stone.
Our canoe, which was made of green timber, was heavy and awkward ;
but our course being with the current, promised us a fair and successful
voyage. Ammunition was laid in in abundance — a good stock of dried
buffalo tongues — a dozen or two of beavers' tails — and a good supply of
pemican. Bogard and Ba'tiste occupied the middle and bow, witii their
paddles in their hands ; and I took my seat in the stern of the boat, at the
steering oar. Our larder was as I have said ; and added to that, some few
pounds of fresh buffalo meat.
Besides which, and ourselves, our little craft carried several packs of Indian
dresses and other articles, which I had purchased of the Indians ; and also
my canvass and easel, and our culinary articles, which were few and simple ;
•' V
«7
.hid. wa, MOO mil below"' "1 „T,h,°"/'"'"""'' ^'- '•""'■•
•p^ad a„u wi,a „,i™„ i„,,ab;:,^;ic"z ;rr;'"^' ■"- "■- "•"■
".» bant of .ho * r:„d "r,::^':; * "-■' p'«"=i "•«!' ;»"» ..po'l
fmiicl.liip. ™ "' "'"■ ""'3 "la'l' of eMeem and
Wa.W„g,rcieV '""°"'" ""'"'= P«°Ple. 0" !.» tour e„
fro" -^o^t! :l:h t^^^^^ his friends all its char.s-his
waist, had been ct off at that n?"' "T f "" '''''''' "^^ ''^'•- '^e
her with a beautiful oair of I ^ ' '""^ '''" ''''^'' '^'^'^ «»' '^ «"PPlied
been converted if:a'pe„dii'n!;;'V ''"' '"': ^"^"-'^"'^ hat-band'had
the poor fellow lrattlr;ei;lT::tt°,T' """"^'^^"^
times. As I before said hi, th.l , ' ^"'^ ''^P^ 'P'^«^ ^t all
in the estimation of hi tribe to T ''"'"'' '" ""' exhaustless, and he.
nf *k 11 '°^' to be an unexamoled liar
a» old and highwlli;:!'!' 7 ,t7^"''"' '^^ "" »PPea™nco of
There i> much of T, '' ""* '">"»'" »"d fences removed.
p^eipico^fZt:? „:rLTf*:e!'"%°'''"'' "" """ ^"-^
d^overed in gl, „„„lt'' * " ,' """"'"'"-''"P ''well, and arc often
»nd in em, retoec, U,.?» ?'",'"""" "="""* '""^ 'l""" "f Ae goat ;
'e.en,ble tli„.eT.he ram " '"'""'• "«P' '» "" ''<"»». which
01 the ram; sometime, making ,„„ entire circle, in their
i
|< I
68
Sell^' ''' '"^' '''' '^'" "' "•" -- "»»-e, irom five to six .„ch.
in the most extraordinary mannl f ^''^^' '"'"P'"? and vaulting
actually, to the sides ofLTj^^^^^^^ Sel^ '°'"*' "k' "^'"'"^ ^° «""^
follow them. ' *""•" """" "0' ^east could possibly
anill:.!rfndXrh:d"'eru7aT'"';r °"^ °^^^- -^--»
cliffs, we thought we had fair iv enL 7. ^"^^^"itless chase, a«,ongst the
to bring him, at last wltlr fhron^'' J'? '" '""'^ ^ ^"^ "^^ *° b' sure
bounded' from his narl „ . , ~ "«- = ^^en he suddenly
distance ofmore than a hundred f!l» .^'' *"'* ^'""bled down a
clay, where I thought wemS tt^LlTV ' '"^"^"^^ "^ '^'""^ ^^
trouble; when to mv rr^r "'"'"'y «"^ ^is carcass without further
almost inlnt"; out of m^s^ht"'""' ' "" "" '°""^'"^ «'^' ^^ he was
sho'uS r^Ur^nVsaid'::; %r" -^-'-^^^^^^^ these creatures,
part 7t:- tramlgT tnlr '1 "^"^^' ^^ ^'"'^^ ^^^ ^'^^ ^-ter
entered; and a pan of ouri.h ''^?'? '^''^'' '"*° ^^'^''^b we had
war-eagle. Thl noble hirH ^^"" ""T ^"'"'^ ^P^"* '» ^he pursuit of a
value s'o high?; foTttir 'ail^etr" "t" V''^ ^"''^"« '" these regions,
plumes for dUating the heltdr' '. k'" """^ '' ^^ ""^^ -'"«»
bird, and. the Indians tel me r. ^"^"^^^^.f ^ben" *""ors. It is a beautiful
country ; from wh re cull;" ^^hTl I' °''" "'"''''' '' ^^^'^^ '" '^^
in the highest esteem die 'is V^^^^^^^
variety it belongs- but I Z ■ ^"^ ""^^le so say to what
museums- nor is ft to Lf. T T""'- '* " "°* *° ^e seen in any of our
base of the R^k; 1" in^s '"Trb'd ^l ^"f ^' ""^" ''"^ ^^'^ "^" ^° '"^^
eagle and war-eugleV the la^^f wH^b ^f "'^''" ''''" ^""^'^ ^^« "^'^l"™^'
for; and the other 1 a arisen from V. !PP^"f °"« ^ ^ave already accounted
ably ornament their a, umeTs or oil^ •^u^'"'^'^"' '^''"^^^ '---
Our davV In.-* • :"""^'^ ""^ P'pes of peace with ts quills.
buffaloes; «' which g t thf 2 of us "'« H '" '''''' T'"' '' ' '^"^ «'
to return to our canoe at 2^ .. ""''' °"'°^*''" ^^y' '^^^'"g "«
before we reached the rive J h '.T. ' T""' '?'"'' "^ ^^^^ '"^J^' J"«t
Bogard came in 2ht nH i ^^ "^^ ""''' °^ ^ "'^^' ^"^ '" ^ ^^ ™<»"ents
whL add^d ouflarde? ^^^^ ^°-° fr""" bis shoulders a fine antelope;
to our larder, and we were ready to proceed. We embarked
i to six incTiM
»er of these
seping about
and vaulting
ling to cling
>uld possibly
se sagacious
amongst the
IS to be sure
he suddenly
lied down a
r rocks and
hout further
and he was
56 creatures,
ou now see
it necessary
d at a great
the greater
ich we had
>ursuit of 4
Bse regions,
nost valued
a beautiful
gles in the
and hold it
lay to what
iny of our
n^ar to the
he calumet
accounted
ost invari-
:casionally
a band of
leaving us
ick. Just
1 moments
antelope ;
embarked
and travelled until niglitfull, when w« »nnn,.,^ i
at the base of a serie.^of grass cove^d bTuffT T.k "^"^ ""'^ P™'""
our breakfast and ato it. Ld roweTo„ unt at'et th' 7' "'""'"^ ^°°''^^'
-topped at the base of some huge clav blu^ f '/""°" '' ^^'^'^ *°
and romantic scenes imad.aSr L M ' 1"^°"'°'^'''° '"°''' ^"""^^
the appearance somew at o' beautifu IcT' l" "l" "'"*"'' '"'^"' '"'«
and about its sand-bars, floated and .Vif^ ' ,"^'" "^^ ""'^^^ °'" '*' °"^ «»
Bwans and pelicans. ^^' •'""'''■''^' ""^^ thousands of white
aniSu^: x:"flXi:::::rr r;r ^i ^'t ^^' ^•-''^
various coloured bluff. J ^°.'" ""^ '"^"^ *''ere the rugged and
of Naturo-^:::t«!;i:j;sr"^^' •" "" ^"^ ^"•^^^ ^^^"^'^^ -'^ -^--
intIt;e;iT!7solt'"' : """^^f ? "^^^^ ^^^" ^"^ -^^ ^'-- »?
andpaifus :d\lrlinrtor^^^^^^ 'f? ^''^^° """'"^ '- -«-
of a coloss I city !!!rihit; win! llT ™°'''' '"' '"'"^ ^"''"'"^ «^^"^'"'°
and galleries-it ca^ ^-11,7. ''? r ";"' ''^'"P^'t^-itshuge porticos
progress, he had ba o ^d i 3s"to ,f '^^V~""'/" ""^ ""'"'' "^ '"«
«c i^:;2 j^^^^^^ ;;;eir vivid colours, into an unsys-
tan^rttfo^tilltfr'"' ''''^''''" ^— y"»- -di-
kilns ;" owing^o the r rod « ^^'^P^T'^ ^'''" *''^ "^""^ "^ " '»'« Brick-
grXw:;tra:i:;:::e:ut^^^^^^^^ ^« ^-^-n
conical fornio the LiXf?^ 1'"''!''^ '"°""'* °' '^'"ff' "«"'& '« a
rounded at tl e top ZflloZ "I ''' '""t' '•^^'' ^^"^^^"^ P°'"'^^ "^
some of whicif 1 aTi'nra 1 1 h" ^' """ ^'7^''* '''^^^'^^^ '" ^''^' ""'"^ers ;
turf. This fuc (a f 11 0? t n r"u °" I''" '°P' *"^ *=°^"^-d ^''h a gree.
responding exic^ :!;: ti^ 'r: i": e^e^ ':™:';" *''?p^' '''''-
distance) clearly show. tlm» h • • ^ wide-spreadmg prairies in
been produced bH,; 1'::^^ '''°'r ^"' --ded forms have
intervening eartl^ and left i?o"i»r"= ^''"^'^ ^^^^^ carried away the
now seen. ' '^' "'"" '" ^^^ P'cturesque shapes in which they are
onlhft^s'Ttt;:,!^^^^^^^^^ r '' ^^^" ^" '^""^^^^'^ °^ p'-
by which it is produc d L ' ' ?' ".''"''' P-^^S^^^^ °f ^h« operation
peculiar featuref £l; ^ le'ltf^^^^^^ °^ ^'^'^ P'-' ''-
superstratum, forming the tnlnf , J "^ ^">owledge) occurs; that the
enough to supporT anvthLTf H "'" "!'""''' ^^"'^'^ ^''^y ^^^'» ^igh
pport anythmg of the or.gmal surface) is composed, for the
ll ; >
I' ^
Ji '
r
|i w 1,
I*
|: i
liJl
W
Mi -f't'i
70
depth of fifteen feet, of rod p„mice ; terminatinir nl i>. hnM. • .
tl.e ruin, of an extinguished volcano. ' ' ''""^' '" "'" '"'^«' «^
As will be seen in the drawings (plate 17 « n»„, •
« distant view), tl.o side, of tifes coJio„l Iduff, kT' ""'^ '■''''^''' 3«'
•trata of different coloured dav,^ Z ]'!""' '^''^'^^ «^« composed of
effect of the rain, .l7l;^lTof XTr" Lr:h""^ ''"^" '^ "'«
..msses of punnce an.l basalt L crun bli^ off a" f iL'T ■""'""^•'"'
buses; and from thence in vast nnnn.;,: x f "' '""'"tf down to their
water which are often cu t"nrthe1 1 I "" ^'''"' ''^ '^' ^^'^^^ of
the river, which is clo e by „'u t ft:^!";; '"7" !'---"--' into
iitfht as a cork upon its surfnr i ? "'".'""'"^'' "f miles. Honting as
from this place to2 ^cean ' ^'"' '" ^"^^ '"'*' "^ •''''•t-ood
and open, and its Ipeci ^ g av t' t r Z' "V""""°"- '' ' ^°'°"«
be seen as they are in nature • ZIZ ^' ■ ^'"'" '^"''°'"' *^'"ff'=' '""st
faithfully given', or tl tse Ur' c .^r^rrStl'^T- f " ^"'"'•" "^
variety of their vivid tints Thp »»r ^ TT ^' "''"'^'' """"^'^'^ '" the
yellow-white-brow „d Lric b '^ '^^ -« ^'temating from red to
fornuhe most pleasing and l;tlar:ff;ct,' " ^™'^ """"^■^'^' «» '»
•ketch-book in my hand 'l vn' ?^ 'r°.' ' ""' ''''''"» "-X ^'A^ and
defiles between t"e b IffJ- it "' '""'""' '''^°"^'^ '»>« -i^'ged
of the pumice that had /. ir^"-". ""'' "'"''''' '''« '•"""="«« block,
find the' c";.o 'source tn \ '"," ^ '^''"'"'"^"'' if possible, o
sprung; but aftLr clam n'g a , trin! T ff"^'^ '''^""'"'^"^ '^"'»
tunately came upon the etorn 1T -k^o? ! .'"'."' ' ' ""'"■
parently, was travellinir in .hTlr . "* ^"^'^^ ^'''''' ^'"f^'', ap-
purpose) but a fl ml nrbefrme'-'a'T ^''""'f' '°'' ^ '^'^^ ^'""--^
instantly so cooled down t at I h.s X ? 7 ""'°"'' ^"'" ^"P'"""^ -«»
with making my dra J"; and ^" '^''^''"'^."•y ^''^P'- »»d was satisfied
n.ineralsi,.it3viclnitr "^ ^P^^^ens of the lava and other
tl/^rul7w:^:"ro::::^'' ??' r' --'-P'^^--^ ^»>e beauty of
pnmice-capped mL ds Zst of 'wi: ^ " n^^"" ."" '''""^^'^^ «*" ''-««
joying the pkasure of a "mount.!! ' ^'^'"^ '""' ^''''''''' '"i^ en-
coffee and 'dried bul^to^; r;ra;:'urT:Lr r"'^ ^-^
and enjoyed during the night U.e luxu v ofT f u^"" "P°" ^^'^S'^'"'
to the tired voyageur in these TJ 7 'P' ""' ^'°"&^ "« P^^^^Iiarly
y'iteur in tht^e realms ol pure air and dead silence.
» in a layer of
'diess cnnglo.
Her aiiddcniy,
" the midst of
d PLATR 3H,
compoged of
down by tlie
'I'riiicuinbent
own to fhoir
the tjorpos of
-curried irjto
«, floating as
f drift-wood
i and when
It is porous
biiifl^s must
colours are
isists in the
rom red to
'ged, as to
I left my
' rifle and
'he rugged
»se blocks
)ossible, to
mena had
-, I unfor-
diich, ap-
y different
Jriiig was
* satisfied
and other
beauty of
of these
! laid en-
took our
lie grass,
eculiarly
n
1
1
If'
i ; ■
i > .
ai
ai
ro
<<
hi
wl
be
Ci
Ml
in
wit
pai
wh
eve
cer
bee
Ev(
and
che
Noi
curi
grot
at
say!
bear
are s
mon
enori
W
one
mode
youn
entin
remo
rule i
I was
a pail
when
anotli
de res
riviere
" thes
wliich
71
and trapping i„ the Ro^y' uiZ^^^'.^Z ^.^'IZ'^'fr ''' '^""^'"«
robe, rubbing his eyes open and exrlin^Tn ^" ^^^ «"♦ f'""" ""der the
•'.Bydarnjo'ok at old Cal? : /ou ^ '^f.^^^^'^^^f -ped for his gun.
his dreams, snored awav. rauttering som thin! tha I u'"" """'' ''°"'' °'
when Bogard seized him with i ^L T! ■ f ' "^""'^ "°* understand,
.-. lU atl^iT i?;;tre;r:^^^^^^^^^
Caleb (as the gri^^ly bear is fami iarly ca led bv tl t " '' T' "P°"
Mountains-or more often " Cale,"2 S,'j '^ TT" " "■' ^"^'y
in the dignity and fury of her sex w.thinTf^ , ^^' ""^ ^'' ''"'"^ up
with her two^ittle cubs' at her s de ! h was ^^ t^" T', '^'7 "T ""''
painter; but I had no time to sketch irr* -^ a ""'^ « ^^^^J^^* ^^ the
which had been fastened at t e re a ~ p ^^Lm' ''" 'V'" "^^
everything had been pawed out of t and all eatahl T\ T"^ ''" u ^''
ceremony devoured. Mv motL 1 e T '' ^'^"^ ^^^" ^''^>«"t
been drawn out upon^hVb n^and .r't'- '"'"^ """"'" '''
RroS that she Id\ ^" ,'?'•' ''"^^ P^"^' ^''^^ ^'^^^ ^^^ '» the
ground that she had been perambulating our humble mattresses smellin^r
at our toes and our noses, without choosing to molest us ; ve^-y 'nra t kf
bear . though .t .s a well-known fact, that man and beast, upon theiffee
are sure to be attacked when they cross the path of this gHzzly an S n
nionster, wh.ch ., the terror of all this co.unry ; often Towfn'o'te
enormous s<ze of e.ght hundred or one thousand pounds. ^ ''
entirely failed, thoughle were wclrrme^d ^X^JA^^^
remonstrated with a vehen.nce that was irresistible ; Lying hat the tandimt
ru^m the mountains was ''never to %ht Caleb, ex/ept' iL^^!dS^^^^^
I was almost mduced however, to attack her alone, with mv rifle in hand and
apa<rof heavy p.stols ; with a tomahawk and sculping-^nife in my belt
when Ba.t,ste suddenly thrust his arm over my shoulder and porting Li
nother dnecUon, exclaimed in an en.phatic tone, " Voila! voila un orp"
ri:irr:"::;:e d ""• .f r ""-?"^ ^^ "'^" ' anons-aHons ! descend^
"the ; d, . V ""'' ^' '"''^' ^'^"^^•" "" ^''-h Bo.ard added.
these darned anmials are too much for us, and we had better^be off;" at
wh,ch my courage cooled, and we packed up and re-embarked as fast as
I a
r«
;
1
'■ t
f
^' . : •
jj
J ■■";
1'
i
■i
1
■
■i'
1
(
I
72
possible; giving each one of them the contents of our nfles as we drifted
off in the current ; wbich brought the she-monster, in all her rage and fury,
to the spot where we, a few moments before, had passed our most prudent
resolve.
During the rest of this day, we passed on rapidly, gazing upon and ad-
miring the beautiful shores, which were continually changing, from the high
and ragged cliffs, to the graceful and green slopes of the prairie bluffs ; and
then to the wide expanded meadows, with their long waving grass, enamel-
led with myriads of wild flowers.
The scene was one of enchantment the whole way ; our chief conver-
sation was about grizzly bears and hair's-breadth escapes ; of the histories
of which my companions had volumes in store.— Our breakfast was a late
one— cooked and eaten about five in the afternoon ; at which time our
demolished larder was luckily replenished by the unerring rifle of Bogard,
which brought down a fine antelope, as it was innocently gazing at us,
from the bank of the river. We landed our boat, and took in our prize ;
but there being no wood for our fire, we shoved off, and soon ran upon the
head of an island, that was covered with immense quantities of raft and
drift wood, where we easily kindled a huge fire and ate our delicious meal
from a clean peeled log, astride of which we comfortably sat, making it
answer admirably the double purpose of chairs and a table. After our
meal was finished, we plied the paddles, and proceeded several miles further
on our course ; leaving our fire burning, and dragging our canoe upon the
shore, in the dark, in a wild and unknown spot ; and silently spreading our
robes for our slumbers, which it is not generally considered prudent to do by
the side of our fires, which might lead a war-party upon us, who often are
prowling about and seeking an advantage over their enemy.
The scenery of this day's travel, as I have before said, was exceedingly
beautiful ; and our canoe was often run to the shore, upon which we stepped
to adrtiire the endless variety of wild flowers, '< wasting their sweetness on
the desert air," and the abundance of delicious fruits that were about us.
Whilst wandering through the high grass, the wild sun-flowers and volup-
tuous lilies were constantly taunting us by striking our faces ; whilst here
and there, in every direction, there were little copses and clusters of plum
trees and gooseberries, and wild currants, loaded down with their fruit ; and
amongst these, to sweeten the atmosphere and add a charm to the effect,
the wild rose bushes seemed planted in beds and in hedges, and everywhere
were decked out in all the glory of their delicate tints, and shedding sweet
aroma to every breath of the air that passed over them.
In addition to these, we had the luxury of service-berries, without stint ;
and the buffalo bushes, which are peculiar to these northern regions, lined the
banks of the river and defiles in the bluffs, sometimes for miles together; form-
ing almost impassable hedges, so loaded with the weight ot their fruit, that their
boughs were everywhere gracefully bending down and resting on the ground.
73
This last shrub {sheppPrdiu), which may be said tr. Vo »u
ornament that decks out the wild oniZ f ^^^ '""'^ 'beautiful
rest of the foliage. f„,m the blu ^ "^^^^^^^^^^ stnkin, contrast to the
be distinguished for miles in distance The fn.t\r'' ^^ ^'"^'^ '' ''^^
incredible profusion, hanging in clusters to ^'"'^^^'^'^ '^ Produces in such
about the size of ordinary cfr In nH .7 '""^ ""'^ '° '"''y '^'^S, is
in flavour; being exceed.nXac^ f/1 ""'"'' ''"™ '" ^°'°- -"^ e'en
bitten by the fros^t of autul' w^ t. ""' ""P^'^table, until they are
delicious ; having, to the tlte much 7 "t '""'•^"^''' ^"'^ ^^^'^ ^-our
indmed to thinkf 'would l^ eTclnrwine"^^^^' '' '''''" ^^ ' ^
(a "^r :^;^S ^j-r — riirif ^^^ r ' ^^-"
grows to the height of six or seven f Jt T / ^''^'- ^* generally
groves or hedge!, in sonrplals "fotti e^l: eC ' mV^^^T = -^"^ '^
in the sprrg o he yeTr'an7L 1^^^^^^T"'^' ^'" "^^^ ^« *'- P-"'
encamAnf: and onrof you two h H k"''^ ^""°" ''^^ pitched our little
cooper-the one f o have 2 " . ''" ' boat-builder, and the other a
«nest groves of tie l^lroZh' Tl"^' 'T '°'' "'^'^^^^ ^^ -- ^'^
inFtUt'thTr";^""'"'""*^"'''"^'^' ^"^ «-'^'^te gabbled so fast
Lfbutforfh T . T''^""'''''' "''' ^ am almost wiLg to bdie
tnat but tor the want of the requisite tools for the enternri7P I lu 1 7
r~5Kf = """*- SS 5
often regulated by the majority, in this strange and singular wilderness
foliowino- nTan ' r W^ '', " ''*' ^^P^n-ents which we made in tl^e
I Imdi^^r ~ / '''"■'' """' '""'' '^ '^^^S^ '"'^•^•^'"a^ blanket which
thev J 1 ' ?^ 'P''^"^'"^ '^ °" ^l'« g^«»"d under the bushes where
they w re the most abundantly loaded with fruit; and by strikino the s a k
Ittt r:,: L; ^Vf"' ''r''^'^ ^°"^^"'^«'- branches ifan
tant on the blanket, wh.ch was taken up by the corners, and r>ot an-
r : 1,1
; 1
•ii ill
1^
'1 ■ '
Ml-
74
frequently would produce us, from oue blow, the eighth part of a bushel of
this fru.t; when the boughs relieved of their burden, instantly flew up to
their native position. '' ^
Of this beautiful native, which I think would form one of the loveliest
ornamental shrubs for a gentleman's park or pleasure grounds, I procured a
number of the roots ; but which, from the many accident, and incidents that
our unlucky bark was subjected to on our rough passage, I lost them (and
almost the recollection of them) as well as many other curiosities I had col-
lected on our way down the river.
On the morning of the next day, and not long after we had stopped and
taken our breakfast, and while our canoe was swiftly gliding along under the
shore of a beautiful prairie, I saw in the grass, on the bank above me, what
I supposed to be the back of a fine elk, busy at hi. grazing. I let our craft
float silently by for a httle distance, when I communicated the intelligence
to my men, and shiy ran in, to the shore. I pricked the priming of my fire-
lock, and taking a bullet or two in my mouth, stepped ashore, and trailing
my rifle m my hand, went back under the bank, carefully crawling up in a
httle ravine, quite sure of my game ; when, to my utter surprise and violent
alarm. I found the elk to be no more nor less than an Indian pony, getting
his breakfast! and a little beyond him, a number of others grazing; and
nearer to me, on the left, a war-party reclining around a little fire ; and yet
nearer, and withm twenty paces of tlie muzzle of my gun, the naked shoulders
of a brawny Indian, who seemed busily engaged in cleaning his gun. From
this critical dilemma, the reader can easily imagine that I vanished with all
the suddenness and secrecy that was possible, bending my course towards my
canoe. Bogard and Ba'tiste correctly construing the expression of my face
and the agitation of my hurried retreat, prematurely unmoored from the
shore ; and the force of (he current carrying them around a huge pile of
drift wood threw me back for some distance upon my own resources ; though
they finally got in, near the shore, and I into the boat, with the steering oar
m my hand ; when we plied our sinews with effect and in silence, till we
were wafted far from the ground which we deemed critical and dangerous
to our lives; for we had been daily in dread of meeting a war-party of the
revengeful Riccarees, which we had been told was on the river, in search of
the Mandans 1-rom and after this exciting occurrence, the entries in my
Sow - ' ""''' ""^ "'" '°^'^' **" '''' '"''°' ""^ '^' Mandans, wore as
Saturday, fifth day of our voyage from the mouth of Yellow Stone, at
eleven o clock.-Landed our canoe in the Grand Detour (or Big Bend) as it
IS called, at the base of a stately clay mound, and ascended, all hands, to
the summit level, to take a glance at the p.cturesque and magnificent wori.s
of Nature that were about us. Spent the remainder of the day in painting
a view of this grand scene ; for which purpose Ba'tiste and Bogard carried
my easel and canvass to the top of a huge mound, where they left me at ruv
75
and abundantly added to the stock of our provisions ^ ''"'"'*'•
Scarcely anything in nature can be found I -..„'=.
picturesque than the view from this place exhbiLr' "°7 'r'^^''"^'^
in which the gorges of the river have c.^f ^n!. f ^ ^ wonderful manner
walls of clay'on'either side of tt or ^ \rdreS tr"';'""^' '''''
the imposing features of the high tabieln s di an e I^^^^^^^^^ ^ ^"'^
petual anoma Y n the conntrv q„,i j • "','*"^^' siandmg as a per-
astounding evidence of the fit rM.^''K"''"J '^' '"disputable, though
a super su'rface t^ this tnt^ I ttspTndt'^^^^^ T'" r^''
tabular hills, whose surface for half at^^.!^ u ''''""" °*^ '^''^
level : being covered with ^ "re n t'f "1 T"' T '\'" ''^'' '' ^''^'''^y
hundred feet elevated ahnl TV ' y'*''"' ''""'^'"'^d ^"'J fifty or two
level of a'thi e on 0^^^^^^^^^ ""^ \' ^^^P^''^ *-™^^ ^''^ ~t
base, without furnishing ^^^S. Tu'L^nrd", Tmi Jof " I'^'^
stui":' '^tw::: ScT iJt "r" '''-' °^ ^•^'^ ^-^ -"^^ •« ^
causesandre^ults; and held o7e'ew! """"' " "'^'^ '^^^"^'''^
in endeavouring to comprehend th. 7" 'f '* °"'' '''""^* P^'^^'y^^d
from this to thf base f'^ tc V iMZt" ' "''1l ''^- ^'^^""^ '^'^""^'y'
could have been swent all ^ f ' ^' '''" '' '" "''^^ directions,
where its r.^^^ ::S^ZJ: Cn I^ ''' ''' '^^'^^^^ «^ '''« P'^
eigln'd:;::;^^:::: ;;i:is^^:-' -' ^^^'^^-- ^^ '^ -
denominated " the Biiou Hiiu'^ K , , '^"""^ "'"'' ^"^ another
seeming to corjpo'n.it"' L; sl'a^ge ^^r "an?:!"!"" ^''^ ^'^^^•
down, I shall carefully exan.ine • and not f nT ,^^\''^'''^> "^ "^Y way
am not mistaken in their cl ac^er) to flh ' f "■ '"''''"^"''^ (''' '
ing feature of the treolo-rv of H.f^ / n 'P^^^'^^ions on this interest-
5 c ui uie geology ot tiie great va ev of the Missniir! \v\ -i .
men were yet engage.l in their sporting excu^ io ! T ft f "^
travelled to the base and summit of the e't b I I ^v ich^fo""' "'
surprise, I found to be several miles from T , ' ^" "^ ^reat
accomplish getting back to o .r .1 '""■' '""* ' '^^^''^ J°"^"«y to
sides that tlic'y wefe ev i^^ro^, fl^lE^ ^' ^^^^'^- » ^-"d by their
variety of horizontal layer fpf. r J 'P°"^'' '"'"P^^-^d "^ ^ S'^''^^
pebbi;s (many of whth fur i'h' d' i "' v ^°'°-^-°f ^--^'tic sand and
indcarnelian ),ai^d ei ftlte'h^ ^'"'^'"^" "' ^^^^^' J-P-
which gave as nstances .l!? '^'''' ^''^' ^'^^"^'^'^ °f P"nuce and cinders,
nn.i sagacious'a:Xe!rs or vl -^^^^^^^^^^ 'T" ^^PP^^ ^'^ ^^^
''-' '" ^'^i^ country ' andonU;- dl^tail JSSlirl"^ ^^^
,....J
I r\'
76
Tlie antelope ot this country, I belioe to be different from all other
known varieties, and forms one of the most pleasing, living ornaments to
this western world. They are seen in some places in great numbers sporting
and playing about the hills and dales ; and often, in flocks of fifty or a
hundred, will follow the boat of the descending voyageur, or the travelling
caravan, for hours together; keeping off at a safe distance, on the right or
left, galloping up and down the hills, snuffing their noses and stamping" their
feet : as if they were endeavouring to remind the traveller of the wicked
trespass he was making on their own hallowed ground.
This little animal seems to be endowed, like many other gentle and sweet-
breathing creatures, with an undue share of curiosity, whicli often leads
them to destruction ; and the hunter who wishes to entrap them, saves him-
self the trouble of travelling after them. When he has been discovered, he
has only to elevate above the tops of the grass, his red or yellow handker-
chief ou the end of his gun-rod (plate 40), which he sticks in the ground,
and to which they are sure to advance, though with great coyness and
caution ; whilst he lies close, at a little distance, with his rifle in hand ;
when it is quite an easy matter to make sure of two or three at a shot, which
he gets in range of his eye, to be pierced with one bullet.
On Sunday, departed from our encampment in the Grand D^our; and
having passed for many miles, through a series of winding and ever-varyin^
bluffs and fancied ruins, like such as have already been described, our at-
tention was more than usually excited by the stupendous scene (plate 41)
called by the voyageurs " the Grand Dome," which was lying in full view
before us.
Oui canoe was here hauled ashore, and a day whiled away again, amongst
these clay built ruins.
We clambered to their summits and enjoyed the distant view of the Mis-
souri for many miles below, wending its way through the countless groups
of clay and grass-covered hills; and we wandered back on the plains, in a
toilsome and unsuccessful pursuit of a herd of buffaloes, which we discovered
at some distance. Though we were disappointed in the results of the chase ;
yet we were in a measure repaid in amusements, which we found in paying
a visit to an extensive village of prairie dogs, and jf which I should render
some account
I have subjoined a sketch (plate 42) of one of these sub-terra commu-
nities ; though it was taken in a former excursion, when my party was on
horseback, and near the mouth of the Yellow Stone River ; yet it answers
lor this place as well as any other, for their habits are one and the same
wherever they are found ; their houses or burrows are all alike, and as their
location IS iinifoiinly on a level and desolate prairie, without timber, there is
little room for variety or dissimilarity.
The prairie dog of the American Piairies is undoubtedly a variety of the
munnot; and probably not .inlike those which inhabit the vast Steppes of
>m all other
rnaments to
)er8 sporting
jf fifty or a
le travelling
the right or
imping their
the wicked
and sweet-
often leads
saves hi in-
covered, he
w handker-
the ground,
oyness and
e in hand ;
shot, which
kour; and
i^er-Tarying
ed, our at-
?LAT» 41),
J full view
1, amongst
r the Mis-
2S9 groups
lains, in a
Jiscovered
he chase ;
in paying
lid render
i commu>
ty was on
t answers
the same
1 as their
•, there is
ty of the
teppes of
22
V
K^.
i3MViV»
K.V-
•'"1,1 ,■ . . „ I .1 .'- "M.'ll ■ 1 "'■ ',| , ■■ '!■
.11 11 ii7. .M 111'.' II ••• ,i\"^"'"Mm.(.'''''\.;m ,'■■■''*•'>',»"" ""■ -,1.
CiiUif,
40
j-ff
1 ^'^
Ir. .| i
ll '
y\i !
II 1
1
: 'li If
"]
77
Aila. It bears no resemblance to any variety of dogs, except in the sound
of .1. vo.ce, wben excited by the approach of danger, which is something
like that of a very small dog. and still much more resembling the bark ine
of a grey squirrel. " '
The size of these curious little animals is not far from that of a very laree
rat, and they are not unlike in their appearance. As I have said, their
burrows, are uniformly built in a lonely desert ; and away, both from the
proxmnty of timber and water. Each individual, or each family, dig iheir
hole in the prairie to the depth of eight or ten feet, throwing up the dirt
from each excavation, in a little pile, in the form of a cone, which forms the
only elevation for them to ascend ; where they sit, to bark and chatter when
an enemy is approaching their a illage. These villages are sometimes of
several miles in extent; containing (I would almost say) myriads of their
excavations and little dirt hillocks, and to the ears of their visitors, the din
of their barkings is too confused and too peculiar to be described.
In the present instance, we made many endeavours to shoot them, but
hndin- our efforts to be entirely in vain. As we were approaching them at a
distance, each one seemed to be perched up, on his hind feet, on his appro-
priate domicil. with a significant jerk of his tail at every bark, positively dis-
puting our right of approach. I made several attempts to get near enough
to '< draw a bead " upon one of them ; and just before I was ready to fire (and
as if they knew the utmost limits of their safety), they sprang down into their
holes, and instantly turning their bodies, shewed their ears and the ends of
their noses, as they were peeping out at me ; which position they would
hold, until the shortness of tlie distance subjected their scalps to danger
again, from the aim of a rifle ; when they instantly disappeared from' our
sight, and all was silence thereafter, about their premises, as I passed them
over; until I had so far advanced by them, that their ears were again dis-
covered, and at length themselves, at full length, perched on the tops of
their little hillocks and threatening as before ; thus gradually sinking and
rising like a wave before and behind me.
The holes leading down to their burrows, are four or five inches in diameter,
and run down nearly perpendicular ; where they undoubtedly communicate
into something like a subterraneous city (as I have formerly learned from
fruitless endeavours to dig them out), undermined and vaulted ; by which
means, they can travel for a great distance under the ground, without
danger from pursuit.
Their food is simply the grass in the immediate vicinity of their burrows,
which is cut close to the ground by their flat, shovel teeth ; and, as they
sometimes live twenty miles from any water, it is to be supposed that they
gel moisture enough from the dew on the grass, on which they feed chiefly
at night ; or that (as is generally supposed) they sink wells from their
uuder-giound habitations, by which they descend low enough to get their
supply. In the winter, they are for several months invisible ; existing, un-
,^,:l
ft:"T
|i
78
doubtedly, In a torpid state, as they certainly lay by no food for that
season— nor can they procure any. These curious little animals belong to
almost every latitude in the vast plains of prairie in North America ; and
their villages, which I have sometimes encountered in my travels,' have
rompellcd my party to ride several miles out of our way to get by them ;
for their burrows are generally within a few feet of each other, and danger-
ous to the feet and the limbs of our horses.
The sketch of the bluffs denominated " the Grand Dome," of which I
spoke hut a few moments since, is a faithful delineation of the lines and
character of that wonderful scene ; and the reader has here a just and
striking illustration of the ruin-like appearances, as I have formerly described,
that are so often met with on the banks of this mighty river.
This is, perhaps, one of the most grand and beautiful scenes of the kind
to l)e met with in this country, owing to the perfect appearance of its several
huge domes, turrets, and towers, which were everywhere as precise and as
perfect in their forms as they are represented in the illustration. These
stupendous works are produced by the continual washing down of the sides
of these clay-formed hills; and although, in many instances, their sides, by
exposure, have become so hardened, that their change is very slow ; yet
tliey are mostly subjected to continual phases, more or less, until ultimately
their decomposition ceases, and their sides becoming seeded and covered
with a green turf, which protects and holds them (and will hold them) unal-
terable: with carpets of green, and enamelled with flowers, to be gazed
upon with admiration, by the hardy voyageur and the tourist, for ages and
centuries to come.
On Monday, the seventh day from the mouth of the Yellow Stone River,
we floated away from this noble scene ; looking back again and again upon
It, wondering at its curious and endless changes, as the swift current of ihe
river, hurried us by, and gradually out of sight of it. We took a sort of
melancholy leave of it— but at every bend and turn in the stream, we were
mtroduced to others— and others— and yet others, almost as strange and
curious. At the base of one of these, although we had passed it, we with
difficulty landed our canoe, and I ascended to its top, with some hours'
lal)our ; having to cut a foot-hold in the clay with my hatchet for each
Rtep, a great part of the way up its sides. So curious was this solitary
bluflT, standing alone as it did, to the height of 260 feet (plate 43), with its
sides washed down into hundreds of variegated forms— with large blocks of
indurated clay, remaining upon pedestals and columns as it were, and with
such a variety of tints ; that I looked upon it as a beautiful picture, and de-
voted an hour or two with my brush, in transferring it to my canvass.
In the after part of this day we passed another extraordinary scene, which
is denominated " the Three Domes" (plate 44), forming an exceedingly
pleasmg group, though requiring no furthci description for the reader, who
13 now sufficiently acquainted with these scenes to understand them.
2 I
>0(J for that
s belong to
nerka ; und
ravels, have
t by them ;
md danger-
of which I
3 lines and
a just and
y described,
of the kind
f its several
:ise and as
)n. These
>fthe sides
r sides, by
slow : yet
ultimately
ul covered
bem) unal-
I be gazed
■ ages and
one River,
igain upon
rent of ihe
k a sort of
a, we were
;range and
it, we with
)me hours'
i for each
is solitary
5), with its
blocks of
, nnd with
5, and de-
iss.
ne, which
;ceedingly
iuier, who
II.
23
%
%
■KV
m
If.
s/i.
..a-'
ci-)--
k
t
1' ,,
' r 1
1 ■
'1
m
24
/..
'V
'-i^'>i'w^„-w.«i:v, -.. -.-. y \-\
.. -^eo-j^jt ./f /r
ci.vx.
iUi.CH
"I
',^:
Wf'lMiVir-^
i CnUui.
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3
^1
:il!
I
li
j
) . /;;. '1
M
Or
Mane
wards
Amer
Heki
to Ill's
ix^nefi
and it
'f
wi»w « wiwi.>i. ■' i iy w <' . ' j?j"^) i ■■ [fww t iWMWj ig wi 'P JLMw s
71)
On this day, jn,t before night, we landed o,.r l,t,le boat i„ front of the
Mandan v.llage; and amongst the hundreds and thousands who ZLd t
wards the nver to ,neet and to greet „s, was Mr. Kipp. th agen of the
Amencan F„r Con.pany, who has charge of their Establish ncnt at thi p at
,>"-. ■>
«u
LETTER— No. 11.
il ii:
1% M
MANDAN VILLAGE, UPPER MISSOURI.
I SAID that I was here in the midst of a strange people, which is literally
true ; and I find myself surrounded by subjects and scenes worthy the pens
of Irving or Cooper — of the pencils of Raphael or Hogarth ; rich in legends
and romances, which would require no aid of tlie imagination for a book or
a picture.
The Mandans (or See-pohs-kah-nu-mah-kah-kee, " people of the phea-
sants," as they call themselves), are perhaps one of the most ancient tribes o.
Indians in our country. Their origin, like that of all the other tribes is from
necessity, involved in mystery and obscurity. Their traditions and peculiarities
I shall casually recite in this or future epistles ; which when understood, will
at once, I think, denominate them a peculiar and distinct race. They take
great pride in relating their traditions, with regard to their origin ; con-
tending that they were the Jirst people created on earth. Their existence in
these regions has not been from a very ancient period ; and, from what
I could learn of their traditions, they have, at a former period, been a
very numerous and powerful nation ; but by tlie contmuai wars wnicn navo
•liisted between them and their neighbours, they have been reduced to theii
present numbers.
This tribe is at present located on the west bank of the Missouri, about
1800 miles above St. Louis, and 200 below the Mouth of Yellow Stone
river. They have two villages only, which are about two miles distant from
each other ; and number in all (as near as I can learn), about 2000 souls.
Their present villages are beautifully located, and judiciously also, for de-
fence against the assaults of their enemies. The site of the lower (or prin-
cipal) town, in particular (plate 45), is one of the most beautiful and
pleasing that can be seen in the world, and even more beautiful than
imagination could ever create. In the very midst of an extensive valley
(embraced within a thousand graceful swells and parapets or mounds of
interminable green, changing to blue, as they vanish in distance) is built
the city, or principal town of the Mandans. On an extensive plain (which
is covered with a green turf, as well as the hills and dales, as far as the eye
can possibly range, without tree or bush to be seen) are to be slcu rising
from the ground, and towards the heavens, domes — (not "of gold," but)
, ^V-^,.-.c,
j:2:^
"^^
! |f I
81
of dirt— and the thousand spears (not " <,nir«<.••^ i .
the se^i-subterraneous village of tl e hosp itlbl ?V'"'P.-P°'"' *^- *^-' ^^
These people formerly (and within tTe:ncUo"n ff""""'^ ''''"^^"«-
men) I.ved Hfteen or twenty miles la, tl e.Ti T ""^"^ "* '^''" ''^'^^^t
villages; the marks or ruin's of wh^'et? '[""''" *^" ^-^■■^'--
period, it is evident, as well from tl number om'",' '" ?' ^'"'- ^' ^^at
contained, as from their traditions tlmTlt^ k"'' '"'"'' ''''" ^'"'"^««
than at the present day *''"' ""'"'^'^'•^ ^^--e much greater
speak more fully on a future Ic.sionp I' ^'"^^'' °^ ^'"^'^ ^ «hall
mulged,IthinktLemaybeapret;^;der;- T' "'"" ^'^^ ^^ I-
occupied the lower part of the M ssoaH . i u''':^''"' ''^"* *''^y '""'•"'erly
and have gradually'made their 2 up the S ''' ?"°, ^"' ^"^''<-"'
There are many remains on the river below h",' "''"' '^'^ ""^^ «■•«•
seen neariy as low down as St Lous) 1 " f'"' f'"'^' '" ''''' '^ ^^
construction of Mandan lodges and cL\f'"^ "'""'y *''« P^'^""'""
the above position. WhiL de^cenlinrr"' ^''^'^ ' strong proof of
commence in a few weeks, in a ealeL^^^ however, which I shall
I shall give it close examination! ^ ""'^J''^* °^ '"^^^^^^ • «"d
The ground on which the Mandan vUU^^ • .
rably selected for defence- behronVi^! '.' '* P""'''"* ''""*' ^^^ adn,i.
bed of the river. The gre;tLZt of ^ "' "^''^ '''' '''''' ^''«
of solid rock. The rivT udSv cJ ^ '' ""'^'^ P"?^"^'*^"''^'-' «»d
protects two sides of theV , a' ^'^h,! if "b^;? '"""/^ ' "^^''^-o'^'
angle; they have therefore but 01^,^0 T" '"' P^«-«ntory or
done by a strong piquet and a TI ■ /'°*''*' *''"^'' '« effectually
depth. The piquet is composed o timt: P ';' '' '""^ "^ ^°"^ ^^^ ''
and eighteen feet high, set firmly 1 tT' ,' *°"' '' '"°^« ''" ^i^-^eter,
each other to admit of gnsa'd^oThrT "' T"^"''"* '^'^^^"^^^ f'-
The ditch (unlike that oT v .ed'^rdeToT f" .'« ''• '?' '^^"^^" *'--
piquet, in which their warrior creentheTr h ^''''f'^''^") '« in^-'de of the
of their enemies, whilst they arrdoad . ^^ "T '"^'^" ^"'^ --'•P""-^
through the piquets. reloadmg and d.schargmg their weapons
any tSt:- ::\:t!:i:^^^::; ^^^'^ ^"•^^-. ^^om the attacksof
enemy on the prai, e. T." vill t has a ' r''\ "''" '^'^ "^^'^ ^^eir
of a stranger; their lodg s are cSdv 1 "°''' ^PP'^'^^^^ '^ ^'^ '^ye
room enough for walking and ridinLbetlfr ''"'"'i' '^^^'"^^ "^"^ J-^
to be built entirely of dl^ b t o fe ;, ! ''" '- '"" "^^''' ^™"' "'■"''"''
the neatness, comfort and sp'osH^ "''^' ^'^"^ ^^^'"' '"-«
'Iwellings. They all ha>e a c rcula for " "T'" °^ '''"^ earth-covered
- diameter. Their foandatio at p e" ^clt 7 "" '" '^ '° ^^'^^^ '"'^^^
tlie ground, and forming the floor nf fu ? / ^'^^'"" ''*"^'' '"o 'eet in
n.ng the floor of earth, by levelling the requisite size for
h
82
I;.'
If,!'
Ill I
1
IHh
1
the lodge. These floors or foundations are all perfectly circular, and varying
in size in proportion to the number of inmates, or of the quality or standing
of the families which are to occupy them. The superstructure is then pro-
duced, by arranging, inside of this circular excavation, firmly fixed in tlie
ground and resting against the bank, a barrier or wall of timbers, some eight
or nine inches in diameter, of equal height (about six feet) placed on end, and
resting against each other, supported by a formidable embankment of earth
raised against them outside ; then, resting upon the tops of these timbers or
piles, are others of equal size and equal in numbers, of twenty or twenty-
five feet in length, resting firmly against each other, and sending their
upper or smaller ends towards the centre and top of the lodge ; rising at an
angle of forty-five degrees to the apex or sky-light, which is about three or
four feet in diameter, answering as a chimney and a sky-light at the same
time. The roof of the lodge being thus formed, is supported by beams
passing around the inner part of the lodge about the middle of these poles
or timbers, and themselves upheld by four or five large posts passing down
to the floor of the lodge. On the top of, and over the poles forming tlie
roof, is placed a complete mat of willow-boughs, of half a foot or more in
thickness, which protects the timbers from the dampness of the earth, with
which the lodge is covered from bottom to top, to the depth of two or three
feet; and then with a hard or tough clay, which is impervious to water, and
which with long use becomes quite hard, and a lounging place for the whole
family in pleasant weather — for sage— for wooing lovers — for dogs and all ; an
airing place — a look-out — a place for gossip and mirth — a seat for the solitary
gaze and meditations of the stern warrior, who sits and contemplates the
peaceful mirth and happiness that is breathed beneath him, fruits of iiis
hard-fought battles, on fields of desperate combat with bristling Red Men.
The floors of these dwellings are of earth, but so hardened by use, and
swept so clean, and tracked by bare and moccassined feet, that they have
almost a polish, and would scarcely soil the whitest linen. In the centre,
and immediately under the sky-light (plate 46) is the fire-place — a hole of
four or five feet in diameter, of a circular form, sunk a foot or more below
the surface, and curbed around with stone. Over the fire-place, and sus-
pended from the apex of diverging props or poles, is generally seen the
pot or kettle, filled with buffalo meat; and around it are the family, reclining
in all the most picturesque attitudes and groups, resting on their buffalo-robes
and beautiful mats of rushes. These cabins are so spacious, that they hold
from twenty to forty persons — a family and all their connexions. They all
sleep on bedsteads similar in form to ours, but generally not quite so high;
made of round poles rudely lashed together with tl.ongs. A bufl'alo
skin, fresh stripped from the animal, is stretched across the bottom poles,
and about two feet from the floor; which, when it dries, becomes much con-
tracted, and forms a perfect sacking-bottom. The fur side of this skin is
placed uppermost, on which they lie with great comfort, with a buffalo-robe
83
folded np for a pillow, and otliers drawn over thpm ■«<.♦«.. . <• u. ,
Those beds, as f.r as I have seen the: (and T avT Sed alLsr^^'"
lodge in the village), are uniformly screened with a co'' ri„t n K l7'^
elk skins. oftentin,es beautifully dLsed and placed over he uL "hf l"
or frame, like a suit of curtains; leaving a hole in front IffioiPnr^ "^ '
for the occupant to pass in and out, ^o and fl^^mt^or h r b^^^^^^^^^^
oMhese covenugs or curtains are exceedingly beautiful, being .utastefulv
thing to see these lodges tl.y feet in dianZ'^id; ( Jhi iran" ":=:
roon.), w.th a row of these curtained beds extending quite around theHides
bemg some ten or twelve of them, placed four or five (feet apart Indth'
space between them occupied by a large post, fixed quite firm n t he grou d
and 8.x or seven feet high, with large wooden pegs or bolts in it on wS
are hung and grouped, with a wild and startling taste, th arms and armt^
of the respecfve proprietor ; consisting of his whitened shield, embossed an"
emblazoned w.th the figure of his protecting medicine (or my tery) is bow
and qu.ver h.s war-club or battle-axe. his dart or javelin-hii' obacci
pouch and p,pe-h,s medicine-bag-and his eagle-ermine or ra en h S!
oT:: ,:dlar::"- ^"' r ''- *? -^^'^^ p«^^ ^^^ -^p'-^ ^y -" - '.
.e.Cin Z r^"'^"'/«f-"l/"'l P'o'eet the spell of wiidness that
horCof « r^. ^^t-^'"'^'''""^ ^°"'' """^ •» '■•" relief the head and
by eveiy man .n the nat.on, and hung at the head of his bed, which he uses
as a mask when called upon by the chiefs, to join in the buffa o-dance
ot winch I shall say more in a future epistle '
rins arrangement of beds, of arms, &o., combining the most vivid display
and arrangement of colours, of furs, of trinkets-of barbed and glisZ.'^
po.nts and stee -of mysteries a..dhoeuspocus, together with thf omlrf
and smoked colour of the roof and sides of the lodge; and the wild and
rude and red-the graceful (though uncivil) conversat.Lal. garrulous storv-
I l|ng and happy, though ignorant and untutored groups °that are mokZ
h p.pes-woo,ng their sweethearts, and embracing their little ones abouf
sp ons and 7, '"' r "' '""''" '' ^°^^'^^' ^^"^ ^^^^ P°*« ^^^ Settles
poons. and other cul.nary articles of their own manufacture, around
them ; present altogether, one of the most picturesque scenes to th^ eye of a
r Et;s '' ^°^'"^ - ' -' '- -- ''' ^' ^^^^^ '^- -1^
is fr'uf ^; J 'rf ' n''' P^'^P V.^-^^ g^""l°"«. story-telling and happy ; this
>8 true, and hterally so; and .t belongs to me to establish the fact and
correc the error which seems to have gone forth to the world on this subject.
As I have before observed, there is no subject that 1 know of within the
84
itf' r
i I
.f
scope and reach of human wisdom, on wliich the civilized world in thit en-
lightened age are more incorrectly informed, than upon that of the true man-
ners and customs, and moral condition, rights and abuses, of the North
American Indians; and that, as I have also before remarked, chiefly oi account
of the difficulty of our cultivating a fair and honourable acquaintance with
them, and doing them the justice, and ourselves the credit, of a fair and
impartial investigation of their true character. The present age of refine-
ment and research has brought every thing else that I know of (and a vast
deal more than the most enthusiastic mind ever dreamed of; within the scope
and fair estimation of refined intellect and of science ; while the wild and
timid savage, with his interesting customs and modes has vanished, or his
character has become changed, at the approach of the enlightened and
intellectual world ; who follow him like a phantom for awhile, and in igno-
rance of his true character at last turn back to the common business and
social transactions of life.
Owing to the above difficulties, which have stood in the way, the world
have fallen into many egregious errors with regard to the true modes and
meaning of the savage, %vhich I am striving to set forth and correct in the
course of these epistles. And amongst them all, there is none more common,
nor more entirely erroneous, nor more easily refuted, than the current one,
that " the Indian is a sour, morose, reserved and taciturn man." I have
heard this opinion advanced a thousand times and I believed it; but such
certainly, is not uniformly nor generally the case.
I have observed in all my travels amongst the Indian tribes, and more
particularly amongst these unassuming jjeople, that they are a far more
talkative and conversational race than can easily be seen in the civilized
world. This assertion, like many others I shall occasionally make, will some-
what startle the folks at the East, yet it is true. No one can look into the
wigwams of these people, or into any little momentary group of them, without
being at once struck with the conviction that small-talk, gossip, garrulity, and
story-telling, are the leading passions with them, who have little else to do in
the world, but to v. hile away their lives in the innocent and endless amusement
of the exercise of those talents with which Nature has liberally endowed them,
for their mirth and enjoyment.
One has but to walk or ride about this little town and its environs for a few
hours m a pleasant day, and overlook the numerous games and gambols,
where their notes and yelps of exultation are unceasingly vibrating in the
atmosphere; or peep into their wigwams (and watch the glistening fuu
thats beaming from the noses, cheeks, and chins, of the crouching, cross-
legged, and prostrate groups around the fire; where the pipe is passed,
and jokes and anecdote, and laughter are excessive) to become convinced
that It IS natural to laugh and be merry. Indeed it would be strange if
a race of people like these, who have little else to do or relish in life,
should be curtailed in that source of pleasure and amusement; and it
86
«ouId be also strange, if a life-timA «<• • j i
innocent and producfiv'e a J£ TJLZ':^!'^ T' 'T''' '" «°
anxieties of business or professions sholl nT ' ?*"" ''"^ ^''^^^ ""^
and enable them to drawbar grater plea uref'"'^'^''" '" ''''" '""^e,.
the civilized and business wXaf ^^^^^ in
condition of their minds curtails the number of th^- uncultivated
free from, and independent of, a tSousrd ll- 'Ty"''''''' ^'^ '^'y ^'«
fro:n n.ercenary mcAives in th civil.zd world !, ^"^^'T'' "^^''''^ «""«
(in my opinion) in the real a^ unttlrn 1, '" ^^^ ^-/"''-d of u,
natural faculties. "nmterrupted enjoyment of their simple
expenses of life, which are absob.t!! ^ '"'^ "^'^''""^ incurring the
lightened world; a d o cou"" ^ L""i'"'"' """■■''''' " '" ""
directedtotheei^joyln of TenLr. , '"'''°r "°^ ^^^"'^'«« ^^« «°'«'y
onthepastorap^reCls^fXSe y^ -^''-^ »'- sober reflection^
and^'llt oV'^lSTfelus' ""'"'"T^^^ '^ ''^ ^'^^^ P--»
thoughts and theirconvtaS'n' ;2 Ttletd t ^ ^°"^"^'^^ ^'^^'^
their lives. They are fond of fun T/ i u ^ *"^'"° o<^currences of
heartily at a sligh't joke, of which the^nrf- '^'"\ '"^ '^" '^"^^^ ««^'y «"'»
inexhaustible fund, and enaWe ,t T , '' "'"'''' °^ '""^ '""^"'^^ them an
.i.wam fire side withlriLi^^^^^^^ '''' ''''' ^'^^ ^'^
^^^^'^^^ti^L:;::^'^^ f ^^p-- establish
as 1 am opposing an error that J ^ ? u '" ^ °*'''"'''" ^^""^d' '"««^^^"<=h
world; anTwhi'ch ifTbe o'r^:^^^^^^^^^^^ --"^ through the
which has always stood in the waTof « 'f T- " '"''"'"' ^'^^"'^y-
Indian character. For the nurnn! ^ ,"" '"^ J"'^ estimation of the
before the world as I hop ^^^do '^ "'"'^ '^' '"^'^" '" ^P™P«^ ''ght
™e-itis but juXtoTe vt-a:rfu:;rr' ' *-V"^p°^*^"^'^°
such points should be cleared ulJl ^ I ° "^^ '■'''^"" ^'«°' ^^at
enquire for correct and iustnf7 . T'''* * ""^ ^""^ '^^ ^"^'^ who
truth, or else come to tse-:^^rTi '['I ""^^ '^''^ "'^ words for the
tesque circles of ne I Id^ 1 u h, 1 J" '^'"'^^'^^^' '"'« ^'^^ g-
ington City to ^aze on the n ° '""S^"'" ''^"^ '^"»' '"^tead of going to Wash-
his "Grelt %: er" fo cCrT Tf '"''^" "''° '"^ -"^' thereby
acquisitive worW j, btt i„l . ''V'^ "^^'^'^^ '' '"^^ '--^'^ -^
hunting grounds o; hi^a Tc Jors '[he;: ''"'^ T'' ^'^ '"'^'^ ^"'^ ^''«
the Indian character- vet it u tK T " ?' '^' P-'^P*^' P''^^« *» ^^udy
scribbler go to gazeandf:l\;o::i,^'"Tol"r^ ^^'^"^ ^"'^ ^'^^
"ier^reSrriL^-T?^--
88
ii
'. %
I il
l'< 1^
t i.
-I J
I]
't 1
> ml
almost equally so iii the Mandan village. An Indian in VVailiington is mute,
18 dumb and embarrassed ; and so is a white man (and for the very same
reasons) in this place — he has nobody to talk to.
A wild Indian, to reach the civilized world, must needs travel some thou-
sands of miles in vehicles of conveyance, to which he is unaccustomed-
through latitudes and longitudes which are new to him— living on food that
he is unused to— stared and gazed at by the thousands and tens of thou-
sands whom he cannot talk to — his heart grieving and his body sickening
at the exhibition of white men's wealth and luxuries, which are enjoyed on
the land, and over the bones of his ancestors. And at the end of his
journey he stands (like a caged animal) to be scanned— to be criticised— to
be pitied — and heralded to the world as a mute— as a brute, and a
beggar.
A white man, to reach this village, must travel by steam-boat— by canoes—
on horseback and on foot; swim rivers— wade quagmires— fight mos-
quitoes—patch his moccasins, and patch them again and again, and his
breeches ; live on meat alone— sleep on the ground the whole way, and
think and dream of his friends he has left behind ; and when he gets here,
half-starved, and half-naked, and more than half sick, he finds himself a
beggar for a place to sleep, and for something to eat ; a mute amongst thou-
sands who flock about him, to look and to criticise, and to laugh at him for
his jaded appearance, and to speak of him as they do of all white men
(without distinction) as liars. These people are in the habit of seeing no
white men m their country but Traders, and know of no other; deeming us
uU alike, and receiving us all under the presumption that we come to trade
or barter; applying to us all, indiscriminately, the epithet of "liars" or
1 raders.
The reader will therefore see, that we mutually suffer in each other's esti-
mation from the unfortunate ignorance, which distance has chained us in ;
and (as I can vouch, and the Indian also, who has visited the civilized
world) that the historian who would record justly and correctly the charac-
ter and customs of a people, must go and live among them.
sr
letter-No. 12.
MANDAN VILLAGE. UPPER MISSOURI.
In my last, I gave gome accounf nf ♦!.» -n
appearances of this strange peopT-a„d w! "'^'' '"' ''" '''''"''' ""^
details on that subject. """ """^ P''°'^««'l t^ give further
beneath and about me (plate 47/whh' , "'"^ ^''" ^''°'« ^'"•''Se
-and its horses in m tion-it ^Ji j 17'""^-'^.^ -----its dogs
^vaving over my head-its pinuets-it ^ ^''^'y''''^'') «nd scalp-poles
full view, with the din and buTt e o7t t f'n • "^' ""'^ ^'''"''''' ^"^ ^'^^ '"
I «hoii be able, I hope, to g e ome It I ^"^ '"°^""'" ''''' '^ ^''-" --
have done from any effort of recolTecttn '""'' '" '" '""^^ ^'^^'" ^ ^^^
^rty'rii:;;^ -j:;!^:: zr:;oT '''''-' -'' -^">— ^^
room enough ,0 walk and ride^etween 1 Tern' ^^1 ''f '!"" ""^ "^"^ J"^'
to enter them, and a hole in the ton Jo 2' ~, "^ ''^"' " ^'°°^ ^^^ ^^'"'^^^•
smoke to escape,-that the i ma f we e ^ tfmT"'" "' l'^''' ^"'^ '"''' ^'^^
«n conversations and other amuserenU *^ , ^'""^'^ "P°" '•^^''- *«P«
how they look, nor what is ^.ov^Z ' ""'' ^'' y"" ''""^ "°' ^''^^W
- about me. There is ca ly f vn^'^'^r " ^^ '" ^'""^^^ ^^'^ ^''«'
is to be seen. There are lu CZlZ '"'^T'" '" '^''y ^"^'"^ ^^at
tl'ey are purely unique-trev 1 ' ' .1 T' °' '^'"'^^"'S^ »»^o"t ^e, and
red.audUdfstinc? f^om L "j;::,t;T' '''~''^ P^P'^ - «'^
ii'L groups ot lodges around me nrp^Pnf . ,
pearance, rcsemblinff in shane VmL^ \ ^ ^""""^ ^"^ P'^^sing ap-
pare them to) so maty PoS IZ ""'^'^ ^" ^"^'''""^ ^'^^^ '^^'^ con.-
be seen groups stanZ/a d tnl '' "'T ^" '^' ''^^ ""^ '^''' ^^ ^«
ance it would' he cliSuo ,:::'' ^T ""' "''' P'^^"^^^*!- ^PP^^
in dignified groups, wraoned in , "'"'"'"' "^^ «*^t"«^' standing
and plumed' wi,^, q" fo e war '"?' "'"' "'' ^'^^'^ '^^^''^ ^-l'"'
^ tl,e wur-eaglej extending their long arms to
88
'I
:ii|
the enst or the west, the scenes of their battles, which they iirc recounting
over to each other. In another direction, the wooin^r h)ver, softenini^ the
heart of \m fair Taih-nah-tai-a with tlie notes of his simple lute. On other
lodg^cs, and beyond these, t^roups are engaged in games of the "moccasin,"
or the "platter." Some are to be seen manufacturing robes and dresses,
and others, fatigued with amusements or occupations, have stretched their
limbs to enjoy the luxury of sleep, whilst basking in the sun. With all this
wild and varied medley of living bemgs are mixed their dogs, which seem to
be so near an Indian's heart, as almost to constitute a material link of his
existence.
In the centre of the village is an open space, or public area, of 150 feet
in diameter, and circular in form, which is used for all public games and
festivals, shews and exhibitions; and also for their " annual religious
ceremonies," which are soon to take place, and of which I shall hereafter
give some account. The lodges around this open space front in, with their
doors towards the centre; and in the middle of this circle stands an object
of great religious veneration, as I am told, on account of the importance it
has in the conduction of those annual religious rites.
This object is in form of a large hogshead, some eight or ten feet high,
made of planks and hoops, coniaining within it some of their choicest
medicines or mysteries, and religiously preserved unbacked or scratched, as
a symbol of the " Big Canoe," as they call it.
One of the lodges fronting on this circular area, and facing this strange
object of their superstition, is called the " Medicine Lodge," or council
house. It is in this sacred building that these wonderful ceremonies, in
commemoration of the flood, take place. I am told by the Traders that
the cruelties of these scenes are frightful and abhorrent in the extreme ; and
that this huge wigwam, which is now closed, has been built exclusively for
this grand celebration. I am every day reminded of the near approach ot
the season for this strange affair, and as I have not yet seen any thing of it,
I cannot describe it; I know it only from the relations of the Traders who
have witnessed parts of it ; and their descriptions are of so extraordinary a
character, that I would not be willing to describe until I can see for myself,
—which will, in all probability, be in a few days.
in ranging the eye over the village from where I am writing, there is
presented to the view the strangest mixture and medley of unintelligible
trash (independant of the living bemgs that are in motion), that can possibly
be imagined. On the roofs of the lodges, besides the groups of living, are
buffaloes' skulls, skin canoes, pots and pottery ; sleds and sledges — and
suspended on poles, erected rtome twenty feet above the doors of their wig-
wams, are displayed in a pleasant day, the scalps of warriors, preserved as
trophies ; and thus proudly exposed as evidence of their warlike deeds. In
other parts are raised on poles the warriors' pure and whitened shields and
quivers, with medicine-bags attaciied ; and here and there a sacrifice of red
recounting
Icninji^ the
On other
n\occiisiii,"
titl (tresses,
tched their
^ith ill I thin
eh seem to
huk of his
f 150 feet
[panics and
tl rehgious
1 hereafter
with their
> an object
portunce it
feet higli,
r choicest
atched, as
lis strange
or council
nonies, in
Aders that
erne; and
usively for
proacli ot
ling of it,
iders who
>rdinary a
>r myself,
, there is
itelligible
1 possibly
iving, are
ges — and
;heir wig-
served as
eds. In
elds and
:e of red
lP((?(JI((!!)lil'ff?j((((f(MH|.,uiM||,Mn,,,,.n,,,n
■t6c
-jrrilr-prifti^
• Caat
t
c
8<
ei
in
til
ar
th
JUi
do
pis
(p]
is (
vie
^
hor
besi
pip<
a fe
take
and
soaK
arou
woui
from
TI
right
tliese
whicl
whici
the ri
Th
excef
with !
of pul
reposi
village
learn,
if he 1
sacred
throug
affectic
Great
vot.
89
cloth, or other costly stuff, offered up to the Gri.«t Q • :
some benignant chief, i„ humble gratVut for L r* "'" '^' ^'°' '^
enjoying. Such is a part of the sfranl mJ? .. ^ ''""^' ''^'''^ ^'^ '»
".e ; and amidst them and the blue re?mTofsmou'* '.l'^'"^ ^"' "°-''
the tops of these hundred - coal-oitl » "Tn k ' *''"' "" "sing from
and boundless, treeless, UCl%f''LY:T,:'''T''''' ^'^""
i^^zrtr:::nx:^^^^^^ f ^«^.-es «„ .ight scaffo,ds
dogs; and they are there Tft to 1. ' w ^^'hewayof wolves and
place of deposife for the dead is juTtbt^^^ 'T '"''^ ""^'^'y' ^
-L.TB 48); and with all its appCancet hsfo v '''' °" ' ''''' ?"'"«
IS one of the strangest and most inLrr. k ^' °™'' "'^•"onies, &c.
vicinity of this peculiar race ^"^ "'^^'''^ *" ''^ '^««"''>«'l « the
honT^"::^^:Xwt:p^dt\^ra" ^"'T.-^^ ^^^ custom.y
best att.e, painted, oiled, feZZnr:;;^'^^:^: 1'^ '^''-'^ '^
pipe and tobacco-knife, flint and .tP^I ^^"^"^ "^'^^ r^" and quiver, shield,
a few days on the journe; w£h he i' to n rfl P^^''^ ?"°"S'* *° ^^«^ ^^^
taken from the animal's LTt^rZll "^ ''.^ l'"'^ buffalo's skin, just
and wound with thongs oft;SLh:^tltot%r^H^^^^^^^^^
soaKed m water, till thev are ouitP «nft o i . ^'^^° °^^^'' "^obes are
around the bod in the'sameCnner?::' Stt t T ^'^'^ ''^"'»^^«''
which is laid upontherZits £ck lihT^'^^"^'' *° '"PP«^^ *he body,
the rising sun. ''''' "'"'' '*' ^''' ^"^^""7 Presented towards
There are a great number of these bodies restino- exactiv in » • •.
exceptmg m some instances where a chief or m a ^ "'"''" ^^^ '
with a few yards of scarlet or bluTcLh nr. . '"^''7"^-'"«"' "^'^Y be seen
of public respect and estelr W nrdto7lt\T'"' "f ™^^^
reposmg in this manner in this curious nUp! u- u u '^'^' ""^y ^« ^^en
village of the dead ;" and the ravX P^''."''"'^^ '^' ^"'J'ans call, " the
learn, will not only be struck wtrt/' i '""' '^'' *=°""''y *« ^^"^7 ''"d
if he will give atte'ntionTthe t tTd de\T"""'K "' ''' ^^^°^^ »'"'
sacred place, he will draw mlnv a Zf 1 7-^'°°' ^'' ""' P^''^ *° t*"''
through life: he will learn TL^t th / «. ."'"°" ''^'* ^'" '^^^ ''^
affection are not nece a2 the rllu of '."""'''' ''^' P^'""^"
0;^^i.hasgiventhe^o^m:th^^:^r;;---
■I '■
w
f)''
1 1
; m
ill
90
spices and improvements of the enlightened world have never refined upon
them.
There is not a day in the year in which one may not see in this place
evidences of this fiict, that will wring tears from his eyes, and kindle in his
bosom a spark of respect and sympathy for the poor Indian, if he never felt
it before. Fathers, mothers, wives, and children, may be seen lying under
these scaffolds, prostrated upon the ground, with their faces in the dirt,
howling forth incessantly the most piteous and heart-broken cries and
lamentations for the misfortunes of their kindred ; tearing their hair — cut-
ting their flesh with their knives, and doing other penance to appease the
spirits of the dead, whose misfortunes they attribute to some sin or omission
of their own, for which they sometimes inflict the most excruciating self-
torture.
When the scaffolds on which the bodies rest, decay and fall to the ground,
the nearest relations having buried the rest of the bones, take the skulls,
which are perfectly bieached and purified, and place them in circles of an
hundred or more on the prairie — placed at equal distances apart (some
eight or nine inches from each other), with the faces all looking to the centre ;
where they are religiously protected and preserved in their precise positions
from year to year, as objects of religious and affectionate veneration
(plate 48).
There are several of these " Golgothas" or circles of twenty or thirty feet
in diameter, and in the centre of each ring or circle is a little mound of
three feet high, on which uniformly rest two buffalo skulls (a male and
female) ; and in the centre of the little mound is erected a " medicine pole,"
about twenty feet high, supporting many curious articles of mystery and
superstition, which they suppose have the power of guarding and protecting
this sacred arrangement. Here then, to this strange place do these people
again resort, to evince their further affections for the dead— not in groans and
lamentations however, for several years have cured the anguish ; but fond
affections and endearments are here renewed, and conversations are here
held and cherished with the dead.
Each one of these skulls is placed upon a bunch of wild sage, which has
been pulled and placed under it. The wife knows (by some mark or re-
semblance) the skull of her husband or her child, which lies in this group ;
and there seldom passes a day that she does not visit it, with a dish of the
best cooked food that her wigwam affords, wliich she sets before the skull
at night, and returns for the dish in the morning. As soon as it is dis-
covered that the sage on which the skull rests is beginning to decay, the
woman cuts a fresh bunch, and places the skull carefully upon it, removing
that which was under it.
Independent of the above-named duties, which draw the women to this
spot, they visit it from inclination, and linger upon it to hold converse and
company with the dead There is scarcely an hour in a pleasant day, but
91
more or less of these women mav be seen sittino- i • .
their child or husband-talking to it nhr^*, ^^'^
language that they can use XyVLllXlo'^' ^"' ^"'^^^""^
seemingly getting an answer back. Itisnotunfr. "I ^T'' "^"^'^ «»d
woman brings her needle-work with her spendinf ^"'""^ *''" '^'' ^'^^^ *»>«
-ttrng by the side of the skull ofTe; cl S^eVat •^"''"P'^'"'*''^ ''^y'
wh.le she is embroidering or garnishi„ra p^' S'T' -"'''""^'^ "'"^ '*'
overcome with ^tigue, falls\sleep%ith her aZ"""' ^ T' ^'""'P''
dead. ' ' ™"' "• ""» »1>". to je,t and gossip with ,he
l«S«t| but I app,el,e„d IhaU w2 1 ' "' ""' '^-'OP" ""I Phreno-
of i.,»..ibi,i J?: pro JiThlTtti "uTt'th '"" ''^■"'^ '■'"»'
scientific world. ' *°' *"« "se and benefit of the
i
M'2
III
I
:■■
1
I* MB i
LETTER— No. 13.
MANDAN VILLAGE, UPPER MISSOURI.
In several of my former Letters I have given sketches of the village, and
some few of the customs of these peculiar people ; and I have many more
yet in store ; some of which will induce the readers to laugh, and others
almost dispose them to weep. But at present, I drop them, and introduce
a few of the wild and gentlemanly Mandans themselves ; and first, Ha-na-
tah-nu-mauh, the wolf chief (plate 49). This man is head-chief of the
nation, and familiarly known by the name of "Chef de Loup," as the
French Traders call him ; a haughty, austere, and overbearing man, re-
spected and feared by his people rather than loved. The tenure by which
this man holds his office, is that by which the head-chiefs of most of the
tribes claim, that of inheritance. It is a general, though not an infallible
rule amongst the numerous tribes of North American Indians, that the office
of chief belongs to the eldest son of a chief; provided he shews himself, by
his conduct, to be equally worthy of it as any other in the nation , making it
hereditary on a very proper condition — in default of which requisites, or
others which may happen, the office is elective.
The dress of this chief was one of great extravagance, and some beauty ;
manufactured of skins, and a great number of quills of the raven, forming
his stylish head-dress.
The nex. and second chief of the tribe, is Mah-to-toh-pa (the four bears).
This extraordinary man, though second in office is undoubtedly the first and
most popular man in the nation. Free, generous, elegant and gentlemanly
in his deportment — handsome, brave and valiant ; wearing a robe on his
back, with the history of his battles emblazoned on it ; which would fill a
book of themselves, if properly translated. This, readers, is the most extra-
ordinary man, perhaps, who lives at this day, in the atmosphere of Nature's
noblemen ; and I shall certainly tell you more of him anon.
After him, there are Mah-tahp-ta-ha, he who rushes through the middle
(plate 50) ; Seehk-hee-da, the mouse-coloured feather (plate 51) ; Sun-
ja-ka-ko-kah (the deceiving wolf); Mah-to-he-ha (the old bear), and
others, distinguished as chiefs and warriors — and there are belles also;
such as Mi-neek-e-sunk-te-ca, the mink (plate 63) ; and the little gray-
haired Slia-ko-ka, mint (plate 52] ; and fifty others, who are famous lor
a. Caidn^
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Wh
93
their concruests, not «ith the bow or the javelin, but with their small black
eyes, which shoot out from ur.der their unfledged brows, and pierce the
boldest, fiercest chieftam to the heart. ^
The Mandans are certainly a very interesting and pleasing people in their
personal appearance and manners; differing in many respects, both in
looks and customs, from all other tribes which I have seen. Thev are nit
a warlike people: for they seldom, if ever, carry war inio their enemies'
country ; but when mvaded, shew their valour and courage to be equal to
that of any people on earth. Being a small tribe, and unable to contend
on the wide praines with the Sioux and other roaming tribes, who are ten
times more numerous; they have very judiciously located themselves in a
permanent village, which is strongly fortified, and ensures their preservation.
By this means they have advanced further in the arts of manufacture ; have
supplied their lodges more abundantly with the comforts, and even luxuries
of Ide, than any Indian nation I know of. The consequence of this is, that
tins tribe have taken many steps ahead of other tribes in manners and
rehnements (if I may be allowed to apply the word refinement to Indian
life); and are therefore familiarly (and correctly) denominated, by the
Mandans" ^ ''''° ^^'^ ^^^" ^"'''"^'* ^^^'"' " *^® P""*® ^"'^ ^"^"'^'y
There is certainly great justice in the remark ; and so forcibly have I
lieen struck with the peculiar ease and elegance of these people, together
with the diversity of complexions, the various colours of their hair and eves •
the singularity of their language, and their peculiar and unaccountable
customs that I am fully convinced that they have sprung from some other
origin than that of the other North American tribes, or that they are an
amalgam of natives with some civilized race.
Here arises a question of very great interest and importance for dis-
cussion ; and, after further familiarity with their character, customs, and
traditions If I forget it not. I will eventually give it further consideration,
bufhce It (hen, for the present, that their personal appearance alone, inde-
pendant of their modes and customs, pronounces them at once, as more or
less, than savage.
A stranger in the Mandan village is first struck with the different shades
of complexion, and various colours of hair which he sees in a crowd about
him ; and is at once almost disposed to exclaim tliat " these are not
Indians.
There are a great many of these people whose complexions appear as light
as half breeds; and amongst the women particularly, there are many whose
skins are almost white, with the most pleasing symmetry and proportion of
features; with hazel, with grey, and with blue eyes,-with mildness and
sweetness of expression, and excessive modesty of demeanour, which render
them exceedingly pleasing and beautiful.
Why this diversity of complexion I cannot tell, nor can they themselves
it::"
!;l
94
account for it. Their traditions, so fat as 1 have yet learned them, afford
us no information of their having had any knowledge of white men before
the visit of Lewis and Clarke, made to their village thirty-three years ago
Since that time there liave been but very few visits from' while men to this
place, and surely not enough to have changed the complexions and the
customs of a nation. And I recollect perfectly well that Governor Clarke
told me, before I started for this place, that I would find the Mandans a
strange people and half white.
fhe diversity in the colour of hair is also equally as great as that in the
complexion; for in a numerous group of these people (and more particularly
amongst the females, who never take pains to change its natural colour, as
the men often do), there may be seen every shade and colour of hair that
can be seen in our own country, with the exception of red or auburn, which
is not to be found.
And there is yet one more strange and unaccountable peculiarity, which
can probably be seen nowhere else on earth; nor on any rational grounds
accounted for,— other than it is a freak or order of Nature, for which she
has not seen fit to assign a reason. There are very many, of both sexes,
and of every age, from infancy to manhood and old age, with hair of a
bright silvery grey ; and in some instances almost perfectly white.
This singular and eccentric appearance is much oftener seen among the
women than it is with the men ; for many of the latter who have it, seem
ashamed of it, and artfully conceal it, by filling their hair with glue and
black and red earth. The women, on the other hand, seem proud of it, and
display it often in an almost incredible profusion, which spreads over their
shoulders and falls as low as the knee. I have ascertained, on a careful
enquiry, that about one in ten or twelve of the whole tribe are what the
French call "cheveux gris," or greyhairs; and that this strange and un-
accountable phenomenon is not the result of disease or habit ; but that it is
unquestionably a hereditary character which runs in families, and indicates
no inequality in disposition or intellect. And by passing this hair through
my hands, as I often have, I have found it uniformly to be as coarse and
harsh as a horse's mane ; differing materially from the hair of other colours,
which amongst the Mandans, is generally as fine and as soft as silk.
The reader will at once see, by the above facts, that there is enough upo/i
the faces and heads of these people to stamp them peculiar,— when he meets
them in the heart of this almost boundless wilderness, presenting such
diversities of colour in the complexion and hair; when he knows from what
he has seen, and what he has read, that all other primitive tribes known in
America, are dark copper-coloured, with jet black hair.
From these few facts alone, the reader will see that I am amongst a strange
and interesting people, and know how to pardon me, if I lead him through
a maze of novelty and mysteries to the knowledge of a strange, yet kind
*nd hospitable, people, whose fate, like that of all their race is sealed ;—
I ■ ''
95
The .latu.o of 11,0 M.uidl? . ^,1 ?"'"""!'' J«'»"«'i"l..
l»«...ifd .„,„„„ of f ,,"",; ''"'" ^'''"' ""; <"'li""y « of n,»„, will,
or «lalw of two indiu* in width a.wl fill i .u *' • " •^""^'"' '"to plaits
earth or vcnnillion. „t i„rrvai'B o /„ T ' f""""'^'"" "^ ^''"'^ ""^^-^
"»:j''--r " '^ "-!^^^^.n er o;r' ^''" ^^^-'-'"^ -^^
1 Ins mmlf of (Iressiiiu- tl, ' ; ■ •''=.'"'•" y*^ar-
ear, and thence falling down over t^ h. i, • , T ""'^ '''^'"^ "" I'"-'
. Fintcd red, extending oftltiZ. te 1 ; 'tl l'^"'"^' ''""'^''^«' «"^
ti'..es ir. .ueh profusion as ul to onceal t T ',"«'" '^^' "''' ^«"-
»on walking behind then,. I„ the portr^ o S t '',»""'"' ^'"^ '•'« P^'"
inff wolf, .aATE54), where he is 1 . f''"-J'^-^--ko-kuh (the deceiv-
-tl'ers of his fa„.ily .rould hil i r '. """" '^"^"^' ^-^'' ^^veral
tioaof these and orilni::^^
it. oii:a ::;^:^:s;i;rri;7^ '^7ri ^°^^'^'^ -''-
.mtural colour. They often br uj it in . ^ " ^''"^' ^""^ «'>"^« "«
iust back of the ear. o'n ead. Hd V h het :S o' ^'^' °" '^"'"^ '^''«"
requires them to '< put on their best looks ".i^v /'"^ "'''''°" ^'"'=''
".drawing it out of braid an7 nr • ^ ^'"'^ '^''" '^"^^''^ through
Mundan women obse ve st I'tlv H ^ "^ " '''' '^'" ^'^^"'ders. The
ti-eCrow. and BlackletT nd in firV^f""' r''"' ' ^^^^-^'^ ^--P
single exception). o7p rtinl /." ?' "u"''; '"'^"^ ^ '^"^^^ «^«"' >-"houf a
t"e crease o'r se LralrS t^Z:ii^ rlT' ' ^".' ^'^^^^ ''-P'"^
one of, the very few little (md\ZTT ^ '^'^ P^'°'' ^lus is
^o;.nd a„.ongst'the Indi"!:. il on T g'^VeT'L"""" ^"'" ' '^^
oilier than that " thev are Indi-,n, "„ !. , • ' ^'" ""'^ *^a"«e for it,
I" mourning, like i^e c'ot " ' ""? '^^ ^'"^ '^ =»" ^"dian fashion. '
to crop their ,^i. «,! l!^ "z'.::^::^:^:^'^::; ^ ^r"" -- ^^">^'
I'an^has grown again to its former length ^^"dolence is until the
^^^^^^^1:^1;^::::^::,^ r ''-'- ^'^ - is quite
a lock or two can be Zrcd w ?"''^ ^''"'''" '"'PO'tanco, and only
-thout destroying 1 's' ostva ued Ztnt f f ' '''''' "'^ '"^^'''
"•espect to the dead. ornament. ,s doing just reverence and
ll '
96
country has been friendly and kind over since their first acquaintance with
them they have ever met and received them, on the prairie or in their
villafrea, with hospitality and honour.
They are handsome, straight and elegant in their forms — not tall, hut quick
and graceful; easy and polite in their mannc-rs, neat in their persons and
beautifully clad. When I say "neat in person and beautifully clad,"
however, I do not intend my readers to understand that such is the case
with them all, for among them and most other tribes, as with the enlightened
world, there are different grades of society— those who care but little for
tlieir personal appearance, and those who take great pains to please them-
selves and their friends. Amongst this class of personages, such as chiefs
and braves, or warriors of distinction, and their families, and dandies or ex-
quisites (a class of beings of whom I shall take due time to speak in a
future Letter^, the strictest regard to decency, and cleanliness and elegance
of dress is observed ; and there are few people, perhaps, who take more
pains to keep their persons neat and cleanly than they do.
At the distance of half a mile or so above the village, is the customary
place where the women and girls resort every morning in the summer months,
to bathe in the river. To this spot they repair by hundreds, every morning
at sunrise, where, on a beautiful beach, tlicy can be seen running and glisten-
ing in the sun, whilst they are playing their innocent gambols and leaping
into the stream. They all learn to swim well, and the poorest swimmer
amongst them will dash fearlessly into the boiling and eddying current of
the Missouri, and cross it with perfect ease. At the distance of a quarter
of a mile back from the river, extends a terrace or elevated prairie, running
north from the village, and forming a ad of semicircle around this bathing-
place; and on this terrace, which is some twenty or thirty feet higher than
the meadow between it and the river, are stationed every morning several
sentinels, with their bows and arrows in hand, to guard and protect this
Bacred ground from the approach of boys or men from any directions.
At a little distance below the village, also, is the place where the men and
boys go to bathe and learn to swim. After this morning ablution, they return
to their village, wipe their limbs dry, and use a profusion of bear's grease
through their hair and over their bodies.
The art of swimming is known to all the American Indians ; and perhaps
no people on earth have taken more pains to learn it, nor any who turn it
to better account. There certainly are no people whose avocations of life
more often call for the use of their limbs in this way ; as many of the tribes
spend their lives on the shores of our vast lakes and rivers, paddling about
from their childhood in their fragile bark canoes, which are liable to con-
tinual accidents, which often throw the Indian upon his natural resources for
the preservation of his life.
Tiiere are many times also, when out upon their long marches in the pro-
secution cf their almost continued warfare, when it becomes necessary to
i^^B ^m
I i
1
: i
tanre with
or in their
, but quick
!rguns and
illy clad,"
is the case
nlinhtened
t little for
ease them-
es chiefs
idies or ex-
peak in a
J elegance
take more
customary
ler months,
ry morning
ind glisten-
md leaping
}t swimmer
current of
)f a quarter
ie, running
lis bathing-
ligher than
ling several
protect this
0119.
he men and
they return
ear's grease
ind perhaps
A-ho turn it
itions of life
of the tribes
dling about
able to con-
resources for
s in the pro-
necessary to
1
!
u
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phi I
the
trib
sex(
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T
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as he
that
this i
him,
to be
turne
in its
By
that I
had,
avoid(
longei
of swi
In£
Mandi
toby
luxury
them f
contim
each vi
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sick an
In e\
of a ba
to recei
which,
sudator'
lias beei
These
bank oi
or Sioii;
VOL.
t
14
i
"i
lJ
i
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child upon .l,e back. »ad .'ucolfut'rplV'; ''"T •■■ ""''"'"•'•
way. '""' '"• P"» any river (hat lies in llieir
c.vilized world, which I have 1 ad he n ^ "'^ '" '^''' ^^''^ "^ ^^e
instead of parting his hands !inut«l.n ^ ? ^'' '" ''■^''- ^he Indian,
stroke outward, in a hodln^dl " t ' ""^'^ "'' •='""' '^"^ ■"-'<'»o- the
upon the chest, throws is boiv I ' T"""^ '^'''^y ^ ^"'°"« strain
si^e, raisin, oL ar. ent'e. 1:1:^1"'°", ''\'^' ''' ''' "^'^
as he can, to ,•: , it, whilst his whrwelt anH f "'''^'"^ '' ^'' ^™«'
that is passing under him and iTke Tn^ , . 'f ''' 'P^"^' "P°» ^^e one
this arm is making a hal "el tndish ^^'''^^'"^ '"" ^'°"^' ^'^'-'^t
him, the opposite arm is de c ibinf " ^'\';^'''''f ""^ of the water behind
to be dipped in the wat r a I 1 A. "■ T^ '" '^' ^*^ '''' »'- head,
turned under, forming a son "f bu et"; "'? '''"' '"■"' ^'"' ^"^^ ^^^
in its turn underneath him ' '" ''' '""^^ ^^'^^''^^'y «« itpaaic
that^:a:;t:::'u,rXte^ -'^^^ -y -tthe g^ce
had. that much of the fa g^e and's^ ""' 'T ^'^ ^^P^"^"- ^ ^ave
avoided, and that a man Sll n " '*T "P°" '^' ^'''''' *"'' «Pine are
iongerin this alternate and rl^ZL T'T ^"' ''^ ''-^'^ much
of swimming, in the polished wodf °"' '•'"" '^^ '^^^ '" ^^e usual mode
M::^:::s£:ii::tLh?r:::^;'''r ^^^ ''-- '-^''< ^^«
;o by the sick, but Avr mor ofte„ by hf : r; 'T'' "/' °'''^" ^^^^^^^
luxury only, or perhaps for the puroosp J r 7" ^" V°""^' ^^ ^ '"atter of
them for the thousand exposuresTnH °^'?'^.^^"'"^ ^^eir limbs and preparing
continually liable. I alS ^ Zr J""'"k '^ "' ''^ '' "•^'^'^ '^ey arf
each village has several, and whi di 1 ^^ "?• '' ^"^"^^"■^^' '' ^'"ich
accessible to all, and risoned o bv^ f " """^ "*■ P"'^"'= P^-^P^^ty^
sick and well. '''' '" ^^ '"' ^^'^ and female, old and young
to receive any person of the Tm^v t^ -How boughs, and sufficiently large
which, when any one i to takp 'J ., ^.^^''"'"8^ «^ recumbent posture;
-datory for the^puls an! to hf '' l '""'^ ""^ '^' ^^1"^^ ^o th
I'as been used ^ ^ ' ""' '''°"^'^* ''^"^^ '« ^he wigwam again after it
o-ou.,odge Which. LebL/rtr:^:!^^^^^
.1*
111 '
98
sewed tight together, with a kind of fuman" i... i'.,^, centre; ir in other words,
in the centre of the lodge are two walls of stone about six feet long and
two and a half apart, and about three feet high; across and over this space,
between the two walls, are laid a number of round sticks, on which the
bathing crib is placed (vide plate 71). Contiguous to the lodge, and out-
side of it, is a little furnace something similar, in the side of the bank, where
the voman kindles a hot fire, and heats to a red heat a number of large
stones, which are kept at these places for this particular purpose; and having
them all in readiness, she goes home or sends word to inform her husband
or other one who is waiting, that all is ready; when he makes his ap-
pearance entirely naked, though with a large buffalo robe wrapped around
him. He then enters the lodge and places himself in the crib or
basket, either on his back or in a sitting posture (the latter of which is gene-
rally preferred), with his back towards the door of the lodge; when the
squaw brings in a large stone red hot, between two sticks (lashed toijether
somewhat in the form of a pair of tongs) and, placing it under him, throws
cold water upon it, which raises a profusion of vapour about him. ^^ '» ^
once enveloped in a cloud of steam, and a woman or child will sit at a little
distance and continue to dash water upon the stone, whilst the matron of
the lodge is out, and preparing to make her appearance with another heeted
stone : or he will sit and dip from a wooden bowl, with a ladle made of the
mountain-sheep's horn, and throw upon the heated stones, with his own
hands, the water which he is drawing through his lungs and pores, in
the next moment, in the most delectable and exhilarating vapours, as it
distils through the mat of wild sage and other medicinal and aromatic
herbs, which he has strewed over the bottom of his basket, and on which be
reclines.
During all this time the lod<re is shut perfectly tight, and he quaffs this
delicious and renovating draught to his lungs with deep drawn sighs, and
with extended nostrils, until he is drenched in the most profuse degree of
perspiration that can be produced ; when he makes a kind of strangled
signal, at which the lodge is opened, and he darts forth with the speed of a
frightened deer, and plunges headlong into the river, from which he in-
stantly escapes again, wraps his robe around him and " leans" as fast as
possible for home. Here his limbs are wiped dry, and wrapped close and
tight within the fur of the buffalo robes, in which he takes his nap, with his
feet to the fire ; then oils his limbs and hair with bear's grease, dresses and
plumes himself for a visit— a feast -a parade, or a council; or slicks down
his long hair, and rub- his oiled limbs to a polish, with a piece of soft buck-
skin, prepared to join in games of ball or Tchung-kee.
Such is the sudatory or the vapour bath of the Maudans. and. as I before
observed, it is resorted to both as an every-day luxury by those who have
the time and energy or industry to indulge in it"; and also used by the sick
- a remedy for nearly all tlje diseases which are known amongst tliem
as
otlier words,
et long and
r this space«
n which the
re, and out-
bank, where
ber of large
and having
ler husband
kes his ap-
jped around
the ciib or
lich is gene-
; when the
bed t02;ether
him, throws
,^ He is at
sit at a little
e matron of
Jther heated
made of the
ith his own
d pores, in
pours, as it
id aromatic
m which he
99
b^trthrfe:iro^^^^^^^ -^t ^™°r ''-'^-^^-'
been applied, and withor^l coIV^L'S : 'U^ 7"* )T
predict. The greater part of their diseases are infill T 1 ^'"""^"^
and other chronic diseases; and for th se this m^dfofT 7 ^^'^"'"^tisms.
modes of life, does admirably well Th t cu oTn 1 ?'""'"'' ^'^^ '^''"
all of theseMissouriIndians,Ld mon 'uCp^^^^^^^^^^^
and other tribes, who have suffered wifhthsmT!ox^r'"' 'f f^^^'^^^^
of the Indian race), this mode was pract oerlvTe ^lon ' '''''''^''
J quaffs this
1 sighs, and
2 degree of
)f strangled
•■ speed of a
^fhich he in-
" as fast as
d close and
ap, with his
Jresses and
slicks down
soft buck-
as I before
>e wlio Iiave
by the sick
)ngst them
100
LETTER No. 14.
MANDAN VILLAGE, UPPER MISSOURI.
The Mandans in many instances dress very neatly, and some of them
splendidly. As they are in their native state, their dresses are all of their
own manufacture; and of course, altogether made of skins of different
animals belonging to those regions. There is, certainly, a reigning and
striking similarity of costume amongst most of the North Western tribes ;
and I cannot say that the dress of the Mandans is decidedly distinct from
that of the Crows or the Biackfeet, the Assinneboins or the Sioux;
yet there are modes of stitching or embroidering, in every tribe, which
may at once enable the traveller, who "s familiar with their modes, to detect
or distinguish the dress of any tribe. These differences consist generally
in the fashions of constructing the head-dress, or of garnishing their
dresses with the porcupine quills, which tlu?" use in great profusion.
Amongst so many different and distinct nations, always at war with each
other, and knowing nothing at all of each other's languages ; and amongst
whom, fashions in dress seldom if ever change ; it may seem somewhat
strange that we should find these people so nearly following, or imitating
each other, in the forms and modes of their dress and ornaments. This must
however, be admitted, and I think may be accounted for in a manner, w.vhoui
raising the least argument in favour of the theory of their having all sprung
from one stock or one family ; for in their continual warfare, when chiefs
or warriors fall, their clothes and weapons usually fall into the possession of
the victors, who wear them ; and the rest of tiie tribe would naturally more
or less often copy from or imitate them ; and so also in their repeated
councils or treaties of peace, such articles of dress and other manufactures
are customarily exchanged, which arc equally adopted by the other tribe:
and consequently, eventually lead to the similarity which we find amongst
the modes of dress, &c, of the different tribes.
The tunic or shirt of the Mandaii men is very similar in shape to that of
the Biackfeet— made of two skins of deer or mountain-sheep, strung with
scalp-locks, beads, and ermine. The leggings, like those of the other tribes,
of whom I have spoken, are made of deer skins, and shaped to fit the Lg, em-
broidered with porcupine quills, and fringed with scalps from their enemies
heads. Their mwcasins are made of buckskin, and neatly ornamented
(i:|n
lOJ
quills and ermine. These are ^1 "' . ^^^''•e^g^'es' or ravens
in all this country, ow nTto h d^fficu, v f""' ^'-^ °' "*" ^"^'^"'^ ^-^^
fur. The war-eagle belg ^e '< ^m r^r"?^''^ «!-"« -^ the
animal that is fLd in^h countTv ^ T ''V™'"^ ^'^ ""«*
this viUage, provided it is a perfect 1: Jf- °^ ' "'^'-''^^^ '»
quills, which are denominated fisraL^I '"'"'; ''""' '''' '' ^'^^''^
in a head-dress, will pu.hasTl tt^ trCeVrrh:" '"'"''
much cheaper here than tl,o„ n,» • , (.norses, however, are
abundant „Uu"ionotirt"z'v:;r rrr'- ' "■»'= ■"■'
tune, attach to ,n„h article" rfdre.. t """ ''"P'" """'-
p-.ln, a ,^. „a„,, „h- L f .t: r,hr:r; Oa^c'^onnSl"
Pain .ngs, that the world may examine then, (or then„el,e, a„7,h„ K ^
eagles qu.lls and ermme, extending quite down to his feet- TnH u r
:rizv: ,? ra -rr,i:t:e:M r E
JX^i^;;s:th-;.ri^ci:^et::L^tSt
^. the bargam wa, m.tantly ,„„ck_the l,o,„, „cre proc„,edT,t
a strange and m.Je.tic el." ™tJ™:d'e"„: "'"' '° '■' ?'''"'
of the horn of a buH.lo h„ll . ,1 i , '" °' "'""' " """' P«"
and a third Da ,t of it' ,1 '", "", ''"'"» '"'" »f'" '""" ™<1 '" ™<l,
.iace that ti.e, ti. and J:Z tt^r.^r^.S" J^ I*;;:. ^ ^
1; 'I?
1 1 '.i:
.i J
m\
102
of ermine skins and tails, which hang over the top of the head-dress, some-
what in the form that the large and profuse locks of hair hang and fall over
the head of a bufTalo bull. See head-dress in plates 14, 64, and 91, of
three different tribes.
The same custom I have found observed amongst the Sioux, — the Crowp
— the Blackfeet and Assinneboins, and it is one of so striking a character
as needs a few more words of observation. There is a peculiar meaning or
importance (in their estimation) to this and many other curious and unac-
countable appearances in the habits of Indians, upon which the world
generally look as things that are absurd and ridiculous, merely because they
are beyond the world's comprehension, or because we do not stop to enquire
or learn their uses or meaning.
I find that the principal cause why we underrate and despise the savage, is
generally because we do not understand him ; and the reason why we are ig-
norant of him and his modes, is that we do not stop to investigate — the world
have been too much in the habit of looking upon him as altogether inferior —
as a beast, a brute ; and unworthy of more than a passing notice. If they stop
long enough to form an acquaintance, it is but to take advantage of his
ignorance and credulities — to rob him of the wealth and resources of his
country ; — to make him drunk with whiskey, and visit him with abuses which
in his ignorance he never thought of. By this method his first visitors entirely
overlook and never understand the meaning of his thousand interesting and
characteristic customs; and at the same time, by changing his native modes
and habits of life, blot them out from the view of the enquiring world
for ever.
It is from the observance of a thousand little and apparently trivial modes
and tricks of Indian life, that the Indian character must be learned ; and,
in fact, it is just the same with us if the subject were reversed : excepting
that the system of civilized life would furnish ten apparently useless and
ridiculous trifles to one which is found in Indian life ; and at least twenty to
one which arc purely nonsensical and unmeaning.
The civilized world look upon a group of Indians, in their classic dress,
with their few and simple oddities, all of which have their moral or meaning,
and laugh at them excessively, because they are not like ourselves — we ask,
" why do the silly creatures wear such great bunches of quills on their
heads? — Such loads and streaks of paint upon their bodies — and bear's
grease ? abominable ! " and a thousand other equally silly questions,
without ever stopping to think that Nature taught them to do so —
and that they all have some definite importance or meaning which an
Indian could ex|>!ain to us at once, if he were asked and felt disposed to do
so — that each ijniil in his head stood, in the eyes of his whole tribe, as the
symbol of an entemy who had fallen by his hand — that every streak of red
paint coverod. a wound which he had got in honourable combat— ?nd that the
bear's grj.iic with which he carefully anoints his body every morning, from
)0:j
- really, rid.culous customs an fash r but' . e r^^P^^""''^' ^ *«!'
nor questions,-for his natural good en J an^ ^^ ""'' """ "''''"'^'''
until he is reclining about the firsidro hi. ^ "'"""' ^''^'^ '"'"'-
vents forth his just criticisms unonH,o, '"T'^"" companions, when he
J"«t theme for median crit' r a^ ,"„r ;:;' '"''''' ^'^ '" ^ '^'^' ^^
J^z:^lz:t :h:tr ^" '' --- ^^y ^- ^o.s not oi, ^s
a l.at on his head' o why he h. butT "' 'k "I'" '"'^-^^^ ^'^^ »>^ --
they never can b; used-or ^ hoZrT '- '"' ^"^ °' '^'^ ^°^*' "'--
his eyes-or why he sleeos w^h K \ . '^ ^"^"■'' ""'' ^^ ^^'^^ <^°>l'ir up to
-why he walks'wUh : 0^0^^^ «- "-^ead of hisL^
that hundreds of wl,ite folkTwH fl ", "'"'"^ '•^'^'" '"-°' ^hy it is
Indian eat-but he t 1 ' h^ "i "" ''''''' ^^-^
welkin ring" with jokes and fl r''" ^''■'''^'' ^^^^ " make the
knowing world. ^ " "P°" ^'''^ '»"«'-^"^e and folly of the
and gold or silver epaulettes unon hi K n" '"°"'"' ^''^^ "^ ''^'^^^ "^^^t
quiring the meaning of tl em or r ^ ^ ^'^*^' ^'thout knowing or en-
so a .Ine man travds amon4t a will 'T '"' ."''"'' ^'"^ "^« "°"° "^-t
occasionally one of I e.rnl ^ ^''"' "'!''"^'^' ^""^^ °f I»d'a«^. and sees
eagles' qu.ls and er> n and el "'7^'? """ ""'^^"' "'''> ^ ''^«^-'^-- ^^
buffalo horns ; anru " 1 InorT? f '7 '' '^ P"'' "*' '^'"^^"^'^""y P^'^^hed
ance; and more so ''^or tl e fi 7 , " ■''' "'?' '^ "'"^ ""^^"'"^ "^ import-
and cocked hats al'l ^ In! ed^^ ,'" ^"^""P^'"" ^^^^ ^P-''ttes
purpose.-but the lattS w 1 p u'eThat 'h"" "''' '" ^°"" ™P"^^'^"^
nothing more nor les. (noTc.n herh ^^ °" '" '"^'^"'^ ^'^^^ «>•«
nonsense and stupidity. ^ ^' '" ^^^'^ estimation), than Indian
This brings us to the «<
scans epaulettes and oocked^hT, "'!." '°''"' ^""^ "" *''" P°°^ ^"dian
explaining them to his tribe it Ts n^ "" T^"'""^ '''^'■'' "-eaning, and
with the noble dignitar ; tile 'T" ^'^ ^ ^''^"'^ '^^^'^ «««°eiated
on their heads, and the^ to hav „,rT ,' 'u''''''' "'''^ ''^^"« ^'"i -mine
further clue to their mportance anf "' '^' "'J^'^ "'■^'^•'"* ^'^"^ -"'«
would be doubly unpX ir r ™''".'"^- ^'"" '"«' ^'»« "^ghgence
the Indian and hi dyLltittrpoS' "" " '-'' ''' '^ ^^^^^
westirbZ is:;e^tf dL'r r-'' ''-''-' ^^'-^« ^^ ^" ^^« --•>-
olas8.c meaning. No one wear the 17. T""' ""^'"'' ^''"'^ ^ P"^^'>'
wears the head-dress surmounted with horns ex-
f !■
■i :
104
cept the dignitaries who are vei^ hi^^U in authority, and whose exceeding
valour, worth, and power is admitted by all the nation.
He may wear them, however, who is not a chief; but a brave, or
warrior of such remarkable character, that he is esteemed universally in the
tribe, as a man whose '* voice is as loud in council'' as that of a chief of the
first grade, and consequently his power as great.
This head-dress with horns is used only on certain occasions, and they
are very seldom. When foreign chiefs, Indian agents, or other impor-
tant personages visit a tribe ; or at war parades, at tiie cekbialion of a vic-
tory, at public festivals, &c. they are worn ; but on no otlier occasions —
unless, sometimes, when a chief sees fit to lead a war-party to battle, he
decorates his head with this symbol of power, to stimulate his men ; and
throws himself into the foremost of the battle, inviting his enemy to concen-
trate their shafts upon him.
The horns on these head-dresses are but loosely attached at the bottom, so
that they easily fall back or forward, according as the head is inclmed
forward or backward ; and by an ingenious motion of the head, whicii is so
slight as to be almost imperceptible — they are made to balance to and fro,
and sometimes, one backward and the other forward like a horse's ears,
giving a vast deal of expression and force of character, to the appearance of
the chief who is wearing them. This, reader, is a remarkable instance (like
hundreds of others), for its striking similarity to Jewish customs, to the kerns
(or keren, in Hebrew), the horns worn by the Abysinian chiefs and
Hebrews, as a symbol of power and command ; worn at great parades and
celebrations of victories.
"The false prophet Zedekiah, made him horns of iron" (1 Kings xxii. 11).
" Lift not your horns )n high ; speak not with a stiff neck" (Ps. Ixxv. 5).
This last citation seems so exactly to convey to my mind the mode of
raising and changing the position of the horns by a motion of the head, as
I have above described, that I am irresistibly led to believe that this custom
is now practiced amongst these tribes very nearly as it was amongst the
Jews ; and that it has been, like many other customs of which I shall speak
more in future epistles, handed down and preserved with very little innova-
tion or change from that ancient people.
The reader will see this custom exemplified in the portrait of Mali-to-
toh-pa (plate 64). This man, although the second chief, was the only
man in the nation who was allowed to wear the iiorns ; and all, I found,
looked upon him as the leader, who had the power to lead all the warriors
in time of war ; and that, in consequence of the extraordinary battles which
he had fought.
\Wf
105
letter-No. 15.
mandan village. upper missourl
There is evidently much ZZr7Zl^~^v ?""''"" "^'^^''' ''^^rnony.
what I can learn^oonerthe nation 1^' ,f 'S''^"^^'"^ '^"^ ^-"^
knowledge of the exact day on which t -.7' '"^'''"■"^-^«' ^^^ve any
by the chiefs, that it takes nir ' V *° ^""""^"^e- I am informed
for, say they «< the twL whthtK T." T ''"' wi"ow-tree is in full leaf;
and had fuigrown leaSs «" it ' S > '™"''\" "" ^ billow bough
some relation to the Sd " '""'"' *''^^ ''"« ^^'^bration has
'-^hich I have made since my last ^ ' '^'"^ ""'"^ ^"'^ memorandums.
.ubje'r^errrat 1:1:17. ^-t ^^'^«- -^ p---^-
notions which they Lave of Tart so T' ", '"'"'^' '"'^ superstitious
have been initiated into manvofth 7 '"^ ""accountable to them, I
curious incidents, aidprefveS t 7'^^™^^'-'- witnessed many very
relate. ' P'""'""'' ^^^*=^^' anecdotes, some of which I must
operiroritw:: "t,:: roSr:^ r ''•^' ''-- ^-^'^ ^'- ^^'«
new to them, and of our untllLhr'f '"';!'"^ ^'^ ' ^"'^J^'^* '^"^'^^'y
commenced a new era in U ' arc t S )■ ""^ "^ 'PP'^''^"^^ ^''^ ^as
arriving here. I commenced ndfinihd The "! " "^^'"^- ^°"" «^^-
c jefs. This was done without hilVtCdtht ''^-'"^ ^'"/'P^'
villagers, as they had heard nothino- n/ .''Y ^^ curiosity of the
chiefs themselves seemed to be i' rf 7T ^'' ^"'"^ ''"' ^"^ ^-^" the
were completed. No one el, waTL "' T^- '"'^"^' ""'*' ^'^^ P-^urcs
operation; and when finTshed it wL p '? "^ '^''^^ d"™& ^^e
mutually recognizing Lch othl/ iV'^^ ^"^'^ '"""^'"^ '« ^^« »f'-»
the striking resemblLce which t k'"'"'' ""'^ ^^^"""^ ^^^^ other of
pressed their hand over the m 7. I". *'- «"g-als. Both of these
amongst most tribes, when 11^ "'•'''' T ''^^'^ ^"^"^ (^ -^^om
attentively upon the ioTS, 7nH ^ 7J^'''^' '^^"^ '^'^ ""^l^) • 'coking
with which tLse u arcountble ffp'r ''^k' "P'^" '''' P^'^«^ ^^^ -'-"
VOL. ,. ""accountable effects had been produced.
lit
I
I. 1
= i
il
I'
;.PPP
Vi
i1
li
They then walked ,up to me In the most gentle manner, faking me in
turn by the hand, with a firm grip ; with head and eyes inclined down-
wards, and in u tone a little above a whisper — pronounced the words " te-ho-
pe-nee Wasli-ee ! " and walked off.
Readers, at that moment 1 was christened witli a new and a great name —
one by which I am now familiarly hailed, and talked ctf in this village ; and
no doubt will be, us long as traditions last in this strange community.
Tlial moment conferred an honour on me, which you as yet do not under-
stand. I took the degree (not of Doctor of Laws, nor Bachelor of Arts) of
Master of Arts— of mysteries — of magic, and of hocus pocus. I was recog-
nized in that short sentence as a " great medicine white man ;" and since
that time, have been regularly itistalled medicine or mystery, which is the
most honourable degree that could be conferred upon me here ; and 1 now
hold a place amongst the most eminent and envied personages, the doctors
and conjurati of this titled community.
Te-ho-pe-nee Wash-ee (or medicine white man) is the name I now go by,
and it will prove to me, no doubt, of more value than gold, for I have been
called upon and feasted by the doctors, who are all mystery-men ; and it
has been an easy and successful passport already to many strange and mys-
terious places ; and has put me in possession of a vast deal of curious and
interesting information, wiiich I am sure I never should have otherwisfi
'earned. I am daily growing in the estimation of the medicine-men and
.he chiefs; and by assuming all the gravity and circumspection 'iie from
80 high a dignitary (and even considerably more) ; and endeaviiiring to
perform now and then some art or trick that is unfathomable, 1 am in
hopes of supporting my standing, until the great annual ceremony com-
mences ; on which occasion, I may possibly be allowed a seat in the virdi-
cinelodge by the doctors, who are the sole conductors of this great source
•nd fountain of all priestcraft and conjuration in this country.
After 1 had finished the portraits of the two chiefs, and they had returned
to their wigwams, and deliberately sealed fliemselves by their respective
fire-sides, and silently smoked a pipe or two (according to an universal
custom), they gradually began to tell what had taken place ; and at length
crowds of gaping listeners, with mouths wide open, tiuonged their lod-^es ;
and a throng of women and girls ,. re about my houw , and th mgh
every crack and crevice I could see their glistening eyes, whicli were
piercing my hut in a hundred places, froui a natural and restless pro-
pensity, a curiosity to see what was ing on within. An hour or more
passed in this way, and the soft and silken throng continually increased,
until some hundreds of them wer(> clun^'. and piled about my wigwam like
a swarm of bees hangu ' on the front and sides of their hive.
During this time, not a .nan made his appearance about the premises — after
awhile, howevpi hey could be seen, folded in their robes, gradually siding
up towards the lodge, ^^'h a silly look upon their faces, which confessed at
107
with iucurs in their humU^ ..t fK- -i„ ■ ■ ' P'''^'"^*"/'''^" (braves
recogniae llicir cliicf. Tl„ Tir, ■ ^ , "'' ' °'"™'' '» '«" »'"'
had l,p,u.l „„ ; "P"" "° ""«■' » "I'lltilude, « ho a. vet
had M,d „o „a, „f accounlmg for then,, „„, „„,c| a„j „, ,, ,.„ f £'
.ho,,o„j::r%;°?;h,''r.r' "'";'— yj-K-"™. - j
c "iiUoB'ing uirougli the crowd to touch me wifli tJio c>„aJ ^e ^i. ■
d.olI'toTr^''""!'''. *'"''• """ ""J ''"I ''i"=°™'«l life en»»gh i,
m to rendf ,n, ,„,„„« toojrcat fo, the Handan. ; sajing thal.uch an
I
Til
'ii
I:
■ M
1 ;
108
upcrution cuuld not be pt'iformed without tuking away from tho original
■nnietliing of his existence, whicli I put in the picture, and they could see it
move, could Kce it stir.
This curtailing of the natural existence, for the purpose of instilling life
into the secondary one, they decided to be an useless and destructive
operation, and one which was calculated to do great mischief in their happy
community ; and they commenced a mournful and doleful cliaunt against
nie, crying and weeping bitterly through the village, proclaiming mc a most
"dangerous man ; one who could make living persons by looking at them ;
and dt the same time, could, as a matter of course, destroy life in the same way,
if I chose. That my medicine was dangerous to their lives, and that I must
leave the village immediately. That bad luck would happen to those whom
I painted — that I was to take a part of the existence of those whom 1
painted, and carry it home with mc amongst the white people, and that when
they died they would never sleep ([uiet in their graves."
In this way the women and sonie old quack medicine-men together, bad
succeeded in raising an opposition against mo ; and the reasons they
assigned were ho plausible and so exactly suited for their superstitious
feelings, that they completely succeeded in exciting fears and a general
panic in the minds of a number of chiefs who had agreed to sit for their
portraits, and my operations were, of course, for several days completely at
a stand. A grave council was held on the subject from day to day, and
there seemed great difficulty in deciding what was to be done with me and
the dangerous art which I was practicing ; and which had far exceeded
their original expectations. I finally got admittance to their sacred conclave,
and assured them that I was but a man like themselves, — that my art had no
medicine or mystery about it, but coidd be learned by any of them if they
would practice it as long as I had — lluit my intentions towards them were of
the most friendly kind, and that in the country where I lived, brave men
never allowed their squaws to frighten them with their foolish whims and
stories. They all immediately arose, shook me by the hand, and dressed
themselves for their pictures. After this, tiicid was no further difficulty
about sitting; all were ready to be painted,— the squaws were silent, and
my painting-room a continual resort for the chiefs, and braves, and medicine-
men ; where they waited with impatimce for the completion of each one's
picture, — that they could decide as to the likeness as it came from under the
brush ; that they could laugh, and yell, and sing a new song, and smoke a
fresh pipe to the health and success of him who had just been safely
delivered from the hands and the mystic operation of the "white medicine."
In each of these operations, as they successfully took place, I observed
that a pipe or two were well filled, and as soon as I commenced painting,
the chiefs and braves, who sat around the sides of the lodge, commenced
smoking for the success of the picture (and probably as much or more so
for the safe deliverance of the. sitter from harm while under the operation);
100
Zt,ZT' ""'""^ '° ''-' ''' P'P« -"'I u„t.l the portrait wa.
the pipe, and streannn, the smoLLl^^^^^^
and uctions an evident rdief; onubiiri? ' '. "'"^'""»^' '" '"y '«"•"•
.ucce„._by fluttering und cLn n i " . ,'''°''''^ ^'"' '"°^'= '"^"^"i^y ""d
'.u'l .ot it done, and taki„VZf "c « J' r^' "?" '"' ^°"^ '«"'''' «''" '
a .natter of honour w.th them. whS tsel tl'' " ''"f^' "-'""^' '«
...e and n.y art thealan.pof re^peetability "t oncl "'"''"^'y- ^'^ «-«
^ar::^;:;t::.Kr j- -o^.^. where
truly elej^ant. *" '''* ''"'^''"S^' '"'''^^'^^ them in my estin.ation
rel::::':^:zz t^.!:z-^r^r ^y ^ -^^c..™. .ho
a fea,t, and they presented ;; a i:""'' ^''"'*^'' . ' ^^ '"-ted to
also a magical wand, or a doc r's suH t'uT"''' "[ " ^'^'"^'^ ^''"'''' "»«»
bear, with hoofs of the antelop 1^ ^: Ij;^ ^';;- «'' »''« griz.ly
wmgs-and perfumed withal lith the c™ ~rd " '"^f ""' ''''''•
pole-cat-a do, was sacrificed and In.n/TLllT""'' °'^°" °' ''"
I was therefore and thereby initiated in.o^V *' " ""^ ^'S^^^m, and
of) the arcana of mcdicine'o s^l nc cl'T"'r"""' '" '''^ P^-^'-
traordlnury Society of ConJuraT ^' ''"'''^'''^ ^ ^^^Uow of the Ex,
Smce this signal success and srood fort,in« in
gone on very pleasantly, and I ha've .ad ge dTalTT""' ''"»" '^'^
altercation ha» taken place, however amomS .K . "'""^'^"lent. Son.e
regard to standing or rank of which th'^ the chiefs and braves, with
'•'ust sit (if at ali;in regularorder t o .1"?'^ "^'^ J^^''^"^' ""^' they
settled at last. Leve^ a J h ^ ^ the trouble is all
great many have become at in a 1 '," ^«"t of subjects, though a
as some say, tlmt they :iuT Vr rtur;,:'^"" "'T'"'"^' ^" ^''' '^ '-''r.
^"- if they are paintL, the icCX ,nt*'aK:;i : ^"', "^ "'^^^^ ^'^y'
cannot sleep quiet in their graves ^ '"''' '^'^''' ^"'J they
t..ilt^;':hi:h7::l";;rrt:^^ST^^^ '- -^^ parting-room, or
•"incls and feelings of the cllfs a„d ^ ' ^^'"^ ^"^'"''^^ ^'^-'^^ : though the
by them. Theresas been ee or four ? """""u '"^'^ "°^ '^^^'^ '««-ted
young men have been in ^^ZJZ^T''''' "'"' ^""'^ '^"^ '^^P'-'^
f'oad chief across the room (wS sits 00 T'"^- '' ''"' P""^'-*'"'^ «'' 'he
their hands before their face Ind walkir '^ '"" ,'" ^'" ^y^"'')' »>-« ^^"-d
the right or left, fron. when e o trkMr" /°. '''■'''' °'^''^ ''''^'' «"
"««ead of staring him full in uL ftn ^ r 1 "" ^"' '''''^■'°«'* ^t the chief.
m the face (wh.ch ,s a most unpardonable offence
i
i'»
110
ha.e.h™„„ ,bei, „bo, over their heads'and b: cd «5 he^tr
I had trouble brewmg also the other day from another source- one of
2«-«i„,,he.eb, „y ^p„,„Uy. , .,.:!: .iiranTalSrl'
k d and llu I r tr^'"'"' 'y ^"^^ °-«f a mostextraordina V
"oute, ana that 1 had several days shce tpsoIvpH thof m„ .„ r . .
It (after paddhng my canoe so far as I had) and makp ,> . ""'''°"\°*
and successfully, I would begin on his portl^t which twa. IrpUS
o commence on that day, and that I felt .s if I could do himtstic? He
shook me by the hand, giving me the « Doctor's ^rio " nnH h? i a
e had „„ .ftiendly feeli„g. ,„„a,d. .e,Z a/y IT d :? n'"
»n- I know jou are a jood man (said he), 1 kno» ,ou will 11 k '
to anyone, your medicine is great and .on are .I^r, j "°
rjonid iike to «e n,,se,f ve, weU Jnl'^J „ dToVtl tST;
».oked, and he ,ot "p^nd jjorfp-r:;' ^riii' ;^
1, and cast their
full in the face,
of the wigwam,
they always will
y walked around
iese unfortunate
and also by the
e them of their
»ny explanation
Iways evidence
i sooner than a
s to my room,
:esgfu].
source; one of
id my domicil,
^0 were inside
ery materially
' called him in
iter with me;
md had been
find out his
extraordinary
my particular
oon as I had
iffness out of
work easily
len prepared
justice. He
koned me to
his was over,
3ugh he had
ie who had
in and chil-
tremble, yet
Iread of my
do no harm
licine-man.'
chiefs ; but
7 ail know
made alive
d you who
1 in a little
k'us lit and
s and pa-
lette
liis i
toile
Ai
with
foxes
PLAT
aroui
remai
whorr
poca.
caluir
his d
which
in the
in fro
while
and ti
wherei
preach
and ai(
Thei
Btalkinj
I have
village,
■» I
HI
^P^^f^^^^^JTl^r^^ -oe. ... He „.e
-ith bear's grease ^nd chacoal'^^f'^l •""'^ P^'"^« ^'^ various colours,
foxes tails attached to his h s 'e„^ I'thTT'l^ J" ''^ '^-^^ -^
ri^-^TE 55), with a train of h s own !.. ,^^.^-*°-*'f- '''^^ (the old bear,
around him; and also a numb r of bovs T'"' "'" ''^''"^ ''^^"^^Ives
remam with him. and whom I supposed Too 'T '' T "^"^^'^^ ^^-^
whom he was instructing i„ the Tvste i^, t "'^^'* '^^^^ ^^«" ?"?»«•
;-«• He took his position in he middT of ^r'"''' "''''''" ^"^ La
calumets in .ach hand, and sing n' hi tedir ™"'"' "'""^ '"'^ ^^'^
h» dy.ng patient, looking riie fuilfn U^ll ' n r"^ ^'^''^'^ ''^ ^'"^^ ^v^r
wh-ch I painted at full length His tanhv hrK ""^''"'^ ""''' ^''''"'^
n the operation; he lie, for hours toJethl H T '^"'"P^^^^'y gratified
>n .front of his picture, gazing intense 1 1 ^^, "'!'{ ^^y' ^" '"^ '°on,.
whdel am painting-shakes hand wi Le^ a" H ' ''^'^^ "^^ P'P^ '^^ -
and talks of me, and enlarges upon r^v % '" ''""'' °" «^a^h day.
wherever he goes; so that thrneTdSr "' "''"" ^"'^ -^ *^>-i
Preachmg against me, he is one of mt^ ro IJ^^:; ^^™--^' -^ '"^tead o
and aids m the country. ^ °' ""'^ ^"'^ ""ost enthusiastic friends
ff^^^^^^^^S:^^ that is often seen
I ave been somewhat annoyed, and il '1 ^ "^ nondescript, with whom
V'llagcof whom (or of.kJk) 1 hall 1 eTome'?"'' ^'"" ' ^^™^ *« t'"'
,'ve some account m my next epistle.
112
i
LETTER— No. 16.
MANDAN VILLAGE, UPPER MISSOURL
Besides chiefs, and braves and doctors, of whom I have heretofore spoken,
there is yet another character of whom I must say a few words before I
proceed to other topics. The person I allude to, is the one mentioned at the
close of my last Letter, and familiarly known and countenanced in every
tribe as an Indian beau or dandy. Such personages may be seen on every
pleasant day, strutting and parading around the village in the most beautiful
and unsoiled dresses, without the honourable trophies however of scalp locks
and claws of the grizzly bear, attached to their costume, for with such things
they deal not. They are not peculiarly anxious to hazard their lives in
equal and honourable combat with the one, or disposed to cross the path of
the other ; but generally remain about the village, to take care of the women,
and attire themselves in the skins of such animals as they can easily kill,
without seeking the rugged cliffs for the war-eagle, or visiting the haunts of
the grizzly bear. They plume themselves with swan's-down and quills of
ducks, with braids and plaits of sweet-scented grass and other harmless
and unmeaning ornaments, which have no other merit than they themselves
have, that of looking pretty and ornamental.
These clean and elegant, gentlemen, who are vei-y few in each tribe, are
held in very little estimation by the chiefs and braves ; inasmuch as it is
known by all, that they have a most horrible aversion to arms, and are deno-
minated " faint hearts" or " old women" by the whole tribe, and are there-
fore but little respected. They seem, however, to be tolerably well contented
with the appellation, together with the celebrity they have acquired amongst
the women and children for the beauty and elegance of their personal
appearance ; and most of them seem to take and enjoy their share of the
world's pleasures, although they are looked upon as drones in society.
These gay and tinselled bucks may be seen in a pleasant day in all dieir
plumes, astride of their pied or dappled ponies, with a fan in the rigl t nuud,
made of a turkey's tail — with whip and a fly-brush attached to the .viis' of
the same hand, and underneath them a white and beautiful and soft pleasure-
saddle, ornamented with porcupine ijuills and ermine, parading througli
and lovmging about the village for an hour or so, when they will
cautiously bend their course to the suburbs of the town, where they will tit
113
or recline upon their horses for an hour nr ♦
games where the braves and the young asp 2,°? ''''"° '^'' ^'^^'^^^
and athletic amusements .-when theyLTtllir"/'"^'"^ '" '"^"•y
they wend their way back again, lift off their fi'u"""" "'" '^'^'^ effort,
which is wadded with baffal's 'h^l^;" '"^.^"^ -^^^le of doe's-skin
th:':?;hLXt:ir:^;r-^^ Ha. been two or
my door; decked out in all their finlw-.l^ "" ""''"'^^^ '» '"'•«"' of
other information, than such as hey cT^Id d ^ '"f"^ '''''' ''^"^^^ -
seams of my cabin. The chiefs 1 1! ^ '"'""' "''°"&'' ^^e cracks and
and of course, without invi ^ Lm r^ali fr"' ''^^ '^ "'^''-^ -^'e'
door from day to day in theirVe t dres^s "nH h^ T""""^ '' '^^"^ ^''°"* '"y
that I would select them as m<Sels for '' '"""^^^' ^' '^ i" hopes
I should do so, Tor their co tume and " r,? T'"'' '' "^^ "^^»^«1 that
beautiful than anything else to be seenTr T""""'' ""' ^"^'^'y «"-«
and one day when I had got throuT^hh al/ r^K .^"^ ^'^"^ ^-' '-d-
w.il.ng to sit to be painted! and there w-t '^ "'"' ^'^^ ^^^^
■ng iu my room, I stepped to the doorand 7 "' I^''' °^ *''^ ^'''^^^ '«""?■
the shoulder, who took the hU andln . ^^'"^ T °^ ^'^««« f^"o«'« on
with the signal and honoura e nol'Tli "ll T''''u'''' ^"^ '^'^'^^'^
iHs beautiful dress. Readers, you cannot if T '"''" ^'^ ^^'"^ ^"d
of gratitude which beamed ^r in th^ r^'."?, "^^ ^'^ ^^^ ^''P'^^^^'on
h's heart beat with joy and pridlat h?H ""^ ' ^'''' ^"^ ''°^ ^igh
immortal, alongside of\he eh f and "'rrh "f ^^'-'""^ f'™ to te
arranged around the room; and by wLh i ' "'u''' ^'"''^''^ '^ ^'^^
^.dered himself well paid fo'r two ol ZtJ^rJ^' ".'"^-^^^^ly, con-
and I was filled with'enthusi sj-h d Lss fZT T'^'1 '^^ ^'^^ •^-^'•'
skms of the mountain-<.oat and ,}rZ T ''^^'^ to foot was of the
soft and as white as Camon c ap la^'j^ T b'\^^ '''' ^^^ ^''"-^ -
trunmed with ermine, and porcupine nuilU k "°T '"^ '''" ''"^'^ '" ^'^
m a hundred parts ;-hishaShwa\oLr*'^"' ^^^* ^^^"'^"-^ it
shoulders, extending nearl. to the 111 ^' '"f 'P^'^'' °^^^'"« back and
on his forehead like^hat of a wom!n HeT ''' 'T'^'^ "^^^^ ^""^ P-'ed
ease and grace in his movemenrsTat .1 V ''' ''"'^ '^"^ «^'"'«' -'th
-ste. In his left hand he held ; bcLtZ ' "'""'^^ °^ '^ "^^" ^'^ better
Pl'eci his fan, and on his wria was t'l tM ^^^^'^ *" ^'' ""'^ ''^"^ ^'^
J;« fly-brush, made of the bu JoVt I rf ' '" "'"> °' ^'^'^ '-"' -^
'#-!
I.' I'.
$
'Nil
'I I
! I
114
I had thus far progressed, with high-wrought feelings of pleasure, when
the two or three chiefs, who had been seated around the lodge, and whose
|jortraits I had before painted, arose suddenly, and wrapping themselves
tightly in their robes, crossed my room with a quick and hea\ y step, and
took an informal leave of my cabin. I was apprehensive of their displeasure,
though I continued my work ; and in a few moments the interpreter came
furiously into my room, addressing me thus : — '* My God, Sir ! this never
will do ; you have given great offence to the chiefs — they have made com-
plaint of your conduct to me — they tell me this is a worthless fellow — a man
of no account in the nation, and if you paint bis picture, you must instantly
destroy theirs ; you have no alternative, my dear Sir — and the quicker this
chap is out of your lodge the better."
The same matter was explained to my sitter by the interpreter, when he
picked up his robe, wrapped himself in it, plied his fan nimbly about his
face, and walked out of the lodge in silence, but with quite a consequential
smile, taking his old position in front of the door for awhile, after which
he drew himself quietly off without further exhibition. So highly do Man-
dan braves and worthies value the honour of being painted ; and so little
do they value a man, however lavishly Nature may have bestowed her master
touches upon liim, who has not the pride and noble bearing of a warrior.
I spoke in a former Letter of Mah-io-loh-pa (the four bears), the secono
chief of the nation, and the most popular man of the Mandans — a high-
minded and gallant warrior, as well as a polite and polished gentleman.
Since I painted his portrait, as I before described, I have received at his
hands many marked and signal attentions ; some of which I must name to
you, as the very relation of them will put you in possession of many little
forms and modes of Indian life, that otherwise might not have been noted.
About a week since, this noble fellow stepped into my painting-room
about twelve o'clock in the day, in full and splendid dress, and passing his
arm through miae> pointed the way, and led me in the most gentlemanly
manner, through the village and into his own lodge, where a feast was pre-
pared in a careful manner and waiting cur arrival. The lodge in which he
dwelt ,/as a room of immense size, seme forty or fifty feet in diameter, in a
circular form, and about twenty feet high — wit.i a sunken curb of stone in
the centre, of five or six feet in diameter and one foot deep, which contained
the fire over which the pot was boiling. I was led near the edge of this
curb, and seated on a very handsome robe, most i.igeniously garnished and
painted with hieroglyphics ; and he seated himself gracefully on another
one at a little distance from me ; with the feast prepared in several dishes,
resting on a beautiful rush mat, which was placed between us (plate 62).
The simple feast which was spread before us consisted of three dishes
only, two of which were served in wooden bowls, and the third in an earthen
vessel of their own manufacture, somewhat in shape of a bread-tray in
our own country. This last containeu a quantity of pem-i-can and marrow-
sure, when
and whose
themselves
y step, and
iispleasure,
•reter came
this never
made coin-
ow — » man
St instantly
juicker this
r, when he
y about his
n sequential
after which
ly do Man-
md so litt!t>
her master
warrior.
, the secona
»s — a high
gentleman,
iived at his
p.8t name to
many little
en noted,
inting-room
passing his
gentlemanly
jst was pre-
in which he
imeter, in a
of stone in
It contained
ige of this
rnished and
on another
eral dishes,
LATE 62).
hree dishes
an earthen
ead-tray in
id Ttiarrow-
I
''5
1^ i
If
I
M'
|Bk>' %
;;
i I
115
fat I and one of the former lield a fine brace of hi,ff»u .k j i- l , ..
roasted ; and the other was filled with a kind of oal n n'- '^^''g*'»f"»y
the flour of the ";,o... W«„cAe.-' as the J^en h'c I Tde •"'' "j"'' "'
of the prairie/finely flavoured wiU. the buffa o berf wh^h '^001":'!
m great .uantitiej in this country, and used with dive^SlsLr^o Si'
Ible '''"' """'"" '"^ '"^^ currants, which they very t^^t
k'ntk'kwr.n' -nJ a tobacco-pouch made of the otter skin, filled with
werfsitrd i;e'C^^^^ ^''•^ "^^'^^f-*^ and when we
belt cut off a vl , ' °^" * " P'P^' '"^ ^^^"'"S •''« knife from his
threw it into the fire ^^ ^"''"'"^ " ""'^'""^ «^'="«<^«)'
He then (by signals) requested me to eat, and I commenced after dr»w
and I observed as I ate, that after he had taken enough of tiri'n ckS
t^^^^'l^- '^^ ""' P°"^''' ^^ -"^^ -* ^' - ^'^ a pLetf
i.LoT l\ " '="«'0'"«'-y an^ongst these folks to carry in their
oba co-sack to g.ve .t a flavour; and, shavingoffa small quantity of it mixed
twth the bark, w.th which he charged his pipe. This done, he d^w al
Td buVl d ' '"'r r? -"^--^^ «- Po-cler. whick was made S
dned buffalo dung, a l.ttle of which he spread over the top. (according also
t le ri r'lr'"' "" "'^ tinder,havingnoothereffecttha; hat of gin"
dwUhTV';;^' "''''"*""• ^y ^PP^^"« -t'-t^''. I straightened up:
a ho themf. M-T.r ''' ^"'^ "^ ^"J^^^^^ together for a'quarter
and pa . otir , ^ ^'''':i' '"^'""^^ "'^•'°'* ^^«^'"g^' -"'^ clouds of smoke
.nm pantomimic signs and gesticulations.
nrst a„^ art-i'?/f"''r '"'* "'^"°^-*«^" of which I spoke, was thus :-The
•Tst, an article of food used throughout this country, as familiarly as we use
116
I' If
ill
bread i»» the civilized world. It is made of bufTalo meat dried very hardi
and afterwards pounded in a large wooden mortar until it is made nearly a>
fine as sawdust, then packed in this dry state in bladders or sacks of skin,
and is easily carried to any part uf the world in !,ood order. '*' Marrow-fat"
is collected by the Indians from the buffali bones which they break to
pieces, yielding a prodigious quantity of marrow, which is boiled i. it and
put into buHalo bladders which have been distended ; and after it ools,
liecomes quite hard like tallow, and has the appearance, and very nearly
the flavour, of the richest yellow butter. At a feast, chunks of this marrow-
fat are cut off and placed in a tray or bowl, with the pemican, and eaten
together ; which we civilized folks in these regions consider a very good
substitute for (and indeed we generally so denominate it) '• bread and
butter." In this dish laid a spoon made of the buffalo's horn, which was black
as jet, and beautifully polisticd ; in one of the others there was another of
still more ingenious and beautiful workmanship, made of the horn of the
mountain-sheep, or " Gros corn," as the French trappers call them ; it was
large enough to hold of itself two or three pints, and was almost entirely
transparent.
I spoke also of the earthen dishes or bowls in which these viands were
served out ; they are a familiar part of the culinary furniture of every
Mandan lodge, and are manufactured by tht women of this tribe in great
quantities, and modelled into a thousand forms and tastes. They are made
by the hands of the women, from a tough black clay, and baked in kilns
which are hiade for the purpose, and are nearly equal in hardness to our
own ?i nufactiire of pottery ; though they have not yet got the art of glazing,
which would be to them a most valuable secret. They make them so strong
and serviceable, however, that they hang them over the fire as we do our iron
pots, and boil their meat in them with perfect success. I have seen some
few specimens of such manufacture, which have been dug up in Indian
mounds and tombs in the southern and middle states, placed in our Eastern
Museums and looked upon as a great wonder, when here this novelty is at
once done away with, and the whole mystery ; where women can be seen
handling and using them by hundreds, and they can be seen every day in
the summer ulso, moulding them into many fanciful forms, and passing
them through the kiln where they are hardened.
Whilst sitting at this feast the wigwam was as silent as death, although we
were not alone in it. This chief, like most others, had a plurality of wives,
and all of them (some six or seven) were seated around the sides of the
lodge, upon robes or mats placed upon the ground, and not allowed to speak,
though they were it readiness to obey his orders oi commands, which were
uniformly given by signs manual, and executed in the neatest and most
silent manner.
When 1 arose to return, the pipe through which we had smoked was
presented to me ; and the robe on which I had sat, he gracefully raised by
the corners and tendered it to me, explaining by signs that the paintings
117
1t>.
.S^J^
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-S)
y^o
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1.0 !f«
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50
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Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
^
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33 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, NY. 14580
(716) 8'1-4503
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118
LETTER— No. 17.
MANDAN VILLAGE, UPPER MISSOURI.
I MEHTiONED in the foregoing epistle, that the chiefs of the Mindans
frequently have a plurality of wives. Such is the custom amongst all oi'
these North Western tribes, and a few general remarks on this subject will
apply to them all, and save the trouble of repeating them.
Polygamy is countenanced amongst all of the North American Indians, so
far as I have visited them ; and it is no uncommon thing to find a chief with
six, eight, or ten, and some with twelve or fourteen wives in his lodge. Such
is an ancient custom, and in their estimation is right as well as necessary.
Women in a savage state, I believe, are always held in a rank inferior to
that of the men, in relation to whom in many respects they stand rather in
the light of menials and slaves than otherwise ; and as they are the " hewers
of wood and drawers of water," it becomes a matter of necessity for a chief
(who must be liberal, keep open doors, and entertain, for the support of his
popularity) to have in his wigwam a sufTicient number of such handmaids or
menials to perform the numerous dudes and drudgeries of so large and ex-
pensive an establishment.
There are two other reasons for this custom which operate with equal, if
not with greater force than the one above assigned. In the first place,
these people, though far behind the civilized world in acquisitiveness, have
still more or less passion for the accumulation of wealth, or, in other words,
for the luxuries of life ; and a chief, excited by a desire of this kind, together
with a wish to be able to furnish his lodge with something more than
ordinary for the entertainment of his own people, as well as strangers who
fall upon his hospitality, sees fit to marry a number of wives, who are
kept at hard labour during most of the year ; and the avails of that
labour enable him to procure those luxuries, and give to his lodge the
appearance of respectability which is not ordinarily seen. Amongst those
tribes who trade with the Fur C<.'npanies, this system is carried out to
a great extent, and the women are kept for the greater part of the year,
dressing bufialo robes and other skina for the market; and the brave
or chief, who has the greatest number of wives, is considered the most
aflBuent and envied man in the tribe; for his table is most bountifully
supplied, and his lodge the most abundantly furnished with the luxuries
119
another, it becomes necessi;; Z ZZL^t "" "''"" °"'"*° '^'^-''•"
^rv.ces of one. to add to the nuITr t^ZT"' ""'"' ^''^" ^'>« '^^ouror
the ceremony of marriage, his stoik of ( J ^ '"^ '"^ compromising by
;f^K:^rtSr:;:;:kttr?"'^^^ - e«.ctivetha„
the estimation of his people and wields h/1 . ""V ^^° ^'^"^^ ^^^h in
by temptation, which he consider, tt„ld b? "' P^^-^^rou^nded
no law or regulation of society stands Tni """''"'' '° resist, where
a custom amongs. savage n tt, et ea n' T °'^" ^"J^y""-*' ^uch
bound to excuse it, when we behold "an ^ '"'"^'^ '°°' ^^^ *« ^re
•nade, following a natural inc inaln J." K ''"'' °^ "^^"^^' ^« ^^ ^^3
custom and by their religi „ "St "'".'^ '« -"^^ioned by ancient
society to discountenance it ; aLd wh n at th "' '■'^"'^'•°" ^^ ^heir
"•"lation of a man's househo d! insTead 'f ^''"^' *'™'' '"'^'^ "" '''^-
would be the case in the civi i ed wopi/n '^"'^^"Pl'"^ bis expenses (as
as the results of their labour aSantt "V'l '''''"''' '""^ ^-'^b.
and luxuries of life. abundantly secure to him all the necessaxies
well as from a love of dorv to 1 I , . '"* '"^ never-ending feuds as
^He only .oad, th Jr' t^s t^^^d tff%f ^^ '"^'^^
-£-e comm„„ity to an evi^ ^f = ^^S^- ^ j^J
t^Si::::::^ i^- 1: ?^' t ^-"^ -^-d to the
obscure individual from marrying s'vralw'''^ P'°"''''"^ ^ P°°r O""
d'fficulties which lie between him!„d he HrV°?''' ^'^^^ '^' P^'^O"^'
get. for want of sufficient celetl t teietv /"'' '^ "'^'^" '" -'" *°
objection, that of his inability (fom wantT' m, ""^ " '*'" "°^« ^^^^ent
customary way with the father^ VfthTr; if 7''''u^ ^''^'^ '' ^^^1 '« the
b's own household. ' ^"'' "''•°™ *»« wo"ld appropriate to
Po?:^^^.^- :r ^:^:< -^ - in .hese regions, where a
^- orgeat reputation, and ^^"^ :f:L:z-r :::'::^
120
im^''
J I
h.u 4
\>f.
Si'-
■f 1.
ill ill
'. h
f
1,
«t
'1
■ ' '1
'i
1 1
i
1 ''^^
P^ '-
eight living under one roof, and all apparently quiet and contented ; seemingly
harmonizing, and enjoying the modes of life and treatment that falls to
their loi-. .,,,., • n
Wives in this country are mostly treated for with the father, as m all
instances they are regularly bought and sold. In many cases the bargain
IS made with the father alone, without ever consulting the inclinations of the
girl, and seems to be conducted on his part as a mercenary contract entirely,
where he stands out for the highest price he can possibly command for her.
There are other instances to be sure, where the parties approach each other,
and from the expression of a mutual fondness, make their own arrangements,
and pass their own mutual vows, which are quite as sacred and inviolable as
similar assurances when made in the civilized world. Yet even in such cases,
the marriage is never consummated without the necessary form of making
presents to the father of the girl.
It becomes a matter of policy and almost of absolute necessity, for the
white men who are Traders in these regions to connect themselves in this
way, to one or more of the most influential families in the tribe, which in a
measure identifies their interest with that of the nation, and enables them,
with the influence of their new family connexions, to carry on successfully
their business transactions with them. The young women of the best families
only can aspire to such an elevation ; and the most of them are exceedingly
ambitious for such % connexion, inasmuch as they are certain of a delightfal
exemption from the slavish duties that devolve upon them when married
under other circumatantes ; and expect to be, as they generally are, allowed
to lead a life of ease and idleness, covered with mantles of blue and scarlet
cloth— with beads and trinkets, and ribbons, in which they flounce and
flirt about, the envied and tinselled belles of every tribe.
These connexions, however, can scarcely be called marriages, for I believe
they are generally entered into without the form or solemnizing ceremony
of a marriage, and on the part of the father of the girls, conducted purely
as a mercenary or business transaction ; in which they are very nxpert,
and practice a deal of shrewdness in exacting an adequate price from a
purchaser whom they consider possessed of so large and so rich a stock of
the world's goods ; and who they deem abundantly able to pay liberally
for so delightful a commodity.
Almost every Trader and every clerk who commences in the business of
this country, speedily enters into such an arrangement, which is done with
as little ceremony as he would bargain for a horse, and just as unceremoni-
ously do they annul and abolish this connexion when they wish to leave the
country, or change their positions from one tribe to another ; at which time
the woman is left, a fair and proper candidate for matrimony or speculation,
when another applicant comes along, and her father equally desirous for
another horse or guu, &c. which he can easily command at her second
espousal. ,
;•■*
121
tignuy unuerstood Ihon this, and none either that hai furnished m. n,nr.
nuure occasion, when I shall say a vast deal more of marriage-of divorce
-of polygamy-and of Indian domestic relations. For th^ent l7m
and uSr '" 'T'^ ^"'^ "^^S^' ^f ^»»« I"d'-» who a?e bo. m"
S I ose sSt S ihl' '.""' "°^ ''^"" ^°° '""'^'^ '"^° general relks
S. I !i, ^ .,, ''''° "^ ""*' ™^' *"d the first to be heralded.
Such, then are the Mandans-their women are beautiful and moL ^
and amongst the respectable families, virtue is as highly cherished Td as iZ
app oachable. as ,„ any society whatever ; yet at thi sa'me time a chief may
ma ry a dozen w,.es .f he pleases, and so may a white man ; and if eiZ
only equal, perhaps, to two horses, a gun with powder and ball for a vear five
maly a the a.e „ " > ^ °^ "°^* °^ '^''^ north-western tribes,
marry at the age of twelve or fourteen, and some at the aee of eleven
and C seem ^'"''■"T '"" .''' '''"' °''"P'''°"' ^'^ ^''""^^ ^°"^'""« '
meat and wiLf\ T*""^' ^"■"'^'"^ ™^^^ ^"'^ ^^''^^ ^kins. in dryint
shn!lT M J'"V' *" '•''"" ^y t»>« ^"""e". «J'o make their hoes of the
IS ;l^^^ '"^^'^ °^ t ^"'' '^' ^'S the ground over instead of
ploughmg .t, which IS consequently done with a vast deal of labour. Thev
hum ?hr T °' " n ' ^'" '''' '' ^'"'^•^ -^ "°t '-g- than a J . ■
than 1 '"'"'y '' ^'" ^'^''Pt^^ t° their climate, as It ripens sooner
than other varieties which would not mature in so cdd a la kude The
Etar Te" " r °' 'T '"''^''-^ ^''•^ ^»'-' -d - of "-'
m " ^'' ^"' '''''•■ ""P " **'^" '^"""g these festivals,
R
.'I
II
h
I'
' |!
122
and the remainder is gatlioied and dried on the oob, before it has ripened,
and packed away in " caches" (as the French call them), holes du;y in the
{ground, some six or seven feet deep, the insides of which are somewhat in
the form of a jui?, and tightly closed at tlie top. The corn, and even dried
meat and pemican, are placed in these caches, being packed tiglit around
the sides, with prairie grass, and effectually preserved through the severest
winters.
Corn and dried meat are generally laid iu in the fall, in sufficient quantities
to support them through the winter. These are the principal articles of food
during that long and inclement season ; and in addition to them, they often-
times have in store great quantities of dried squashes and dried "pommes
blanches," a kind uf turnip which grows in great abundance in these
regions, and of which I have before spoken. These are dried in great
quantities, and pounded into a sort of meal, and cooked with the dried
meat and corn. Great quantities albo of wild fruit of different kinds are
dried and laid away in store for the winter season, such as buffalo berries,
service berries, strawberries, and wild plums.
The buffalo meat, however, is the great staple and "staff of life" in this
country, and seldom (if ever) fails to afford Ihem an abundant and whole-
some means of subsistence. There are, from a fair computation, something
like 250,000 Indians in these western regions, who live almost exclusively
on the flesh of these animals, through every part of the year. During the
summer and fall months they use the meat fresh, and cook it in a great
variety of ways, by roasting, broiling, boiling, stewing, smoking, &c. ; and
by boiling the ribs and joints with the marrow in them, make a delicious
80up, which is universally used, and in vast quantities. The Mandans, 1
tincl, have no regular or stated times for their meals, but generally eat about
twice in the twenty-four hours. The pot is always boiling over the fire, and
any one who is hungry (either of the household or from any other part of the
village) has a right to order it taken off, and to fall to eating as he pleases.
Such is an unvarying custom amongst the North American Indians, and I
very much doubt, whether the civilized world have in their institutions any
system which can properly be called more humane and charitable. Every
man, woman, or child in Indian communities is allowed lo enter any one's
lodge, and even that of the chief of the nation, and eat when they are
hungry, provided misfortune or necessity has driven them to it. Even
so can the poorest and most worthless drone of the nation; if he is toe lazy
to hunt or to supply himself, he can walk into any lodge and everyone will
share with him as long as there is anything to eat. He, however, who thus
begs when he is able to hunt, pays dejr for his meat, for he is stigmatized
with the disgraceful epithet of a poltroon and u beggar.
The Mandans, like all other tribes, sit at their meals cross-legged, or rather
with their ancles crossed in front of them, and both feet drawn close under
their bodies ; or, whicii is very often the case also, take their meals in a re-
i
I'
123
are .nvariably on the ground or floor of X . I" '^''^'' '^"'» ^'"^h they e «
buffa o robes or n,ats of various stutu el '"'' T' '" ^^°"P ^^^4Z
The position in which thn «,n™ • manufacture. '^
» different fro. that the mer^d '' ''1""" ""^ "" °'her occasions
again, with great ease and much Lr" T ''^''^ '^'^ ''^' ^nd riseTom
together, inchning the body back fnd the'h T^ 'k"'"'^ ''^ ''"^ ^th
t ley squat entirely down to thp !• ! ^'^ ^"^ shoulders quite forward
nght or the left. L this po,,S.?r; '. '"''"'"° ''^^'^ ^-t either "the'
..oth modest and graceful. Lt„ 2 wT "'' "'"^ ^^"■"^' '^^ ' "
P-on and rise out of it. wi.oi u^ ^ CT^;- ^ ^ ^
These women, howevpr aUUr. u
«; eve, so !,„„,;, J: ; '.J'^e," S-ceM ,.d dvN, a„d over „ beau A,
Willie at their meals «;« / f , ^" '" ^he same ffrouD wifh thT
»- have .een'ati Jril S>" f-'W i" .he T/CZTI
liw group at the banquet ZZ ^ """' '"' '"'sbantl. Men formal
8«He, at the next, anSe "tnTS !" H f "T '"■■ ■"-«» «" "" e t
It IS time that an error on *!,:. u-
■"the world, was correcte . TlT^:!:!'''^ ^^ ^"^ generally abroad
«ally believed, that the Indian a e .^^"'''"'^ '^^^^^''ted. and almost unTer
yaking. I assure my read rs hat this T""'"' '^'"^ ■' ^"' -mparare,:
^ere are no persons on eart wl .' ,ice" "'"' ' ^^'""^ '« 4 t' 2
^-n the men do (amongst the w ld7nd aLf? " P'"'^"'=^ -'^ -'^^'enia
'" the chase, or i„ their athletic 800^..^' ■'*'' '^""^'antly in war and
are excited by the highest id sTorir Tu'"^ = '- all of which they
e«ess is studiously avoided ! V/ ''"'' ''°"'^"'-' and every kind S
"-t painful abstin'ence s ;r ce " ' "^! ^"'*' ^^^'^ '^*' thai Mi f the
E:7 their bodies and Th^ r;;':^^^ ^'^ purpos'e^f
J«any a man who has been .. ( f "'^^^^ extravagant exprt;n„«
o^tly excess; and he has sepn i, . '' °^ten seen them eat tn
::::'r^> ^'■" "^ '- -n im^;;: ;:/-'^ iv^-^^^ey (a„d per^apTj: ,
energy to n.ove; and many and tho , . . ''''°"'''' ^'thout will or
een. where white people Im've ^ be " ^ 1^'' *'^'"^^ -" -'- be
do but he under a fence and be^ a Si t""' '"'^ '^^^^ '^^^ notching
enough for one feast and one carousP / ' """" '" ^^'^ '^eat and whiskef
x/.:;'ar ^^^ -^ ^^^^^--^ ^^ -k : r^- ^^^^ ^^i. mdians ,tt^
ui natural precept, studies to keep hi, h! i ^"""^ f'^'y '"an, from a beau-
hape and condition as will at alltime enaff ?' ""'"' '" «"'^'' ^ Wealthy
'^'"^^' ^' ^-^^'^ ^r the pwr • n,.:;; :t:L;;;ir '' ^^^^°- ^"
Uiltl
124
As I before observed, tliese men generally eat but twice a day, and many
times not more than once, and those meals are light and simple compared
with the meals that are swallowed in the civilized world ; and by the very
people also, who sit at the festive board three times a day, making a jest of
the Indian for his eating, when they actually guzzle more liquids, besides
their eating, than would fill the stomach of an Indian.
There are, however, many seasons and occasions in the year with all
Indians, when they fast for several days in succession ; and others where
they can get nothing to eat; and at such times (their habits are such) they
may be seen to commence with an enormous meal, and because they do so,
it is an insufficient reason why we should for ever remain under so egregious
an error with regard to a single custom of these people.
I have seen so many of these, and lived with them, and travelled with
them, and oftentimes felt as if I should starve to death on an equal allow-
ance, that I am fully convinced I am correct in saying that the North
American Indians, taking them in the aggregate, even where they have an
abundance to subsist on, eat less than any civiliied population of equal
numbers, that I have ever travelled amongst.
Their mode of curing and preserving the buffalo meat is somewhat
curious, and in fact it is almost incredible also ; for it is all cured or dried
in the sun, without the aid of salt or smoke ! The method of doing this is
the same amongst all the tribes, from this to the Mexican Provinces, and is
as follows :— The choicest parts of the flesh from the buffalo are cut out by
the squaws, and carried home on their backs or on horses, and there cut
''across the grain," in such a manner as will take alternately the layers of
lean and fat ; and having prepared it all in this way, in strips about half an
inch in thickness, it is hung up by hundreds and thousands of pounds on
poles resting on crotches, out of the reach of dogs or wolves, and exposed
to the rays of the sun for several days, when it becomes so effectually
dried, that it can be carried to any part of the world without damage. This
seems almost an unaccountable thing, and the more so, as it is done in the
hottest months of the year, and also in all the different latitudes of an
Indian country.
So singular a fact as this can only be accounted for, I consider, on the
ground of the extraordinary rarity and purity of the air which we meet with
in these vast tracts of country, which are now properly denominated " the
great buffalo plains," a series of exceedingly elevated plateaus of steppes or
prairies, lying at and near the base of the Rocky Mountains.
it is a fact then, which I presume will be new to most of the world, that
meat can be cured in the sun without the aid of smoke or salt ; and it is a
fact equally true and equally surprising also, that none of these tribes use
salt in any way, although their country abounds in salt springs ; and in many
places, in the frequent walks of the Indian, the prairie may be seen, for
miles together, covered with an incrustation of salt as white as the drifted snow.
Jay, and many
mple compared
id by the very
aking a jest of
liquids, besides
'■ year with all
d others where
are such) they
use they do so,
ler so egregious
travelled with
1 equal allow-
hat the North
5 they have an
Eition of equal
£ is somewhat
cured or dried
f doing this is
svinces, and is
ire cut out by
and there cut
r the layers of
about half an
of pounds on
, and exposed
so effectually
araage. This
is done in the
ititudes of an
125
""yikm along our Frontier ZZTl ^' '"""« ""''"'y on meat ■ h„.
nsider, on the
we meet with
minated *' the
of steppes or
ie world, that
t ; and it is a
ese tribes use
and in many
be seen, for
! drifted snow.
180
^ Im> I ill I in '
li J
I'r <
It
m
LETTEU-No. 18.
MANDAN VILLAGE, UPPER MISSOURL
The Mandans, like all other tribes, lead live, of idleness and lewure-
and of course devote a great deal of time to their sports and amusements!
of which they have a great variety. Of these, dancing is one of the princN
pal, and may be seen in a variety of forms : such as the buffalo dance the
boastmg dance, the begging dance, the scalp dance, and a dozen other
or obe°ct8 ""'' "" "'" ^^'''^ ''*'"' ^^^" P"''""'"" ^^^^'^'^'^^ «"d meanings
Thei.e exercises are exceedingly grotesque in their appearance, and to tlio
eye of a traveller who knows not their meaning or importance, they are an
uncouth and frightful display of starts, and jumps, and yelps, and jarring
gutturals, which are sometimes truly terrifying. But when one gives them
a httle attention, and has been lucky enough to be initiated into their mys-
tcrious meaning, they become a subject of the most intense and exciting
interest. Lvery daucc has its peculiar step, and every step has its meaning •
every dance also has its peculiar song, and that is so intricate and mys-
terious oftentimes, that not one in ten of the young men who are dancing and
Singing It, know the meaning of the song which they arc chanting over. None
but the medicne-men are allowed to understand them ; and even they are
genera ly on y initiated into these secret arcana, on the payment of a liberal
stipend for their tuition, which requires much application and study. There
•s evidently a set song and sentiment for every dance, for the son-^s are
perfectly measured, and sung in exact time with the beat of the drum ; and
;,rr ^''y ? """"""^ ""^' "'^'"•''••'''^ ««t of sounds and expressions, which
clearly indicate certain sentiments, which are expressed by the voice, thoutjh
sometimes not given in any known language whatever. ^
They have other dances and songs which are not so mystified, but which
are sung and understood by every person in the tribe, being suL in thet
rliyn e. On these subjects I shall take another occasion to say more • and
wdlior he present turn your attention to the style and modeHn Ui h
some of these curious transactions are conducted *= 'n wnicn
the^rof'vtr' *"''". k'"-'* '°r'""'"y ■■"'S'"g «'"^« I -^"'e here, with
the dm of yelping a„d beating of the drums ; but I have for several days
«s and leUtire ;
nd amusetnenfst
le of the princi-
ifthio dance, the
1 a dozen other
9 and meanings
ince, and to tlia
ice, they are an
Ips, and jarring
one gives them
into their mys-
e and exciting
IS its meaning ;
cate and mys-
re dancing and
ng over. None
even they are
ent of a liberal
study. Tlicre
the songs are
he drum ; and
■essions, which
voice, tliough
led, but which
sung in their
i, but without
jy more ; and
>des in which
me here, with
several days
12?
P»8t been peculiarly enerossoH n„ i
H'iffaloes, it i, known, are a mn „r
e«».onalJy in huge n.as.e; Ind ,tr li '"""""^ "''''''''*' ^ongregatino. oc
«« ^ve,t, or from north to louH. ^^ T'^ "'""'' ^^e country from :
-«y 'oad them ; „„d ^ M il^^V^''^- "-"^ -"'•"« or stra^n^S
ceremoniously left without Z^Z^ cT^""?','^ ^'"^ -ans,'mo: T
"nw.llmg to risk their lives by jl r V '' ''""^ " «'""" tribe and
-re powerful enennes. are o^„S :?, '^^ J«- '» the face of 't
/" ""y .^"'ergcncy of this kind, eve v - "' '" " ''"'' "'" ^''^^^°"'°"
'odgc his mask (the skin of „ I ?^. '*" ""'''*^'"''' «"'' brings out n7i
;• obliged tokcopint i , f :"f "^ "^^ -th the horns l)Xl.tl^'Z
b;.fralo dance, of which irvefbnv"T"'°"= "'"^ "-" commeT.c s the
0' -aking.. buffalo come >s Z tT n' 1'"' '"^ '-''J '- the p rpl
to change the direction of thei wand ^^' " '"•'"•'^'■"^' '^'^ ^^^^alo 'S
e Mandan village, and gra e .bo t ' ' tP* T' '"" ^'"^'^ — towa^
v'c.mty. where the Mandans can lot ' T'^""^ ^'"^ ''"'' •>'"«■« '» its
want them for food. ''"'°' "'«'" ^own and cook them as they
*or the most part of the year tl,«.
out a mile or two from the vdlaJ; l^kill ^ """■J"" '^"'^ ''""*^"' ^y riding
t'.;"es large herds of these an mal's m.v """"" ^^^""'Jance; and sonj
7"/ .*''« '^^"ntry as far as they are wil^ . y°""^' '"«» ^^^ve ranged
of he,r enemies, without findL'g me^ ""'^;J° ^'1 ^^^ ''-^. «" accou u
the village-and in a f.. "^^ ;,";"-;- f", who proclaim it through
a-e on.ation is carried on is in\he":b r.!: 7^ ^'^ ^^^ ^hl
:|-.e operation irc^^e^Tl ^n t^^^^^- ^^ P'- ^iT^
V lage and in front of the great medic 1 ^ '" ""'^ '"" ^''^ ^«"tre of h'
^ th masks on their heads, and weanon,? t ' T^ '°"'"^"-°" «*a«d ready
g-eral exc,,en,.„,, .pe« or •■ fe,w „e kept „„ .he
,\l
'ilW*^
htlli in the neighbourhood of the village, who, when they diicover buffaloea
in iight, give the appropriate signal, by " throwing their robei," which is
instantly seen in the village, and understood by the whole tribe. At this
joyful intelligence there is a shout of thanks to the Great Spirit, and more
especially to the mystery-man, and the dancers, who have been the im ■
mediate cause of their succeti I There is then a brisk preparation for the
chase — a grand hunt takes place. The choicest pieces of the victims are
sacrificed to the Great Spirit, and then a surfeit and a carouse.
These dances have sometimes been continued in this village two and three
weeks without stopping an instant, until the joyful moment when buffaloes
made their appearance. So they never fail; and they think they have been
the means of bringing them in.
Every man in the Mandan village (as I have before said) is obliged by a
village regulation, to keep the mask of the buffalo, hanging on a post at the
head of his bed, which he can use on his head whenever he is called upon
by the chiefs, to dance for the coming of buffaloes. The mask is put over
the head, and generally has a strip of the skin hanging to it, of the whole
length of the animal, with the tail attached to it, which, passing down over
the back of the dancer, is dragging on the ground (plate 56). When one
becomes fatigued of the exercise, he signifies it by bending quite forward,
and sinking his body towards the ground ; when another draws a bow upn
him and hits him with a blunt arrow, and he falls like a buffulo — is seized
by the bye-standers, who drag him out of the ring by the heels, brandishino-
their knives about him ; and having gone through the motions of skinning
and cutting him up, they let him off, and his place is at once supplied by
another, who dances into the ring with his mask on ; and by this taking of
places, the scene is easily kept up night and day, until the desired effect
has been produced, that of •* making buffalo come."
The day before yesterday however, readers, which, though it commenced
in joy and thanksgiving to the Great Spirit for the signal success which had
attended their several days of dancing and supplication, ended in a calamity
which threw the village of the Mandans into mourning and repentant tears,
and that at a time of scarcity and great distress. The signal was given into
the village on that morning from the top of a distant bluff, that a band of
buffaloes were in sight, though at a considerable distance off, and every heart
beat with joy, and every eye watered and glistened with gladness.
The dance had lasted some three or four days, and now, instead of the
doleful tap of the drum and the begging chaunts of the dancers, the stamp-
ing of horses was heard as they were led and galloped through the village
young men were throwing off their robes and their shirts,— were seen
snatching a handful of arrows from their quivers, and stringing their sinewy
bows, glancing their eyes and their smiles at their sweethearts, and mounting
tlieir ponies. • • «
* • A few minutes there had been of bustle and
iKOver buffaloes
robei," which ia
tribe. At thii
Spirit, and more
ve been the im
paration for the
r the victiini are
use.
^e two and three
t when bufialoei
L they have been
is obliged by a
on a post at the
le is called upon
>ask is put over
it, of the whole
ssing down over
i6). When one
g quite forward,
aws a bow u|K)n
iffalo — is seized
iels, brandishing
ions of skinning
nee supplied by
y this taking of
e desired effect
1 it commenced
ccess which had
sd in a calamity
repentant tears,
1 was given into
that a band of
and every heart
Iness.
', instead of the
:ers, the stanip-
jh the village —
ts,— were seen
ing their sinewy
, and mounting
I of bustle and
I
w
h
In
IH ' tj
^i*^
t
C
t
c
Ci
fc
c:
ar
W(
di:
ne
pei
rec
dis
ant
villi
eclii
wig'
ness
win(
as t
redd
bend
othei
over
speefl
shout
toid i
nalcec
anotiii
tiie ot
the nii
VOL
ii
129
v.-lio^ ^fenie, an interpreter of tlif. P„r r. ^ °' ^"'^ outset, when
graceful swel of the pSl'" ^ '^'"«'^' -^ l^eliJCZd^'^V
'z ^:^'^^ r ^Sr!:!r t!''^ --'-^ .ont^xr::;;:
to look the. r^h: ^:e Xas t;?r'' "' ^'™- -« almost readv
ch.efs and doctors whoh'ad been f^ :: ^r"!f 'V""' -^gladne ' T
to the community from the public crbn ^^' ^'"""^^ °"^ '"'"■'""'n ration!
contents of their own privLe '1' ""^/P^^^^ before their subjetsZ
-Id be mustered, that LymigheS::, 'l' '"' °' ^^^ *'>C t
for his goodness in sending them ^ ''^"^sgiving to the Great Soiri
carouse of banqueting ensueVwhlh^"'^°' '"«'^'° ""^^t- A gene
and their hidden stores which ml, ur'?'';''' ^'"^ ^'•^^^^•- P«« of thfdav
;ere pretty nearly used up o^ t ol 'l'""^""^ '^ ^-^ ' ^^^^^^^^^
neither, m the general surfeit • several i ^'- ^^ *^^« not for-otten
received tl em m this time of scarcity whh ."^ P^inting-room, and I
After th,s general indulgence wJ, ^'"^' ^^'^'''''^
d'siies, their usual games and ! °''^''' ^"^ "'^ dogs had lickprl ..
and^y too. Posseiio:j;!lr^--'--ed^and In J, ^:^,X
v'lage; and m the midst of thU ' ''"^'"y "oolc and corner of thJ
echoed everywhere. Women and :h,T"'' '"'^ ^'"''"'^ -^re heard- and
nesstothe pra.ne, whilst blackenor ■ ''^'^ '" agonizing earnest-
w.nd.ng „,aze of the village, and i uh , T"'' ''"'' '"""''"^'y through eve'
a« they snatched their deady rr';''-'''"''"^^"«"'«'«o
-ddened „3t as they fu^X" -^ T ^ '°'^'^^' ^"^ «'-'" "S
o a^d d^ 1'"'^°"' °f«dcep ravin and V r^'^u "'' ^"''»^^' «"d an-
«peed " a,ST," "' ^^^"' '""^. and al "^r' 2, "^''^^^^ --n dashing
n^ked breast Tl "' '"''" bleeding, and th/w . ' """ ''"''^ ^^^^
another Ira Jh 7'"'°"^'^ '"« ""'k wSte ttedl m "f '''^"^'^ ''•°'" '"'^
the o her hTf t'" '"' '''"' ''^'^ « scalp thitvl l "'^ '^'''^P^^' °^- '""' ••
.0. /^ - '- m the otber. havin/;^:: itr r ;:r ^^
130
Uf 1
l1 ' >
•way, and trusted to the fleetness of his horse for his safety ; yet the story
was audibly told, and the fatal tragedy recited iu irregular and almost suffo-
cating ejaculations — the names of the dead were in turns pronounced and
screams and shrieks burst forth at their recital — murmurs e.id groans ran
through the village, and this happy little community were in a moment
■mitten with sorrow and distraction.
Their proud band of hunters who had started full of glee and mirth
in the morning, had been surrounded by their enemy, the Sioux, and
eight of them killed. The Sioux, who had probably reconnoitred their
village during the night, and ascertained that they were dancing for
buffaloes, laid a stratagem to entrap them in the following manner : — Some
six or eight of them appeared the next morning (on a distant bluff, in si^ht
of their sentinel) under the skins of buffaloes, imitating the movements of
those animals whilst grazing; and being discovered by the sentinel, the
intelligence was telegraphed to the village, which brought out their hunters
as I have described. The masked buffaloes were seen grazing on the top of
a high bluff, and when the hunters had approached within half a mile or so
of them, they suddenly disappeared over the hill. Louison Frenie, who was
leading the little band of hunters, became at that moment suspicious of so
strange a movement, and came to a halt • • •
• " Look"! (said a Mandan, pointing to a little ravine to the right, and at
the foot of the hill, from which suddenly broke some forty or fifty furious
Sioux, on fleet horses and under full whip, who were rushing upon them) ;
they wheeled, and in front of them came another band more furious from
the other side of the hill ! they started for home (poor fellows), and strained
every nerve ; but the Sioux were too fleet for them ; and every now and
then, the whizzing arrow and the lance were herd to rip the flesh of their
naked backs, and a grunt and a groan, as they tumbled from their horses.
Several ir;iles were run in this desperate race; and Frenie got home, and
several of the Mandans, though eight of them were killed and scalped by
the way.
So ended that day and the hunt ; but many a day and sad, will last the
grief of those whose hearts were broken on that unlucky occasion.
This day, though, my readers, has been one of a more joyful kind, for
the Great Spirit, who was indignant at so flagrant an injustice, has sent the
Mandans an abundance of buffaloes ; and all hearts have joined in a general
thanksgiving to Him for his goodness and justice.
ty ; yet the story
and almost sufTo-
pronounced and
and groans ran
;re in a moment
' glee and mirtli
the Sioux, and
Jconnoitred their
ere dancing for
manner : — Some
nt bluff, in sight
le movements of
the sentinel, the
ut their hunters
ing on the top of
lialf a mile or so
Frenie, who was
suspicious of so
the right, and at
or fifty furious
ing upon them) ;
lore furious from
fs), and strained
I every now and
e flesh of their
om their horses.
; got home, and
and scalped by
sad, will last the
;asion.
joyful kind, for
ice, has sent the
ined in a general
.h1«',
M
1
''W
I ■ ',
e
tl
s)
at
of
i:}
Of
cal
CGI
the
sun
Th,
effe
he
tops
as si
lead
of f,
mani
face,
head
missi
If
Otiigi
hir ,
twitch
'ront(
Thi
' illiiu
131
letter-No. 19.
^'AVDAN Va^GE. UPPER MISSOUHI.
Iir wy last Letter I p-a
kead *iS"!T, " '""'y f~' of each ..he, „L 1 "i'^'!: "^ '"'= »
■-■"luiaiing them on Tim;- u ' '" ""^ir leaders nt th^;^
"";;"- %m,, white .h^ are dX^a'nd ^li ">"" ^-h "'I"' >"d *e"
, 'f any one i. „„jk „ilh .„ * "* ''"*"« ""em off.
""""™"'— >-— ™,-n.he™„,„.
132
'i '"
li r
and IB performed on an empty stomach, affording them a rigid and whole-
some exercise, whilst they are instructed in the important science of war.
Some five or six miles of ground are run over during these evolutions,
giving suppleness to their limbs and strength to their muscles, which last and
benefit them through life.
After this exciting exhibition is ended, they all return to their village,
where the chiefs and braves pay profound attention to their vaunting, and
applaud them for their artifice and valour.
Those who have taken scalps then step forward, brandishing them and
making their boast as they enter into tiie scalp-dance (in which they are also
instructed by their leaders or teachers), jumping and yelling — brandishing
their scalps, and reciting their sanguinary deeds, to the great astonishment
of their tender aged sweethearts, who are gazing with wonder upon them.
The games and amusements of these people are in most respects like
those ofthe other tribes, consisting of ball plays — game of the moccasin, of the
platter — feats of archery - horse-racing, &c. ; and they have yet another,
which may be said to be their favourite amusement, and unknown to the other
tribes about them. The game of Tchung-kee, a beautiful athletic exercise,
which they seem to be almost unceasingly practicing whilst the weather is fair,
and tiiey have nothing else of moment to demand their attention. This
game is decidedly their favourite amusement, and is played near to the
village on a pavement of clay, which has been used for that purpose until
it has become as smooth and hard as a floor. For this game two champions
form their respective parties, by choosing alternately the most famous players,
until their requisite numbers are made up. Their bettings are then made,
and their stakes are held by some of the chiefs or others present The play
commences (plate 59) with two (one from each party), who start off upon
a trot, abreast of each other, and one of them rolls in advance of them, on
the pavement, a little ring of two or three inches in diameter, cut out of a
stone ; and each one follows it up with his " tchung-kee" (a stick of six feet in
length, with little bits of leather projecting from its sides of an inch or more in
length), which he throws before him as he runs, sliding it along uoon the ground
after the ring, endeavouring to place it in such a position when it stops, that
the ring may fall upon it, and receive one of the little projections of leather
through it, which counts for game, one, or two, or four, according to the
position of the leather on which the ring is lodged. The last winner always
has the rolling of the ring, apd both start and throw the tchung-kee together ;
if either fails to leceive the ring or to lie in a certain position, it is a
forfeiture of the amount of the number he was nearest to, and he loses his
throw ; when another steps into his place. This game is a very difficult one
to describe, so as to give an exact idea of it, unless one can see it played — it
is a game of great beauty and fine bodily exercise, and these people become
excessively fascinated with it ; often gambling away every thing they possess,
and even sometimes, when everything else was gone, have been known to
133
stake their liberty upon the i«,..« ^e .u
as weii j,y j::z t"i ^arr rr^ rr' '^ '"« ^-^^n
These observances are strictly rel ^^^ . '"'^ ^""^ P^«'<="lar purpose,
'"«ny of these forms pract ced In ! '."'' ^^'^''^ '^'^^^^^^'l- There a
-ceedingly interesting; :TLZT2' if r^' ^""'^ °^ -'^'^^
o'. the I„d,an character ; and I ha! a : f . ™'"^ " '"^^^^^^ ^^^'"'^te
Pams to lay then, before my readers ^"'"'■' P'^"°'' ''"^« Particular
«''all also speak more fuiy hereafter T"? °""""^- ^^ ^^is 'us oT
of the hundred modes inl5 ttse T^' "°''""^^ ^' P^^«^"'. -'"e fe*
Evil Spirits. Human sacrifices hlveno 1"°' ''' """^^ '° *''« Good and
by any of the north western tribsfsoT "r"^' ^^ '"^^ ^^^ndans, „or
Pawnees of the Platte; wir^e I, fi "n ' '''' '^arn). excepting the
practice in former tinies, tLugh^ .'tf^lV^'^ry^"^'' ''"'"' '-"
Mar>dans sacrifice their fingers^o he oZtT'^i '' «' '^'«- The
goods the best and the molt costly !f a t '^' ' "!'* °^ "'^'^ ^^^'dly
favourite one; if it is an arrow frl* /h ' "^ ^ ''''&' '' -""^t be the
perfect one as the most efF Xe S" Tl^""''''' '''' ^'" ^^'^^ '^e mot
cut rom the buffalo or other an md i it J T' V' '^'' ^''"''=^^' P-^e
Traders, it is the most costly-" Ts Li ? ?^ '^'°'" ^''^ «'°^«« ^^ the
;'•- country an enormous pric aJris T «'' '^ "'"' '^"'^ *'^^'" '»
angmg- over their wigwams'od^caTo tot ' T' '""^ ^'^^ P"^P°«« ^^
"'^';«7«f their departed relations ' "'' '''^°'^^ ^''«^« '^^t
consist of ten or fifteen yards o bl„» ■ '""'•■' "^*^ "'^ village-they
ti'e Fur Company at fiftL r Letd'! '"' ^'^^'l ^^^"^^ P^^''-^ f--
so as to resen.ble human fi/u res wi,,f f ^^ y^'*^' ^^''^'^ are folded up
thea- faces. These singular-looSr! '^",f '" "'"'" ''^^''^ ^"^ ""asks on
erected on poles abou't thirtytet^S "'v ::"r" ^--"(—47), are
and there are left to decay.^ TI le h ^ ? ^°°' "^ '^'' "'ystery-lodge.
wh.h was added to the .Lbe "few 'J ""' '^ ''' ^''^ ^*'^''^'" ^-^^1.
buffalo, Which will remain tlTe e untitk H " ' '""f "' *''^ ^'''" "^ a white
This beautiful and costly ,L ''^' '"'' '^^"« ^o pieces,
striking proof of the ^rt e' 3 rh^.f'? 't ''--. ^11, furnish a
offenngs. But a few weeks 11 ^ ^"^'^'^ ^° ^''ese propitiatory
f outh of the Yellow I e tlo h T. '' ''^"''^"^ '^'--'' f'- "' e
J-t a party of Blackfeerw;re vis^^nl th ?'? ''°^^' "'^'^ '»^---'-
Amencan Fur Company; and J.a h " h "^ T "" "^"^'"^^^ ^^''^ the
for sale. This was looked upon ., ^ . ""'' ''''^'" '^ ^'^'^^ Buffalo robe
^fa'efs. and one worthy of TbL "!•"'' °^ ^''^' "»P°«ance by the
'^y pubhc consideration. A white buffalo robe i, a
„/
.^1 I ..
f-lH tff ill i5
134
hV ^
J'J
great curiosity, even in the country of buffaloes, and will always command an
almost incredible price, from its extreme scarcity ; and then, from its being
the most costly article of traffic in these regions, it is usually converted
into a sacrifice, being offered to the Great Spirit, as the most acceptable
gift that can be procured. Amongst the vast herds of buffaloes which graze
on these boundless prairies, there is not one in an hundred thousand, per-
haps, that is white ; and when such an one is obtained, it is considered
great medicine or mystery.
On the receipt of the intelligence above-mentioned, the chiefs convened
in council, and deliberated on the expediency of procuring the white robe
from the Blackfeet ; and also of appropriating the requisite means, and
devising the proper mode of procedure for effecting the purchase. At the close
of their deliberations, eight men were fitted out on eight of their best horses,
who took from the Fur Company's store, on the credit of the chiefs, goods
exceeding even the value of their eight horses ; and they started for the
Mouth of the Yellow Stone, where they arrived in due time, and made the
purchase, by leaving the eight horses and all the goods which they carried ;
returning on foot to their own village, bringing home with them the white
robe, which was looked upon by all eyes of the villagers as a thing that was
vastly curious, and containing (as they express it) something of the Great
Spirit. This wonderful anomaly laid several days in the chief's lodge, until
public curiosity was gratified ; and then it was taken by the doctors or
high-priests, and with a great deal of form and mystery consecrated, and
raised on the top of a long pole over the medicine-lodge ; where it now
stands in a group with the others, and will stand as an offering to the Great
Spirit, until it decays and falls to the ground.
This Letter, as I promised in its commencement, being devoted to some
of the customs peculiar to the Mandans, and all of which will be new to
the world, I shall close, after recording in it an account of a laugliable
farce, which was enacted in this village when I was on my journey up the
river, and had stopped on the way to spend a day or two in the Mandan
village.
Readers, did you ever hear of " Rain Makers?" If not, sit still, and
read on ; but laugh not — keep cool and sober, or else you may laugh in the
beginning, and cry at the end of my story. Well, I introduce to you a new
character — not a doctor or a high-priest, yet a medicine-man, and one of
the highest and most respectable order, a " Rain Maker I" Such dignitaries
live in the Mandan nation, aye, and " rain stoppers" too; and even those
also amongst their conjurati, who, like Joshua of old, have even essayed to
stop the sun in his course ; but from the inefficiency of their medicine or
mystery, have long since descended into insignificance.
Well, the story begins thus : — The Mandans, as I have said in a former
Letter, raise a great deal of corn ; and sometimes a most disastrous drought
will be visited on the land, destructive to their promised harvest. Sucli
ys command an
, from its beingf
lally converted
nost acceptable
)es which graze
thousand, per-
t is considered
hiefs convened
the white robe
te means, and
je. At the close
eir best horses,
e chiefs, goods
siarted for the
, and made the
h they carried ;
hem the white
thing that was
; of the Great
f 's lodge, until
the doctors or
nsecrated, and
where it now
ig to the Great
Bvoted to some
'ill be new to
if a laughable
journey up the
n the Mandan
, sit still, and
ly laugh in the
i to you a new
n, and one of
ich dignitaries
nd even those
ven essayed to
ir medicine or
id in a former
strous drought
arvest. Such
' 1 ll
,
ill
1 s
' 3^
' m
]36
wai the case when I arriv*>H «» .u »* j
Vellow-Stone. R„i„ ha7 J Z'rT:'Z '"T "" '"^^ — boHt.
g.rlsand the u,ly old squaw,, ut^eter "ro;;"'* T"'! ""' '^"^ ''"'«
were groanin,^ and oryinp to their loS „ i f '"'" ''"*' "'''^^ »f corn)
rain, that their little respLtle Ta c e ' T^'''""^' '''^'" '° '"'"«de fo
yellow, might not be wiLtd it; btdl:"; rJ""'"*^ P^'« -"
customary annual festivity and Z Z\ . ^ ^ ^ ''^ ^^^ P''^'*'"^^ of their
and the " green corn dancL ■" ^ ^'"' °'^'*^"^" '^'' ^''^ " ^""''ting ear^"
-^^;s:^^::;tt:r:^^rs^ ''-^'-'^ of the women, and
these case,; and though t y eso ' 7 ' .'"^ ""''• ^^"^ "'^'^«-»ry i„
rain for the benefit of the cor'n ye^ heW '" ^ '''' """"P' ^« P^^^'uce
too soon might ensure their entire It ^ ^ery wisely resolved that to begin
'onger they put it off. theZ'e^^,^^^^^^^^^ the endeavour = and that t'he
So, after a few days of furt^r dela' ^^^ T ''' '^ "''''"^'^ '^^^'^''■
had become clamorous, and even tou-f-' "" .'"T^'""'"" '' '"^^ — »
".-i.c.-ne-.en assembled in U.e 00"^ I '' ""'^ " '"t '"'"PP-'^ble. the
paratus about them-with in 1 '^^"'-''-''O"^^, w,th all their mystery an-
herbs with a fire prepi;: TotZlC tttTl'^- ''''' ^"^ ^''^ --"^^
sent forth to the Great Spirit The Tl .' '"'°"'y "'^O"" •"■ght be
except some ten or fifre ;ount J>'' T" ""'"'"^ '' "" the villagers,
readful alternative of maTi„rrf,ro; Z T """"^ *° ''^-''l^'-
havmg made a fruitless essay ' '"^"" "'' ^^^rlasting disgrace of
They. only, were allowed as witnessP, t. tk *
devsed by the doctors inside of 2^ ° "'' .^^ * ^"'"* '"'^ '^''">'-«"''«
"P by lot, each one in his urn to spL "r '"'' = ?' ^'"^ "^^ -"^^
to test the potency of his ,„ed"cine • nr .'^ "P°" '''" '°P ^'^ ^'^^ ^^^S^>
voice might be hea'rd and 0^ arn'on^M, T Tt'' '' "^ "^^^ ^^ ''»
the doctors were burning inceSe 72 °u t ""^ ^''^ '^^'»^^"« • whilst
and prayers to the Grfat Sp rit fo ' ""^"'"'" '^^'°"' ""^ ^'^h their songs
fumes and odours to Him ' wirilerinT"' ""^''="^'"^ ''-th gratefbl
ders of Heaven." Wah-kee (tl] '^ '"" '*"'* commands the tlum-
wigwamat sunrise; and he s ood tlf? """ ^^f ^"' ^''° ''^'^^"''^d the
counting over and over his str ^ .f ^^' T"^ ^''^'"^ ''°°"^^ «« he was
assembled around him, an ^ayVJ Z'T''''''~'t "''°'^ ^'"^^^ --
-the day was calm and hof and^t . '"'"''• ^°* ^ ^'^"d appeared
from the lodge and went hom'el',r,w'"'"^ °' ^'^ ^""' '^^ ^^-"^^d
ever be a medicine-man. ''''""' "'^^ "°* &ood." nor can he
next7ornin^" hII^ bo'd/ was" mirelv nTt'f t "'' '"'^^^ ^^ ^"""^ t'-
elay. On his left arm he carr ed a hi *?>.'• ^^ '°^^'^^ ^'''' ye'low
"ght; and on his head the skin of ^ """'' '"^ ^ '°"^ '^"'^^ "' his
clouds, and above the lightning's 1. '^T' ?' ^"'^ ^''^^ «°«" "'"^st the
d'shed his lance, and raised huVoicrh";" '°"'^''' ""'' ^'"^''^ -"i ^^--
h,s voice, but m vam ; for at sunset the ground
If !tf
136
■M dry uid the .ky wai clear ; the Kquawi were cryinff. and their corn wai
wflherinK at lU roots.
War-ruh-pa (the beaver) was the next ; he also spent his breath in vain
upon t he einpty air. and came down at night^und Wak-a-dnh-ha-hce (the
white buffalo 8 hair) took the stand the next morninjc He i. u sinall but
beautifully proportioned young man. He was dre»,.d in a tunir- and leir
gmKS o< the skins of the mountain-sheep, splendidly garnished with guills
of the porcupine, and fringed will, looks of hair taku. by , s own hand from
the heads of his enemies. On his arm he c.nied his shield, made of the
buffalo 8 hide-its boss was the head oft; ,..r-ea(.|e-»nd its front was
ornamented with " red chains of lightning." In his left hand he clenehe,
hi. sinewy bow and one single arrow. The villa^'er8 were uH fathered
about him; when he threw up a feather to decide on the course of the
wind, and he commenced thus :-" My friends ! people of the pheasants!
yoi. see me here a sacrifioe-I shall this day relieve you from great distress
and bring joy amongst you ; or I shall descend from this lod^rc when the
sun goes down, and live amongs the dogs and old women all mv days My
friends you saw which way the feather flew, and I hold my shield this day
in the direction where the wind con.es-the lightning on my shield will draw
a great cloud, and this arrow, which is selected from my quiver, and which
i« feathered with the quill of the white swan, will make" a hole in it Mv
friends ! this hole in the lodge at my feet, shows me the medicine-men, who
are seated in the lodge below me and crying to the Great Spirit • and
through It comes and passes into my nose delightful odours, which yo'u see
rising in the smoke to the Great Spirit above, who rides in the clouds and
commands the winds ! Three days they have sat here, my friends, and
nothing has been done to relieve your distress. On the first day was Wall
koe (the shield), he could do nothing ; he counted his beads and came
down— his medicine was not good— his name was bad, and it kept off the
ram. The next was Om-pah (the elk); on his head the raven was seen
who flies above the storm, and he failed. War-rah-pa (the beaver) was the'
next, my friends ; thr ..vr livr 3 under the water, and he never wants it
to rain My friends ! 7 ire yn^x ,re in grc.. d" Iress, and nothing has yet
been done; this shif .i H'.njjC'i to my father the White BuHalo; and the
lightning you see on it is red ; it was taken from a black cloud, and tliat
cloud will come over us to-day. I am the white buffalo's hair— and I ;uu
the son of my father."
^l this manner flourished and manoeuvred Wak-a-dah-ha-hee (the white
buffalo's hair), alternately addressing the audience and the heavens— and
holding converse with the winds and the ">-ii" (spirits) that aie floating
about m them— stamping his foot over the heads of the magi, who were
involved in mysteries beneath him, and invoking the spirits of darkness and
light to send rain, to gladden the hearts of the Mandans.
it happened on this memorable day about noon, that the steam-boat
ipPI'ISPtIIi
nd their corn wat
the steam-lmat
137
wa. lucky enough to b. a pa.enger o„ ttis 3 ttd heUdt^r''", '
of twenty guns of twelve pounds rnlibre when we 7J. * *"'"'*
vdlage. some three or fou/n.iU. below The!" Zs?niT T "'''' ""^ ''"
.nto this strange country, which the M nir V;' ^r.lr^r^^K^
thunder ; and the young man upo.. the lodge who turnT""? "" ^.
account, was gathering fame in round, of « . f. . J"' " '° ^°°^
and echoed through the whole Xe all S '' "'^ "''' ''^''"''^
--chiefs envied hfm-mothe ^ tf ;ere b :LT;Tr' T" '"""
decorating and leading up their fair daughL'o offer him" ' ""°
J.» signal success. The medicine-men ifad Ift the t .e and """"'"''' ""
bestow upon him the envied title of " rnedicinTr^an ' or '' llr ""LVt .'"
had so deservedly won— wrenthn wp« ,^. i . ''^"or, which ho
hi. old ,.e«he.,«, who h.d former y It ht Iff 1"'' ''""f ' "'"'
Uunng all this excitement. Wak-a-dah-ha-hen If^r.* i.i. „ •.•
the most commanding and threatening tides bra ICT Tm "^
the direction of the thunder f plate 58^ llthT .' f'*"''"''""? *>'• "hield in
wi.H --h,:„T,:;^^^rL: ,r:,,r:r:o'r:? t;r '^™
»l„ch jool",, :l; rtetL'™ '"" '• <"■' o' !■" -"-h. and ,he lightning
pio.,ghing ..nng/t:^;: :i,:rd^:trr;ro:: -- '-' '"" -'-' °«'
»a. n^L'17wI7d'.h''r.' or chief, dooto,., w„.en, children and dog,,
M,"zi''d' ii eirTo":!:?: r°'' "^ ""'r "•* - »^«' "-
chief, all h„wl. ' • "'"■ "»'"«". i "hen, by an order of the
.1. .'a Med irr™', "f'T "° ""'"'" ■" "■^' ''"'8=. •"■'
boati,. .ron. of heWl.t"!'? S''""' .l" 'T """"'"" "'""Sl" "-
Ma„danw,.tob.^en ;' \ etal^The ,'"'' '""'" " "T"^ ""' '
or four of the chief. ,n„„.o ,, ^ ™ ""'"""■" ■""o''^''''"'' 'h'ee
.OL. ,. '""'• "■'"'"' '"WIJ ''o-™ 'he bank and on to he.
iiPli
138
deck, with a spear in one hand and the calumet or pipe of peace in the other.
The moment they stepped on board they met (to their great surprise and
joy) their old friend, Major Sanford, their agent, which circumstance put
an instant end to all their fears. The villagers were soon apprized of the
fact, and the whole race of the beautiful and friendly Mandans was paraded
on the bank of the river, in front of the steamer.
The "rain maker," whose apprehensions of a public calamity brought
upon the nation by his extraordinary medicine, had, for the better security
of his person from apprehended vengeance, secreted himself in some secure
place, and was the last to come forward, and the last to be convinced that
this visitation was a friendly one from the while people ; and that his
medicine had not in the least been instrumental in bringing it about. This
information, though received by him with much caution and suspicion, at
length gave him great relief, and quieted his mind as to his danger. Yet
still in hii! breast there was a rankling thorn, though he escuped the dreaded
vengeance which he had a few moments before apprehended as at hand ;
as he had the mortification and disgrace of having Aiiled in his mysterious
operations. He set up, however (during the day, in his conversation about
the strange arrival), his medicines, as the cauie of its approach ; asserting
everywhere and to everybody, that he knew of its coming, and that he
had by his magic brought the occurrence about. This plea, however, did
not get him much audience ; and in fact, everything else was pretty much
swallowed up in the guttural talk, and bustle, and gossip about the mysteries
of the " thunder-boat ;" and so passed the day, until just at the approach
of evening, when the " White Buffalo's Hair" (more watchful of such
matters on this occasion than most others) observed that a black cloud had
been jutting up in the horizon, and was almost directly over the village ! In
an instant his shield was on his arm, and his bow in his hand, and he again
upon the lodge ! stiffened and braced to the last sinew, he stood, with his
face and his shield presented to the cloud, and his bow drawn. He drew the
eyes of the whole village upon him as he vaunted forth his super-human
powers, and at the same time commanding the cloud to come nearer, that he
nn'ght draw down its contents upon the heads and the corn-fields of the
Mandans ! In this wise he stood, waving his shield over his head, stamping
his foot and frowning as he drew his bow and threatened the heavens, com-
manding it to rain — his bow was bent, and the arrow drawn to its head, was
sent to the cloud, and he exclaimed, " My friends, it is done ! Wak-a-dah-
ha-hee's arrow has entered that black cloud, and the Mandans will be wet
with the water of the skies !" His predictions were true : — in a few
moments the cloud was over the villai^e, and the rain fell in torrents. He
stood for some time wielding his weapons and presenting his shield to the
bky, while he boasted of his power and the eflScacy of his medicine, to those
who had been about him, but were now driven to the shelter of their wig-
wams. He, at length, finished his vaunts and his threats, and descended
139
acquires the J.onourable appellation! ' "''" '" '"^'^» <^o«ntries
Tins man had " made it rain " o« i e
..s..a. honours, as he had done mud. 1""^:" f° ""'^^ "°^^ '•^-
All eyes were upon hi„., and all wTe eadvV. ' ^ ''"''^ '"'" '°"''' ^°'
the magic art; and must be so neZ a ie^ to M^^ r" ''''' ^' "^^ ^'''''^^ in
lie mus, needs be a man of great ^nd power .V «'"' °' ^'" ^P'"*> ^^at
iteaders, there are two facts rplatJvn t^ ^i
are infallibly true, and should . e d b n T' f'"^' transactions, which
when the Mandans undertake to^^^ke ah, //'""""• '^ '''' '^' ^'-'
for their ceremonies never stoo ^ . ll ".'^"''''^2' "^'^^'^ /«'/ to succeed.
equally true, and is this -tl t'he w o T" '"" '° '''"• ^'^ ^-'^ i
t-pts it again ; his medici s J 1 ?: °"", "f ' '' ^"■"'" "^^ ''t-
kind, he stands aloof, who I a! on e t" "^ °" ^"'"^^ ^'^'^^^^'""^ "^ ^''e
giving an opportunity to o he. vou.r . '" T""" °'^'" "''«'^ ^'"^»-
themselves in the snJe way ^ ^^ '" ''''° "'^ ^""^'''""^ ^^ ^i.^nalize
During the memorable ni-ht of whirl, r i.o • . ,
reu.ained by the side of the M . ' i , ^T T^'''^ *''^ ^'^^'""•'"'^t
menced falling continued to nou ^^"' '""^ ""^ ^'^'" ^''''^^ »^^d '^^-n-
tl'under roared, and Ivd oC.- «;:',' 'r ^T r"" '"''^"'^''^ = '''-''
"t up with one unceasing t. Ji l^:"' f '^^?"^ ^''1--^ ^o be
eo..sternation, a flash of li,W „n ' '^ f 1 ^" "''' '^'■'-''^'■"' '""'"^nt of
lodf,-s of the Mand ns a. I k rl T "'■' '" °'" °^" ^'^^ ^^'"h-cove.ed
fuel fresh for their su'e^U ions 1^. "';?'" '''■ ''^'^ ^^ ^^^ -d
ensued. The drean,s^of .enlw ' '"' r"^ "''' '""'"" ""^' ^''^''-^^"t
'- had dreadful apprehl Is for; o '-^'--— " -re troubled, and
-4ect to the i.-..eLable dee e " Tl!^''^'^' '""'^ '''' ''^ ^^
every st.ange and unaccountab e evlt wit 1 "^ ''°'^'"'-«' ^^''° <=^-^-^^
and let their ven.^eance fall wifhn! '' """^ superstitious scrutiny.
He looked upon 1 Ix I ! ^'"^ "P°" '^^ '"""^^'''^^ ^''"^e. ^
and also consid r 1 at ,^' "h r"," 't'V" '^ ^^'^''''^'^ '-■" '^ ^
f- girl's death, which! dtu'r'h'^ be demanded as the forfeit for
himself as culpable a,,d su.mn? i^ ^ ^^^^^^.^^*^^^^ He looked upon '
his criminal desertioL o 11 T'^ "'•'" '" ''"' '^'-"" "'^easioned by
village. Mornin. cL^ /kI' '"; "'' ^'"""■'°"' ^^'''^ approaching the
options of the ^ise mL. „ T 7" T"'''^ ^''"' '''''' '^ '''^ '*'^-'^^ '^e
preparing for him he s ! .o H "'' ""'"''^ "*" ''''^ ^'•'^"'-' ^'''^^ was
brought In, and h'e LliJ^it: TT" ""i ;" ''"^ '"'■^'^^' ''''^'^ --
n'on,ents, the vilUv^ers we.e .11 "'ff ""^"'"'^i/'^' ^'"""'l wl'ieh. in a few
"11 around me, a d rbl '' "% ^''-'^ ' (said he) I see you
' ' '"" ^"''^'^ i'"": »'y "lediciue, you see, is great-it is
110
too great — I am young, and I was too fast— I knew not when to stop. The
wigwam of Mah-sish is laid low, aiid many are the eyes that weep for Ko-ka
(the antelope ;) Wak-a-dah-ha-hee gives three horses to gladden the hearts
of those who weep for Ko-ka; his medicine was great — his arrow p!erced
the black cloud, and the lightning came, and the thunder-boat also ! who
says the medicine of Wak-a-dah-ha-hee is not strong ?"
At the end of this sentence an unanimous shout of approbation ran
through the crowd, and the " Hair of the White Buffalo" descended amongst
' jem, where he was greeted by shakes of the hand ; and amongst whom
ho now lives and thrives under the familiar and honourable appellation of
the " Bio Doublf Medcink."
[' >
iU
letter-No. 20.
MANDAN VILLAGE, UPPER MISSOURI.
This day has been one of unusual m.vn, a
Mandans, and whether on account o^L ' . ^'""^^'"^"t amongst the
as yet unable to say. though^T hi ^rchTt "'^'^^^^^^^ °'"«^'-
have many days which, like this arVdevotl . T".^°''^''' ?««?'«
ments. "'• "^ devoted to festivities and amuse-
Their lives, however, are Jivpo nP .mi
d.,. and hour. "^ .pZinT^^fZl^ir-r" """°" "" «■-
have no oflice hour, to attend T ' r ^- "'""""S" » P«»Ple wlio
with looking on ^nd'also tn^^^^^^^^ ^"J. f y-ntil I am fatigued
so little success as only to atWt "L' 1 J "^ ^ ^^'' '^^''^ ' ^ut with
excite the criticisms and laug" ter of he sn """'''''T:^' ^"^ as generally to
I have seen a fair exhibition of ^h ^"T """^ ""'" '•^"^^^°- '
amusement which they call the " aam.nJ,t^^^'^ ?'' ^^^' '" ^ '"^^ourite
the young men who Ire th^lsfS ^L™ ?" ^^^^^ ''^-''-
on the prairie at a little distance from thevTl .t '''"■"'"' ^^^^'"ble
Lis " entrance-fee," such as a sh^W a roK ^" '"^ ^'""^ P^'^' '^^^ one,
forward in turn, shooting their atow, Sn' T. ^''''' °' ''^" article, step
who can get the greatest number fly n^n t '"' «"^^^^«""ng to see
from the same bow. For thlT the n ^ .' ^" "' °"^ *'■"«• ''"•«»'n
clenched in the left hand with L t S"". °^ ''^'^' °' ^^-^ «™ws are
elevated to such a degre as ^ ,1 enab r.'t?' '" 'T""' "^'^'^ '^ ^'^-^ '«
■n the air. and while it is flying the^ hi ""'TV^' 'ingest time possible
sible ; and he who succeedrS getU 1 1 !" I ''^ " "P'^'^ ^ P-
" best," and takes the goods staked ^ ^ '' ""™'''' "P ''^ °»<=^. •'«
of fixing them on the string, and dichTr^ T' ' ^""^ ^^ the quickness
'^ no doubt, the result of \Tl 'r„t ^'"^ ''^'" '" succession; which
great practice, and enables the most expert
LI tJ
l|itlM^^
142
of them to get as many as eight arrows up before the first one reaches the
ground.
For the successful use of the bow, as it is used through all this region of
country on horseback, and that invariably at full speed, the great object of
practice is to enable the bowman to draw the bow with suddenness and
instant effect ; and also to repeat the shots in the most rapid manner. As
their game is killed from their horses* backs while at the swiftest rate— and
their enemies fought in the same way ; and as the horse is the swiftest ani-
mal of the prairie, and always able to bring his rider alongside, within a
few paces of his victim ; it will easily be seen that the Indian has little use
in throwing his arrow more than a few paces ; when he leans quite low
on his horse's side, and drives it with astonishing force, capable of
producing instant death to the buffalo, or any other animal in the country.
The bows which are generally in use in these regions I have described in'a
former Letter, and the effects produced by them at the distance of a few
paces is almost beyond relief, considering their length, which is not
often over three, — and sometimes not exceeding two and a half feet. It can
easily be seen, from what has been said, that the Indian has little use or
object in throwing the arrow to any great distance. And as it is very sel-
dom that they can be seen shooting at a target, I doubt very much
whether their skill in such practice would compare with that attained
to in many parts of the civilized world; but with the same weapon,
and dashing forward at fullest speed on the wild horse, without the use
of the rein, when the shot is required to be made with the most instan-
taneous effect, I scarcely think it possible that any people can be found
more skilled, and capable of producing more deadly effects with the bow,
TJie horses which the Indians ride in this country are invariably the wild
horses, which are found in great numbers on the prairies ; and have, un-
questionably, strayed from the Mexican borders, into which they were
introduced by the Spanish invaders of that country ; and now range and
subsist themselves, in winter and summer, over the vast plains of prairie
that stretch from the Mexican frontiers to Lake Winnipeg on the Nortii, a
distance of 3000 miles. These horses are all of small stature, of the pony
order ; but a very hardy and tough animal, being able to perform for tlib
Indians a continual and essential service. They are taken with the laso,
which is a long haltei or thong, made of raw-hide, of some fifteen or twenty
yards in length, and which the Indians throw with great dexterity ; with a
noose at one end of it, which drops over the head of the animal tliey wish
to catch, whilst running at full speed — when the Indian dismounts from
his own horse, and holding to the end of the laso, choaks the animal
down, and afterwards tames and converts him to his own use.
Scarcely a man in these regions is to be found, who is not the owner of
one or more of these horses,; and in many instances of eight, ten, or even
twenty, which he values as his own personal property.
«li:
one reaclm the
all this region of
e great object of
suddenness and
pid manner. As
iviftest rate — and
the swiftest ani-
)ngside, within a
ian has little use
leans quite low
rce, capable of
1 in the country.
e described in a
stance of a few
, which is not
alf feet. It can
las little use or
as it is very sel-
ubt very much
h that attained
same weapon,
without the use
le most instan-
! can be found
with the bow.
ariably tiie wild
and have, un-
lich they were
now range and
lains of prairie
>n the North, a
re, of the pony
perform for tlit
I with the laso,
fteen or twenty
xterity ; with a
iiinial tiiey wish
[lismounts from
tks the animal
3t the owner of
It, ten. or even
to I
I \
(<
J
^
'i
1
the
and
enli
ofti
I
enac
villa
in ni
pleai
amoi
I 1
(PLA
vary
Ibel
Be
I liav
the c
more
long
long
This ]
men o
most s
victon
lowing
party,
to eva(
route t
them t
In tl
while d
weeks
on the
not knc
their co
could 1
count o
during \
and we
than th(
and vali
to see.
with the
143
enl.glitened communities, is one of the most exciting «.! ""*"■"
of the most extravagant modes of gambii!; ' ^"^-^-ents. and one
I have been this day a spectator to scenes of this kind which h«v« i
enacted n, abundance, on a course which they have, IT ba ic 'r .h"
village; and although I never had the least tasfe for thCueluLm;':
in my own country, yet, I must say, I have been not a hnl! ^'""'^ ^*
pleased with the thrilling effect whi^h thes e king seen shaveT, "'^
amongst so wild and picturesque a group. ^ ^'' P'""''"""^
I have made a sicetch of the ground and the group, as near as I .„ m
(PLATE 61): shewing the manner of " startine-" J7 o .. °"''^
vary a ,i«,e from the^customs of the ..::; 'IrM .:n::^ J^^
I believe, a horse-race is the same all the world over ^ '
I I,!'"!'' '^"'' "'"y ^^'' ''''" *''" amusements of this day to which
avebeenaneye-w.tness; and since writing the above. I IL ,e"r 'ej
the cause of th.s unusual expression of hilarity and mirth- whLl,
more nor less than the safe return of a small war-parrv who h V'"' "'
long out without any tidings having been rece.V:; rt L^I^tlt t. ey;::
long smce been looked upon as sacrificed to the fates of war and it
Th.s party was made up of the most distinguished and despe ate vJ^t
men of the tr.be who had sallied out against the Riccarees and ken Z
victory They had wandered long and fiuth fully about the country M-
lowmg the trails of their enemy; when they were attacked bv ^n 7'
party, and lost several of their Ln and all their ho s'tthi Zl^Zn
to evade the scrutiny of their enemy, who were closely investino:tI^ na2"i
route to their village ; they took a circuitous range of ^rco ntfy to eni
them to return with their lives, to their village. ^'
In this plight, it seems. I had dropped my little canoe alongside of them
while descending from the Mouth of Yellow Stone to this plac no trnaTv'
wee s smce; where they had bivouacked or halted, to smol U o's't
tie best and safest mode of procedure. At the time of meeting tl^.
thir coTdln'tr'"" °V'"' '^"»"^^^' ^^'^y ^^'^ "-'^''^ ^« comm'u iS
ould h. 7 ■"'; ''"'' """'^ P^^^'^'y ^^^^ ^^'^^^ to do so even if thev
could have done .t, from apprehension that we might have given some ac
OU.U of them to their enemies. I rested my canoe a'n hour of so w t the n"
and we passed on our way, without further information of them or their dans
han t e sketch that I there made (p.... 63), and which I shall p res e
se:'7e^;°';^T7l^^'"^^^^"p^ ' ^^^^'^-^ hadthep^iz: :
w"tl their r ."'''■ ^"^^'^ •■°'^^«. ^^^ich were spread upon the grass.
w.th their respective weapons laying about them, and lighting their pipes at a
, ,.,./
144
little fire which was Icindlcd in the centre— the chief or leader of the party,
with his arms stacked behind him, and his ione^ head-dress of war-engles'
qnills and ermine falling down over his bark, whilst he sat in a contemplative
and almost desponding mood, was surely one of the most striking and
beautiful illustrations of a natural hero that I ever looked upon.
These gallant fellows got safely home to their village, and the numerous
expressions of joy for their return, which I have this day witnessed, have ao
much fatigued me that 1 write brief, and close my Letter here.
ider of the party,
88 of war-engles'
n a contemplative
lost itriking and
upon.
ind the numerous
vitnegsed, have to
ere.
146
■♦4-"'f
^/•:tter-No. 21.
^"■^■^^'•■•^''''f-R MISSOURI.
«'■•" Lis battle, pijt^ V T"°« » ""» " lii. tack tiuf r'r"'-
1" receive hi„ ""''""'■"'''-pa enter the ww„„ u ^""^ »»'' •"'"'!
-of a Bruta. and ,|,e ,til,„oss ollZ t'l" !'*' ""'' "'"■ "■»
' ■" """"I "Mil the dark-
) ,i
III
1 I!
li
till
146
npss of nit^lit l)mke upon thn solitarv sllllno.<: ii;. i i • .
f"'" - "- .■"' .= in »,;■'£ ;;,'';::;, ™ :r;;' : ;::: : •"'
and „nr.ol„l,, „, ,J.L:,..,J,: ' ' '"'"'• '""'""'-''-S. tomahawk,
ove;':ri :;\f;it: :'Tu:::tc^^
as a tropl.y, and also as an ornament to his dress tIV \uT "''""'
mmsm
as a trophy- ,s in ZT ' ""'' ''°''"' ''"^^ ^^^^ scalp-locks,
and ov I L U at les^ : ;'"■ "'"'".^■^""-^'''^^ »'''^^ '- had contended with
,,. ^' ' "'■'' ''I'^Peiate enemy n. open combat.
its edoxs 1 i"'" "' ''"^'^ = "^ ^°^^^ '"''' t''« ^"^i" <^<' a pole-cat, and
Z/o. was of bone, and as white and beautiful us ivory; over is back
^— ^"
ess, wliicli was n very
^(1 of a sliiit or tunic,
'and quiver, hmce,
cine-bag, tomahawk,
iinsof the moimtairi-
8wliich rested upon
iiid the other fidliug-
icin, and they faiiit)^?
r, and somewhat in
^"11 each arm from the
widtli (and crossing
ahroidered with por-
•ms. To the lower
I inch, were attaclied
own hand from tlie
which he thus wore
'ont and baclvofthc
)rcupine quills and
)resentations of the
he dress was bound
tils were suspended
tifuUy dressed, and
, and were fastened
ike the shirt, had a
lyes, passing down
the whole length of
Is.
>8t every part with
!nt, consisted of a
; forehead over tlie
feet ; set the whole
of the head, witii
f the grizzly bear,
:c the scalp-locks,
id contended with
nd hardened with
of a pole-cat, and
'the antelope,
ry ; over its back
Ja
(][
1 f f
1
-
J-
i^H
ll
' ' -\
1
■1
147
tvas laid, and firmly attached ,. i,
|S;SzSsi?::::±:
";" • '"*:'"& rejected such truppin J ."h ^ ^^P'csented it i,H,is por-
o ace and si„.p,ieity of the nZT il ""r"''^ "^ '"'----d with^uL
V, and h,s brows crowned will, honours
|||i
It, Hi
148
that elevate him conspicuous above all of his nation. There is no man
amongst the Mandans so generally loved, nor any one who wears a robe so
justly famed and honourable as that of Mah-to-toh-pa.
I said his robe was of the skin of a young buffalo bull, and that the
battles of n.s hfe were emblazoned on it ; and on a former occasion, that he
presented me a beautiful robe, containing all the battles of his life which
he had spent two weeks' time in copying from his original one, which he wore
on his shoulders.
This robe, with his tracings on it, is the chart of his military life ; and
when explamed, will tell more of Mah-to-toh-pa.
Some days after this robe was presented, he called upon me with Mr Kipp
the trader and interpreter for the Mandans, and gave me of each battle there
pourtrayed the following history, which was interpreted by Mr. Kipp from
his own lips, and written down by me, as we three sat upon the robe ' Mr
K.pp, who is a gentleman of respectability and truth ; and who has lived with
these people ten years, assured me, that nearly every one of these narrations
were of events that had happened whilst he had lived with them, and had
been familiarly known to him ; and that every word that he asserted was true
And again, reader, in this country where, of all countries I ever was in
men are the most jealous of rank and of standing ; and in a community so
small also, that every man's deeds of honour and chivalry are familiarly
known to all: it would not be reputable, or even safe to life, for a warrior
to wear upon his back the representations of battles he never had fought-
professing to have done what every child in the village would know he
never had done.
So then I take the records of battles on the robe of Mah-to-toh-pa to be
matter of historical fact ; and I proceed to give them as I wrote them down
from his own lips. Twelve battle-scenes are there represented, where he has
contended with his enemy, and in which he has taken fourteen of their
scalps. The groups are drawn according to his own rude ideas of the arts •
and I proceed to describe them in turn, as they were explained to me.
ROBE OF MAH-TO-TOH-PA (Plate 65).
1. Mah-to-toh-pa kills a Sioux chief-the three heads represent the
three Riccarees, whom the Sioux chief had previously killed. The Sioux
chief ,s seen with war-paint black on his face. Mah-to-toh-pa is seen with
the scalp of the Sioux in one hand, and his knife in the other, with his bow
and quiver lying behind him.*
2. A Shienne chief, who sent word to Mah-to-toh-pa that he wished to
fight him-was killed by Mah-to-toh-pa with a lance, in presence of a large
now hangs m the Inoian G.lle«v. and on the following ,.„ges, each group uambe ed.and
delineated on a larger scale, which ^refacnmite, of the drawings on the robe
There is no man
a wears a robe so
jU, and that the
occasion, that he
»f his life, which
le, which he wore
nilitary life ; and
B with Mr. Kipp,
each battle there
Mr. Kipp, from
the robe. Mr.
ho has lived with
' these narrations
1 them, and had
isserted was true
s I ever was in,
a community so
ry are familiarly
ife, for a warrior
^er had fought;
would know he
-to-toh-pa to be
rote them down
2d, where he has
)urteen of their
eas of tiie arts ;
led to me.
i represent the
id. The Sioux
pa is seen with
r, with his bow
t he wished to
lence of a large
rious robe, which
up numbered, and
le robe
I :!
li!,
) ;i
1
(
^llli!
'fill'
! ■"
- ''i||l|
J
■" ™ H !
l1
1
<,&11U
1
m
II
I
i
1
^Jl
i
i
'i
m
[/
yiCaditt
J_
7 D
1 5
\-
'III/'
i
« I
m
Y
fl
}|
it
sa
la
re
ni(
In
cm
da;
liai
as I
nan
villi
cryi
deal
II
liis 1
oppc
Soillj
frenj
the b
149
party of Mandans and Shiennes iw i . .
-th cag^e.,; ,.,,„ ,„ ,. '^""- Mah-to-toh-pa is here known by his ,a„ca
J- A Shienne kilJcd bv M^u » . l
^- oiiienne chief with i
fac.ng the enemy alone and killin^one "f m """i!^'''' '"s Lorse back
represented with a beautiful head dresroF '"•. ^^'^h-to-toh-pa is here
^or.seV head of equal beautyT his s e , """"f ^' •^"'"«' ^^^ «'- on h
6. Ihe brother of Mah-to-tr,!. ../in T, ^^ horse tracks.
>vith an arrow, and then runn.t"' \"^ ^^ ' ^''''''''' -^o shot him
Mah-to.oh-pa was the Tst "fi ^, IWs'rtht' "f /'' ''''' '^^^ ' °'^-
J;e drew the lance from the body kel it 1 """^ ^''^ '^' ''»"'=« '" it :
'^s l^lacle, and then, according 1' htta Im ^^ ""'^ *''^ '^'-'1 ^ried on
jar^e lance; the dead body of hU bro L f " '""'' "'"^'•^^ ^'^h the
lance remaining i„ it, and the tra ks of ,. r' ' '''" ^'"''^ '^'^ ^"°^ «»d
Tiie following was, perhaps one of M ''"' ' '^^ '» ''™nt.
remarkable man's ii^e^nd!s;: ,\ ^M ^T'"^ ^''^'^'^^ ^^^^'^
men, who were living i„ the Mmir n ^ '' ^'^P' ""^^ several white
^" a skirmish, near th'e Man In ^V whS t '" '"^ °' '^^ °""-"-
"-,es the Riccarees, the brotheSah ")''"''' ""' "^'^ ''^ ^''"'^
ays when Mah-to-toh-pa found tLbodrtT'T ""'^^'"^ ^«"^^«'-l
'andsome spear left piercing the bodv thrn^ '^^'^^^Sh mangled, and a
by hun brought into the Mand^ vilhL T^ " '''"*■'• '^''^ ^P^^r was
a«a famous weapon belong 'AyaIed"^"' ?^""°»"'^ ^^ --y
name of Won-^a-tm ti • "* ^""^^^ °^ the Riccarees hv fi.
vi"a.e by MahttlpaTlhtrbird "Tff'' ^'-^bT ^M £
"yng most Piteously.'anrsta L, "htt h ' n '" '"'^^ «" "'« ^'^^^X
•^eath of hi, brother with the sir:^^^^^^^^^^ he would some day revenge thi'
. " /« almost an incredible fact thatCl . .u-
- w,gwam for the space of f^ur' year in t'h f T" "'^'^ ^''^^^ ^^^ '"
opportumty to use it upon the breast' . ''''' expectation of an
pi. .mpatient of further dLyt^.'rZ """V "'^" '"^ '"^'^^"^
f'-enzy and fury; he a<vai„ br.n.lUl if , '" ^"^^ '"°^' uncontroulable
t'- Wood of li brothe^^h : t :; t^T"" '"^ ^i'l^^^' -d said, that
wincJi was seen on its blade was yet fresh,
"f
150
niu! called loudly for revenpp. " I,ef every Maiuinn (snid he) he silent, and
li t no one 8oun<l the mime of Muh-to-loii-pii — let no one ask for him, nor
where he h.»s pone, until you heur him sound the wur-cry in front of the
villnfo, *hen he will enter it and shew you the blood of VVon-jra-tap.
The blade of this lance shall drink the heart's blood of Won-ga-tap, or
Mah-to-toh-pa minifies his shadow with that of his brother."
With tliis he sallied forth from the village, and over the plains, with the
lu'^ee in his hand ; his direction was towards the Rieearee village, and all
eyes were upon him, though none dared to speak till he disap|)eared over
the distant grassy blufi's. He travelled the distance of two hundred miles
entirely alone, with a little parched corn in his pouch, making his marches
by night, and laying secreted by days, until he reached the Rieearee village;
where (being accpiainted with its shapes and its habits, and knowing the
position of the wigwam of his doomed enemy) he loitered about in disguise,
mingling himself in the obscure throng; and at last, silently and alone,
observed through the rents of the wigwam, the last motions and movements
of his victim, as he retired to bed with his wife : he saw him light his last
pipe and smoke it " to its end"— he saw the last whiti', and saw the last curl
of blue smoke that faintly steeped from its bowl—he saw the village
awhile in darkness and silence, and the embers that were covered in the
middle of the wigwam gone nearly out, and the last flickering light which had
been gently playing over them; when he walked softly, but not slyly, into the
wigwam aiul seated himself by the fire, over which was hanging a large jml,
with a quantity of cooked meat remaining in it ; and by the side of the fire,
the pipe and tobacco-pouch which had just been used ; and knowing that
the twilight of the wigwam was not sufficient to disclose the features of his
face to his enemy, he very deliberately turned to the pot and completely
satiated the desperate appetite, which he had got in a journey of six or
seven days, with little or nothing to eat ; and then, as deliberately, charged
and lighted the pipe, and sent (no doubt, in every whifl" that he drew
tiuough its stem) a prayer to the Great Spirit for a moment longer for the
consummation of his design. Whilst eating and smoking, the wife of liis
victim, while laying in bed, several times enquired of her husband, what
man it was who was eating in theif lodge ? to which, he as many times
replied, " It's no matter ; let him eat, for he is probably hungry."
Mah-to-toh-pa knew full well that his appearance would cause no other
reply than this, from the dignitary of the nation ; for, from an invariable
custom amongst these Northern Indians, any one who is hungry is allowed
to walk into any man's lodge and eat. Whilst smoking his last gentle and
tremulous whill's on the pipe, Mah-to-toh-pa (leaning back, and turning
gradually on his side, to get a better view of the position of his enemy, iind
to see a little more distinctly the shapes of things) stirred the embers
with his toes (readers, I had every word of ihis from his own lips, and
every attitude and gesture acted out with his own limbs), unld he saw his
I.jl
-ay wa« clear; at wind. mo,,,,.,,,, vvi.l. |,i, ,,„., ■ ,. .
v'l .K-e was i„ ,., ,„„,^ ,,„^ -y" ' It, h,s way to the prairie ! Tho
f ;tr.u-k tho blow. Mah-to-toh-. ;.;,,"".':: ''"r "- ent^my who
t'-«lnys: thankin,. the (Jreat Spin' , ,1 ".f ": "'"' '"^ ^'«- d"nn,
«r.ntothis noblo revc.ge ; a,.d nrl r '. """^' '''" ''«"« «"d '"^
"'<' and p.ot.-.-.io,. till ^'^.^'^C^T7 y '" " '^""^'■""""- «»• '"•»
were hear,] ; „„d o.. the ,ixth Ini 1^ ° '"' "''" ^'""tf«- "i'' prayers
wIhIc he hrandisherl an.l shewed to h n ,'^^T"""''' '''"^"''' "<" "PPlau^e.
t'-e blood of his vietin. ,lri ed „, o. ^"''"'V'" ""^'^ '^^ '"'' '""''. wit
lance, of :hi:h,:,'^|~:;,'^y^'"''-to-toh-pao,. his robe-and the
wi" stand i.. .„y G„c :^: • :,:::; v"^ "r" -^'-^ "°"-'' -''^•
"T/.e lance or spear of Mah-io-, ,1. 7 "'"' '^^^'y ^Pokcn :-,
beld i,. his left hand ; it. b| , . w " "' T ''.' ''" **'°°'' ^"^ '"« J""^n,it, wa,
b'ood of several hn,.;a..;le;sr:rt'r'^ ■
tl-e other; its shaft was of the touuh.lt' ^"" '^'' ^•"•'""™. one over
With tnfts of wu,-eaf,de's,, Mills." ^' "''''"'"' "'""mentcd at i,Uervals
quillbalanST'thillJltJ Ji.;" r"*'""' '!"" "'" '^ ^'^^ «" ^^gle's
and loose tro.n the weapo Wh ' ""if ''••^'" ''« -'^^-' l-iLn.
'i'"" 'o n.y wigwa,„ i„ hi's left l.a,.d and ' f! | 7, T"'"'' '■ ' '""«'" "'«»
as seen i,. the paintin,.; he desired .etn^^ "'""^' " '" ""^ '''"^•^'
appear as separate fro.^ and , n onn U H T ","""' ^'"^ ''' '" ''^'^ '
a ^pot of blood whieh ^as s ble " . ^ "' ' V'"''' ' '"'^ '' ^^'1---'^
:'"dtl.e..,otfro.« hi. the f^w .'^ i,,, .;;;f;^-l I;'-" "is richest,
'« great ;««/eW«e/ it belongs to the Gre.t^ 7 ^''"' ''"'" ^'''"d he)
-nni,.g out of the lo.l.e of VVo,, ' t .'l I " ' *?"f "?' ^"^ ""^-^^'-' ^ -as
•'-K-nj,^ to the wound in his s le ' , ' ,'°t'^ '!"''' "'"^ ^"" ^''"' 'l'"'!
it l'on.e in n,y left hand, and 1 have'k , t it kTh' T ''""'■"^^ '' ""' ''^""«''^
" Why do you not then tie it .o ,1.1 '"' "^'''^'^ ''^ ^'"'^ ''" V !"
""'-'-1. (said he), if the SU^s i ;T r^'"'?' ^■'•'^'•'^ '^ ^•"'"-'"■?"
"'.at place, it never wo Id 'at n o^ I " "f "'' *' '"^ '"^ ''^' °» '■»
"'II not otlend hi,,,." °""- "" ' "'^ ''">* been kind to ,ne. and I
7. A Iliecaree killed bv Mil, f„ » i
■ - killed by a Uicx-aree'.,, 'l" tSe^'T""' 1 ''" '"'"'°''« -'"''-•
«■'• Mah-to-toh-pa, orfour b e-n l t •"'' '' '''"''' ^'""-^ l-'^^vious.
«ck with guns, until Mah-to-toh..' ''"'-i:"''"^'* ' ^''ey fought on hor.e.
'""g'u with bows and ar ows „ 2,', J^""*^^';-'''"-" ^'^^ ^''ot away ; they then
arrows, until the.r qu.vers were en.ptied, when they
.t
162
IBI
'if iff
dismounted and fougnt single-handed. The Shienne drew his knife, and
Mah-to-toh-pa had left his; they struggled for the knife, which Mah-to-toh-pa
wrested from tho Shienne, and killed him with it; in the struggle, the
blade of the knife was several times drawi. through the hand of Mah-to-toh-
pa, and the blood is seen running from the wound.
This extraordinary occurrence also, was one which admits of, and deserves
a more elaborate description, which I will here give as it was translated
from his own lips, while he sat upon the robe, pointing to his painting of it;
and at the same time brandishing the identical knife which he drew from
his belt, as he was shewing how the fatal blow was given ; and exhibit-
ing the wounds inflicted in his hand, as the blade of the knife was several
times drawn through it before he wrested it from his antagonist.
A party of about 150 Shienne warriors had made an assault upon the
Mandan village at an early hour in the morning, and driven off a consider-
able number of horses, and taken one scalp. Mah-to-toh-pa, who was
then a young man, but famed as one of the most valiant of the Mandans,
took the lead of a party of fifty warriors, all he could at that time muster,
and went in pursuit of the enemy ; about noon of the second day, they
came in sight of the Shiennes; and the Mandans seeing their enemy much
more numerous than they had expected, were generally disposed to turn
about and return without attacking them. They started to go back, when
Mah-to-toh-pa galloped out in front upon the prairie, and plunged his
lance into the ground ; the blade was driven into the earth to its hilt— he
made another circuit around, and in that circuit tore from his breast his
reddened sash, which he hung upon its handle as a flag, calling out to
the Mandans, " What ! have we come to this ? we have dogged our enemy
two days, and now when we have found them, are we to turn about and go
back like cowards? Mah-to-toh-pa's lance, which is red with the blood of
brave men, has led you to the sight of your enemy, and you have followed it;
it now stands firm in the ground, where the earth will drink the blood of Mah-
to-toh-pa ! you may all go back, and Mah-to-toh-pa will fight them alone!"
During this manoeuvre, the Shiennes, who had discovered the Mandans
behind them, had turned about and were gradually approaching, in order to
give them battle ; the chief of the Shienne war-party seeing and under-
standing the difficulty, and admiring the gallant conduct of Mah-to-toh-pa,
galloped his horse forward within hailing distance, in front of the Mandans,
and called out to know *' who he was who had stuck down his lance and
defied the whole enemy alone ?"
" I am Mah-to-toh-pa, second in command of the brave and valiant
Mandans."
" I have heard often of Mah-to-toh-pa, he is a great warrior— dares
Mah-to-toh-pa to come forward and fight this battle with me alone, and our
warriors will look on ?"
" Is he a chief who speaks to Mah-to-toh-pa '"
ew his knife, and
ich Mah-to-toh-pa
the struggle, the
nd of Mah-to-toh-
ts of, and deserves
it was translated
his painting of it;
lich he drew from
en; and exhibit-
knife was several
igonist.
assault upon the
en off a consider-
■toh-pa, who was
of the Mandans,
that time muster,
second day, they
;heir enemy much
disposed to turn
to go back, when
and plunged his
th to its hilt— lie
im his breast his
ag, Galling out to
logged our enemy
;urn about and £;o
with the blood of
I have followed it;
the blood of Jlah-
ight them alone!"
red the Mandans
ching, in order to
!eing and under-
)f Mah-to-toh-pa,
of the Mandans,
iwn his lance and
)rave and valiant
at warrior — dares
ne alone, and our
I
c
c
M
H
bi
ai
th
hi.
Sii
hit
to
ha\
fun
his
eart
he J
anta
ensu
right
sever
ever,
Bj
and a
silenc
•Jh
vo
153
-th 2 7X Sst.d'tTetfr '" T^ '^"^'^ ''''^' -'d here is ,„v h
" You have said enough •' '"""''"Sles tail ! " '« '"y 'ance
PJumed chiefs, at full speej drove r' ^T''^""^ P^«'"«. «nd the two ful,
'^f guns at the same moment Th°"''^ "P°" ''''^ «ther ! bo h fi "^
-d Wheeled when Mal^ttlp J'/^L'^hi "^' ^ ^^ ^ ''"'' '^^^^^^^^^^^^
also-d 7ht ^ T"""f '"" • ^' then threw it LM'^ " '° P'^'^^^
Ipft o . ^ '^'^ '^'O"' his quiver anrJ .„ "* •"■"' ^nd his gun
left arm ! The Shienne instant y did 1 '"°^' '"'^ "'^ ^'^'^'d uponl i"
and h,s gun was thrown into the ai/A ,%'',?' "" '^°'" ^^^ thrown off
h^ bow drawn, and quick as ithl" h '"''^ '"'' ""'^''^^'^ ^n his arm-!.'
deadly combat! Like two soalr •''"■' ^''^ ''^ '^' vvin/forT
---ts around, and the tw ng "of hf ^" *'^ "P^ -' 'J^ey -ad^^
^r^u'^' '^ '^'y d-^J^ed by efh ot It ""'"^ '""^ "^^^ ''«ard. and th
w, h the.r shields - Some lodged ^^'J' .^^'^^^S off the whizzing arrJw
b"^ both protected their Sodiesl^S. ZwT If '"' "^^^^^ ■» ^^^e^^ arm
and many were the shafts that fled t .^'^''" "^ ''""'« ^'de. Dead J
the horse of Mah-to-toh-pa fel to 1 '^'" """rderous bows. At Ten!
5:«. "der sprang upon £ fe 1 1 't'T"' ""^ ^" ^"^ - ^^^ ^aft '
^h.enne seeing his adversary dl?o2;H '° ''"^" **>« •'•°'"br.'; but the
'- back, presented the face of ^"11^"^'™^" ''^ ''°^-' «^d dr ving
earth 'and w^'r^rufhbgt^rgraTped^^^^^^ ''"'^''^ ^"^ 'l^'ver to the
he had left it at home ! \~ bow wasln hi I' f' '"* '"^ ""'^ »>«d it no
antagonist's blow and felled him to t j r^' ^"'' ""'""^b he parried his
ensued for the knife^the blade of it w/'"""'^ '. ^ *^^^P^^«'^ ^trSggle 1^
nght hand of Mah-to-toh-pa inflictlr ""f ^'"^' ^^^-" through thi
-verely wounded in several j^ts of th bod" i'"'*'"' wounds,whilehe w
ever, m wresting it from his advers 'I ht/* "? 'V'"^"' ^""^^''^'^ h-
and at the close of the battle, Mah-to-toh na^h Z "'" '""' ""^ '^'^' °'ber,
^■'-ce. the knife and scalp of the noU sle .fnf chT^^^ ^'^'^^ '" '^-diy •
X
154
i
9. Several hundred Minatarrees and Mandans attacked by a party of
Assinneboins — all fled but Mah-to-toh-pa, who stood his ground, tired,
and killed one of the enemy, putting the rest of them to flight, and driving
off sixty horses ! He is here seen with his lance and shield — foot-tracks
of his enemy in front, and his own party's horse-tracks behind him, and
a shower of bullets flying around his head ; here he got the name of
"the four bears," as the Assinneboins said he rushed on like four bears.
10. Mah-to-toh-pa gets from his horse and kills two Ojibbeway women,
and takes their scalps ; done by the side of an Ojibbeway village, where
they went to the river for water. He is here seen with his lance in one
hand and his knife in the other — an eagle's plume head-dress on his horse,
and his shield left on his horse's back. I incurred his ill-will for awhile by
asking him, whether it was manly to boast of taking the scalps of women ?
and his pride prevented him from giving me any explanation or apology.
The interpreter, however, explained to roe that he had secreted himself in
the most daring manner, in full sight of the Ojibbeway village, seeking to
revenge a murder, where he remained six days without sustenance, and then
killed the two women in full view of the tribe, and made his escape, which
entitled him to the credit of a victory, thouf;h his victims were women.
11. A large party of Assinneboins entrenched near the Mandan village
attacked by the Mandans and Minatarrees, who were driven back — Mah-
to-toh-pa rushes into the entrenchment alone — an Indian fires at him and
burns his face with the muzzle of his gun, which burst — the indian retreats,
leaving hi? exploded gun, and Mah-to-toh-pa shoots him ''irough the
shoulders as he runs, and kills him with his tomahawk ; the gun of the
Assinneboin is seen falling to the ground, and in front of him the heads of
the Assinneboins in the entrenchment ; the horse of Mah-to-toh-pa is seen
behind him.
12. Mab-to-toh-pa between his enemy the Sioux, and his own people,
with an arrow shot through him, after standing the fire of the Sioux for a
long time alone. In this battle he took no scalps, yet his valour was so ex-
traordinary that the chiefs and braves awarded him the honour of a victory.
This feat is seen ia the centre of the robe — head-dress of war-eagles' quills
on his own and his horse's head —the tracks of his enemies' horses are seen in
front of him, and bullets flying both ways all around him. With his whip
in his hand, he is seen urging his horse forward, and an arrow is seen
flying, and bloody, as it has passed through his body. For this wound,
and the several others mentioned above, he bears the honourable scars on
liis body, which he generally keeps covered with red paint.
Such are the battles traced upon the robe of Mah-to-toh-pa or four
bears, interpreted by J. Kipp from the words of the hero while sitting upon
the robe, explaining each battle as represented.
bangs in the Indian Gallery, with satisfactory certificates of its identity and its remnrk-
able history, and an exact drawing of it and its scabbard can be seen in i>late 99, a.
if 11(1 1
156
y
letter-No. 22.
MANDAN VILLAGE, VPPEH MISSOURI.
ha2L:stri:tsf ::s;:,^'-^ cod. , , ov.. that i
acted in this village; andrhTe^rnTf'"! '' "^' '^^ ^^ '- beent"
Jtand it in .ost of its bearing ^L.^wrl^I^'r Tu *° "^ ^^ »° -de -
for no whae man, in ail probabili v h», u '" ^ ''"^ '•^^'°» to expect-
-^o|«e-/o.,. durin. thes'e »«: e'^a^klbTel^^^^^ '1^ "'•'"'"^^ *° " -
Well and truly has it been said fK.f »i n. *PP*"'"g scenes,
peculiar people; and most correc ,J ^ad it ^".'^"^ ^^^ ^ «'^«"&e and
"«Portant and interesting scene bvthoJ ^f \'" °""ed, that this was an
witnessed such parts of it as are transl " H ° h^' °" ''°™«'- °«asions
'nedicine-lodge. ''''"'*'''«d 0"^ «>f doors, and i„ front of the
Since the date of mv last T^», t
f;,r''""--'-''°-- iS^^^^^^ to have painted
the ceremonies, who had meTular W il!r.^ f °' '^""ductor
and who, on the morning when fh!!r ^ 1 "'"^ doctor or "medicine-"
-need, took „e by the a'rm.td led mS it'T'' '"" ^^^'^"^^ -»-
Fur Trader, Mr. Kipp, and his two cleTk, ""'^'^i^ie-lodge, where the
dance for four days; all of us ^ „ troT'""' "^ '" ^'"^ ««^"-
-turnrng again at sun-rise the neXnTn""" '^""'"^ «^ «-^-"' -d
I took my sketch-book will, me J^i
drawmgs of what we sav, and /ul^n'ote of .''' "I ""'"^ '""^ ^^''^^''"^
by the mterpreter; and since the lose of tL/??^ "' '^^"^'^^^^ to me
wh,ch was a week ago or more, I have b en d T"' '"^ '"■^'^^^"' «^^"e.
covered w.gwam, with a fine sU-lS over IT ^'"'""""^'^ '" ^" «"•''''
brushes, endeavouring faithfuliy^o put 1 1 l ^^i ^'''^ ""y Palette and
anvass, which my companions 111 agLe to L".^^^^ o what we saw upon
fidelity of which they have atfachp? H .""'^ally correct, and of the
Pa.ntings. I ,.,,e mLe fou pi n Tf 1''"^ '' ^"^ '^^'^ °^ 'be
everal hundred figures, representing the tran/'''"*^' '''''''' <=°"ta'"'ng
'- to get them home, they w," b^e fou d T ""' '"'' '^^ ' ^"'^ '^ ^
'"terestmg. ^ ^^ *«""d to be exceedingly curious and
1 shudder at the relation, or even at fh« .k u ,
' ''" ^' '''^ *'^°"Sbt of these barbarous and
;'i '3
r
to "•
l; )
166
rruel scenes, and am alnnost ready to shrink from the task of reciting them
after I have so long promised some account of them. I entered the medi-
cine-house of these scenes, as I would have entered a cliurch, and expected
to see something extraordinary and strange, but yet in the form of worship or
devotion; but alas! little did I expect to see the interior of their holy
temple turned into a slaughter-house, and its floor strewed with the blood
of its fanatic devotees. Little did I think that I was entering a house of
God, where His blinded worshippers were to pollute its sacred interior
with their blood, and propitiatory suffering and tortures— surpassing, if
possible, the cruelty of the rack or the inquisition ; but such the scene has
been, and as such I will endeavour to describe it.
The " Mandan religious ceremony" then, as I believe it is very justly deno-
minated, is an annual transaction, held in their medicine-lodge once a year,
as a great religious anniversary, and for several distinct objects, as I shall
in a few minutes describe; during and after which, they look with implicit
reliance for the justification and approval of the Great Spirit.
All of the Indian tribes, as I have before observed, are religious— are
worshipful— and many of them go to almost incredible lengths (as will be
seen in the present instance, and many others J may recite) in worshipping
the Great Spirit; denying and humbling themselves before Him for the
same purpose, and in the same hope as we do, perhaps in a more rational
and acceptable way.
The tribes, so far as I have visited them, all distinctly believe in the
existence of a Great (or Good) Spirit, an Evil (or Bad) Spirit, and also in a
future existence and future accountability, according to their virtues and
vices m this world. So far the North American Indians would seem to be
one family, and such an unbroken theory amongst them ; yet with regard to
the manner and form, and time and place of that accountability— to the
constructions of virtues and vices, and the modes of appeasing and propitia-
ting the Good and Evil Spirits, they are found with all the changes and variety
which fortuitous circumstances, and fictions, and fables have wrought upon
If from their superstitions and their ignorance, there are oftentimes ob-
scurities and mysteries thrown over and around their system, yet these affect
not the theory itself, which is everywhere essentially the same— and which
if it be not correct, has this much to command the admiration of the en-
lightened world, that they worship with great sincerity, and all according to
one creed.
The Mandans believe in the existence of a Great (or Good) Spirit, and
also ot an Evil Spirit, who they say existed long before the Good Spirit, and
IS far superior in power. They all believe also in a future state of existence,
and a future administration of rewards and punishments, and (so do all
other tribes that 1 have yet visited) tiiey believe those punishments are not
eternal, but commensurate with their sins.
157
The latter they describe to be a countrTve^v far t ' 1'' "' "''^^° ^"^ "«"
h.deou8 aspect, and covered with eterKow In """'« °'^«"«» «"d
th.s freezmg place they describe as mo t exc^' ""'^ '""' J*^^ *°''"«"^ of
suppose to be in a warmer and delightfriatitur h"^ ' T''"^' "«*^«» ^hey
keenest enjoyment, and where tL co „t ! ^h T
luxunes of life. TheGreat or Good S tLv h r ' -buffaloes and other
place for the purpose of there meeting fhCwho h/ ^ ?"' '" *^' '°™^^
■ngr the agony of their sufferings by beTn 1 ?/'^'"'''^ ''''" ' '"^reas-
the penalties. The Bad or Evfl'spiiuhfv 7:.! '"""*' administering
res.dc m Paradise, still tempting the Lppy Ld to "T u""' '"PP°«^ *»
eg;ons of punishment they believe to be [o'rturl. ^"'"^""^ '« t''^
he .nount of their transgressions, and that thTv u '""' l^^PO^'oned to
to the land of the happy where tlT ^ "''* ^•'^" *» be transferred
^He Evil Spirit. andl';:etr;Vn^:T^ur^ ^^^'^^
offences. "^^am at a future period for their new
J^^ L t J'SIT Spirit-'""' r '" *» ""'P* o^ap-
I!!*:;: '^' ^°"" -^ '"^'i Si t itr s: rs'
settlmg of the waters.) ^*'''«-«ee-'-o-Aa-Aa-5Aa, (sinking down or
coding of buffaloes to sup^^ ^.^'^^^^^^ f -hich they attribute Z
Thirdly and lastly, for the nurolr.? '^°°^/"""& ^^e season ; and
'he tribe, as they annUlly a 2 ToThe ^''^"^ ^^' '" *'' ^""^ "^^ °^
of privation and torture, which whi^i^^ manhood, through an ordeal
and prepare them for ex rime '£„ " T°^^ '' '^"''^" '^''" ">"-'-
tors to the scene, to decide upon I' '^''' ^'^^ chiefs who are specta-
ability to endure the extr me orivaf o T^T''' ^"''"y «'^«"gth and
'ots of Indian warriors ; and that "v" ' .'7'"^^ '"'-'' "^^^ ^^^ '^ the
and best able to lead a war pa y „ elTf' .""' "''° '^ ^'^ ™««t ''-dy
This part of the ceremony as hf '""' '"'^^"'^y-
to behold, and will almost sta'gl the b!.' f TT''''^ "' '^ ^^"'^ ^''o^^k^'g
■t- The scene is too terr Kid ton f ""''^^ "'^^" ^''^^ ^^^ °
were it not an essential part of ato. T f ^. ^"^ ''^ seen or to be told,
world, and therefore worth' thelk„otrng' "'"' "" '^ "^^ ^° ^'^^ -"-d
"*'^""' ^"^ -^-^ «^^- P-o^ these ceremonies are exceed-
168
inply grotesque and amusing, and that part of them which has a relation to
the Deluge is harmless and full of interest.
In the centre of the Mandan village is an open, circular area of 150 feet
diameter, kept always clear, as r. public ground, for the display of all their
public feasts, parades, &c. and abound it are their wigwams placed as near
to each other as they can well stand, their doors facing the centre of this
public area.
In the middle of this ground, which is trodden like a hard pavement is a
curb (somewhat like a large hogshead standing on its end) made of planks
(and bound with hoops), some eight or nine feet high, which they religiously
preserve and protect from year to year, free from mark or scratch, and
winch they call the" big canoe"-it is undoubtedly a symbolic representa-
tion of a part of their traditional history of the Flood ; which it is very evident
from this and numerous other features of this grand ceremony, they have in
some way or other received, and are here endeavouring to perpetuate by
vividly impressing it on the minds of the whole nation. This object of
superstition, from its position, as the very centre of the village is the rallyin?
point of the whole nation. To it their devotions are paid on various occasions
of feasts and religious exercises during the year; and in this extraordinary
scene it was often the nucleus of their mysteries and cruelties, as I shall
shortly describe them, and becomes an object worth bearing in mind, and
worthy of being understood.
This exciting and appalling scene, then, which is familiarly (and no doubt
correct y) called the " Mandan religious ceremony," commences, not on a
particular day of the year, (for these people keep no record of days or weeks)
but at a particular season, which is designated by the full expansion of the'
willow leaves under the bank of the river; for according to their tradition
" the twig that the bird brought home was a willow bough, and had full'
grown leaves on it," and the bird to which they allude, is the mourning or tur-
tle-dove, which they took great pains to point out to me, as it is often to be
seen feeding on the sides of their earth-covered lodges, and which, being as
they call it, a medicine-bird, is not to be destroyed or harmed by any one
and even their dogs are instructed not to do it injury. '
On the morning on which this strange transaction commenced, I was sitting
at breakfast in the house of the Trader, Mr. Kipp, when at sun-rise, we were
suddenly startled by the shrieking and screaming, of the women, and bark-
ing and howling of dogs, as if an enemy were actually storming their viJIa-e.
" Now we have it !" (exclaimed mine host, as he sprang from the table,)
the grand ceremony has commenced !-drop your knife and fork, Monsi.
and get your sketch-book as soon as possible, that you may lose nothing,
tor the very moment of commencing is as curious as anything else of this
strange affair." I seized my sketch-book, and all hands of us were in an
instant m front of the medicine-lodge, ready to see and to hear all that was
to take place. Groups of women and children were gathered on the tops of
1> has a relation to
159
distant, a solitary individ.ml!^o i ^^'*' ^"^e^e was behelrl «» •?'
i- -.■-■ ,i„e i:r:x:° "' » -- "■-'f. .nu «s/l: r;
fo test their elasticitv—thpir , ^"'""'O" : ''ows were strung anrl fh 1
'•'7"e village-wa?riorltre'b[Xr T^)' "P°" ^"^ '-'"^^ "1'
or t..e f dans:t ■fi-J.trctrit ^^^ ^''^^^ ^^ ^^e vi„a,e
with a dignified step and in a II ,; " T ^T' '""''""^^ ^o approS
"Pon h.n,, and he at length „,ade h aZ!""''"^' *''^ ^'"''^^^ all eye' wer
hra'd'H^' ''''''''^' '-a'cls h^P;^ ^ "PPosit J) wit.I
chiefs and braves stood ready to receivr^ °f /^^ "'"age, where all the
"•anner, by shaking hands with him tr '^'.'"' ^'^'^'' ^bey did in a cordial
and pronouncing hi name IZlZT:' I'' T'"" '''' '^^^^^^^^
1 he body of this strange personage !tT""'^ (the first or only ixian/
white clay, so as to resemraTalule 'il!" '^''f -^ "^•'^^' -s painfed wl
four white wolf skins falling back ov j h T' V^''' '"^" = ^e wore a robTlf
'P'endid head-dress made^f^wo ^.e;/';;" ''"^ ^"" "'"^ ''-d ''e had a
cautiously carried a large pipe wl. Ih t ''/"'^ '" "^'^ '^^ hand he
something of great importance Aft "'"""'^ *° '''''^ ^"^ guard as
■kem deoora.i„g iu side,, wid °a~ Z f ' "'" '" """"■ "^ ^•A
in SrS^^^^^ preparations were making
i«i hrough the village, stopping i„ froj ""'^ ^'^' ^''' !>' on'y man) travel!
"nt.l the owner of the lodge fame ou T . 7 f '" ^ '°''^«' ^^^ <=ryi„g
-as the matter ? to which helerd b/'reT r ''\'^ "'^^ ^'^ ^^««' -^ -''at
ad happened on the earth's s rface'bv '""^ '^V'^ ^^'^^^^''P'- ^^^-^
ayng that -he was the only person saverff T^''"^'""^ °^ ^''« waters.
''« anded his big canoe on rSZ^ ^'" ^''^ ""'™' calamity ; tha
'-des : that he had come to open thr J" ■'" *'" "^^'' -'^"^ ^e now
-- ^ P-U Of some edged-S ^tom t ^ ^2^^^-;=::^-
160
It may be sacrificed to tlie water; for he says, "if this is not done, there
will be anotlier flood, and no one will be saved, as it was with such tools
that the big canoe was made."
Having visited every lodge or wigwam in the village, during the day, and
having received such a present at each, as a hatchet, a knife, &c. (which k
undoubtedly always prepared and ready for the occasion), he returned at
evening and deposited them in the medicine-lodye, where they remained until
the afternoon of the last day of the ceremony, when, as the final or closing
scene, they were thrown into the river in a deep place, from a bank thiriy
feet high, and in presence of the whole village ; from whence they can never
be recovered, and where they were, undoubtedly, sacrificed to the Spirit of
the Water.
During the first night of this strange character in the village, no one
could tell where he slept ; and every person, both old and young, and dogs,
and all living things were kept within doors, and dead silence reigned every
where. On the next morning at sunrise, however, he made his appearance
again, and entered the medicine-lodge; and at his heels (in " Indian Jih."
i. e. single file, one following in another's tracks) all the young men wlio
were candidates for the self-tortures which were to be inflicted, and for the
honours that were to be bestowed by the chiefs on those who could most
manfully endure them. There were on this occasion about fifty young men
who entered the lists, and as they went into the sacred lodge, each one's
body was chiefly naked, and covered with clay of different coloi.rs ; some
were red, others were yellow, and some were covered with white clay, giving
them the appearance of wliite men. Each one of them carried in his
right hand his medicine-bag— on his left arm, his shield of the bull's hide-
in his left hand, his bow and arrows, with his quiver slung on his back.
When all had entered the lodge, they placed themselves in reclining pos-
tures around its sides, and each one had suspended over his head liis
respective weapons and medicine, presenting altogether, one of the most
wild and picturesque scenes imaginable.
Nu-mohk-muck-a-nah (the first or only man) was in the midst of them,
and having lit and smoked his medicine-pipe for their success ; and havino'
addressed them in a short speech, stimulating and encouraging them 'o
trust to the Great Spirit for His protection during the severe ordeal they
were about to pass through; he called into the lodge an old medicine or
mystery-man, whose body was painted yellow, and whom he appointed
master of ceremonies during this occasion, whom they denominated in their
language 0-kee-pah Ka-se-kah (keeper or conductor of the ceremonies).
He was appointed, and the authority passed by the presentation of the
medicme-pipe, on which they considei hangs all the power of holding and
conducting all these rites.
After this delegated authority had thus passed over to the medicine-
man ; Nu-mohk-muck-a-nah shook hands wrth him, and bade him good
161
''ye» snyin? « thnt i,«
V'I'age. fook" for .1 " *'"' °"^ "^ '^e lod.e Z ""''' '^ °I'«" ""-'
f ™it !;; rcf-r rr ' -' ■"'°-^" ■'"• "- """^ '" *°
'" '"« '•""d. crying to the Gro.V ^ '"'^-^' ^'"^ hi, medicine n
i mentioned that III
^ll^^'^t one exhibits l^^ :::^ W.I^^.'^irS"' "r ^^^^"^« — , and
mvl V ^°","^ '"•'" ^" ^^^''"■•n? a dTs r-'"^"^ '' '^'^^ "foment;
2 7r^^>'"^'y'^^«^«'-yi J^^^^^^ the conductor o
just at this luncturp tho* i o''" tne ureat Spirit (pi at,, na\ .
i had most luckily for mvooU
magician or high-prLt. bu da^'nT'^- ' '"""'^"^^'^ P<^^trait of this .reat
ceremonies (in which 1 had rLSn'te^h " '' ^ -'"-encen^ent of t e
l"s mysteries), with which he had I. '" '''' P^'^rmance of sorne of
-to„ished(as..he could see .'t'r ?7''"^'^ P'^^^ as veT as
"P'"'on, deeply skilled i„ ma^ic ' , >• ^''^t I must needs be i„ hi,
-pectable rank in the craftrto which I TT^'' ^"'^ "'^"-"^it^d o ,
unanimous voice of the doctors Ind V ? ^'" ^' °"« ^'^vated by the
W tb this very honourable degree wh ir t ^°' ^^"''^ ^«'»'^'--
.«"'• my companions by my side '' .'"''""-''"^-'^dge early i„ the morniu "
-o-tssacredinterior/wheV s'Z^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ro get a peep Jf ^oT ?
^"^fng us secrets, as I before desci 7*^ '^^^^"'onies, guarding and co
- ^.th a firm professional affectrn b! ,1 """ °"' °' ^''^ 'J-'' -<i taktl
fr'^T'' "'"'^'^ ^-« strictly J. .1?/ '™' ^"^ ""' '"'° '»"•« '-«c' ":
""Igar, by a vestibule of eidu o . °'"" ''*^" ^ P^«P o^ a ga.e from t"
-- or door, and two ::^i 2^:; ;-'^^.^' ^"-^ed ^itt :Tu
'^'" '• "^ '"^ '^^^^^'""g- centinels with spears
\ry2
or war-cluhg m tlicir ImniU. I gave the wink to my companion, as I w;h
oassinK m, and the potonoy of my medicine was such as to gain tliern a quiet
idmission, anil all of us were comfortably placed on elevated seats, which
our conductor soon prepared for us.
We were then in full view of everything that transpired in the lodsjo.
having before us the scene exactly, which is rcpicsc.ited in the first of the
four pictures. To this seat we returned every morning at sunrise, and re-
mained until sun-down for four days, the whole time which these strange
scenes occupied.
In addition to the preparations and arrangements of the interior of this
sanctuary, as above described, there was a curious, though a very strict
arrangement of buffalo and hunmn skulls placed on the floor of the lodge,
and between them (which were divided into two parcels), and in front of
the reclmmg group of young candidates, was a small and very delicate
scaffold, elevated about Hve feet from the ground, made of four posts or
crotches, not larger than a gun-rod, and placed some four or five feet apart
supporting four equally delicate rods, resting in the crotches ; thus forming
the frame of the scaffold, which was completed by a number of still smaller
and more delicate sticks, transversely resting upon them. On the centre of
this ittle frame rested some small object, which I could not exactly undcr-
•tand from the distance of twenty or thirty feet which intervened between it
and my eye. I started sevend times from my seat to approach it, but all
eyes were instantly upon me, and every mouth in the assembly sent forth -i
hush— sh— ! which brought me back to my seat again; and I at length
quieted my stifled curiosity as well as I could, upon learning the fact, that
80 sacred was that object, and so important its secrets or mysteries, that not
/alone,- but even the young men, who were passing the ordeal, and all the
village, save the conductor of the mysteries were stopped from approachin-v
It, or knowing what it was. °
This little mystery-thing, whatever it was, had the appearance from where
I sat, of a small tortoise or frog lying on its back, with its head and lees
quite extended, and wound and tasselled off with exceedingly delicate red
and blue, and yellow ribbons or tassels, and other bright coloured orna-
ments ; and seemed, from the devotions paid to it, to be the very nucleus of
their mysteries-the sanctissimus sanctorum, from which seemed to emanate
all tie sanctity of their proceedings, an.l to which, all seemed to be paving
tlie highest devotional respect.
This strange, yet important essence of their mysteries, I made every
enquiry about; but got no further information of, than what I could learn
by my eyes, at the distance at which I saw it, and from the silent respect
which I saw paid to it. I tried with the doctors, and all of the /raterLj
answered me, that that was "great medicine," assuring me that it " could
" nvi f .; . . 1" i ^^T'"^ ""^ curiosity as well as I could, by the full
conv.ct.on that I had a degree or two yet to take before I could fathom all
ompnnions os I win
^uiii tlicm u quiot
evuteil seats, wliich
pired in the Mg{\
in tlie first of the
at sunrise, and rt-
liicli tliese strange
the interior of this
ou;fh a very strict
Hoor of the lodge,
i), and in front of
and very dehcate
le of four posts or
■ or five feet ap;irt,
les ; thns fonnin^-
3er of still smaller
On the centre of
lot exactly under-
irvened between it
pproach it, but all
imbly sent forth n
and I at length
ling the fact, that
Hysterics, that not
rdeal, and all the
from approaching
ranee from where
its head and legs
ngly delicate red
it coloured orna-
e very nucleus of
emed to emanate
Jied to be paying
I, I made every
at I could learn
the silent respect
f the /rutcrivty
1 that it " could
luld, by the full
;ouId fathom all
IM; >'■■
if!?-
g
ei
sJ:
of
tl.
tei
oti
(iic
siin
tiaii
'1
and
aftei
toitc
tliesc
(lie V
lidict
J>crioi
ivater
Jrr
iiitcip
fibeial
iiiiiner
", "iignt lave IiPo« *i «"*"" event or « , -"v "onaeiJu .
;«y«. to which tij;;';z:i "' "°"''"« •'"^ - « • y :n '? ^^'"^•'^^ ^o
favourite Spirit or ess!^ ' F'"^'^' P^^uhar regard ^ ^ ""^ 'brings and
'■*^«^"n that there is noth 1 '°' ''"''"& '"' " <?.. jS- '" '^^"^d "Pon
«f tlie lod^e was placed ! i v '''"' ""^ ^'-'affbJd desprlh ,
-• ^J^ewers. which'^:' e t" ' "f "^-^ ''"« ^ide oT.ff ^ "'?, ^ ''^e floor
''"■'-^^^'y to be explain d -fL'" '"^''''""^^ ''' ^^e i„fl L r ^^ "' ^P'''"«
« "'"nber of cords of rawlJ I"' '"''' '''" «'«o, i„ 2 7 °^ *''^ ""elties
P^^'Sm? through its ooT . f '"^'■"° ^'«^n fr^m tip T °^ *^« ^^^'r.
^^^topof the'io^V^;;/'' ''•- «-''/and^Ja:„rr'^ »>« suspended
:--^erea,so;j:7T^'^^^"'---
^^•''-inthe rL ,'a f" '''''^'"•-'-^. an ^Vf '^^^ ^eing con.
^^^^-•« quills applded '' '"""'■'^^ 'y'"I^ on t tt'°^''^'>" ^^^^^ to-
tP'^dlikead'E fck ,'• " ' '"'■'=-'' eXnf'^f '"^ bunch of
f these ceremonies sJ^"'f °" ''"■■'»' ^'th wl ch in "" ^^'"» ^ ^''^'k,
t''^"- 'nystery-men ; . " '^"^ ^^'^». they are Zt' '" ^ ^"''sequent stage
"^her articles of e.ll '''^' ^^'''^■h tf'oy "all /^^f '^'"''' ^''^^ '»y«-
"" ^°™ of a Xd rT^"'"' ^^'"■'-''' 'hey'cal ^?'-'^!^-^«' -^ two
'lances. &c. "'''^'■^' '" "'o n.usic (or ather ' '"'^ "^^^^ ^^ ".e
'^'»^«e four sacks of . '"''' «°"^ «"d rf.«) for their
""■'"'•^es con ::?;/"" °-^' '-e very ^tZS'""' ^'^ ''-'^-/..-IJ''
"'<■- -aters,;^ "•'•'-« f'o.n tl^four ':''"% '''''' " ''"ose fou.'
"•0 waters!- ,; ""' '?"'^'"-' therein ever^ " °^ ^''^ ^vorld-tha
'•^'^'°'' they had I' ' ■ ""^'"•'^ ™»W not even eJ '^'""'"" '''^•'''"^t so
164
medicine, and could not be sold for any consideration; so ( abandoned all
thoughts of obtaining anything, except what I have done by the medicine
operation of tny pencil, which was applied to everything, and even upon
that they looked with decided distrust and apprehension, as a sort of theft
or sacrilege.
Such then was the group, and such the appearance of the interior of the
medicine-lodge during the three first, and part of the fourth day also, of the
Mandan religious ceremonies. The medicine-man with a group about him,
of youiig aspirants who were under his sole controul, as was every article
and implement to be used, and the sanctity of this solitary and gloomy
looking place, which could not be trespassed upon by any man's presence
Without his most sovereign permission.
During the three first days of this solemn conclave, there were many very
curious forms and amusements enacted in the open area in the middle of the
village, and m front of the medicine-lodge, by other members of the com-
munity, one of which formed a material part or link of these strange cere-
monials. This very curious and exceedingly grotesque part of their perform-
ancB, which they denominated Bel-lohck nah-pick (the bull-dance) of which
1 have before spoken, as one of the avowed objects for which they held this
annual fete; and to the strictest observance of which they attribute the
coming of buffaloes to supply them with food during the season-is repeated
four times dunng the first day. eight times on the second day, twelve times
on the third day and sixteen times on the fourth day ; and always around
the curb, or " % canoe," of which I have before spoken.
This subject I have selected for my second picture, and the principal actors
initwere eight men, with the entire skins of buffaloes thrown over their
backs, with the horns and hoofs and tails remaining- on ; their bodies in a
horizontal position, enabling them to imitate the actions bf the buffalo,
whdst they were looking out of its eyes as through a mask (plate 67).
The bodies of these men were chiefly naked and all painted in the most
extraordinary manner, with the nicest adherence to exact similarity; their
hmbs bodies and faces, being in every part covered, either with black, red,
or white pamt. Each one of these strange characters had also a lock of
buffalo s ha,r fed around his ancles-in his right hand a rattle, and a slen-
der white rod or staf six feet long, in the other; and carried on his back,
a bunch of green willow boughs about the usual size of a bundle of straw!
T^iese eight men, being divided into (bur pairs, took their positions on the
fou different sides of the curb or big canoe, representing^ thereby the four
cardinal points; and between each group of them, with the back turned to
with thr^'iV""' "m'^'' "P""'' '''^''^"^ '" ^''^ ^^'"^ d^"^'^. '^'^eping step
with them, with a similar staff or wand in one hand and a rattle in the other'
am (being four ,n number) answering again to the four cardinal points. The
bodie of these four young men were chiefly naked, with no other dress upon
them than a beautiful kelt (or quartz-quaw), around the waist, made of eagles
so I abandoned all
le by the medicine
ig, and even upon
, as a sort of theft
the interior of tiie
th day also, of the
I group about him,
13 was every article
alitary and gloomy
ny man's presence
re were many very
I the middle of the
libers of the com-
lese strange cere-
t of their perform-
U-dance) of which
lich they held tliis
;hey attribute the
!ason — is repeated
day, twelve times
id always around
fie principal actors
thrown over tiieir
their bodies in a
IS bf the buffalo,
(plate 67).
nted in the most
similarity; their
r with black, red,
lad also a lock of
attle, and a slen-
ied on his back,
bundle of straw,
positions on the
thereby the four
! back turned to
ice, keeping step
ittle in the other,
Jinal points. The
other dress upon
t, made of eagles
, ^
h- i
<
(
a
c
Ci
(c
C£
cr
be
l0(
tlu
till
the
all
nun
fi/te
sion
tane
prol:
lodg
all I
sidiil
n
spect
165
^--e, whom theytalld r'" fi """'^ ""'^'^ ^'^C nd 7""^''''^^'''
«Pots which weredotted al In r'"'"* ^' "'ght," and "h '^ '''*^'^°'*^ a"d
;-o were painted from he j to 7 "" ''''''■^«' ^'''y ^au'S '« f "",?''''^"» ^^ite
^^•7 «aid represented the daJ ""T^^ «' vermilion eo„ld It' , ^^'^ °'''«r
and do^n over their hodt 'we"e 'S^ T'"^ ^'^^^''^ "'^ ^ Te e' 1^/^^
cftasmg away." ' ^^'« ' ghosts which th.^ ^ P^'"*ed up
. These twelve are the onlv '"^ '^^^ ^«re
^ ^'-'1 endeavour to po"nt n ^^ ?'"'^^'' ^^^ange an 1 l^fil •' u?""' ^"^^^ »"«
--sir S ?"°-rs- 1 S° "--5
•cardinal point,, ,'„S''^''^." " '^"'^-''««^^ "Is Le„ ^ ^° ^' ^''^^^ de-
On the second day W t """'"^" «'"'"^«^« s'le in'^K '° ^"^'^ «^ ^^«
a"d/««.,,-^„ JJ''7^ o each: Mr.. ,;;„,, /'P';" ^^ose directions.
^"-aracters (a, we ^a, t"h 'T""' ^« ^ --gna for tt T ''' '''"' ^^^
--monies/with th Zit^^^r'''} '° asseile .£ ^j t"'"^ ^"^ '''''-
(or rather crying) fonhJ^'^^ '" ^'and, dances o.!t .f\uT' """'ter of
'^anoe, againit which hel '""^ P'"'""' Ja,nent^ n il ^ '''' '°^^^' ''■"^•"?
"y- At this instant f '' ^^''^'^ ^''^ P'"pe i" hi h „ ,^^^T'^^'' ^^e big
^"dies are paint d red "T T^ ^^^^ and pat ia eh, ^'"^ continues to
'°d.-, enter' it and brtrA"^ ''^^^ '^^^ ^" Xg h^f '"^ '"'^"' -ho^e
; - •^'•^canoe, where f;:lf,?^'^--cks of wal r! ttJ^f'T «^ ^^^
t'"'mp,ng on them withTv. '^'"selves by the side of / ^ P''*'^^ "^ar
^'"^"'^ and another brVr r"''^ '' drumsticks whl,'''" T^ '°'"'"^"^«
a" ""ite to them their ■'"''^^ "'^ ^''^'<- the tj '!' ''^^^ "^^'^ '-Ving on
"'"^'■'^ for the b^lll \''''''^ ^« the hi-hes Xf' °''''«'-Kand
«'''eo„ minutes or mo"e f "'r' '^ t*"^" com,"e„crd t T"'"''' ^^ '''«
faneous, the whole nario ""^ ''°P' ^hich are alwT .'"' ""^"""'■«-
P^bation ; the If /""^ *''« ^'"^'^a •' and x j'^^J^^.P'^^'ectly «{,„„,.
'-'5?e,andth oldn; "^ '"''"^'^^'^^^ danc ' . ^t """^ ^''°"' ofap-
•^" -«tasbl ^^"^-totheirronne Xe S 'V'" '"^•^---
«""ilar action. ' ""' ''^ '^'^ «ame method,' toy \r ''•''' '^ ''''''' '"^
T'^esuoernun.eranesoroH . "^ '"^ ^^-" -)W| int, ,
~> - --■■■- ■i=i.;~r,tsr;:
i
big canoe arc seen two men with the skins of grizzly bears thrown over
them, usmg the skins as a mask, over their heads. These ravenous animals
are continually growling and threatening to devour everything before them
and interfering with the forms of their religious ceremony. To apoease
rhem, the women are continually bringing and placing before them dishes of
meat, which are as often snatched up and carried to the prairie, by two men
whose bodies are painted black and their heads while, whom they call bald
eagles, who are darting by them and grasping their food from before them
as they pass. These are again chased upon the plains by a hundred or
more small boys, who are naked, with their bodies painted yellow and their
heads white whom they call Cabris or antelopes; who at length get the
ood away from them and devour it; thereby inculcating (perhaps) the
beautiful moral, that by the dispensations of Providence, his bountiful ..ifts
will tall at last to the hands of the innocent. "
During the intervals between these dances, all these characters, except
those from the medicine-Iodge. retire to a wigwam close by, which tiiey uTe
on he occasion also as a sacred place, being occupied exclusively by them
:;^:r Se:in;:t:i::^" '- ''- "-- «^-"^'- -^ —-^-^
During each and every one of these dances, the old men who beat upon
rir* ?r ''"!''■■' '"'■"''^'y"^'"^'"^ forth their supplications to the
Oreat bpiri , for the continuation of his influence in sending them buffaloes
mirtituTr;;''"' ^unng the year; they are administering courage
( at Sni S ^T^ "'" '" ^''^ '°^^^' ^y ''^'""^ *'>^™' that " the
ibou T °'''"''^. '" '"' '" '^''" l^'^'^^'f-that the very atmosphere all
about them is peace-thut their women and children can hold the mouth of
he grizzly bear-that they have invoked from day to day O-ke-hee-de
t.e Evil Sp,r,t)-thac they are still challenging him to , ome, and yet he
iuis not dared to make his appearance !" ^
thet" mirth'.!;!/'" '"'' 1 T" ''""''' "" '^' '""'"'^ ^'y^ '" '^' ^'^^^' ^t all
their mirth and joy, and about noon, and in the height of all the«e exulta-
uons, an instant scream burst forth from the tops of the lodges !-men,
trrfixed'fh ^ '"' ^'^'^"f ,r^"""y ^° ''"^^' ""d «'-d^- -•' alarm, u
they hxed their glaring eye-balls upon the prairie bluff, about a mile in the
vest, down the side of which a man was seen descending at full speed
•owards the village ! This strange character darted about in a zig-zag co'u r
n all directions on the prairie, like a boy in pursuit of a butterfly, until he
approached the piquets of the village, when it was discovered that his body
"as entirely naked, and painted as black as a negro, with pounded charcoal
and bears grease; his body was therefore everywhere of a shining black
except occasionally white Hugs of an inch or mofe in diai.eter, whfch we e
mar ed ere and t ere all ...r him ; and frightful indentures of ;hite around
his mouth, resembling r..nne teeth. Added to his hideous appeara.ce, he
gave the most (r.^htf-l .l.neks and sc.oams as he dashed tiirough the vni;...
bears thrown over
se ravenous animals
ytliing before them
(lony. To appease
:fore them dishes of
prairie, by two men
lom they call bald
from before them
3 by a hundred or
;d yellow and their
at length get the
ing (perhaps) the
his bountiful gifts
characters, except
y, which they use
xclusively by them
; and ornamenting
in the midst of ail
all these exuita-
le lodges ! — men,
er with alarm, as
out a mile in the
ing at full speed
1 a zig-zag course
utterfly, until he
cd that his body
lounded charcoal
a shining black,
eter, which were
of white around
appearance, iiu
167
;"^.^-madeatfp:r,Xf T ''' ^^'^ "ere nt^d""'^ ^'■'''^^'^'
Section as thev werp I, i *""'''»'''^s the women whn "P°" '»im,
-h other as tl;:tr^^^^ ^^'-*'- -d Ta, i,;;"'"' ''' P™'
-'^J^eneral terror ^anddS'"^'°^^^ °"'«f''is rear iT"" "P°"
g^ve the fema s an on '"' '"'""'"^•^^^'^ "n I r\ "T *'' -*-P^>t
free from therda„" Tt^ ""''^ '" ^'' «"t of h eac, ? ^'""^ '^^'^
"->t. their alLm soon T^ ''" ''^^^'« ^^^t yet ^ t, """" ^'^^ ^^^^^
si'outs of an,r ''°°''^'^ ''o^^" 'nto the m / . '^ '"^tant excite-
f^y his side, wiU ,i '"*^«'°PP«' and held The old "''^ ""'' ^''^''^"'^"^
P'>heldi;rmti7c?'"^f'^""» '---nU face wh^ '^K '""'^ ^^'■«'
"Has magical wTn ^ "' '^'^ '^«'««''^ Maiestv nn '''" medicine-
these two individuals did ? "7 P''^^^"'^^ ^ -"ore Tr kinl '"'""" '
direst mutual hatred ^ ^ '^"^ moments with tl, ^ '^^"P ^''«n
-lying on thpt:'"^o?v"'°^''^'= ^'^^'^ s^uSUt: r'*^"^ ^^^ '■«
«"th his body nail ^u'''''™"'''"^'ne or mysterv^^^V^^ ''' supremacy,
«able maje ty^ ^r*^^ ^''If^, representing (o rather"^'^'^ '" '^''^^'
"''"'■"..ion ^,^7':""'' ""-"lou, a„7 Vi^r-"" W„,e,.
*mon of terror InV T ^"'""Md to gi.e „7,,, ,' f™ 'ks tolWr
«.™o„; '"""= '«""<■■ ™<1 ""clcus of 17 fi"rH ""'■""«''»*"
r". r'
iWi
16'8
Then, to proceed : I said that tliis strange personage's body was naked—
was painted jet black witli ciiarcoal and bear's grease, with a wand in hi^
hands of eight feet in length with a red ball at the end of it, which he was
rubbing about on the ground in front Of him as he ran. In addition lo
this he had— M«^ gee ah tvaheea notch,t oheks tcha, ung gee an ung hutch
tow a tow ah dies menny. Ung gee ah to to wun nee, ahkst to wan ec
eigh' s ta w.
In this plight, in which I have not dared fully to represent hmi in
the picture, he pursued the groups of females, spreading dismay and alarm
wherever he went, and consequently producing the awkward and exceedingly
laughable predicament in which he was placed by the sudden check from
the medicine-pipe, as I have above stated, when all eyes were intently fixed
upon him, and all joined in rounds of applause for the success of the magic
spell that was placed upon him ; all voices were raised in shouts of satisfac-
tion at his defeat, and all eyes gazed upon him ; of chiefs and of warriors-
matrons and even of their tender-aged and timid daughters, whose education
had taught them to receive the moral of these scenes without the shock of
impropriety, that would have startled a more fastidious and consequently
sensual-thinking people.
After repeated attempts thus made, and thus defeated in several parts of
the crowd, this blackened monster was retreating over the ground where the
buffalo-dance was going on. and having (apparently, par accident) swag-
gered against one of the men placed under the skin of a buffalo and engagwl
in the " bull dance," lie started back, and placing himself in the attitude
of a buffalo, — hi ung ee a wuhkstia, chee a nahk s tammee ung s towa ; ee
ung ee aht gwaht ee o nunghths tcha ho a, tummee oxt no ah, ughstono uh
hi en en ah nuhxt givi aht gahtch gun ne. Gwee en on doatcht chee en aht
gunne how how en ahxst tchu !
After this he paid his visits to three others of the eight, in. succession,
receiving as before the deaf( n.ng shouts of approbation which pealed from
every mouth in the multitude, who were all praying to the Great Spirit
to send them buffaloes to supply them with food during the season,
and who attribute the coming of buffaloes for this purpose entirely to the
strict and critical observance of this ridiculous and disgusting part of the
ceremonies.
During the half hour or so that he had been jostled about amongst man
and beasts, to the great amusement and satisfaction of the lookers-on, he
seemed to have become exceedingly exhausted, and anxiously lookin<^ out
for some feasible mode of escape. "
In this awkward predicament he became the laughing-stock and butt for
the women, who being no longer afraid of him, were gathering in groups
around, to tease and tantalize him; and in the midst of this dilemma, which
soon became a very sad one— one of the women, who stole up behind him
with both hands full of yellow dirt— dashed it into his face and eyes, and ■A\
"^«rtl,e middle of tLmf= ""•""° "- l-uvi ^ .' ?'"' •"'^'•'"^''
:^V--..d nights, ad:l'^^t^'■?"'^^'''•-'i".^ and wa i 7:":; "'T'
h's Jiands and feet or Zt '^ ^'"^^ "^"'^ Jodi-o -u., ?'i . '""'y '^'""
operation, where .'o u "'""''' ''' ^'^^ «"ited fo. tVo '""""'^ '"■"'^''"■""
>^" '"Oh o- a^^rlo Z:T '' "'^ "-'t'es i he olio """"^^ ''' "-
between the th mh ' , ^'^ °" *^^^'^ «ho"'der, or each k"""^' "'"""^^ =-
''««d ; and the k • :. w. T'" "^^ '^"^ "^ - o h! j 'thrr;" '^''^" "P
hacked and note, d 'w^h tt U ^"" ^*°""'^ «''-P n iAd'' '" '"'^ ^'^'*'
P«in as possible w'J' , '.^'"'^^ "^ a"«ther, to rnaLT f '' ''"'' "^^n
were fastened tnH ^ "^ "^ *''° 'o^ge outside ? \. ^ °' *'"^ '"''ffe
'"■'» up het ^^^'^■T''"^^ or skewers, and t'v i' , ' .''"'"P"^'^)' ^'"ieh
^'^ra.iJ::,'::^':,::;::-^' '^'°- ♦•>" et;:,er1h^^'^^''^'''-
-'e^tqr:! r^^^- ^'-d.:£rf r^^^^^ o„ the ,ro.,nd
''- '>o™« on it, wl a ^eh d to eaol 7"' '"'''''''''' ^'^ « ">' o" bS?""*^
conis, iMitii ,|,„ , ". , '^'^^ «" adjusted, each nno .„ "^ ^ """8" "P.
"' ""--- :r:f ^ ^"r^-^^^'-'-^x g:;ri ''^'^^ '''^''
«t once beca; aon- I "^^''^ ^'^^ "^"^^ ^'-e ground t' IT"^ '"'^ '''-'^■''
wei^l-t of th Tbo'^^^ "^ ""^ '"^'■^''tf"' to look uZt: fl . " J'"^'''' '^^y
'!• *:
llli
H)9
At the mo,nc...t of thia signal victory, and when all eyes lost siirht of lum
as he disappeared over the bluffs, the whole vilh..e „„il Jt. •
shouts of satisf-iPtmn TU„ u I. I 7 ^"'"ije united their voices m
Thatm the midst of tlieir relii^ious ceremonies, the Evil Spirit (0-kee
^ wc;;:; "rt '-^ ''] ^.t-' t''''"' -^'^^'^'^^ -^ '"^^^^^
U.eir wo.ship-tha he was held in check, and defeated by the sune-
r. .nfluence and virtue of the n.di.ue.pipe, and at last, driven' i dis we
smfcd bv ht . ' ^''f "8«ccne. preparations were made, as above
Slated, by he re urn of the master of ceremonies and musicians to the
rfXwt't^'r' •"'" ^^" ^''"'""^ '' ''' -- time ::::..;.: :
0, and decide upon, the comparative degree of fortitude, with which the
CSiri""'"' '"7'r '" '''' ™°^' ^"^-"^^ -'^ -""-ting ordeal
■ r 4d th Lh ''''"* head-dresses-the band of mus^ic seate.i and
mvwolaceT ''.r" ""f'"' ^'''''' "'"' '^'' °'^ •"'^^^er of ceremonies
ti , Ti, T •'"'" T *'""' °* '^ "'"^" ^^^ '" *'^« «"t^« of tin. lodge,
rrl <? • -^^r^i "' '*" '''"'*'' ""'^ ^"^^'"!? commenced smoking ,o tho
Great Spiri. with all possible vehemence for the success of these aspiran-s
presented the subject for the third picture, which they o. II ^' pohLon,''
e cutting scene (p,,... ,is). Around the sides of thi lodge are s. .,"ti'll
te mhl" T'^ '"'T i"'^"'''"^'^' "" P^^^ "'■ " ^^-"P' -'"'^t -h rs
loc. e TTV °t"' '' ^^"■-»-»--. -^1 '' " been remove.l out of
hi,h t 7" 'f "■■' '""" '" ^'^'^ ^^^y ^'' "'■ «"bmitting to them,
wl hueremfiicted la the follow.,, nianner :-After having removed tb
*a«c%.««., sanctorum, or li.tle scat! ..f which I before spoke, and havL;
z
itly .1 difrcrem
d cominenct'U
wand from |i/»
by others, wlic
)OW('r was now
•■ bolt for the,
f through th(>
r the purpose,
le ran on the
fl stories, and
ng from their
li bluffs, from
: sight of hun
heir voices in
)arationH were
were to take
ist transpired,
spirit (0-keo-
of disturbing
>y the supe-
n in disgrace
ime to abuse,
de, as above
icians to the
a number of
:!d ; and also
bear witness
h which the
ating ordeal
, drcssc<l out
seated arid
' ceremonies
f tlio lodge,
:)king to th<'
se aspirants,
■pohk-hontj,"
re si 11, still
ilst others of
iove<l out of
ig to tliem,
■fmoved the
, and havini;
II
, >
f <
I
I
c
n
i\
C(
fr,
an
CO
wh
tin
ear
icst
\
tiir/i
leav
is cl
ntely
groin
striki
fully
In
lilOdo-
will pi
is Jowc
t'lc tw
'"■"">?'' an this h„rr d If' ""^ »" 'ook at their fn, f """"'• '"^^«''nff
''"f np tl,rou.l. .hcfl, „ "^'r'''^'' •"« i" the eyM f^T' ''">"''""^' '>"»
-'"Ihis struoX,"l''''^''''^^''te8t relief, „nt^^^^^^^^^
""•P«e •' When " ''' •""' ''« i'a.iLS . ^ "'"'- '"'« voice /alto.r
^^hen brought to this ,,"'*:''" '^as they tern, it^.- /'""^^'-'''^^'J.
;; f '«'-^'ecJ fron, 4^^' «"' . and a,>parent/y Ji,t"f ' ^^^fe-■- out,
IS lowered to tU ''''' '"'" to ffet n,. .. 7 . '^f"""' ^''"m he tn,.f-
iLu lo the trrnmi/i ii o "P and W'lli- imsts
7 "■■H pt
tlierel.y disen-
;'agiii!j
' "wi I 'l'Mi i ' i '»iiiji,S£' i ;
'""•'•rmriii-nii ,:u*
172
Iiim from the cords by wliicli he has been hung; up ; but leavino' all the
others with their weights, &c. hanging to his flesh.
In this condition he lies for six or eight minutes, until he gets strength
to rise and move himself, for no one is allowed to assist or offer him aid,
as he is here enjoying the most valued privilege which a Mandan can boast
of, that of " trusting his life to the keeping of the Great Spirit," in this
time of extreme peril.
As soon as he is seen to get strength enough to rise on his hands and
feet, and drag his body around the lodge, he crawls with the weights still
hanging to his body, to another part of the lodge, where there is another
Indian sitting with a liatchet in his hand, and a dried buffalo skull before
him ; and here, in the most earnest and humble manner, by holding up the
little finger of his left hand to the Great Spirit, he expresses to Him, in a
speech of a few words, his willingness to give it as a sacrifice ; when he
lays it on the dried buffalo skull, where the other chops it off" near the hand,
with a blow of the hatchet !
Nearly all of the young men whom I saw passing this horrid ordeal, gave
in the above manner, the little finger of the left hand ; and I saw also
several, who immediately afterwards (and apparently with very little concern
or emotion), with a similar speech, extended in the same way, the /ore-
finger of the same hand, and '.hat too was struck ofl'; leaving on the left
hand oidy the two middle fingers and the thumb; all which they deem
absolutely essential for holding the bow, the only weapon for the left hand.
One would think that this mutilation had thus been carried quite far
enough ; but I have since examined several of the head chiefs and digni-
taries of the tribe, who have also given, in this manner, the little finger ot
the riglit hand, which is considered by them to be a much greater sacrifice
than both of the others; and I have found also a number of their most
famous men, who furnish me incontestible proof, by five or six correspon-
<liiig scars on each arm, and each breast, and each leg, that they had so
many times in their lives submitted to this almost incredible operation,
whicii seems to be optional with them ; and the oftener they volunteer to
go through it, the more famous they become in the estimation of their tribe.
No bandages are applied to the fingers which have been amputated, nor
any arteries taken up ; nor is any attention whatever, paid to them or the
other wounds; but they are left (as they say) " for the Great Spirit to cure,
who will surely take good care of them." It is a remarkable fact (which I
learned from a close inspection of their wounds from day to day) that the
bleeding is but very slight and soon ceases, probably from the fact of their
extreme exhaustion and debility, caused by want of sustenance and sleep,
which cheeks the natural circulation, and admirably at the same time pre-
pares them to meet the seveiity of these tortures without the same degree
cf sensibility and pain, which, under other circumstances, might result in
iaflammaVuin and death.
but leaving all the
nti! he gets strength
iist or offer him aid,
I RIandan can boast
Jreat Spirit," in this
ie on his hands and
ith the weights still
re there is another
buflalo skull before
', by holding up the
resses to Him, in a
sacrifice ; when he
t off near the hand,
horrid ordeal, gave
1 ; and I saw also
1 very little concern
ime way, the /ore-
leaving on the left
I which they deem
1 for the left hand.
1 carried quite far
d chiefs and digni-
the little finger ot
h greater sacrifice
iber of their most
! or six correspon-
;, that they had so
credible operation,
r they volunteer to
ition of their tribe.
en amputated, nor
aid to them or the
reat Spirit to cure,
;al)Ic fact (which I
ly to day) that the
n the fact of their
cnance and sleep,
le same time pre-
t tiie same degree
s, might result in
^•"•'ng the whole o^ (!,«.•
f y '"Wietions, the oh iV ". °'' ^'""^ ""«' part of .»,
:^'''^- vvho ar; t^^e t v '"^ '^'^^''^"0, outl tJ^''' ""^^^ extraord-
'"^'"'« been down; tuTtL ^''"''' '''1"' -ho X Cl^'" '"" ^'"S the
P'"-'y, or place at tZ ^ "'^^ ""'"^ ^'om to nn °"'^* "P' after
^""^' -'-fl. their voLs "f- T '''" '''^' «f vv. ter „i s • ^ ''"^ ^'^^ old
encoura^uen.entofthe "^ '° ^''e highest L ' "^^'"^' the whole
, The signal for t e eonm '""' •'- ' '' ''"' "''oi:
''-^'' began t ""' '^""^^ ''^ ^ig cano^. "u .r' !!. "' ^'^ ^uld
''j'-^ 'o'lge, who werel^ . ' " '""^ '^'*^««' ^he ordeal L r"°""' ^« "^'^^
'v'lole village w.^I ?.,'"''''"«"»'■" the onon "^ ' ''escribed within
l'^"Pared for the pu^o" ' ^^'"'^""^ ■' There were tf •'''"' '« ^'^'r
'--'-ciresses'Vf v 'Jh """ ^^'^^ -^^ed w t', t^':. f ^qual i;.-,
"■'"°^^ boughs he d in .f ' ''"'"^' °" their h-.d '^"' ^'""'^ ^''"'■'ar^
'"•^•'•'■c'e in which t ''•''"'^ ^'^'^^'-''^n tl'eu el; '"f- ' "^•^'^^'' "'«^e o;
'"'f. and keepin. tie e. , '"' ?'"' ^^'''^ '« the hi, | t ni ,T'' ''^ ^P^"'
^ Then were led LV. j,? ''^^ ""'°^ "' t^o ce^ .,i^ ^'! ""''^ -«« Pos-
'^"1^ placed at e,„ai ^tl ^°""^^ '"^" ^''o were' ^ur ""' """"'^•
^■■^'■'' one was taken n eh "''^'^'' •'"'^' outside of the , "' '" ^""'^'•' '''n''
"•^'° stepped up to 1 ;'r' -'^ ^-^ -athletic young , en I'" f^' '"'^''^«'.
•^"■'^P around 4 J '"' '"' °" '^'^^■'' ^i'le, and bv t '''' ""'' strong.
''•:>"''. and stoo „ ''/''^''«"t tying it . , / ?':''r"S: a broad learhn
•""«t correctly n.mel r '." '''e spectator lookt ' '"^"■""^'-/^''■^ (the
,^" this condition thol\ , "' ""^>' ^«"W
^' b'ood, until -d ' ^ '''< P'-^'e and gha.tlv r .
Bll^^
174
drapr^ing oh tlie ground, and his furious conductors by his side, who hurry
h.m forward by the wrists, struggles in the desperate emulation to run lon-er
without «'dy.ng" (as they call it) than his comrades, who are faintiiig
around him and sinking down, like himself, where their bodies are drag-ed
with all possible speed, and often with their faces in the dirt. In the com-
mencement of this dance or race they all start at a moderate pace, and their
speed being gradually increased, the pain becomes so excruciating that their
languid and exhausted frames give out, and they are dragged by their wrists
until they are disengaged from the weights that were attached to their flesh,
and this must be done by such violent force as to tear the flesh out with the
splmt which (as (hey say) can never be pulled out endwise, without greatly
offending the Great Spirit and defeating the object for which they have thus
tar suttered. The splints or skewers which are put through the breast and
the shoulders, take up a part of the pectoral or trapezius muscle, which is
necessary for the support of the great weight of their bodies, and which, as
I have before mentioned, are withdrawn as soon as he is lowered down-
but all the others, on the legs and arms, seem to be very ingeniously passed
.rough the flesh and integuments without taking up the muscle, and even
the^e, to be broken out, require so strong and so violent a force that most
ot the poor fellows fainted under the operation, and when they were freed
from the last of the buffalo skulls and other weights, (which was often done
by some of the bystanders throwing the weight of their bodies on to them us
they were dragg.-.g on the ground) they were in every instance dropped by
the persons who dragged them, and their bodies were left, appeariiV^ like
nothing but a mangled and a loathsome corpse! At this strange and ni,.!it-
<ul juncture, the two men who had dragged them, fled through the cmwd
and away upon the prairie, as if chey were guilty of some enormous crime,
ana were tleeing from summary vengeance.
Each poor fellow, having thus patiently and manfully endured the priva-
tions and tortures devised for him, and (in this last strug.We with the most
appalling eftort^ torn himself loose from them and his tormentors, he lies the
second time, in the " keeping (as he terms it) of the Great Spirit,"' to whom
Jie issues his repeated prayers, and entrusts his lif. : and in whom he
reposes the most implicit confldence for his preservation and recovery As
an evidence of this, and of the high value which these youths set up^n this
nrivilege, there is no person, not a relation or a chief of the tribe, who is
allowed, or who would dare, to step forward to offer an aiding hand, even «-.
save his hfe ; for not only the rigid customs of the nation, and tne oride ol
the individual who has entrusted his life to the keeping of the Great Spirit
would sternly reject such a tender; but their superstition, which il thJ
strongest of all arguments in an Indian commm.ity, vou.d alone, hol.l all
the ribe ,n fear and dread of interfering, when they consider they have so
good a reason to believe that the Great Spirit has undertaken the special
care and protection of his devoted worshippers.
lis side, who Iiurry
ation to run Ioniser
, wlio are fainting
bodies are dragjjed
dirt. In tiie coni-
ate pace, and tlieir
■uciating that ti\eir
ged by their wrists
ched to their flesh,
i flesh out with the
se, without greatly
ich they have tiuis
igh the breast and
muscle, which is
lies, and whicli, as
lowered down —
ingeniously passed
muscle, and even
: a force that most
n they were freed
h was often done
iies on to tlioui us
tance dropped by
ft, appearing like
itraugc and fright-
lirough the crowd
enormous crime,
ndured the privn-
2,le with the most
entors, ho lies the
Spirit," to whom
and in whom he
nd recovery. As
iths set uj)on fins
' the tribe, who is
ing hand, even *o
and trie pride of
the Great Spirit,
3n. whicli is the
.1 alone, hold all
der they have so
;akeu tlie special
175
III this " last race " w? ' i.
'■■'?s, each one u^^s dkg 'd u,l'l!''V'"'^r'' '''"' ^"»"y ^'°«^d H.eir suffir
'i^e the dead than thethigr nd Ztt"' ^1 'r ''''' '-^"8^^"
tl.e Great Spirit, he was i„ a fewli„Is ' °"' l""^' ""*''' ^J the\id of
reelH^ an.l staggering, like a drunken nann" 'Tf' "■^'"^' ^^ ^^ last
n.ent.oned before, that six or eioit « tt '^'"'"'^^''^ ''' ^'^-"- I '-ave
.ned,ane-Io,ige at a tin.e, an . l^ t:"?" "?""" ^'■°"^''' '-- the
shocknig ordeal, the -"clicine-men a ,:"?•'" ''""^' ^'"^"S'' t'-
nor.whereas many more were soon prep rei."'/''"''"'^^ to the i„te-
"en : and after that another batch 7lZt "'f ""'"' ^ ''"''^^ ''■--^-
umber, son,e forty-five or fifty had ; "?)"'' ""1 '' °"' ""''' "^ '^'h-'^
eavnig the.r weights, had opened the fl, "' '''^'"""S circle, and, hv
but there was one poor fellow t t /°'' "T"™^'^ -■«-. I said'«//
ragged around and around the c rl ^ 1 ,it" n' '^ '"'' '>), who wa
he flesh on one of his legs,-sever.l iV f "" "^ «" «"* ''^"'S''"^^ 'o
o-- the splint was under he sW ''; ' .-T''" "'"" ''' ^''' '« "o effL,
•'■•'igg'ng beca.ne every insfLt m "'' '""'^' "°^ ''^ broken 7 ,1'
:7s /or the poor r^H^JTl^ ^^^ ClT '"'^'" ^"^ ^"^ ^^-' "
"P for h.m by the multitude aro'^r.nd'.M TT"' '^°"' "''^'^'^ -as
th h.s medicine-pipe in his hand, a id' hdj H "' ''' '"^^-'•— nn ran,
was dropped and left upon the grou id wit. , '." "^''"^' ^''"^" ''^^ ^'"^y
Tlie boy, who was an extremelv i,r V ' '''"" y*^* ^angin.. to it
-covered his senses and h? . "'1 I'i,'^"^' ff-'-^-^ y-Uh. "
'''ceclmg Innbs ; and also with the n^ost 2. ' '^'^'^^''^y «t his torn and
•n-stortune which had now fallen "^1;! ""' '""'^ «f defiance, „p., ,„c
crowd (instead of walking, wh,,' I '"*' "^^^'^'^ "'-"»-''
«h.ch for the distance of half a mile no ^ '" P'*^'™'' ''"d over
attendant where he laid three rt; 1?"^"^ ^'-'' -thout any
'ood, and praying to the Great Sri ,'' "''''' '''' ^''S^'' -''-"'
7"Hl, 'ind by the decayi,... of | ' fl ."''''"""*'°" '^"'^ P'^'ce m the
' c^plint also, which he'dare not ext£ L " ""'f^ ^^''-^^ '"'I'P^^. --d
;" ^'"%'"'' ^-rawled back to the viltTo '• T'^T "^>'- ^^ '''« end
'•''">"Hien,aci,u.M,owalk,andbeSforV'^ /""'^ "'^' '^"-^' being-
s'^: ir:.;: ^
;'-"ces the yo^lul;^; ^t" ^^T^' ^"'^ ^ '^^ *"- '" -h
'^'--''-"'-wayasheC;:^:^;^;:--^^^^^^^^^^
^
176
far more exlmordinary than (he one which I have just named. Several of
the Traders, wlio have been tor a number of years in tiie habit of seeing this
part of the ceremony, have told me that tvvo years since, when they^were
lookmg on, there was one whose flesh on the arms was so strong that tiie
weights could not be left, and he dragged them wiili his body to the river
by the side of the village, where he set a stake fast in the ground on
the top of the bank, and fastening cords to it, he let himself . half-way
down a perpendicular wall of rock, of twenty-five or thirty feet, where the
weight of his body was suspended by the two cords attached to the flesh
of his arms. In this awful condition he hung for several davs, equi-distani
(rom the top of the rock and the deep water below, into which he at last
dropped and saved himself by swinnniug ashore !
I need record no more of these shocking and disgusting instances, of
whicli I have already given onou-rh to convince the world of the correct-
ness of the established fiict of the Indian's superior stoicism and power of
endurance, although some recent writers have, from motives of envy, from
Ignorance, or something else, taken great pains to cut the poor Indian' short
m everythmg, and in this, even as if it were a virtue.
I am ready to accord to them in this particular, tlie palm; the credit
of outdoing anything and everybody,and of enduring more than civilized man
ever aspned to or ever thought of. My heart has sickened also with
disgust for so abominable and ignorant a custom, and still I stand ready
with all my heart, to excuse and forgive them for adhering so strictly
to an ancient celebratior., founded in superstitions and mvsteries, of whi.j,
they know not the origin, and constituting a material part and feature
m the code and forms of their religion.
Reader, I will return with yon a i^oment to the medicine-lod-c, which is
just to be closed, and then we will indulge in some general reflections upon
what has passed, and in what, and for what purposes this strange batch oi
.nysteries has been instituted and perpetuated.
After these young men, who had for the last four days occupied the mc-
dicme-lodge, had been operate<l on, in the manner above described uiui
aken out of it, the old medicine-man, master of ceremonies, returned
(still crying to the Great Spirit) sole .enant of that sacred place, and bron-l,;
out the "edged tools," which 1 before said had been collected at the dC.r
of every man s wigwam, to be given as a sacrifice to the water, and leavino.
the lodge securely fastened, he approached the bank of the river, when all
he medicine-men attended him, and all the nation were spectators; and in
their presence he threw them from a high bank into very deep water, frc.n,
which they cannot be recovered, and where they are, correctly speakin.^
made a sacrifice to the water. This part of the affiiir took place just exactf;
at sun-down, and closed the scene, being the end or finale of the, MranluH
religious ceremony.
named. Several ol"
: habit of seeing this
ice, wiien they were
IS so strong that the
is body to the river
. in the ground on
let himself .half-way
lirty feet, where the
ttached to the flesh
al days, equi-distanl
nto which he at last
posting instances, of
orld of the corrort-
cism and power of
otives of envy, from
e poor Indian short
e palm; the credit
e than civilized man
sickened also with
still I stand rcadv
dhering so strictly
mysteries, of whicii
il part and feature
'ine-lodgc, whicli is
ral reflections upon
i strange batch ot
5 occupied the inp-
ove described, and
emonies, returned,
place, and brouolit
illccted at the duor
water, and leaving-
the river, when all
spectators ; and in
y deep water, from
correctly speakinix,
place just exactly
Ic of ihp, MmduH
rB«^
"H
, j^ir——
•^v>",
'V^~5^i
• /n" r- -.*■'
,f^H!M^/X,
'i
th
8(1
all
bifi
of
full
Nu.
^pp
cum
ciina
Ti
myst
even
come
of re.'
(iid a.
vo
177
The reader will f„r„i„g ,„^ ^ ,
W? hereby cerHfn n *
" J. ^^Pv, Agent Amcr Fu,. n
, The stranfye country that 7 om • ■
incidents which starUn '"~""s excitements— ,><. . • .
veryeJaborat H °"" '' '''"°^* every momen~ "'' '"^ ^''d
.^.™:« l:i- ,;■" ■"« '^- Xr:i;is r^ '"''" '"'°" '• -^
f«ll leaf of '.r i" ■'""" *" 'l'« d«u,w ; °'i "". ""'"'■■'> «Jeb,aiio„
'I A
i'
1
178
ihis man's body is reproscntcd— that he wore a robe of four white wolfskins
—Ills head-dress was made of two raven's skins— and in his left hand was a
hue:c pipe. lie said, " he was at one time the only man— he told them of
the destruction of every tiiin- on the earth's surface by water— that he
stopped in Ins bir/ canoe on a high mountain in the West, where he landed
and was saved."
"That the Mandans, and all other people were bound to make yearly
sacnhces of some edged-tools to the water, for of such things the big canoe
was made. That he instructed the Mandans how to build their medicine-
lodge, and taught them also the forms of these annual ceremonies ; and told
them that as long as they made these sacrifices, and performed their rites to the
full letter, they m.ght be assured of the fact, that they would be the favourite
people ot tile Almighty, and would always have enough to eat and drink •
and that so soon as they should depart in one tittle from these forms, they
might be assured, that their race would decrease, and finally run out; and
that they might date their nation's calamity to that omission or ne<rlect "
These people have., no doubt, been long living under the dread of such
an injunction, and in the fear of departing from it ; and while they are livin-
in total ignorance of its origin, the world must remain equally ignorant o"f
much of Its meaning, as they needs must be of all Indian customs resting
on ancient traditions, which soon run into fables, having lost all their sys-
tem, by which they might have been construed.
This strange and unaccountable custom, is undoubtedly peculiar to the
Mandans ; although, amongst the Minatarees, and some others of the
r.eighbourmg tribes, they have seasons of abstinence and self-torture, some-
what similar, but bearing no other resemblance to this than a mere feeble
ettort or form of imitation.
It would seem from their tradition of the willow branch, and the dove
that these people must have had some proximity to some part of the civilized
world; or that missionaries or others have been formerly amou- them
inculcating the Christian religion and the Mosaic account of the Flood-
which is, in tins and some other respects, decidedly different from the theo.v
which most natural people have distinctly established of that event
There are other strong, and almost decisive proofs in my opinion, in support
of the assertion, which are to be drawn from the diversity of colour in their
hair and complexions, us I have before described, as well as from their tra-
dition just related of the '^frsf. or only man," whose body was white, and
who came from the West, telling them of the destruction of the earth by
water, and instructing them in the forms of these mysteries ; and, in addition
to the above, I wi 1 add the two following very curious stories, which I had
from severa of their old and dignified chiefs, and which are, no doubt,
standing and credited traditions of the tribe
"The Mandnns (people of the pheasants) were the first people created
". the world, and they originally Jived inside of the earth ; they raised many
bur wliitc wolfskins
his left hand was a
in — hn told them of
by water — that he
St, where he landed
und to make yearly
hings the big canoe
iUl their medicine-
remonies ; and told
ned their rites to the
nld be the favourite
to eat and drink ;
these forms, they
iially run out ; and
iion or neglect."
the dread of such
liile they are livin"
Equally ignorant of
m customs resting
; lost all their sys-
lly peculiar to the
ime others of the
self-torture, some-
ban a mere feeble
eh, and the dove,
art of the civilized
!rly among them,
unt of the Flood ;
It from the theory
lat event,
ipinion, in support
of colour in their
as from their tru-
ly was white, and
II of the earth by
; and, in addition
ries, which I had
h are, no doubt,
it people created
they raised many
17S
"'nes, and one of them h„l
about him- '",!'' "Ti- '""' "J""...! .lie hZaL ""'"' ''""S«
found ,Z i,. "'■ '"'"»'»M-lilled one ^Xrl"""'' ""•' VmL
«-o iry It as soon as she L^at ^ „ ^ • ' ""' ^''ose curio«;t«
"o one nrespnt \vu , ^^^ ^ secret oDDnrtun.-f ■ "-""osity
■b. w.. di,,„,^ f„, <; „f^'«= ""■■'i»„,w„. „,, ;y ■■ ' b w,
At a very ancient period O t. . ,
"7 """t for ,1,0 .,,te,, wl 1 1 V"''"''' P™""" '» be buffalo-rr sT.
::: "■- '■»" -^-. i ..::- ^:t,r„;'r ';;:;;"■• "■»-"»«
u Ti,„ <- ■ , 't-notlnng more was
i he friends of the o-.VI c„
—.»•.«...... befo..e,„3.u„..,„.,„J:
180
t
ji'
yBiiiB^^B''i
{i
i^m^'"'!
;''
that the child would also be great medicine or mystery, and of great impor-
tance to the existence and welfare of the tribe. They were induced to this
belief from the very striinu;e nianiuM' of its) conception and l)irth, and were
soon confirmed in it from the wonderful ihings which it did at an early
age. They say, that unionist other miracles which ho performed, when tiie
Mandans were iii<c to starve, he gave them four buffalo bulls, which filled
the whole village — Ichv iu^j as much meat as there was before they had eaten ;
sayinp; that these four i)ulls would supply them for ever. Nu-mohk-muck-
a-nah (the first or only man) was bent on tin destruction of the child, and
after making many fruitless searches for it, found it hidden ,i a dark place,
and put it to death by throwiu;,' it into the river.
"When 0-kee-hee-dc (the Evil Spirit) heard of the death of this child,
he sought for Nu-mohk-muck-a-nah svith intent to kill him. lie traced him
a long- distance, and at length faund him at ff<:ait River, about seventy
miles below the village, with the big medicine-pi|)c in his hand, the charm
or mystery of which protects him from all of his enemies. They soon
agreed, however, to become friends, smoked the big {)ipe together, and re-
turned to the iVIandan village. The Kvil Spirit was satisfied; and Nu-
mohk-mtick-a-na told the Mandans never to pass Heart River to live, for
it was the centre of the world, and to live beyond it would be destruction
to them ; and he named it Nat-com-pa-sa-liah (heart or centre of the
world)."
Such are a few of the principal traditions of these people, which f have
thought proper to give in this place, anil I have given them in their
own way, with all tin- imperfections and absurd inconsistencies which
should be expected to characterize the history of all ignorant and super-
stitious people who live in a state of simple and untaught nature, with no
other means of perpetuating historical events, than by oral traditions.
I advance these vague stories then, as I have done, and shall 'lo in other
instances, not in pport of any theory, but merely as I have heard tlieui
related by the Indians; and preserved them, as I have everything else that
I could meet in the Indian habits and character, for the information of the
world, who may get mori; time to theorize th.in 1 have at present ; and who
may consider betli than I can, how far such traditions should be taken as
evidence of the facts, that these people have for a long period preserved and
perpetuated an imperfect knowledge of the Deluge— of the appearance and
death of a Saviour — and of the transgressions of mother Eve.
I am not yet able to learn from these people whether they have any dis-
tinct theory of the creation ; as they seeui to date nothing further back
than their own existence as a people ; saying (as I have before mentioned),
that they were the first people created ; involving the glaring absurdities
that they were the only people on earth before the Flood, and the oidy one
saved was a white man ; or that they were created inside of the earth, as
their tradition says ; and that they did not make their appearance on its
181
"l'«». .Led to <!« do.,, „ . 1 /"° "°»"l''«l, .-nd wl,„,e f
--«<! ov„ ,he c"', 1,.""" """ °- «'"'™ -■-! .en dajCitLt^
"s to the inofhc eiicv f.C i> r "f*-* of wliat I have above m„„»; 1
«,:i'' ™"'^'" "°-» ■-:■• "■•■' "= y- -.,„
f'i'e.ll.oy s„,c,l.o i, ,l,..„,L,vJ! ',,';^^"V''° '"=",' »'■ "» P'l» 'imanLU.
Jl'e winual rc/iglous crrrn.r. *'" °n^'''t ^'e group. ^
'^"-i". circ.„,s,L^ ::^:! '':^^y '-^^ >- days, and the other
.^ , ''^ ^^"'f'y oC further notice P '°"'" to'-^o'ses." seem to
"'•^''-^-nalKas I have before J, T.„^ '''■'"'-'" ^^'^ ^^'^^'^^d by Nu-mohk!
'""^■; '•'"• the occasion-on I "1^;,°^"""" "'' ""^' I'^P-^ the n>edid e-
-;fro.„ the .«./-,,, ,,„, ,;■;' ^^^'7 ;'- nortk part of the viila,el
sacks of water, i„ fo.,.. of l-.r ,' n ""' ''"'" '^"^ '"''^- The /o«.
odge^the/;... couples of daneer tht ^ 'm ,"^ "" ^'"^ "°°'- ^''^''^ ''^'"e
^"'^ ai-^ the/o«,. iutervening dance th '""-''7'^^'" ^ ^'^fore described .
fe ''nceisn. the same dance, and also described
^■m':
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
1.0
I.I
1^
us
■olM
u Hi
Z Mi. 12.0
L25 iu
1.6
Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
33 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.y. 14580
(716) 873-4503
?,!»
;\' n
182
The bull-dance in front of the medicine-lodge, repealed on the four days,
is danced four times on the first day, eight times on the second, tvielve times
on the third, and sixteen times on the fourth ; (adding four dances on each
o( the four days,) which added together make forty, the exact number ot
days that it rained upon the earth, according to the Mosaic account, to pro-
duce the Deluge. There are /our sacrifices of black and blue cloths erected
over the door of the medicine-lodge — the visits of Oh-kee-hee-de (or Evil
Spirit) were paid to /our of the buffaloes in the buffalo-dance, as above de-
scribed ; and in every instance, tlie young men who underwent the tortures
before explained, had four splints or skewers run through the flesh on their
legs — four through the arms and /our through the body.
Such is a brief account of these strange scenes which I have just been
witnessing, and such my brief history of the Mandans. 1 might write much
more on them, giving yet a volume on their stories and traditions ; but it
would be a volume of fables, and scarce worth recording. A nation of Indians
in their primitive condition, where there are no historians, have but a
temporary historical existence, for the reasons above advanced, and their
history, what can be certainly learned of it, may be written in a very small
compass.
I have dwelt longer on the history and customs of these pfeople than I have
or shall on any other tribe, in all probability, and that from the fact that I
have found them a vory peculiar people, as will have been seen by my
notes.
From these very numerous and striking peculiarities in their personal ap-
pearance — their customs — traditions and language, I have been led conclu-
sively to believe that they are a people of decidedly a different orighi from
that of any other tribe in these regions.
From these reasons, as well as from the fact that they are a small and
feeble tribe, against whom the powerful tribe of Sioux are waging a deadly
war with the prospect of their extermination ; and who with their limited
numbers, are not likely to hold out long in their struggle for existence, I
have taken more pains to pourtray their whole character, than my limited
means will allow me to bestow upon other tribes.
From the ignorant and barbarous and disgusting customs just recited, the
world would naturally infer, that these people must be the most cruel and
inhuman beings in the world — yet, such is not the case, and it becomes my
duty to say it ; a better, more honest, hospitable and kind people, as a com-
munity, are not to be found in the world. No set of men that ever I
assojiated with have bettei hearts than the Mandans, and none are quicker
to embrace and welcome a white man than they are — none will press him
closer to his bosom, that the pulsation of his heart may be felt, than a
Mandan ; and no man in any country will keep his wo>'d and guard his
honour more closely.
The shocking and disgusting custom that I have juSt described, sickens
described, sickens
183
the heart and even the stomach r.f » ♦, n • .
for their ignorance-he pS^ !,■ ^n r 'u *^' ^°""^^y' ^^ ^^ -^P>
laments that the light of dv I atbn If ^''' ^'"' '^'" '"'■"''««««' ""d
extended to then.. a\d that tH^^^^^^^^^ ^^' -"g- cannot be
turned to embrace something moll , T°'''"°"^''' ^""'^ "o^ be
happiness. ^ ""''' "^""""^^ ^"^ conducive to their true
Many would doubtless ask. whether ,nnV, „ k u
eradicated from these people Cd whir?/ '^1'''"™"^ ^"«^«"> «°"W be
turned to agriculture and religion co M L r. °"^l!'^ ^"'^ ^^«'-' •^'^'"S
random channel in which thev ar^'n i '^^ '° ^''''"''°" ^^^ dark aiid
and li'-B of civilization" ^ ' '''"^°'"^' ""'^ '"^'^^ ^o flow in the light
bein;a7a:t^\r::.f-„.tt?b^
rights ; and notwithstandinrthe di^ W ^ 7 "^ '' ""' °^ '^'''' ^«^^^«'
religion ofa people in who e'coX^tS no "'"""^ 'T'^ "^^ '^^
consequently no division into dSJZ "^T^""" °^ °P'»'°"«' a«d
their faith ;l still believe, and II ha^^'h" ''f ""* "^^''^ ^'^ ^'^^''e
Bffort. this abominable custom and o/h rf \' l"'^'"""' '"'^ persevering
beautiful green fields abon;Ma;dr',T''^' be extinguished, and the
ductive gardens, and the wrgfeTnb^^^^^^^^^ '"'° P-
ing distance, might be spotted wThl J '•' 'P""'"^ '" *^^ «""«"nd-
wolves and the hobbled rhoJlra?'^ T'^ '''''' ^"^^^"S
All ignorant and supe^st tious nL I / """' '*''^'"^ "''°"* ^''^™-
fixed and stubborn iX S 1^ on' " ' "f ■''"°"" '^^^' ^^^ ^'^^ "-*
to divert from their estab li h ^'^ • fTr:,' ^"^ P"^«P« ^^e most difficult
most difficult to reason S rI !''^ ^^^y <^»et that they are the
who have from time immemoHal bel 11:'::^ T "f'""^" ''^'"^^'
own way, and of enjoying their relHouln -1 ^«"'"PP'"g '« their
any one to question\heir'cor ctn s' anT'"'T "''""' '"'' '^^^'"^ ''^^^d
and satisfied, and it reouir^rrnT . J" *''°'' °P'"'°"^ ^hey are quiet
vince such a peopl tha Z are' ' ."'' '"^ ""^'""'^ ^«^°'* *° ^O""
their belief. aL cVns^en^^y rthTf;-^ ^ ^'^ ^'^ ^^'^ed change in
I d^ not'Se^efe r^c; 0?^' ''I ''''' ' ^'"'"^ ^^ ^« ^°-' -d
could be more succe f I y"n.adrlr' °" "^L' "'^^^ ^''^ ^^P"""-^
Mandans, nor any place where tSeMrff '^' "^'"'^ and hospitable
trious men would be fnore su e oJT"^ '"'°"" "'" P'°"^ '^"d indus-
in the world to come '''''' °'' '"°'"" '^^^''^■» to be rewarded
irnporTancr'nd wel! woS thT/"' ^"""""^^ "'^'' ^'^-^ P-P>« ^^ ^reat
to see accomplished and vhch T'^'^T ^"' "'^'•^'' ^ ^'>^» '^°Pe soon
'•" success. Severed as Ih v te fr7"^ ""'"'=^^'^' ^ ^™ — '" -ult
vices which oppose and thwo,. '/, 'contaminating and counteracting
along the fronZ- and Le ft^ T . ''%'"* ^''"^'^ «^ ^'^ ^-'--i-
, tree from the almost fatal prejudices which they have
■J' . t
184
there lo contend with : tliey present a better field for the labours of such
benevolent teachers than they have yet worked in, and a far better chance
than they have yet had of proving to the world that the poor Indian is not
a brute— that he is a human and humane being, that he is capable of
improvement— and that his mind is a beautiful blank on which anything
can be written if the proper means be taken.
The Mandans being but a small tribe, of two thousand only, and living
all in two villages, in sight of each other, and occupying these perma-
nently, without roaming about like other neighbouring tribes, offer un-
doubtedly, the best opportunity for such an experiment of any tribe in the
country. The land about their villages is of the best quality for ploughing
and grazing, and the water just such as would be desired. Their villages
are fortified with piquets or stockades, which protect them from the assaults
of their enemies at home; and the introduction of agriculture (which
would supply them with the necessaries and luxuries of life, without the
necessity of continually exposing their lives to their more numerous ene-
mies on the plains, when they are seeking in the chase the means of
their subsistence) would save them from the continual wastes of life, to
which, in their wars and the chase they are continually exposed, and
which are calculated soon to result in their extinction.
I deem it not folly nor idle to say that these people can be saved, nor
officious to suggest to some of the very many excellent and pious men, who
are almost throwing away the best energies of their lives along the debased
frontier, that if they would introduce the ploughshare and their prayers
amongst Ihese people, who are so far separated from the taints and con-
taminating vices of the frontier, they would soon see their most ardent
desires accomplished and be able to solve to the world the perplexing
enigma, by presenting a nation of savages, civilized and christianized (and
consequently saved), in the heart of the American wilderness.
letter-No. 23.
MINATAREE VILLAGE, UPPER MISSOURI.
village of the Minatarees ^h^ i J" ^'j'"? j '"" "ow writi„g-:o the
Missouri river, and only eH7mil u 1°''*"'' ""^ ^'^^ ^^«' bank of the
tl.e river in n.^ canoe I p tdT i' r ''' J"^"^^"^" ^" ™y -^X down
and cla.orou Jinvitat on,'? 1 to cl??.''"' ^'"''"^ ^'^ ^'^ '-"-
that I an. retrograding a little t see" h t Jt^h ' "'" "k" '-^ ^^^""
country. ' ^® ^" "'^' '^ to be seen in this singular
theLXle'a: f^tws'^^^ ''''' ^''''' ^^ ^ ^^'e already to say of
J^eXr ttrvi^,to7"-^ ^^^ ^ T' '''^ «^ ^^-t 1500
Knife river; a small st earn rcalleV nlr:""' i"'"""' °" ^"^^ ''-''« «f
ex^v^ine, and .nith;;^::;^; ^^^^^^^ ^ ^-i.. and
^iVht: :;rd7X"sr r f^ f r^ «^ ^--^
who have at some remote per od Jthe il .. ' "'I ^"^'^y ^«"»t-'-.
been run off by their enemy' aTdtht 'T """ "^ "^""^'"^ ^''^"'■^'■«"''
thrown themselves upon the'hospita i tv ofT m'7 ''''" P^^^^"*^'^' ^ave
looked for protection, and under whl^ ^'"'^'"'' '° ^'^°'" ^J^^X have
of confederacy, ready to intermarlvTnd^'T '' "' "°" "^'"^ '" ^ -^^
done inthecommon'defenceoTthefrcountrv" '""' " '"' °"^" '^^^^
the;atTy;fsrrrsTerhr"-r
it^ influence, the system oTthe'ManZ'M^'''' "'1 " ''^"^ ^'^^^ ""'l-
'•aspects, and continually assimiS "/. ^"^ T '""''^ '"'^ ''^^'^ '" ""^"X
tectors. Amongst theif vale «1 f '"°'^'''' "^ '^<^''- P^^^«"« «'^d pro-
-n,e disjointed 'authoyf:f"tLni::"" u'fT' "^^^ '^^^^ ^'^^^
account of the time. They sa' th T'' '" '^''^ '^""^ ^''''' ^^' "o
i.orse.-were nearly all wien a lir '""'' TT""""''''^''"' ^''^^^^'"^ «-
flight ; that the Mandans w "id not taTelherM '"". '"''^'^ °^'" ^'-'^
come nearer than where they aroVn. ° ''"''''^"' "°'' ''^^ them
build their villages. From he^ .7 7"^^' '"^ ^''^^^ "^^^'^^-^ *''«'" '"
VOL. I. "iduner as those of the Mandans, which 1
B B
Hi. ,
,! U
186
liave already describe!, and entirely distinct from any custom to be seen in
**" NoSSanding the long familiarity in >vhich they have lived with the
Mandans. and the complete adoption of most of their customs yet .t .s
almost an unaccountable fact, that there is scarcely a man •» the tnbe who
can speak half a dozen words of the Mandan language ; although on the
other hand, the Mandans are most of them able to converse m the Mmataree
tongue ; leaving us to conclude, either that the Minatarees are a very mert
and stupid people, or that the Mandan language (wh.ch ,s most probably
M,e case) being different from any other language m the country, is an
exceedingly difficult one to learn. ,.,.,..,. .u i i, «f
The principal village of the Minatarees which is bu.lt upon the bank of
.he Knife river (plate 70), contains forty or fifty earth-covered wigwams,
from forty to fifty feet in diameter, and being elevated, overlooks the other
two which are on lower ground and almost lost amidst their numerous corn
fields and other profuse vegetation which cover the earth with their luxuriant
^^Tli^scenery along the banks of this little river, from village to village, is
mite peculiar and curious; rendered extremely so by the continual wild
and garrulous groups of men, women, and children, who are wendmg the.r
way along its winding shores, or dashing and plunging through its blue
waves, enjoying the luxury of swimming, of which both sexes seem to be
passionately fond. Others are paddling about in the.r tub-like canoes,
made of the skins of buffaloes ; and every now and then, are to be seen
their sudatories, or vapour-baths (plate 71). where steam is raised by
throwing water on to heated stones ; and the patient jumps from his sweat-
ing-house and leaps into the river in the highest state of perspiration, as 1
have more fully described whilst speaking of the bathing of the Mandans.
The chief sachem of this tribe is a very ancient and patriarchal lookmg
man, by the name of Eeh-tohk-pah-shee-pee-shah (the black moccasin),
and counts, undoubtedly, more than an hundred snows. I have been for
some days an inmate of his hospitable lodge, where he sits tottering with
age. and silently reigns sole monarch of his little community around hun,
who are continually dropping in to cheer his sinking energies and render
him their homage. His voice and his sight are nearly gone ; but the ges-
tures of his hands are yet energetic and youthful, and freely speak Uie
language of his kind heart.
1 have been treated in the kindest manner by this old chief; and have
painted his portrait (plate 72) as he was seated on the floor of his wigwam,
smoking his pipe, whilst he was recounting over to me some of the extraor-
dinary feats of his life, with a beautiful Crow robe wrapped around him,
and his hair wound up in a conical form upon his head, and fastened with
a small wooden pin, to keep it in its place
TluB man has many distinct recollections of Lewis and Clarke, who were
m to be seen in
-^
I Clarke, who were
\ ^
:i:L
:r^ -/
>y-
>i- J-.
^:^
-^'^^^.^Jf^^^
y
^iUl>-
4^
-■■■^^uZix^:
70
-'-^v^<iv^ ■
J r
1
•
;
1
: I
i
m.
187
their tour, that they were treated w . "" J k 1 '7 'f "'"^ '"'^^y "^
they in consequence constituted h^ hie of t ftri ' .""f ""'" = ""^ ^''«^
people: and he has .emained til Si '"''''''''" '^'^"''^"» "^ ^i.
earnestly for " Red Hair" and « '^„a Knif!"; T]' "^ *="^"'^^d very
Lewis and Clarke), from the fact tha^nn^T l ^ m '"^ "^^'^^ «'»«« tern.ed
in his country), a.ld the ^^^^t Z^t::^:i;T """^'^rT^' ^l-^'
appellation of " Long Knife." ^*'"^'* '^^ him the
I have told him that " Lon? Knifp" h„a u
that " Red Hair" is yet livin^ in ^. ,''" """"^ ^'^^ ^ead ; and
hear of him ; at w i "si med n,':^: l"' 7 '°f '' "°"'^ '^^ ^'"^ ' '
that he will make me bearerTf:ot7e:uli Xpt^^^^^^ H^^"'"^'' - -
with some degL of proprLyortasi^^^^ Tr^''^ ''''" '^PP"^'* ^° t''^'"
dans, amongst whom^hL Se s w ;« 11^ j"';'^^ '"■" ^'^^ ^'»"-
of Indians, being generallv at nrhir^K^' "'''''''' "^ ^ ^n^^" r«ce
the Minatarees a're' :::::f,;L ,^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ -^^ '"^V ^'"^^
western wilds, perhaos whn nm i .7 ^ . "^''^ '^ "« tribe in tiie
the Minatare;sTor' U,:'";: ke " 'm' '° ''' ^'^'^ «' ""'"'^' ^"""
war into their enemies' countrvnr/!- ",""'' ''" continually carrying
unnecessary broils, alVsSg sf rhThetS f;^?-^-^ '"-
excursions, that I find the Dronnrfl e '"^""'^'"es m their desperate war-
two or thr^e to one, tfughTh^^ibe """^ *° ^'^ ""'"'^^^ "^^ ">- -
^!^^r^T\.1^Z"o:^7r' \ f-^'-^^- .he red
tribe, I have also painted at fuHlen'tl . '' '''fP''''" ^^"''^^^ ^^ '»«
his bow in his han'd, his n iv" llS'Z W Ttr ^^^"'^ ''^' -^'»
this plight, .«„, head-dres^ II 2' h '''"'^ "P°" "^'^ ^™- I"
an useless incumbrance-with th bod' rT 'T^^"^'"^ ''^''' '"'s''^ ''^
daubed with red and black pit so ^I f '^^ ""^'^' ""'^ P^'^'^^^'y ^e-
the Indian warriors invar abfysaivforo " ''T' P^'^^ d'«/"-.
plumes himself, and Tear on hU ... .^
enemies a conspicuous nar^ with , ;^^ "' ''"'^^""^ '"'"^^'f to li
that his enemies, if theyl Lim m '"\°'^"^'"^"'^ «"^ ^^°Phies «pon him;
•b.»iiigKbta .k.poti,.u Sh «''"'•■•« ioG.ii.,.1 Cl.,k.i „i j„ „,■
'i
i.
u
Ml
188
witcliina; smiles from n unrt of necessity, growing out of tlie prcat diipriiity
ill numbers between them and the rouijher sex, to wliich I have before
alluded.
From the very numerous p;rou|)s of those thiit hnvo from day to day con-
stantly pressed upon me, overloDkiii;^ the operations of my brush ; i hiivc
been unable to get more than one who would consent to have her portrait
painted, owinj;; to some fear or dread of harm that mii;ht eventually ensue
in consequence ; or from a natural coyness or timidity, which is surpassing
all description amonpst these wild tribes, when in presence of strangers.
The one whom I liave painted (i-late 74) is a descendant from the old
chief; and though not the most beautiful, is yet a fair sample of them, and
dressed in a beautiful costume of the mountain-sheep skin, handsomely
garnislied with porcupine quills and beads. This girl was almost compelled
to stand for her picture by her relatives who urged lier on, whilst she
modestly declined, ottering as her excuse that " she was not pretty enough,
and that her picture would be laughed at." This was either ignorance oi
excessive art on Iier part; for she was certainly more than comely, and the
beauty of her name, Seet-se-be-a (the midday sun) is quite enough to make
up for a deficiency, if there were any, in the beauty of her face.
I mentioned that I found these people raising abundance of corn or
maize ; and I have happened to visit them in the season of their festivities,
which annually take place when the ears of corn are of the proper size for
eating. The green corn is considered a great luxury by all those tribes
who cultivate it ; and is ready for eating as soon as the ear is of full sine,
and the kernels are expanded to their full growth, but are yet soft and
pulpy. In this green state of the corn, it is boiled and dealt out in great
profusion to the whole tritie, who feast and surfeit upon it whilst it lasts;
rendering thanks to the Great Spirit for the return of this joyful season,
which they do by making sacrifices, by dancing, and singing songs oi
thanksgiving. This joyful occasion is one valued alike, and conducted in a
similar manner, by most of the tribes who raise the corn, however remote
they may be from each other. It lasts but for a week or ten days ; being
limited to the longest term that the corn remains in this tender and
palatable state ; during which time all hunting, and all war-excursions, and
all other avocations, are positively dispensed with ; and all join in the most
excessive indulgence of gluttony and conviviality that can possibly be con-
ceived. The fields of corn are generally pretty well stripped during this
excess: and the poor improvident Indian thanks the Great Spirit for the
indulgence he has had, and is satisfied to ripen merely the few ears that
are necessary for his next year's planting, without reproaching himself for
his wanton lavishness, which has laid waste his fine fields, and robbed him of
«he golden harvest, which might have gladdened his heart, with those of his
wife and little children, through the cold and dreariness of winter.
The most remarkable feature of these joyous occasion is the greeii com-
prcal disptuily
I have befurti
lay to day con-
briisl) ; i liavu
ve her portrait
i-entually ensue
li is surpassing
r strangers.
It from the old
e of them, and
in, handsomely
linost compelled
on, whilst she
pretty enoujrJi,
or ignoranee oi
omely, and the
}nough to make
ice.
ice of corn or
tiieir festivities,
i proper size for
all those tribes
is of full size,
e yet soft and
alt out in great
whilst it lasts ;
) joyful season,
inging songs oi
conducted in a
however remote
en days : being
this tender and
■excursions, and
join in the most
possibly be con-
iped during this
at Spirit for the
le few cars that
:hing himself for
id robbed him of
vith those of his
ifiuter.
the green com-
189
of the old women who are he owneTof fi!n ^'^ ^''''^ ''"' "'"' ^^^^™'
are the proprietors and cultivators of aUcroi ?f''''' '^ ^"^» C"^ «"<^h
never turning their hands to surde. id 'T ''•"" '"""'"^«' ^''"^ ">«»
the medicine-men to look at the cot'fiefd^ occupafons) are delegated by
bring into the council-house, where he t tie i"' T'"'' '' '''"''''' -«>
the husks of which the women are o al owed t'lf ' T "' ^"^ '' ^°-'
peep through. The women then are fomdaM , '."^ T" °' ^^^" ^°
rfootors left to decide, until from renlZ ^^' ^''"^^'S'"^ «"<! the
decision that it will do ; when thev dTsn.t 1 "''""""^^'^"^ ^'^^y '^^^ to the
every part of the village o^tr be h^.fi/r''' °' ^"'''^' ^"""""-^'"g t^
them, and they must ail'meet on the „t\ , ?'''* ^P'"' ""'' ^^^ "^'"^ '«
ness. That all must emo v thpi ? u'^ '" '''"''" '''""''^ f«''»« good-
.8 approaching. ^'^ '''''' ''°'"^^''«' ^"^ Prepare for the feast that
On the day appointed by the doctnra fk„ n
in the midst of the group a kettlet hun^^ " ^^'^I ""' '" «''^^'»^'«^' «"d
|.een -n. which i! weS boil:d.^^tTL^ the G^tl '"^'^ ^'^'^ *»>^
fiee necessary to be made befo e any one clVnd^l ,.'''"'''' ' ^'^''•'-
appetite. Whilst this first kettleful irhn-l '"^"'g^' the cravmgsofhis
stalk of the corn in one hand a"d 1 ^ ,; ''J^^' ^' "'^"'"""^"' ""'' «
their bodies painted with wlL jav 7 ^'^'-'^^-^^oi) in the other, with
songofthanLgivingtotireSeats'iriM" T^u *''' '^"'^- '^'-"''"g «
(ri-ATE 75). At the same tim a numh. r '^' "^'"^^ '^ *« '^^ -"^de
a more extended circle wi^ stalkr of t. ™°" "^ '^"^'"^ -°-d in
Coining also in the song o thai! ;„'!•, !.'°'n '" '^''' ^'"^^'' ^"^
and looking on. During thlCeir'"'" ^'' '" ^^^^-"^'ed
bowls laid upon the ground. n^S ^7 *! " ^r"^^™^"* ^^ ^^d^"
having in it a spoon made o he b ff io or mf 'f ° '^ '^^'^ °"*' ^^^'"^ «»«
In this wise the dance continLV i , .""^"'""'''''P^ '^o™'
sufficiently boiled ; it then tt l: a * /'" '°'^^°" ''^'^'^^ ^'^^ 'he corn i,
different form and a differe son^ whrtTrr'^' '"^ ^^^'" ^««'™«« a
on a little scaffold of sticks, "hicht'lieyct m r'"^ "^ P'^^'"^' '''^ ^-«
't is entirely consumed, as hey oin I'n in trf'^^ ^ "'" '^' ^'^ "here
The fire is then removed and wkhT h I T' ''°""^ ''•
in the ground, and neu^^e s ori! tt^ o,! I ' ^'"' ^^^^'"''^^ "^ ''"-d
was. by friction, which iVdone ^a des' 7 te ancrn T',"'"^ "'^ ^''^ °-
men seated on the ground, facin^^eacl ot ^.n ^i' ','' '''"'"" "^^ '^"'^
of a stick into a hard bbck Tf ™ Ih . • '"''"''y ^'''"'"^' ^''^^ «n<i
one catchn,g it in turn from he oZt ;^tho Tf.r ''"T ''' "^"'^^' ^^^
"nfl smoke, and at last a sp.rk of fi- ""^ '' "'°"'"" *° ^'°P
!', )'
■l ' ' i.
190
died, and the kettleful of com again boiled for the feast, at which the chiefs,
doctors, and warriors are seated ; and after this an unlimited licence is given
to the whole tribe, who surfeit upon it and indulge in all their favourite
amusements and excesses, until the fields of corn are exhausted, or its ears
have become too hard for their comfortable mastication.
Such are the general features of the green corn festivity and dance
amongst most of the tribes ; and amongst some there are many additional
forms and ceremonies gone through, preparatory to the indulgence in the
feast.
Some of the southern tribes concoct a most bitter and nauseating draught,
which they call asceola (the black drink), which they drink to excess for
several days previous to the feast ; ejecting everything from their stomachs
and intestines, enabling them after this excessive and painful purgation, to
commence with the green corn upon an empty and keen stomach.
Ill
which the chiefs,
id licence is given
all their favourite
Listed, or its ears
tivity and dance
! many additional
ndulgence in the
useating draught,
ink to excess for
m their stomachs
nful purgation, to
omach.
in
<il
lit
191
LETTER— No. 24.
MINATAREE VILLAGE. UPPER MISSOURI.
f. Trl7r '"'°"' "T^ ' '""""^^ P>^^-« «« *'"■«. ^here I have no desk
to wnte from, or ma.l to send them by, are hastily scribbled off in mv noi
The only place where I can satisfactorily make these entries is in the
shadeof some sequestered trpp to wKi,,!, i« • n ^"••'"=» '» 'n me
from mv bed ffrom wwl t occasionally resort, or more often
intellmbk Mn „f „ '"""enl* ol the past day, amidst the roar and un-
mteliigibJe dm of savage conviviality that it going on under the same rjf
and under my own eye, whenever I feel disposed to applyU ^a Mi
^^erture which brings at once the whole in Jour and .irLML Jhf
Co7 z r:Ca iTttS'ot ss o';l-;rfi;; -
lookinrfJll. n '"'' '■''"'■°'^' '"^"'^^^ ''y «°'"« remarkably fine-
ookmg fellows all mounted on fine horses. I have said sometWnrof
this o^fsirriifwr fir r ^'^*^'" ''- '-- '^^^ p-' « -- -
picLttueard\rrnr'*'''"°P" ofthehumu: . . could present a more
ri-ed out in a?i h f "^^"'''T' °" ^"^^'^'^^'^'^ t''^" ^ P^^^y «f Crows
in'whatlvri, P !," ^-PP-g«-galloping about and yelping,
llin' raSdlv . "'!i-Pr^^' " '^^ '" ^ «°^t of tournament or sham-figln
^assm„ rapidly through the evolutions of battle, and vaunting forth the
Ui!
;
l;t
li
mm
m
1^2
wonderful character of their military exploits. This is an amusement, of
which they ate excessively fond ; and great preparations are invariably
made for these occasional shows.
No tribe of Indians on the Continent are better able to produce a pleasing
and thrilling effect in these scenes, nor any more vain, and consequently
better prepared to draw pleasure and satisfaction from them, than the Crows.
They may be justly said to be the most beautifully clad of all the Indians in
these regions, and bringing from the base of the Rocky Mountains a fine
and spirited breed of the wild horses, have been able to create a great sen-
sation amongst the Minatarees, who have been paying them all attention
and all honours for some days past.
From amongst these showy fellows who have been entertaining us and
pleasing themselves with their extraordinary feats of horsemanship, 1 have
selected one of the most conspicuous, and transferred him and his horse,
with arms and trappings, as faithfully as I could to the canvass, for the
information of the world, who will learn vastly more from lines and colours
than they could from oral or written delineations.
I have painted him as he sat for me, balanced on his leaping wild
horse (plate 76) with his shield and quiver slung on his back, and his Ion"-
lance decorated with the eagle's quills, trailed in his right hand. His shirt
and his leggings, and moccasins, were of the mountain-goat skins, beauti-
fully dressed; and their seams everywhere fringed with a profusion of
scalp-locks taken from the heads of his enemies slain in battle. His lono-
hair, which reached almost to the ground whilst he was standing on his feet,
was now lifted in the air, and floating in black waves over the hips of his
leaping charger. On his head, and over his siiining black locks, he wore a
magnificent crest or head-dress, made of the quills of the war-eagle and
ermine skins ; and on his horse's head also was another of equal beauty and
precisely the same in pattern and material. Added to these ornaments
there were yet many others wliich contributed to his picturesque appearance,
and amongst them a beautiful netting of various colours, that completely
covered and almost obscured the horse's head and neck, and extended over
its back and its hips, terminating in a most extravagant and magnificent
crupper, embossed and fringed with rows of beautiful shellh and porcupine
quills of various colours.
With all these picturesque ornaments and trappings upon and about him,
with a noble figurs, and the bold stamp of a wild (jentleman on his face,
adtied to the rage and spirit of his wild iiorse, in time with vihme leaps lie
issued his startling (though smothered) yelps, as he gracefully leaned to and
fro, leaving his plumes and his plumage, his long locks and his fringes, to
float in the wind, he galloped about; and felt exceeding pleasure in display-
ing the extraordinary skill which a lifetime of practice and experiment had
furnished him in the beautiful art of riding and managing his horse, as well
as in displaying to advantage his weapons and ornaments of dress, by giving
an amusement, of
ns are invariably
)roduce a pleasing
and consequently
11, than the Crows,
all the Indians in
Mountains a fine
eate a great sen-
hem all attention
tertaining us and
emanship, 1 have
im and his horse,
I canvass, for the
lines and colours
his leaping wild
)ack, and his long
hand. His shirt
foat skins, beauti-
h a profusion of
battle. His Ions
mding on his feet,
r the hips of his
i. locks, he wore a
lie war-eagle and
equal beauty and
these ornaments
jsque appearance,
I, that completely
nd extended over
t and uiagnificent
■lis and porcupine
in and about him,
man on his face,
h wiioge leaps lie
illy leaned to and
lud his fringes, to
easure in display-
experiment had
his horse, us well
if dress, by giving
'H .*J
I r^
N
■O
f^
iiil
C(
M
of
tk
fil(
th!
tll(
im;
ain
J93
.t:'?™" of .otion. „ U.ey were branched in the air «„d floa.in,
fine and fair «peci™ens'o is^ibT'L boTh 'o^f ^'t' ■"" '^"^'' ^'^^''^ ^^> ^
;raordinaryin«tance,ofthenat„ra' ir ell^^^^^^
belonging almost exclunively to this tribe and ff 1 ? 7 ' P^^"'"»''''«"
Letter given some account. In presenting !„ I " '"'" '" " ''"""^^
tl.em, (and the reader will take tE o ^ ^ '""''""' '^^ ^''^'^' ^ °«'^'
occurrences amongst the tribe Ih T^ "' extraordinary and rare
peculiarity, and aCin le^e nf r"''""^ '^*" "'"'^^ °^ ^"^^^^ '" »hi,
others Jm their numberfr;ht be ,rtedt""T"'^ ""'"""'^ ""^"y
Crows are generaliv hanruLl . / ^'i""' extravagance. The
nation oils f.isTair^i'rp ;f:l^^^^ ^'^' '' ^7 -" *« 'he
growth to the utmost of his aEv anH ,h ^'""''' '"'' P''""""'^^ ''»
it down on to the calf of fhpl^' ?"'* ''^^ /^^^'^^ ?»« of them cultivate
the ground. ' ''^'' "''"''' ^ ^'^ »^« «bie to make it sweep
worthy of furthtfatrei: 'ILTsS X it "o^'TI ^''''''^''''' ""'^
striking peculiarity is nnit« .. ^ ' °" ** '^"*"''® occasion. This
just spLCSitingll'^rr"" u 't- '^' P°""'^' '•^ ^^'"^'^ » »>-«
of the face ^f whi^f hav^bl . ^ T ^'^'^ ? '^''^^'' '^' semi-lunar outiiue
and receding forehead tt Zf' Tk I ''"'^ ''"""'^''^ ^'"^' ^"^ ^ '«*
compressed\ro:eef^^rtof"lni°'" '"'"". ^^^^"'"^ ^'^ '^^^^ '^-»
horrid distortion Z / ' '^ ^"*'"" ^"^''^^ approaching to the
IlTuntdr . f ""i """"Sst the Flatheads beyond the Rocky
of a na3 Towth andThet' ''''^'.■. '"•^'' '^ ^'^^ '''' ^'' '^' --'"»
tional or trlbluW^et. ' " " "'^ "^" '^ ^^^'-'^^ «« ^'^ »^-'^ ^^ ^ -
files of Zse ZTf K. y *''" ?'""* Mexicans, of which the singular pro-
es'e peo^etlrbe r 7 ^'""^ ''""^'"^ ""^ *« ^"^^ --'"'-
those oSa'd rnexnl c b! '^"^"'^"^«^ ^^^ -- -^o have bequeathed
cc
■h
!>,•!'
' 'i
\
£.
194
destination where tlicy now livo. I am utoppctl, however, from tulvancin);
duoh as a theory, ami much proter to leave it to oilier liaiids, wlio may more
easily get over difficulties which I shdiild be afraid to encounter in the very
outset, from the very nnportant ((ueslious raised in my mind, as to the cor-
rectness of those rude and ignoi ant outlines, in truly establishing the looks
and character of a people. Amount a people so ij,'norant and so little ad-
vanced in the aits a* the ancient Mexicans were, from whose tracings those
very numerous drawinijs are copied, I think it wouUl be assuming a great
deal too much for satisfaclory argument, to claim that such records were
to set up to the world tiie looks and character of a people who have sunk
into oblivion, wlien the heads of horses and other animals, drawn by the
same hands, are so rude and so much out of drawing as scarcely to be dis-
tinguished, one from the other. I feel as if such rude outlines shouhi be
received with great caution and distrust, in establishing the character of a
people ; and for a fair illustration of the objection I am raising, I would refer
tlie reader to a number of fuc simile drawings which I have copied from
some of the paintings of tiie Mandaus (on the three plates following I'l.Ari:
65), where most of the figures have the forehead and nose answering exactly
to these Mexican outlines, and strikingly rescnililiiig the lii-in(j Crows, also,
when they have certainly borrowed nothing fiom either, nor have they any
living outlines like them in their own tribe to have copied from.
Since writins the above 1 have passed thronu;h many vicissitudes, and wit-
nessed many curious scenes worthy of relatin;:, some of which I will scribble
now, and leave the rest for a more leisure occasion. I have witnessed many
of the valued games and amusements of this tribe, and made sketches of
them ; and also have painted a numlier of portraits of distinguished warriors
and braves which will be found in my collection.
I have just been exeeedin.ly amused with a formal and grave meeting
which was called around me, formed l)y a number of young men, and even
chiefs and doctors of the tril>e, who, having heard that I was ijrcai medt-
cine, and a great chief, took it upon themselves to suppose that I might
(or perhaps must) be, a man of influence amon^.st the " pale fa,; *_ ' nud
capable of rendering them some nlief in a case of very great g-ioviuK'e,
under which they represented that they were sutlering. Several ■ hm pro-
found speeches were made to me, setting forth these grievances, somewliHt
in the following manner : — They represented, that about five or six years
ago, an unknown, small animal — not far differing in size from a ground
stpiirrel, but with a long, round tail, shewed himself slily about one of the
chief's wigv'.nj ^eeping out from under the pots and kettles, and other
such things : \(b''!i they looked upon as great medicine — and no one dared
to kill it; but'ii.dAiU came to watch and look at it. On one of these
occasions, one of -he spectators saw this strange animal catching and de-
vouring a small "deer mouse," of which little and very destructive animals
their lodges contained many. It was then at once determined that this had
1%
•)eeii an url of tlie Great Siiirit w
'i'"." ron.„,ii„M| l,y these l„ le ^,nZ*''^Ua !^* '""""*^' ' "'"'' *° "'" ^l-"'»
•called „„.l .olenn. .lecJc. i.«u. 1 L . ' ,"'"*'''"' ''"""^•"'' '"^'i "een
w.la.,„o visitor an,! its pro-a-nv w.i \ """" ""'' '■^"'•^••''"" «f thi.
•-caain,. and oal.,„ed .i; 't!.:! ::;r" 7"'"-^ ^^ Lo rapidly
dators. U ua, «oon. however le 1 ,V ' ' '""""'"'^ «'" "»'« ''''P^e-
;.''i^ cl.nin.,„shed ohjectof t d . ,■ j:: "r! "' ''^ ^^^ '•'-.Lrs. Ihat
on. of their keel boats, which i id a 'c. "l t L '' '"'"'"' '""'^^•"' '•'-»
^' IHOO miles; and had taken up^^^^^^^^^^^^
vta..o„. in one of their earth-eovired 2tl' """' "'^"''"'^''"" «' •"■
"••■''-. whieh it was nsini for uX<l . r"""""' "'"• "•'«" ^''^"^^ '"t'e
•••""•i""ed to connnaud their r'le 'i T r';'"' "'^ "" ""'^"' ""''•'-"-
iH^t'n introduced ; bein. .....jn- ,„. '. ?'; "' ,"'" "'^"""■'- '" ^''ich it hud
Honrco, even, without the asencv i". so,,,."'' '. / " ''"' ''"'"" '''■"'" ^''^t
"-in. been thus intro.lucelur I , 7 "/ ' ''""' ^l"■'•''•
so wonrierfully increased i„ th, few !■ "" ! '"' """'^"' '"'^"'P '^''en
'-ted with .hen..-that their ca Z tljTT '"'^ 'T- ^^'^"•'"'" "'''* '"-
provsmns, were robb..] an.l racked*. ,"^ ""^ "''■"" '•"'" and other
w.-wanis were so vaulted u-u| s ,„n..,l T\ li ''"'^ Pavements under their
^'•ound ; they were now looked , '• ^"^ 'T "'"'""•' ^^'"''"f'' '« ^'>e
public ealan,ity, to uhieh it was the b J^.t o'nf ■ ''".'"'" ""'"""^'^^ "'»' ''
f on, evidently in hopes that I n L iM n T'""^' '" ^'^'" "'y "«'"'-
n.ode of relieving the n from this rea . 'r " ' '" '^'''^'""''' ^°'"'-' ^"'■^•^'^■•''"l
l^y assuring then, of „.y Z^^lZl'^T"''. ' *^"^ "' '^•' ""='" "^ '-''
snre.averyunpleusant one- andlod H """■, '""'^t'""' ^vliich was, to be
<leal of medicine in the thi, p ^ t ^ f I .""', '? ''"^^ ""' ^^^^''^ » «'-"
•" ''^ve anything to do wit lu't , : H 'T ' '''''"''''' "^^ ^'"'^" ""^^■''''•"«-
nnd ahnost homly con.pa is k't T 7''' "'" "'■^' ^"-^^ '"^ ^-'^
amusement at tlJend 'of tin 'i ^ i ?v 7 " " ^■"*'' '"'' °^ ^"» -''
^''^ evil, and ,„j,„,,i , „,any J^ .7 I '"P'''"" "'""y ''''■'"•^'li^s 'or
and I. took our ha. ; ^nd l^l'^ Z S' ,: l^' "'-'•. Ba'tiste, Bo.ard
on a v.s.t to the upper town of ,he Mi„ ,t '" ''"'"'' ""^ ^^ ''^'^^'i
d'^tant, and on the other blnk o tlKr'n "'"''' '" ''""" ^ '"''•-' «^ '"«-
following n,anner:_The old 1" f '^"'^'■' ^'^''-•'' ^'^ ""^^^'^d '» the
river, gave direction to one , t ' won"' r,'"' '"' "^ "^''^ '^ -°- the
""l^ upon her head a skin c.nlT , ' numerous household, who
'>"''-^'>at), n.ade in th! t: :;? a^T^ ^ ^b^^r^' ^ ''' ^"""^^^' ^
" hauie of willow bou-hs whirl .' f "''^'^ '*''""' ^'^^'^-hed on
placing it inthewater.; 1 H ;';,:'"7;'''' ^" ^he water's edge; and
«ere i„. and seated flat on its boC 1 '' '" '^'' ''''' ''" ^^''«" ^e
us bottom, wuh scarce roon. in any way to ad-
106
just our legs and our feet (as we sat necessarily facing each other), she step-
ped before the boat, and pulling it along, waded towards the deeper water,
with her back towards us, carefully with the other hand attending to her
dress, which seemed to be but a ligiit slip, and floating upon the surface
until the water was above her waist, when it was instantly turned off, over
her head, and thrown ashore ; and she boldly plunged forward, swimming
and drawing the boat with one hand, which she did with apparent ease.
In this manner we were conveyed to the middle of the stream, where we
were soon surrounded by a dozen or more beautiful girls, from twelve to
fifteen and eighteen years of age, who were at that time bathing on the op-
posite shore.
They all swam in a bold and graceful manner, and as confidently as so
many otters or beavers ; and gathering around us, with their long black
hair floating about on the water, whilst their faces were glowing with jokes
and fun, which they were cracking about us, and which we could not
understand.
In the midst of this delightful little aquatic group, we three sat in our
little skin-bound tub (like the " three wise men of Gotham, who went to
sea in a bowl," &c.), floating along down the current, losing sight, and all
thoughts, of the shore, which was equi-distant from us on either side ; whilst
we were amusing ourselves with the playfulness of these dear little creatures
who were floating about under the clear blue water, catching their hands
on to the sides of our boat ; occasionally raising one-half of their bodies out
of the water, and sinking again, like so many mermaids.
In the midst of this bewildering and tantalizing entertainment, in which
poor Ba'tiste and Bogard, as well as myself, were all taking infinite pleasure,
and which we supposed was all intended for our especial amusement ; we
found ourselves suddenly in the delightful dilemma of floating down the cur-
rent in the middle of the river ; and of being turned round and round to
the excessive amusement of the villagers, who were laughing at us from the
shore, as well as these little tyros, whose delicate hands were besetting our
tub on all sides ; and for an escape from whom, or for fending off", we
had neither an oar, or anything else, that we could wield in self-defence, or
for self-preservation In this awkward predicament, our feelings of exces-
sive admiration were immediately changed, to those of exceeding vexation,
as we now learned .that they had peremptorily discharged from her occupa-
tion our fair conductress, who had undertaken to ferry us safely across tlie
river ; and had also very ingeniously laid their plans, of which we had been
ignorant until the present moment, to extort from us in this way, some little
evidences of our liberality, which, in fact, it was impossible to refuse them,
after so liberal and bewitching an exhibition on their part, as well as from
the imperative obligation which the awkwardness of our situation had laid
us under. I had some awls in my pockets, which I presented to them, and
also a few strings of beautiful beads, which I placed over their delicale
107
upon the bottom, ;hen they watd I?' ^^,^''«"-. 'hat their f Uei
towards the shore, as iong L tt ' ^21 ''"'' '"''''''' ^^^^'^ "?"
poss.bly be half concealed under the wf' u "°"'='^'"^ Position! cou^d
last push for the shore, and ra 1' ! , ^^er when they gave our boat the
agam into the river ; leavin^rtP „"' T'' ''"''"^ '^"^''' plunged buck
were or of stepping out int'o t e wa e" ^^^^^ 'till Lre t
he shore, which we at once did and t ^^ ^''^' ""'^ "^ fading to
l'"le tormentors, and the num^iu' 10.!" '"""^^ ''"" *''*' ^'^" "^ ° ^
vi^ge, which I have before Tntioned """' °" ^"^ ^^ ^° ^he upper
company him and several otrsto ! i '^7^' '''""^"''^ invitX "
the village, where the young me„ Ind vount "' P"'"'^' ' ■"''« - ''o above
from the village below, hal Assembled r'th""" °' '''' '°""' ^"^ many
wh.chseemedto be that of racirtl r K r ^'""^^'"ents ; the chief of
after I had been for some t"! loler-Tand H 'r.T''^^ °' *''^^« «-"-
degree of sympathy for a fine-look.W To ' r^ n '"^ ^'^l '°"'' considerable
twice beaten on the course and wL?, T^ f """"' ^^°'^ ^°'^ had been
wh.ch. his sister, a very mrd^ X ttt;^^^^^^ ^^'^ '^-n considerable ; Z
^"d crymg. I selected and brought for^d I ' ""i- """'' P''^""^'^ •'"^""g
was ev.dently too fat and too sleek to n "'u^''°°^'"^ P^"^' ^''^^
horse that had disappointed his i'h hopes an'd'T^" '""'^''^'^ "«le
travagantly upon its muscle, &c ^henTdU . u'^'" *° '^°'"™«"t ex-
"P With the hope of getting ^P J discovered him evidently cheerino-
which he soon'Lade S7p: oJt J^ L^dV" ''« '^^, ^-^ with'himTf^^r
"0^ httle nag too much to " back '1," '« ^ ^""^ "''''' "'^ ''"''^^ «f
of half a mile, for three yards of 'arl f d V' T -^ ^'°" ^^^^ -^^' »''">
«tnngs of beads, which I was wilin. t' f t ' ' ''"''^^' ^"'^ '^^'^ ^ ^^o^en
eggmgs. which he was wear^ g ' I \ Jf V'""' ' '"'^^""^^ P^ «'■
e tement was now raised amongst the crowd bvr ^'"^'"'' ""'^"'""'^'^ «^^-
white man preparing to run wifh a Ind V ^'■'•'^"^^"'ent ; to see a
a pony, in whose powers of ^"'''a" Jockey, and that with a scrub of
Vet. there was no orrtheeZrir "'T '''' ''' '^^ -"«'^"-
"'e bets I was willing to n er^re fort •" '^'^ "P ^''^ ^ ' «ther
final exultation) ; owiL undonh. n ^ u ?'" amusement, and for their
^; ich I had ventured o'li thf «^^^^^ ^^ -"^^-t manner ii:
a" overlooked ; and needs musU e 1 n JS T' "'•"'' ^'" "'^'^ '^'^
'^0 far was this mnin,.. • ,, ^"'"<^ "'««*«ne about t.
panic carried, that even my champion was ready to with-
hi .^i
4 3
1. 1 ™
198
draw ; hut his friends encouraged him at length, and we galloped our hoises
off to the other end of the course, where we were to start ; and where we
were accompanied by a number of horsemen, who were to witness the " set
off." Some considerable delay 1 ere look place, from a condition, which was
then named to me, and which I had not observed before, that in all the
races of this day, every rider was to run entiiely denuded, and ride a naked
horse! Here 1 was completely balked, and ' aving no one by me to inter-
pret a word, I was quite at a loss to decide wiiat was best to do. I found
however, that remonstrance was of little avail ; and as I had volunteered
in this thing to gratify and flatter them, 1 thought it best not positively to
displease them in this ; so I laid off my clothes, and straddled the naked
back of my round and glossy little pony, by the side of my competitor, who
was also mounted and stripped to the skin, and panting with a restless
anxiety for the start.
Reader ! did you ever imai^ine that in the middle of a mans life there
could b<! a thought or a feeling so new to him, as to tiirow him instantly
bick to infancy ; with a new world and a new genius before him — started
afresh, to navigate and breathe the elements of naked and uutasted liberty,
which clothe him in their cool and silken robes that float about him ; and
wafting their life-inspiring folds to his inmost lungs? If you never liave
been inspired with such a feeling, and have been in the habit of believing
that you have thought of, and imagined a little of every thing, try for a
moment, to disrobe your mind and your body, and help me through feelings
to which I cannot give utterance. Imagine yourselves as I was, with my
trembling little horse underneath me, and the cool atmosphere that was
floating about, and ready, more closely and familiarly to embrace me, as it
did, at the next moment, when we " were off," and struggling for the goal
and the prize.
Though mv little Pegasus seemed to dart through the clouds, and I to
be wafted on the wings of Mercury, yet my red adversary was leaving me
too far behind for further competition ; and I wheeled to the left, making a
circuit on the prairie, and came in at the starting point, much to the satis-
faction and exultation of the jockeys ; but p-eatly to the murm.iring disap-
pomtment of the women and ciiildren, who had assembled in a dense
throng to witness the "coming out" of the *' white medicine-man." I
clothed myself instantly, and came back, acknowledging my defeat, and
the superior skill of my competitor, as well as the wonderful muscle of his
little charger, which pleased him much ; and his sisters' lamentations were
soon turned to joy, by the receipt of a beautiful scarlet robe, and a profusion of
vaii-coloured beads, which were speedily paraded on her copper-coloured neck.
After I had seen enough of these amusements, I succeeded with some dif-
ficulty, in pulling Ba'tiste and Bogard from amongst the groups of women
and girls, where they .seemed to be'successfully ingratiating themselves ; and
we trudged back to he little village of earth-covered lodges, which wcr*
199
hemmed in, and almost obscurP<l fr«,„ .1
luxurinnt g.owth of wiid Z^^J^^^a oT' '' ''' ''''' ^' -"' -^'
the soil, whose spontaneous growth ad e ed h;- T'f'' ^^"'^"^"""^ ^^
as to appear all but like a dfnso and t iltle t^^^^ '" ^"^'^ P-'"-"-
We loitered about this little villaire iwhil« 1 i^
and tracin, its winding uvenues^ft r ^^^^^^^^^^^
wended our way back again to head-nuartern k"'' '''" ''^^^ ^"^
morning, and where I am now wH J Th t • "'^'"'' "'^ ''^'''^ ''" ''-
the inhabitants of this little tribe excTot . nn P ' '.'T'''' '^''"''^ "^ "« «"
out on a war excursion against the R Leer rdT^^"^"'"^^ ^^'^^ ^-
pleased with their general behaviour .uaT \ ^''' '''''" exceedingly
-s games and alsements 'Tn^nr : i^irr,:'' ^^ •"'' ''r ""^"^-
pleasure by taking a part '''*''° fe^'^^n them grout
-"r"n^:;:i: jc:::rLr:h: "'^f— ---
carrying war continually in their ene.i' ""'^^^-^^ the Mandans,
lives and diminishing the nur^be trrw""'"''' '^"'^^ "^P°^'"» t'">'>
two or three women to a man tl oulh I o T ,''™'%? '^'•'' '^'^''^ ^''^^ ' ^nd
- the chase also, and in their' <^::?i;;*t. P' "'^ '"" '-"'^ ^'^-'-^
feats are such as to excite the as C ■ °"' "' '^"^'^^'"^^' ^'"^'^
behold them. Of these sconesl ; •" ?' '^'""•'^"°" °^ ^" ^^^'^
th>s country, and among.t them all 2l T r"'""^ ''"'^^ ^ '^^'"'^ '"^o
one to which I was an ^ve-wit Is . 2^ ' '■ ''"' '' ^"^'"P-^ -"^
heing described. '^' ""^'""'"Ss smce, and well worthy of
r^^:T::^:::it:ti^:'j-^ ^-r .r some month.
herds of buffaloes were emigra i " ^ off t '".f '^'"r"^" '''''' ^'^^'^ "'«
danger of their actual starvation whe, f ^'°'", ''^'"' ^'"''^ ^here was ,reat
the village one mornino- at In ' v ' T ""''''"'^ ^"""""'^'^^1 ''"""Kh
«ight. when an hundred mo, el',' ''''' '' ''"'' '' ^^^^^''-^ -- "".
pons in baud and steered tl "c u." 't "t? """"^-"^ ^''^''- '-^^ -^'' --
me that one of his horses was ,W d „ ss ^"""'t "''^ ^''^'-^*' '"'— '
am. that I had better go and s:r : Ll^ ^IJ.^ I '°" ^^'r/r'^-^'
orter, and mou,,ting the steed, galloped .rii I. 1 "'''P^'^' ^"' P°''""^
- ere we soon descried at a disfance a I uZ i tT" ^° '" P"'''^'^'
» halt and a council were ordered nndZ . / '^''^°^' »'<>^'"- "''e"
' had a.-n,ed myself with my't^e"^^^^^^^^
quently took my position genera lyhth ,7 ^'^,'-'^^'''-'^«°'< only, and conse-
ciate every manoeuvre ^ ''"' '"'"'"'^ ^ *''""'d see and appre-
----- at ai.srr::i:n:-^^^^
200
circle of horsemen at equal ilistances apart, who pradjally closed in npon
them with a moderate pace, at a signal given. The unsuspecting herd at
length ♦* got the wind " of the. approaching enemy and fled in a mass
in the greatest confusion. To the point where they were aiming to cross
the line, the horsemen were seen at fi ' speed, gathering and forming in a
column, brandishing their weapons and yelling in the most frightful manner,
by which means they turned the black and rushing mass which moved off in
an opposite direction where they were again met and foiled in a similar
manner, and wheeled back in utter confusion ; by which time the horsemen
had closed in from all directions, forming a continuous line around them,
whilst the poor affrighted animals were eddying about in a crowded and
confused mass, hooking and climbing upon each ether ; when the work of
death commenced. I had rode up in the rear aud occupied an elevated
position at a few rods distance, from which 1 could (like the general of a
battle field) survey from my horse's back, the nature and the progress of the
grand m61e6 ; but (unlike him) without the power of issuing a command or
in any way directing its issue.
In this grand turmoil (plate 79), a cloud of dust was soon raised, which in
parts obscured the throng where the hunters were galloping their horses around
and driving the whizzing arrows or their long lances to the hearts of these noble
animals ; which in many instances, becoming infuriated with deadly wounds
in their sides, erected their shaggy manes over their blood-shot eyes and
furiously plunged forwards at the sides of their assailants' horses, sometimes
goring them to death at a lunge, and putting their dismounted riders to flight
for their lives ; sometimes their dense crowd was opened, and the blinded
horsemen, too intent on their prey amidst the cloud of dust, were hemmed
and wedged in amidst the crowding beasts, over whose backs they were
obliged to leap for security, leaving their horses to the fate that might await
them in the results of this wild and desperate war. Many were the bulls that
turned upon their assailants and met them with desperate resistance ; and
many were the warriors who were dismounted, and saved themselves by the
superior muscles of their legs ; some who were closely pursued by the bulls,
wheeled suddenly around and snatching the part of a buffalo robe from
around their waists, threw it over the horns and the eyes of the infuriated
beast, and darting by its side drove the arrow or the lance to its heart.
Others suddenly dashed off upon the prairies by the side of the affrighted
animals which had escaped from the throng, and closely escorting them for
a few rods, brought down their hearts blood in streams, and their huge car-
casses upon the green and enamelled turf.
In this way this grand hunt soon resolved itself into a desperate battle :
and in the space of fifteen minutes, resulted in the total destruction of the
whole herd, which in all their strength and fury were doomed, like every
beast and living thing else, to fall before the destroying hands of mighty
nmn.
illy closed in upon
suspecting herd at
id fled in a mass
•e aiming: to cross
r and forming in a
it frightful manner,
which moved off in
foiled in a similar
time the horsemen
line around them,
t in a crowded and
; when the work of
icupied an elevated
ce the general of a
I the progress of the
uing a command or
oon raised, which in
; their horses around
learts of these noble
with deadly wounds
ilood-shot eyes and
i' horses, sometimes
nted riders to flight
ed, and the blinded
dust, were hemmed
se backs they were
ite that might await
f were the bulls that
•ate resistance ; and
;d themselves by the
ursued by the bulls,
a buffalo robe from
;s of the infiiriated
e lance to its heart.
le of the affrighted
y escorting them fur
and their huge car-
a desperate battle ;
il destruction of the
doomed, like every
ng hands of mighty
:' 4
201
I had sat in trembling silence unnn >«., i
ordinaryscene,whichaLwed oto:e\T I :?" , "'"""' ''"' -^-
sight. Many plunged off upon ti pi b ""d u/' ''T °"' "^ "'^
taken and killed • and althm.gh I cotdd not L T ■"' ''"' ''''' °^«'-
in the animals' sides '^ ''"■' ^'■*^'"& f''"'" the wounds
th^::^^tc ^^^rr^ ^t ^t ^--'-^-^ ^-^^^
prairie (and in some inst nces h^l un , K,'''^''^ *" ^'^^' "P°" ^^e
stand awhile, looking back w en til tur . f ^""'' '''^' ' ^^^ ^''^"^
destruction, retraced the,>t!ps a dm ",' h ' ''. " ''^"^ °" ^'-■■•- «-"
with those of the dyin.thronr'oTlln '^'"^'''"'^ ""^ ^^^^'^ death,
and for want of comp'a y oT'frien nf f '' T ^ ''-^'""^"^ °" ^'^ P^--
the battle-scene wa's er et bjlv^^^^^^^
their lives in readiness for their destZL^f/ *° '''y' ^"^ '^°'<J
over, when they fell easy vie imstt tCr' " ^'"'''' ^^^'""=^'°" ^««
complete. ^ *° "''"' ^^^Pons-making the slaughter
.gen'!^uoir:i hefd wii^r ';' '--^ ^■^•■-^^ -^ ~d. a
few pipes smoked after wlh a mn .T, "'''' °" ^''^ °™""'^' -^ «
the village. *"' '" '"^""^^'^ ^''^^^ ^'orses and rode back tr>
p.-r:^rw:L3tr£r^:t^^r ^" ^^^ ^^'^^^^°-
soon communicated by lit.le squad to e .v'f ^ " T' '"'^"'"^^"-e ^as
parations were at oncJmade ^r^etu ^g ^ Z' ' V 'rVhi"^'^ ' "' ''-
hundreds of women and children tn th. T? V „ f ' Purpose, some
Indian life, started out upon t [r XZ Z f '' ''l ''^'^"'^^ °^
where they spent the day i„ skinning the .ntn . '^" ''"'""^''^'
meat, which was mostly brought into tL 11 ' '""^ '""'"^ "P ^^^
tyda„,3weatedu„lrrefe^rot\:d'relld?'"^ ''''" ''''''
^^^^r.:ZZ2:^~^^-^ I regret exceedingly that I
and children, that had been al'mbtd '^d ,11 J , ' ' ''""^ °' "°"""
work, were many superannu-itedTd H n / ''''°'" ''"'""'^ '^"^"y ^^
Ifvl-
202
that arose, and generally ended, in desperate combats; both amongst the
dogs anT women' who seemed alike tenacious of their >ocal and recenUy
acquired rights ; and disposed to settle their claims by " tooth and na.l -
\tv manual and brute force. . ., , . .
'when had seen enough of this 1 rode to the top of a beaut.ful pra.r,
bluff a mile or two from the scene, where I was exceedmgly amused by
overlooking the route that laid between this and the village, wh.ch was ove
the undulating green field, for several miles, that la.d beneath me ; ove
which there seemed a continual string of women, dogs and horses, fo the
Te of the day, passing and repassing as they were busdy bear.ng home he,
heavy burthen to thJr village, and in their miniature appearance, wh.ch
the distance gave them, not unlike to a busy community of ants as they are
imetimes seen, sacking and transporting the treasures of a cupboard, or
the sweets of a sugar bowl.
203
LETTER— No. 25.
LITTLE MANDAN VILLAGE. UPPER MISSOURI.
eighty lodges, built in the same mantras tot wht^hl'"^' conta.ns suty or
tinned, and I have just leamSfZ .^ I ^ "^ ^ ^"""^ ^^'^"""^y ""en-
ceremony here, precil y inZM ^^ " ''''" ^''^''^ '^' ^"""'''
the 10 Jr or ia;gTt:w:.:„^'Lr:jarnr " ^'" ^'''^ ^ ^''"^^^^ ^"
in '^^:^::^;Z^t'''^'^^^ -me
persons, which has astoni ed an'p -fed t'hl"^ ";"'' distinguished
of my brush always gains me many en S T-'7 T'^' ^^' "P^^^^'°"
these wild folks /a'd in t irvlTe I^ h ""'^ ^° ''"°"^^^-
even ajiic^erl, by thefriencU i:Sn Ui sof onTofTeT '^ '"''"^' ^"^
sites, who (amoncst various nH,pr«ffi/i ""^^^ "^^^^e reverencmg para-
has Len bent up'?extendit to mef^ °'-P''!.''^ '"^ ^'"'"^^« ^^''^ he
beenindulgedinthetnouLel
pillow, which / have not h.rl tl,l i * / ' "ff^^""? his body for my
lacked the vanity to boat of a * ^ •'"'•"^'.' ""'^ "' '''''' '" ''^^ "°'
his part, towaris^;. rinlri kindness and hospitality on
II , I ^^^'^^ ^^^ ^ dishmjmshed stranqer !
room, to which nlare H,» n-. ' . ^ '^'^ '" ^''^ <=entre of the
friend has a regula y draw him ^T^^T •' '"^ ^°"^^^"* ^^ ^^'^f"'
hrought me. nigh L'r S toThel' l" ^ '""'^'"^ -Portunities have
-'d bear-gr'easfd bodTfo:i piNow ' "'" °' "^'"^' '"'^ '^^^-•^«'
character; and learned^hat 1?^^^ a Seal br^b:;'"'^"'^ T '''
too-ca-ra (he who strikes^ ivl,n ; ■ i '^'."-r "" ^','*'^' '^y the name of Pah-
ostile villii!£o), and living
"s <Ih\v are, unprotected,
204
except by the mercy of their enemies. I think it probable, therefore, that he
is ingeniously endeavouring thus to ingratiate himself in my affections, and
consequently to insure my guardianship and influence for his protection. Be
this as it may, he is rendering me many kind services, and I have in return
traced him on my canvass for immortality (plate 83).
By the side of him (i-latf 84), I have painted a beautiful little girl of the
same tribe, whose name is I'shan-shaw (the sweet-scented grass), givin"- a
very pretty specimen of the dress and fashion of the women in this tribe.
The inner garment, which is like a slip or a frock, is entire in one piece, and
beautifully ornamented with embroidery and beads, with a row of elks'
teeth passing across the breast, and a robe of the young buffalo's skin,
tastefully and elaborately embroidered, gracefully thrown over her shoulders,
and hanging down to the ground behind her.
Plate 82 gives a portrait of one of the chiefs of this tribe by the name of
Stan-au-pat (the bloody hand), and (plate 81) of Kah-beck-a (the twin),
a good-lookinjj matron, who was painted a few weeks since in the prin-
cipal Mandan village.
The dresses in both of these portraits are very beautiful, and I have pro-
cured them, as well as the one before spoken of, for my collection.
Plate 80, gives a view of the Riccaree village, which is beautifully
situated on the west bank of the river, 200 miles below the Mandans ; and
built very much in the same manner; being constituted of 150 earth-
covered lodges, which are in part surrounded by an imperfect and open
barrier of piquets set firmly in the ground, and of ten or twelve feet in
height.
This village is built upon an open prairie, and the gracefully undulating
hills that rise in distance behind it are everywhere covered with a verdant
green turf, without a tree or a bush anywhere to be seen. This view was
taken from the deck of the steamer when I was on my way up the river ;
and probably it was well that I took it then, for so hostile and deadly are
the feelings of these people towards tlie;;a/e faces, at this time, that it may
be deemed most prudent for me to pass them on my way down tlic river,
without stopping to make ihem a visit. Thny certainly are harbouring tiie
most resentful feiliiigs at this time towards the Traders, and others passing
on the river ; and no doubt, that there is great danger of the lives of any
white men, who unluckily fall into their hands. They have recently sworn
death and destruction to every white man, who comes in their way ; and
there is no doubt, that they are ready to execute their threats.
When Lewis and Clarke first visited these people thirty years since, it will
be found by a reference to their history, that the Riccarces received and
treated them with great kindness and hospitality ; but owing to the system
of trade, anU the manner in which it has been conducted in this country,
they have been inflicted with real or imaginary abuses, of which they are
hemselves, and the Fur Traders, the best judges ; and for which they are
e, therefore, that he
my affections, and
his protection. Be
n<l I huvu in return
iful little girl of the
t!(i {,nass), givin» a
omen in this tribe,
e in one piece, and
itii a row of eiits'
ang bulFulo's skin,
over her shoulders,
ibc by the name of
■beck-a (the twin),
since in the prin-
1, and I have pro-
)llectiou.
lich is beautifully
he Manddns ; and
ed of 150 earth-
iperfect and open
or twelve feet in
cefuUy undulating
•ed with a verdant
n. This view was
way up the river ;
ile and deadly are
1 time, that it may
ly down the river,
ire harbouring the
md others passing
the lives of any
ve recently sworn
n their way ; and
ats.
years since, it will
rees received and
?ing to the system
d in this country,
if which they are
or which they are
1
'
'
1
'1
m
''''aJlit
i'^
ifl^Hl ' '!
rl!
|]9HH| 1
r^ .
- K^^mS^u^ .
mi
no. ,,a,b„„ri„s .ke „,« i„.,e.,. feeling „„„,, .^^ „,„,^ ^, ^_
The Riccarees are unciuesfionablv a nait nf tho . u r t,
on the Platte River, som'e hundreds of': Is betw IL ! '"T' ""'"^
language is "early or quite the sa.e ; ardthefl^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^'^
customs as similar as could be reasoniblvpvnpo! I. ^ appearance and
since separated from their mrent tnt^ f ''"°"»'' " P^°P'^ «« '«"?
vations from the nei.hbo i tr be at^d .h"'"^ "'J^^^^' '^ '"-
erratic wanderings in search o a Tocsin tfT' 'T"^'' "''°'"' '" ^''^'■'*
the character, aUernately, of frLLl l^j of'fie:"' "^ '"" ^"^'^'^ ^"^""^ '"
the /«,< tUr, who h^ datd fo; s. 1^ " ''"' ^""^ """^'^ "'i'^
dence with them, aft they ad id 7" C '"^' 'V""^""""^ '''^ ^-'-
rades before him and dividL :iJt^t^'^!: '''' ""^ '' ''' ''--
scribed in the lower villale-and h 1 ^^^ h I TV\ '^''' ^ ^''' ^'•
canoe ; with B.tiste and Bo.arJ to Hdle li/^or^ rttsC '11
"iy ;vay a,an. on the mighty Missouri towards my nath^ land bidd
everlastm, farewell to the kind and hospitable Mandans ' '"''"^
.«£.onth:;;:^,L^^^^^
-In tVe'ri'rr*^ r ^ ^'^''-""^'-^^.'-P'table and honou.Tle
floJd ofT^' '" ""'' ' r''"''°" ^' ""^' *''^ '"'■"^ '^ '^ 0"ce filled with a
H od o en. ,nes as to the source from which they have sprung, and ea.e 1 y
no i : ^'- --'--;vhich is to lead it to the'most prLb^ and cofr'^
one o b mef m'' " "T'^'"'''' "^"'"'^'^ ^'^^^^ ^^ ">'">y. --' forcible
•" fo me :; t"r"^^' '"" P^^P'^- ^"^ --y ^^^ ->-»> ^ ^--^ named
') tonne, epi.tles, the most striking ones are those which go, I think, de-
11
206
cidedly to suggest the existence of looks and of ( ustoms amongst tliem, bear-
ing incontestible proofs of an amalgam of civilized and savage ; and that in
the absence of all proof of any recent proximity of a civilized stock that could
In any way have been engrafted upon them.
These facts then, with the host of their peculiarities which stare a travellei
in the face, lead the mind back in search of some more remote and rationa
cause for such striking singularities ; and in this dilemma, I have been
almost disposed (not to advance it as a theory, but) to enquire whether here
may not be found, yet existing, the remains of the Welsh colony — the fol-
lowers of Madoc ; who history tells us, if I recollect right, started with ten
ships, to colonize a country which he had discovered in the Western Ocean ;
whose expedition 1 think has been pretty clearly traced to the mouth of the
Mississippi, or the coast of Florida, and whose fate further than this seems
sealed in unsearchable mystery.
I am travelling in this country as 1 have before said, not to advance or to
prove theories, but to see all that I am able to see, and to tell it in tlie sim-
plest and most intelligible manner 1 can to the world, for their own conclu-
sions, or for theories I may feel disposed to advance, and be better able to
defend after I get out of this singular country ; where all the powers of ones
faculties are required, and much better employed I consider, in helping him
along and in gathering materials, than in stopping to draw too nice and
delicate conclusions by the way.
If my indefinite recollections of the fate of that colony, however, as re-
corded in history be correct, I see no harm in suggesting the inquiry, whether
they did not sail up the Mississippi river in their ten ships, or such number
of them as might have arrived safe in its mouth ; and having advanced up the
Ohio from its junction, (as they naturally would, it being the widest and
most gentle current) to a rich and fertile country, planted themselves as
agriculturalists on its rich banks, where they lived and flourished, and in-
creased in numbers, until they were attacked, and at last besieged by the
nun-.erous hordes of savages who were jealous of their growing condition ;
and as a protection against their assaults, built those numerous civilized
fortifications, the ruins of which are now to be seen on the Ohio and the
Muskingum, in which they were at last all destroyed, except some few fami-
lies who had intermarried with the Indians, and whose offspring, being half-
breeds, were in such a manner allied to them that their lives were spared ;
and foiniing the"mselves into a small and separate community, took up their
residence on the banks of the Missouri ; on which, for the want of a pcrmtv-
nent location, being on the lands of their more powerful enemies, were
obliged repeatedly to remove ; and continuing their course up the river,
have in time migrated to the place where they are now living, and con-
sequently found with the numerous and almost unaccountable peculiarities
of which 1 have before spoken, so inconsonant with the general character
uf the North American Indians; with complexions of every shade; with hair
mongst tliem, bear-
avage ; and that in
:e(l stock that could
icli stare a travellej
emote and ratlona
rrma, I have been
nquire whether here
sh colony — the fol-
ht, started with ten
he Western Ocean ;
;o the mouth of the
her than this seems
lot to advance or to
tell it in the sim-
ir their own conclu-
d be better able to
1 the powers of ones
der, in helping him
draw too nice and
ly, however, as re-
tlie inquiry, whether
ips, or such number
ing advanced up the
ng the widest and
anted themselves as
flourished, and in-
last besieged by the
growing condition ;
numerous civilized
the Ohio and the
cept some few fami-
flspring, being half-
lives were spared ;
unity, took up their
e want of a permsv-
i^erful enemies, were
course up the river,
low living, and con-
intable peculiarities
e general character
3ry shade; with hair
207
:!i^'l: :;ir '" ^"""' ^^^'^^^^ ^^' --^ ^-^^ '-^'. -th grey. ..d
•acted other proof^ :S7: tl\ IZ'in': ^l^! ^T u'^'' f'
or whether amongst the tribes who inhabit the count yrelowLef '"' '
any^saUsfUctory traditions of their residences in, an/tr^I'tt^r:;:-
^^:^'J:^i:^iXi^:^^ '-' - '-- -y -^■•^«)> on u.
country; nad tbe manner and cau es^rf « T''"^ V^"'' '™'' ■""'«' ^ '^^ '^^'^
dix to the Second Volume of iT VVork T ""n ""' ' 'r' '"P'"'""'* '" '•'" ^Ppen-
subject just above-named rela ve In o' "f T- '°'"' '""''" "^'^'^'^^"^^^ons of the
follower; of il/^doj to ^h I 1 t 'hJ ^^ ^ ^ '"■•>'', """^ '"« P-^^^ble fate of the
Uie body of the Wo k. S Append' x I ^'^ ""' ''*' ""'" "''"'' ""' ««- '•-^'- -
i,
■i '
M
20.S
LETTER -No. 26.
MOUTH OF TETON RIVER, UPPER MISSOURI.
Since writing the above Letter I have descended the Missouri, a distance
of six or seven hundred miles, in my little bark, with Ra'tiste and Bogard,
my old " compagnons du voyage," and have much to say of what we three
did and what we saw on our way, which will be given anon.
I am now in the heart of the country belonging to the numerous tribe of
Sioux or Dahcotas, and have Indian faces and Indian customs in abun-
dance around me. This tribe is one of the most numerous in North America,
and also one of the most vigorous and warlike tribes to be found, number-
ing some forty or fifty thousand, and able undoubtedly to muster, if the
tribe could be moved simultaneously, at least eight or ten thousand warriors,
well mounted and well armed. This tribe take vast numbers of the wild
horses on the plains towards the Rocky Mountains, and many of them have
been supplied with guns ; but the greater part of them hunt with their bows
and arrows and long lances, killing their game from their horses' backs while
at full speed.
The name Sioux (pronounced see-oo) by which they are familiarly called, is
one that has been given to them by the French traders, the meaning of which
I never have learned; their own name being, in their language, Dah-co-ta.
The personal appearance of these people is very fine and prepossessing, their
persons tall and straight, and their movements elastic and graceful. Their
stature is considerably above that of the Mandans and Riccarees, or Black-
feet ; but about equal to that of the Crows, Assinneboins and Minatarees,
furnishing at least one half of their warriors of six feet or more in height.
I am here living with, and enjoying the hospitality of a gentleman by the
name of Laidlaw, a Scotchman, who is attached to tlie American Fur Com-
pany, and who, in company with Mr. M'Kenzie (of whom I have before
spoken) and Lamont, has the whole agency of the Fur Company's transac-
tions in the regions of the Upper Missouri and the Rocky Mountains.
This gentleman has a finely-built Fort here, of two or three hundred
feet square, enclosing eight or ten of their factories, houses and stores,
in the midst of which he occupies spacious and comfortable apartments,
which are well supplied with the comforts and luxuries of life and neatly
and respectably conducted by a fine looking, modest, and dignified Sioux
[issouri, a distance
I'tiste and Bogardf
of wliat we three
m.
numerous tribe of
customs in abun-
in North America,
be found, number-
f to muster, if the
thousand warriors,
ambers of the wild
lany of them have
int with their bows
lorses' backs while
amiliarly called, is
meaning of which
fuage, Dah-co-ta.
repossessing, their
graceful. Their
jcarees, or Biack-
and Minatarees,
nore in height,
gentleman by the
lerican Fur Com-
Dm I have before
mpany's transac-
Mountains.
ir three hundred
Quses and stores,
able apartments,
f life and neatly
i dignified Sioux
209
country, drawin, fj al^u^ 1 "n^V'''^ '-'^"'^^ of the great sL"
number of buffalo robes, whid, are olrTi T"'' ""^ ^'»'««t incredible
tern market,, and sold it a 're S ' t! ' ''^^ '''^^'^ ^^ "^^^ S
"I'les above St. Louis, on tht west bant Z ^°'' '' ''''^^^^" hundred
Plam near the mouth of the litl iverthi h ^ *'""""' «" ^ ''--tiXl
compliment to Monsr. Pierre CUnn, ^^'V''^. **■« "ame of Fort Pierre in
Fur Company, residing in s^Lo^T^?"u^ '' ^''^ partners I't
as I have before .nentioned for mv 'n "''°'' Pol'teness I am indebt d
'-first voyage to the Ye W sroL'^Xr ^''^ ^-^P-^^ ^teame 1'
-cjety. I have before said. I had d .nw' taT "''"' ^"' ^^""^^-'y
The country about this Fon U =.i ° ^ Passage. -^
banks of the river and streams onir??."''',^. ^'''"'' P^"^"^'""? along the
coud have been selected morrplea t'. 'f 1 ''' h'"""^ '' ''"''''' ^'kl
Fort ., m the centre of one of the Sn " "^^^"'ageous than this ; the
-d in by a series of gracefuH; „„? ^ '-"' '""^'■'"' P"^'"^' ^^ ''--
"s.ng like a series of terraces, i the uS, f ^^J-^overed hills, on all sides ;
or four hundred feet in elevation whichTJ 7 I '^' ^'''"''' ^^'"^ ^hre^
boundless ocean of gracefully 'J t"' "!f' '^ '" ^" «PP«r«"tly
•ny way up the river I „,ade I paTn f o tl" T'^, '^"^ °' S''-"- 0«
summit of the bluffs, a mile or two d Lt . o'^ 'P°*' ^^l^^" ^^'^^ the
ment of Sioux, of six hundred ten^ « 1 „ ,o7' '^' ''^*'"» ^" ^^-P-
tbey had concentrated to make thp r ^^''' ^■""""'^ ^^'« Fort, where
peltWes for articles and l^^^^S^^'^T^'^^^ ''''' ^^ -^
TJie great family of Sioux wl,. ! "'anufactures.
ing from the banks'of the mIJ XS^o 7^' ^"^'/^--'^y. extend^
tarns are everywhere a migralort o ol '^^^«« "^ ^he Rocky Moun-
bands or families, each haWnra cwL . f. "^'' ^'^''^^'' '"^^ ^^rty-two
Jead chief, to whom they l^are llJ s" , ^'"'^"'^'^^"^ ' ^P^^'- o"
however, I should rather record as their ^ "''':. "^''"^ subordination,
which there exists no doubt, than a, 1' ^^ '"'^ "'""'^ ^^^"'^^'°". «
vat.ons made amongst thes peopleVv t^^^^ ""t'T' ^'" """^^^^ '""O"
proxnnuyofcivilizationalongrg'^^ratdel oft"h "^" ^^ ^y ''-
-•^at advanced towards i,lo„ anr;"'^.''' """ '^'^^^ '^ -"-
''»'" I. '"°"' ''"'' '^^""'•ar with white people, with
210
wliom tliey <iave held intercourse for many years, and arc conaeqiietitly px>-
ce^sive whiskey drinkers, ihouj^li constituting but a meagre ))ro|X)rtion, and
at the same time, but a very unfair and imperfect sample of the great mass
of this tribe who inhabit the shores of the Missouri, and fearlessly roam on
the vast plains intervening between it and the Rocky Mountains, and are
still living entirely in their primitive condition.
There is no tribe on the Continent, perhaps, of finer looking men than the
Sioux; and few tribes who are better and more comfortably clad, and sup-
plied with the necessaries of life. There are no parts of the great plains of
America which are more abundantly stocked with buffaloes and wild horses,
nor any people nRore bold in destroying the one for food, and appropriating
the other to their use. There has gone abroad, from the many histories which
have been written of these people, an opinion which is too current in the
world, that the Indian is necessaiily a poor, drunken, murderous wretch;
which account is certainly unjust as regards the savage, and doing less
than justice to the world for whom such histories have been prepared. 1
have travelled several years already amongst these people and 1 have not
had my scalp taken, nor a blow struck me ; nor had occasion to raise my
hand against an Indian; nor has my property been stolen, as yet to my
knowledge, to the value of a shilling ; and that in a country where no man
is punishable by law for the crime of stealing; still some of them steal, and
murder too ; and if white men did not do the same, and that in defiance
of the laws of God and man, I might take satisfaction in stigmatizing tlie
Indian character as thievish and murderous. That the Indians in their native
state are "drunken," is false ; for they aie the only temperance people, lite-
rally speaking, that ever I saw in my travels, or ever expect to see. If the
niviiized world are startled at this, it is the Jact that they must battle with,
not with me ; for these people manufacture no spirituous liquor themselves,
and know nothing of it until it is brought into their country and tendered to
them by Christians. That these people are "naked" is equally untrue, and
«s easily disproved ; for I am sure that with the paintings 1 have made
amongst the Mandans and Crows, and other tribes ; and with their beautiful
costumes which I have procured and shall bring home, I shall be able to
establish the fact that many of these people dress, not only with cl thes
comfortable for any latitude, but that they also dress with some con? er-
able taste and elegance. Nor am I quite sure that they are entitled l he
name of "poor" who live in a boundless country of green fields, with i jd
horses to ride ; where they are all joint tenants of the soil, together; w.iere
the Great Spirit has supplied them with an abundance of food to eat — where
they are all indulging in the pleasures and amusements of a lifetime of idle-
ness and ease, with no business hours to attend to, or professions to learn —
where they have no notes in bank or other debts to pay — no taxes, no
tithes, no rents, nor beggars to touch and tax the sympathy of their souls
at every step they go. Such might be poverty in the Christian world, but
congcqucntly px-
'. |)ro[)ortioii, and
)f the frrcat iiihss
larlessly roam on
untainit, and are
ing men than the
ly clad, and sup-
e great plains o(
I and wild horses^
nd appropriating
ny histories which
10 current in the
urderou8 wretch ;
e, and doing less
teen prepared. I
and 1 have not
lion to raise my
in, as yet to my
ry where no man
r them steal, and
d that in defiance
stigmatizing the
ms in their native
rtnce people, lite-
ct to see. If the
iiust battle with,
iquor themselves,
y and tendered to
ually untrue, and
gs I have made
ith their beautiful
shall be able to
only with cl thes
h some cons er-
ire entitled l "le
fields, with i jd
together; Wiiere
od to eat — where ■ x
a lifetime of idle- I i^
essionsto learn —
y — no taxes, no
ithy of their souls
ristian world, but
r,s
•^r,
31 r
':;.':Wno':;; """""'' "'"" ''" ^''^ ""' '""^'-- "^ -"••arative wealth
I mentioned that this is the nucleus or place of concentration .f ,.
...erou. tribe of the Sioux, who oft... co. .ne^ulc hi n .'„♦ ""'
make their trader with the An-eri-un Fur Com, any „„d t h7 "'""" '"
;.p the river. .o„.e u.ontl. since. 1 found here . a'.ip a , Jj '7, "'"^
I'f. of Sioux, living in tents covered with buffalo h d ' AnlVrM ?"""
were twenty or n.ore of the different bands, each ^n wiuf Zf 1^ i::
I'oad, over whom was a superior chief md leader n ml,l, I .
tl.e Apollo, and I pan.ted h.s portrait (vlmk 86). The name of this cl ll ^•
.H Ha-won-je-tah (the one horn) of the MeeM.e-cow-e-.ee band ! 1
r.se„ rapKlly to the highest honours in the tribe, from his own extr'ao "in rv
rir- rym?"'^"" "^?- "^ '-■'^ "- ti-hetoouirnr: '^^
J.;an.ythm,heposs.^^^
Lonourab^ ones he had a right to C::Zi:Z^C^JZ
oxplo.ts of Ins extraordinary life. He treated n.e with great kind nss ad
a .e„t.on.cons.denng himself highly complimented by tl^e signa a i un,
cedented honour 1 had conferred upon him by painting his portrait and' Imt
be ore I had n.v.ted any other. His costu-n/Ls a vSry hfnd o"^ one and
wd have a place in my I...... G.u.kuv by the side of his Z^ ^
...ade of elk skn,s beautifully dressed, and fringed with a p o ^ion o
porcupme qudls and scalp-locks ; and his hair, which is very loC ad pro
use d.vded nuo two parts, and lifted up and crossed, over U.e Top ofTs
liead, with a sunp b t e, irivin"- it somowl...t ,i.„ ,. ^
turban. somewhat the appearance of a Turkish
This extraordinary man, before he was raised to the dignity of chi.F
was the renowned of his tribe for !.;« nfKi„»- i • "'g"'^y of tliief,
: • II-. ••"ui iiti wiin-je-ian s bow never wns rlr'nun
n vam and h.s w.gwam was abundantly furnished with sea ps t^a he t d
taken from h.s enemies' heads in buttle
eountrv.n,lfll . ; • ""^ '"''^^"'S introduced my readers to the
^o X •• a^H ^'"' ' '"'^ '.""'■'^ P'^'tioularly to the chief dignitary of the
To d "oH '"'' ^"''"""^' '" ^''^^ beginning of this Letter al J. that
oj'ould g.ve then. so...e amus.ng and curious informatio.. that'we picked p
212
and incidents that we met with, on our voyage from the Mandans to this
place ; I have again to beg that they will pardon me for withholding from
them yet awhile longer, the incidents of that curious and most important
part of my Tour, the absence of which, at this time, seems to make a " hole
in the ballad," though I promise my readers they are written, and will appear
in the book in a proper and appropriate place.
Taking it for granted then, that I will be indulged in this freak, I am
taking the liberty of presuming on my readers* patience in proposing another,
which is to offer them here an extract from my Notes, which were made on
my journey of 1300 miles from St. Louis to this place, where I stopped,
as I have said, amongst several thousands of Sioux ; where I remained for
some time, and painted my numerous portraits of their chiefs, &c. ; one of
whom was the head and leader of the Sioux, whom I have already intro-
duced. On the long and tedious route that lies between St. Louis and this
place, I passed the Sacs and loways — the Konzas — the Omahaws, and the
Ottoes (making notes on them all, which are reserved for another place),
and landed at the Puncahs, a small tribe residing in one village, on the west
bank of the river, 300 miles below this, and 1000 from St. Louis.
The P'mcahs are all contained in seventy-five or eighty lodges, made of
butfalo skins, in the form of tents ; the frames for which are poles of fifteen
or twenty feet in length, with the butt ends standing on the ground, and
the small ends meeting at the top, forming a cone, which sheds off the
rain and wind with perfect success. This small remnant of a tribe are not
more than four c five hundred in numbers ; and I should think, at least,
two-thirds of those are women. This disparity in numbers having been pro-
duced by the continual losses which their men suffer, who are penetrating
the buffalo country for meat, for which they are now obliged to travel a
great way (as the buflfaloes have recently left their country), exposing their
lives to their more numerous enemies about them.
The chief of this tribe, whose name is Shoo-de-ga-cha (smoke), I painted
at full length (plate 87), and his wife also, a young and very pretty woman
(plate 88), whose name is Hee-la'h-dee (the pure fountain) ; her neck
and arms were curiously tattooed, which is a very frequent mode of orna-
menting the body amongst this and some other tribes, which is done by
pricking into the skin, gunpowder and vermilion.
The chief, who was wrapped in a buffalo robe, is a noble specimen of
nat; i^e dignity and philosophy. I conversed much with him ; and from liis
Signified manners, as well as from tlie soundness of his reasoning, 1 became
fully convinced that he deserved to be the sachem of a more numerous and
prosperous tribe. He related to me with great coolness and frankness, the
poverty and distress of his nation ; and with the method of a philosopher,
predicted the certain and rapid extinction of his tribe, which he had not the
power to avert. Poor, noble chief; who was equal to, and worthy of a
greater empire ! He sat upon the deck of the steamer, overlooking the little
IVfandans to this
vithholding from
i most important
;o make a " hole
, and will appear
this freak, I am
roposing another,
ch were made on
where I stopped,
J I remained for
efs, &c. ; one of
ve already intro-
. Louis and this
mahaws, and the
■ another place),
lage, on the west
Louis.
lodges, made of
i poles of fifteen
the ground, and
:h sheds off the
)f a tribe are not
think, at least,
having been pro-
are penetrating
ged to travel a
), exposing their
noke), I painted
;ry pretty woman
itain) ; her neck
I mode of orna-
hich is done by
able specimen of
n ; and from his
ioning, 1 became
e numerous and
id frankness, the
(f a philosopher,
h he had not tiie
ind worthy of a
looking the little
L
"!>'j,'
^t|*---^5'?
X)
■c
213
cluster of his w.gwams mingled amongst the trees • and Ilk. r • m •
weepmg over the ruins of Carthage, shed tears as, he w-l' H ^^""''
poverty of his ill-fated little community wS he told 1 'Th'"' V'
powerful and happy; that the buffalo s which the Grea S . Tf '''"
hem for food, and which formerlv spread all olrK ^ ^^^ ^"""
Imd all been killed or driven out bv L ^ T , **"""■ ^''^^ P'^^'™^.
their skins; that thercount t wl ''^T'\°^ "^''^ '"•^"' *»'<> ^«"t^«J
even of rools for therfoo" 7it wasT/ ^ 'r'"*^ °' ^^-' ^^
young men penetrating the^oulTe'fl'""''^ P™ ' and that his
they were obliged to do were cu to L. Z 7"""''' ''' '"«''»'°^^' ^^icb
That his people had fooiisi become SoTlf-Tl V^ ""'"'^"•
given away everything in th'eir « ft'^^:^ rfh ^t J^' f '''
of h.s warriors, and soon would destroy the rest h«t K . u^ "'"^
small, and his warriors too few to 1.7^ *'^^';«st-that his tribe was too
that they were met a"l killed bv f *° ^'"^ ^" V" '""^^ «'°""d '^'^'
of them." «npovensh, and at last destroy the remainder
o- ";( giving mm a handsome wigwam to 1 ve in anH ni^^ u ■ ,
many other valuable presents • when fhp hi t ' ^ ^°'^^^' """*
(the great chief, soon laid ll' J V .u^' ""^""'^ "^"^^ '' Hong^-kay-de
life. L cons mmated iem n' he' ^H '""' '"' ^'"^^"^ ^^"'^'^ '" •^'^
^^^^ mated them m the following mgenious and amusing man-
• r
14
to receive on a certain day, and at a certain hour, for which he was to
give two horses, a gun, and several pounds of tobacco. This was enjoined on
the father as a profound secret, and as a condition of the espousal. In
like manner he soon made similar arrangements with three other leading
men of the tribe, each of whom had a young and beautiful daughter, of
marriageable age. To each of the fathers he had promised two horses, and
other presents similar to those stipulated for in the first instance, and all
under the same injunctions of secresy, until the hour approached, when he
had announced to the whole tribe that he was to be married. At the time
appointed, they all assembled, and all were in ignorance of the fair hand that
was to be placed in his on this occasion. He had got some of his young
friends who were prepared to assist him, to lead up the eight horses. He took
two of them by the halters, and the other presents agreed upon in his other
hand, and advancing to the first of the parents, whose daughter was standing
by the side of him, saying to him, " you promised me the hand of your
daughter on this day, for which I was to give you two horses." The father
assented with a "ugh !" receiving the presents, and giving his child ; wiien
some confusion ensued from the simultaneous remonstrances, which were
suddenly made by the other three parents, who had brought their daughters
forward, and were shocked at this sudden disappointment, as well as by the
mutual declarations they were making, of similar contracts tliat each one
had entered into with him ! As soon as they could be pacified, and silence was
restored, he exultingly replied, " You have all acknowledged in public your
promises with me, which 1 shall expect you to fulfil. I am here to perform
all the engagements which I have made, and I expect you all to do the
same" — No more was said. He led up the two horses for each, and deli-
vered the other presents ; leading off to his wigwam his four brides— taking
two in each hand, and commenced at once upon his new mode of life; re-
serving only one of his horses for his own daily use.
I visited the wigwam of this young installed medicinp-man several times,
and saw his four modest little wives seated around the fire, where all seemed
to harmonize very well ; and for aught I could discover, were entering very
happily on the duties and pleasures of married life. I selected one of tliem
for her portrait, and painted it (plate 89), Mong-sliong-shaw (the bending
willow), in a very pretty dress of deer skins, and covered with a young buf-
falo's robe, which was handsomely ornamented, and worn with much grace
and pleasing effect.
Mr. Chouteau of the Fur Company, and Major Sanford, the agent for tlie
Upper Missouri Indians, were with me at this time ; and both of those
gentlemen, highly pleased with so ingenious and innocent a freak, felt dis-
posed to be liberal, and sent them many presents from the steamer.
The ages of these young brides were probably all between twelve and
fifteen years, the season of life in which most of the gi'ls in this wild country
contract marriage.
which he was to
is was enjoined on
he espousal. In
iree other leading
itiful daughter, of
;d two horses, and
t instance, and all
iroached, when he
ied. At the time
the fair hand that
5me of his young
horses. He took
upon in his other
jhter was standing
the hand of your
rses." The father
g his child ; when
inces, which were
;ht their daughters
, as well as by the
;ts tliat each one
ed, and silence was
jed in public your
im heie to perform
you all to do the
for each, and deli-
Qur brides — taking
mode of life ; re-
man several times,
, where all seemed
were entering very
ected one of them
•shaw (the bending
with a young biif-
1 with much grace
1, the agent for tlie
ind both of these
i.t a freak, felt dis-
e steamer,
etween twelve and
n this wild country
ill'
215
ft is a surprising fact, that women mature in these rf .long at th»t .. .
«ge, and there have been some instances where marrial T. »V ? ^
:;:;i:'z-e:^t:Lir-'^ -- - ^- --- -'1^2
life they lead. Yet there is another andZe 'ge Jl eausr:? T^ "'"
rmges (and consequently apparent maturity), whch arises out of h^ T
and formsof the country. where mostof the'Lrriagesarcontlterwil h^^^
paren s. hurr.ed on by the impatience of the ap.lfcant, and premature v o
cep^dand consummated on the part of the parents, who areE Sient"
to be m receipt of the presents they are to re^e ve as the DricVT L
< aughters. There is also the facility of dissolving! ma age contract i":
h.s country, which does away with one of the moft serious dlcult e w i J
he. m the way m the civilized world, and calculated greatly to iTdf,
consu,„a,on, which is not an equal objection in Indian communities Ed'
cafon and accomplishments, again, in the fashionable world and afso I
t.ma and a season to flourish and show them off, necessarily engross that It
of a young la y's life when the poor Indian girl, who finds hfr e f I tnTd
from the fam. bar embrace of her parents, with her mind and her body ma
tunng and her thoughts and her passions straying *away in tie word fo^
some heme or some pleasure to cling to, easily fou'ws their j vem' am
ardent d.ctates, prematurely entering on that system of life, on ,s L in
reciprocal dependence and protection. ^
In the instance above described, the young man was in no way censured
by h.s people but most loudly applauded ; for in this country polygamy ^
allowed : and m tins tr.be. where there are two or three times the nSrof
women that there are of men. such an arrangement answers a good purpose
whereby so many of the females are provided for and taken care of :Td'
parfcu arly so and to the great satisfaction of the tribe, as well as of the
tne parfes and famd.es concerned, when so many fall to the lot of a ch ef
or the son of a ch.ef. into whose wigwam it is considered an honour to be
adopted, and where they are the most sure of protection.
LETTER— No. 2f.
MOUTH OF TETON RIVER, UPPER MiSSOUlll.
When we were about to start on our way up the river from the village of
the Puncahs, we found that they were packing up all their goods and pre-
paring to start for tlie prairies, farther to the West, in pursuit of baffaloes, to
dry meat for their winters supplies. They took down their wigwams of skins
to carry with them, and ull were flat to the ground and everything packing
up ready for the start. My attention was directed by Major Sanford, the
Indian Agent, to one of the most miserable and helpless looking objects that
I ever had seen in my life, a very aged and emaciated man of the tribe,
who he told me was to be exposed.
The tribe were going where hunger and dire necessity compelled them to go,
and this pitiable object, who had once been a chief, and a man of distinction
in his tribe, who was now too old to travel, being reduced to mere skin and
bones, was to be left to starve, or meet with such death as might fall to his
lot, and his bones to be picked by the wolves ! I lingered around this poor
old forsaken patriarch for hours before we started, to indulge the tears of
sympathy which were flowing for the sake of this poor benighted and de-
crepit old man, whose worn-out limbs were no longer able to support him :
their kind and faithful offices having long since been performed, and his
body and his mind doomed to linger into the withering agony of decay, and
gradual solitary death. I wept, and it was a pleasure to weep, for the pain-
ful looks, and the dreary prospects of this old veteran, whose eyes were
dimmed, whose venerable locks were whitened by an hundred years, whose
limbs Were almost naked, and trembling as he sat by a small fire which his
friends had left him, with a few sticks of wood within his reach and a buf-
falo's skin stretched upon some crotches over his head. Such was to be his
only dwelling, and such the chances for his life, with only a few half-picked
bones that were laid within his reach, and a dish of water, without weapons
or means of any kind to replenish them, or strength to move his body from
its fatal locality. In this sad plight I mournfully contemplated this miserable
remnant of existence, who had unluckily outlived the fates and accidents of
wars to die alone, at death's leisure. His friends and his children had all left
him, and were preparing in u little time to be on the march. He had told
iOUlil.
r from the village of
lieir goods and pre-
irsiiit of baffaloes, to
eir wigwams of skins
everything packing
Major Sanford, the
looking objects that
man of the tribe,
impelled them to go,
a man of distinction
ed to mere skin and
as might fall to his
ed around this poor
indulge the tears of
benighted and de-
ble to support him ;
performed, and his
igony of decay, and
weep, for the pain-
1, whose eyes were
indred years, whose
small fire which his
is reach and a buf-
Such was to be his
y a few half-picked
;r, without weapons
nove his body from
lated this miserable
:es and accidents of
children had all left
'ch. He had told
217
them to leave him, '« he was old," he said, -and too feeble to march." "My
chddren. sa.d he. "our nat.on is poor, and it Is necessary that you should all
go to the country where you can get meat,-my eyes are dimmed and my
strength .s no more; my days are nearly all numbered, and I am a burthen
to my ch.ldren-I cannot go, and I wish to die. Keep your hearts stout
and th.nk not of me ; I am no longer good for anything." In Ik w^
they had finished the ceremor.y otexposin;, him. and taken their final leave
f \ I advanced to the old man, and was undoubtedly the last human
bemg who held converse with him. I sat by the side of him. and though he
could not distmctly see me, he shook me heartily by the hand and smiled,
evidently aware that I was a white man, and that I sympathized with hi
inevitable misfortune I shook hands again with him, and left him, steering
my course towards the steamer which was a mile or more from me, and
ready to resume her voyage up the Missouri.*
This cruel custom of exposing their aged people, belongs. I think, to all
the tribes who roam about the prairies, making severe marches, when such
decrepit persons are totally unable to go, unable to ride or to walk -when
they have no means of carrying them. It often becomes absolutely neces-
sary m such ca^es that they should be left; and they uniformly insist upon
. , saying as this old man did. that they are old and of no further use-that
they left their fathers in the same manner-that they wish to die, and their
children must not riourn for them.
From the Puncah village, our steamer made regular progress from day to
day towards the mouth of the Teton, from where I am now writing ; passing
the whole way a country of green fields, that come sloping down to the
river on either side, forming the loveliest scenes in the world
From day to day we advanced, opening our eyes to something new and
more beautiful every hour that we progressed, until at last our boat was
aground ; and a day s work of sounding told us at last, that there was no
possibility of advancing further, until there should be a rise in the river, to
enab e the boat to get over the bar. After laying in the middle of the river
about a week, m this unpromising dilemma, Mr. Chouteau started off-
twenty men on foot, to cross the plains for a distance of 200 miles to Laid-
aw s Fort, at the mouth of Teton river. To this expedition, I immediately
attached mysel ; and having heard that a numerous party of Sioux were
there encamped, and waiting to see the steamer, I packed on the backs
and in the hands of several of the men, such articles for painting as
1 might want; canvass, paints, and brushes, with my sKetch-book slunl.' on
•ny back, and my rifle in my hand, and I started off" with them.
I wVn!'". ''"'''"f ^^ "'" '"" °*' "'" ^'""•="'' ^"'"S« " ^'^ -"""t''- "fter tins, in my canoe
went ashore >yuh my men. and fonnd the poles and the bulialo skin, standing as they were
: 'dlar r"'r """•, "- '■-"™"<'— 'y-^nearlyas'l had ifft the f nd
VOt. !.
FT
» .
218
We took leave of our friends on tlie boat, nnd mounting the j,'rccn bluffs,
•teered our course from day to day over a level prairie, witliout a tree or a
bush in sight, to relieve the painful monotony, filling our canteeni at the
occasional little streams that we pas&ea, kindling our fires with dried buffalo
dung, which we collected on the piairie, and stretching our tired limbs on
the level turf whenever we were ovctaken by night.
We were six or seven days in perforn.ing this march j and it gave me
n good opportunity of testing the muscles of my legs, with a number
of half-breeds and Frenchmen, whose lives are mostly spent in this way,
leading a novice, a cruel, and almost killing journey. Every rod of our
way was over a continuous prairie, with a verdant green turf of wild grass
of six or eight inches in height ; and most of the way enamelled with wild
flowers, and filled with a profusion of strawberries.
For two or three of the first days, the scenery was monotonous, and be-
came exceedingly painful from the fact, that we were (to use a phrase of the
country) " out of sight of land," i. e, out of sight of anything risincf abovi>
the horizon, which was a perfect straight line around us, like that of the blue
and boundless ocean. The pedestrian over such a discouraging sea of green,
without a landmark before or behind him ; without a beacon to lead him
on, or define his progress, feels weak and overcome when night falls ; and
he stretches his exhausted limbs, apparently on the same spot where he
has slept the night before, with the same prospect before and behind him ;
the same grass, and the same wild flowers beneath and about him ; tiie same
canopy over his head, and the same cheerless sea of green to start upon in
the morning. It is difficult to describe t'le simple beauty and serenity of
these scenes of solitude, or tiie feelings of feeble man, whose limbs are toil-
ing to carry him through them — without a hill or tree to mark his progress,
and convince him that he is not, like a squirrel in his cage, after all his toil,
standing still. One commences on peregrinations like these, with a ligiit
heart, and a nimble foot, and spirits as buoyant as the very air that floats
along by tiie side of him ; but his spirit soon tires, and he lags on the way
that is rendered more tedious and intolerable by the tantalizing mirarfc that
opens before him beautiful lakes, and lawns, and copses ; or by the luomiwf
of the prairie ahead of him, that seems to rise in a parapet, and decked with
its varied flowers, piiantom-like, flies and moves along before him.
I got on for a couple of days in tolerable condition, and with some con-
siderable applause ; but my lialf-bred, companions took the lead at length,
and let't me witli several otiier novices far behind, which gave me additional
pangs ; and I at length felt like giving up tiie journey, and throwing my-
self upon llie ground in hopeless despair. 1 was not alone in my misery,
however, bui was cheered and encouraged by looking back and beholding
several of our party half a mile or more in the rear of me, jogging along,
and suffering more agony in their nt w experiment than I was sutlering my-
self. Their loitering and my murmurs, at length, brought our leaders to a
219
halt, and we held H sort of council, in which 1 exnlain*.,! tl,„t .1 • •
feet was so intolerable, that I felt as if I coul.l I r u •""" '" ""^
our half-breed leaders stepped ^t nlai 'addr " ' ".''^r " ''^
told .e that . .ust .. .jiy J .;;. aTurrt^atrdZLTth^t ii' d;;
then go on very well. We halted a half-hour, and took a l.ttlo r.fl \ !
whdst the little Frenchman was teaching his lesson ^ the ^^^o I H,:':'
"ov.ces.when we took „p our .narch again ; and I soon f Id "on tr II"
that by turnmg ,ny toe, in, „.y feet went more easily through Zji^'.
and by turn.ng the weight of my body more equally'on the toes (enabln'
each one to support its proportionable part of the load, instead of Uuow „'
.t u 1 on to the jonus of the big toes, which is done when the toe^are tu n d
out): -on got rehcf, and n.ade my onward progress very well. T rHd v
dhe ed to tins mode, and found no difficulty on the third and fourth day
of takmg the lead of the whole party, which I constantly led untU ou iour-'
ney was completed.* ^ J""'
On this journey we saw immense herds of buffaloes; and although we
had no horses to run them, we successfully approached them on b^t
and supphed ourselves abundantly with f.esh mTat. After tavelin't;
everal days, we came in sight of a hi,h range of blue hills in d ce on
tier iri:^" Vr' '^ 1" '^'^'' ""' '^^^^'•'»' ''""^^'^^ '-^ ^'^^ '^^ '-^'o"
lefto r ,^'"" '';'7"^ « conspicuous landmark at last, and some
rom I Ct 7" ', ^ "'" ^""''' '''"' '^""^ ""'' '=^"-" ''- l^ijo" Hills,
from a Hr Trader of that name, who had had his trading-house at the foo
o then, on the banks of the Missouri river, .here he was at last destroyed
by the Sioux Indians. ■^
Not many n.iles back of this range cf hills, we came in contact with an
turned us out of our path, and con.pelled us to travel several miles out of
pru.ne. winch extended for several miles, and as we stood upon its green
banks, winch were gracefully sloping down, we could overlook some hun-
dreds of acres ot the prairie which were covered with an incrustation of salt
that appeared the same as if the ground was everywhere coverc.l with snow'
These scenes, I am told are frequently to be met with in these regions.
and certaudy present the n.ost singular and startling effect, by the sudden
• On this march we were all travelling in moccasins, which be.njj made without any
.oles. accord.n. to the Indian custom, had hut little suppoU for the tott undern ath Z
dvlr/S' ^°"", ^f^"'^'' "^ '" ''^""•^'"""^' !-"■ «•'"''" -'^'%' accorZ : t'o
.r , . ' "'<• " '°"' '"""'• ""'• *"'°'" ''"'^ ^«^y 1-'"''"' -I'-ience I learned to
«a k wuh Ins oes turned .„, that ..ach may perlorm the dut.es assigned to it in proportion
to US sue ami strength ; and that civilized man ,„„ walk with his toes turned out if he
chooses. U he w.ll use a stiff sole under his feet, aud will be content at last to pu, up
»au ttu acquired .IWormity of the big toe joint which too many know to be a freoueut
220
and unexpected contrast between their snow.<vhite appcarai.ce, and the
green fields that' hem them in on all sides. Through each of these meadows
there is a meandering small stream whicJi arises fVom salt springs, throwing
out in the spring of the year great quantities of water, which flood over
those meadows to the depth of three or four feet ; and during the heat of
suuimer, being exposed to the rays of the sun, entirely evaporates, leaving
the incrustation of muriate on the surface, to the depth of one or two inches.
riiisc places are the constant resort of buffaloes, which congregate in thou-
sands about them, to lick up the salt ; and on approaching the banks of
this place we stood amarcd at the almost incredible numbers of these ani-
mals, which were in sight on the opposite banks, at the distance of a r.iilo
or two from us, where they were lying in countless numbers, on the level
prairie above, and stretching dcwn by hundreds, to lick at the salt, forming
in distance, large masses of black, most pleasingly to contrast with the snow
white, and the vivid green, whicli I have before mentioned.
After several days toil in the manner above-mentioned, all the way over
soft and green fields, and amused with many pleasing incidents and acci-
dents of the ciiase, we arrived, pretty well jaded, at Fort Pierre, mouth of
Teton River, from whence 1 am now writing ; where for tlie first time I was
introduced to Mr. M'Kenzie (of whom I have before spoken), to Mr. Laid-
law, mine host, and Mr. Halsey, a chief clerk in the establishment ; and
after, to the head chief and dignitaries of the great Sioux nation, who were
here encamped about the Fort, in six or seven hundred skin lodges, and
waiting for the arrival of the steamer, which they had heard, was on its way
up the river, and which they had great curiosity to see.
After resting a few days, and recovering from the fatigues of my journey,
having taken a fair survey of the Sioux village, and explained my views to
the Indians, as well as to the gentlemen whom I have above named ; I
commenced my operations witli the brush, and first of all painted the por-
trait of the head-chief of the Sioux (the one horn), whom I have before
spoken of. This truly noble fellow sat for his portrait, and it was finished
before any one of the tribe knew anything of it ; several of the chiefs and doc-
tors were allowed to see it, and at last it was talked of through the village ;
and of course, the greater part of their numbers were at once gathered
around me. Nothing short of hanging it out of doors on the side of my wig-
wam, would in any way answer them ; and here I had the peculiar satisfaction
of beholding, through a small hole I had made in my wigwam, the high admi-
ration and respect.they all felt for their chief, as well as the very great esti-
mation in which they held mc as a painter and a magician, conferring upon
me at once the very distinguished appellation of Ee-cha-zoo-kah-ga-wa-kon
(the medicine painter).
After the exhibition of this chief's picture, there was much excitement
in the village about it ; the doctors generally took a decided and noisy stand
against the operations of my brush ; haranguing the populace, and predict-
221
ing bad luck, and premature death, to nil who .ubinitted to so stranire and
unaccountable an operation ! My business for son.e days was entirely at a
stand for want of sitters; for the doctors were opposing me with all their
»oroe ; and the women and children were crying, with their hands over their
mouths, makmg the most pitiful and doleful laments, which I never can ex-
piam to my readers; but for some just account of which, I must refer them
to my friends M'Keniie and Ilalsey, who overlooked n.ih infinite amuse-
ment, these curious scenes and are able, no doubt, to give them with truth
and effect to the world.
In this sad and perplexing dilemma, this noble chief stepped forwiird , and
addressing himself to the chiefs and the doctors, to the braves and to lii.' wo-
men and children, he told them to be quiet, and to treat me with friendship ;
that I had been travelling a great way to see them, and smoke with them \
that I was great medicine, to be sure ; that I was a great chief, and that 1 was
the friend of Mr. Laidlaw and Mr. M'Kenyie, who had prevailed upon turn
to sit for his picture, and fully assured him tiiat there was no harm in it.
His speech had the desired effect, and 1 was shaken hands with by hundreds
of their worthies, many of whom were soon dressed and ornamented, prepared
to sit for their portraits.*
» Several years after I painted the portrait of this extraordinary man, una whilst I
was delivering my Lectures i.i the City of Ne«r V„rk, I first received intelligence of his
death, in the following singular manner:—! was on the i.latform in my Lecture-room in
the Stuyvesant Institute, with an audience of twelve or fourteen hundred persons, in the
nmlst ol whom were seated a delegation of thirty or forty Sioux Indians under the charge
of Major I'llcher, their agent ; and I was successfully passing before their eyes the por-
traits of a number of Sioux chiefs, and making my remarks upon them. The Sioux in-
stantly recogniied each one as it was exhibited, which they instantly hailed by a shari,
and startling yelp. Hut when the portrait of this chief was placed before them, instead
of the usual recognition, each one placed his hand over his mouth, and gave a
"hush— sh— " and hung down their heads, their usual expressions of grief iu case of a
death. From this sudden emotion, 1 knew instantly, that the chief must be dead, and so
eii)re8sed my belief to the audience. I stopped my Lecture a few moments to converse
with Major I'ilchor who was by my side, and who gave me the following extraordinary
account of Lis death, which I immediately related to the audience ; and which being trans-
lated to the Sioux Indians, their chief arose and addressed himself to the audience say-
iMg that the account was true, and that Ha-wan-je-tah was killed but a iew days before
they left home.
The account which Major Pilcher gave was nearly as follows :—
" Hut a few weeks before I left the Sioux country with the delegation, Ila-wan-je-tah
(the one horn) had in some way been the accidental cause of the death of his only son a
very fine youth i and so great was the anguish of his mind at times, that he became
franuc and insane. In one of these moods he mounted his favourite war-horse with his
bow and his arrows in his hand, and dashed off at full speed upon the prairies, repeatin.^
the most solemn oath, ' that he would slay the first living thing that fell in his way. be it
luBu or beast, or friend or foe.'
" No one dared to follow him, and after he had been absent an hour or two. his horse
came back to the village with two arrows in its body, and covered with blood I i'ears
of the most serious kind were now euterlaiiied for the fate of the chief, and a party of
I>^
h '
222
The first who then stepped forward for his portrait was Ee-ah-sa-pa (the
Black Rock) chief of the Nee-caw-wee-gee band (plate 91), a tall and fine
looking man, of six feet or more in stature ; in a splendid dress, with his
Jance in his hand ; with his pictured robe thrown gracefully over his shoul-
ders, and his head-dress made of war-eagles' quills and ermine skins, falling
in a beautiful crest over his back, quite down to his feet, and surmounted on
the top with a pair of horns denoting him (as I have explained in former
instances) head leader or war-chief of his band.
This man has been a constant and faithful friend of Mr. M'Kenzie and
others of the Fur Traders, who held him in high estimation, both as an
honourable and valiant man, and an estimable companion.
The next who sat to me was Tchan-dee, tobacco (plate 92), a desperate
warrior, and represented to me by the traders, as one of the most respectable
and famous chiefs of the tribe. After him sat Toh-ki-ee-to, the stone with
horns (plate 93), chief of the Yanc-ton band, and reputed the principal
and most eloquent orator of the nation. The neck, and breast, and shoulders
of this man, were curiously tattooed, by pricking in gunpowder and vermilion,
which in this extraordinary instance, was put on in such elaborate profusion
as to appear at a little distance like a beautifully embroidered dress. In
his hand he held a handsome pipe, the stem of which was several feet long,
and all the way wound with ornamented braids of the porcupine quills!
Around his body was wrapped a valued robe, made of the skin of the grizzly
bear, and on his neck several strings of wampum, an ornament seldom seen
amongst the Indians in the Far West and the North * I was much amused
with the excessive vanity and egotism of this notorious man, who, whilst
sitting for his picture, took occasion to have the interpreter constantly ex-
plaining to me the wonderful effects which his oratory had at different times
produced on the minds of the chiefs and people of his tribe.
warriors immediately mounted their horses, and retraced the animal's tracks to the place
of the tragedy, where they found the body of their chief horribly mangled and gored by
a buffalo bull, whose carcass was stretched by the side of him.
" A close examination of the ground was then made by the Indians, who ascertained
by the tracks, that their unfortunate chief, under his unlucky resolve, bad met a buffalo
bull in the season when they are very stubborn, and unwilling to run from any one ; and
had incensed the animal by shooting a number of arrows into him, which had brou^'lit
him into furious combat. The chief had then dismounted, and turned his horse loo^se,
having given it a couple of arrows from his bow, which sent it home at full speed!
and then had thrown-away his bow and quiver, encountering the infuriated animal with
his knife alone, and the desperate battle resulted as 1 have before-mentioned, in the death
of both. Many of tlie bones of the chief were broken, as he was gored and stamped to
•«ealh, and his huge antagonist had laid his body by the side of him, weltering in blood
from an hundred wounds made by the chiefs long and two-edged knife."
So died tliis elegant and high-minded nobleman of the wilderness, whom I confidently
had hoped to meet and admire again at some future period of my life. ( Vid vhAn B6).
• Wampum is the Indian name of oruaments manufactured by the Indians from vari-
coloured shells, which they get on the shores of the fresh water sti-earos, and file or -nt
IS Ee-ah-sa-pa (the
91), a tall and fine
idid dress, with his
ully over his siioul-
irmine skins, falling
and surmounted on
explained in former
Mr. M'Kenzie and
mation, both as an
a.
TE 92), a desperate
he most respectahle
2-to, the stone with
puted the principal
reast, and shoulders
ivder and vermilion,
elaborate profusion
oidered dress. In
is several fieet long,
2 porcupine quills.
skin of the grizzly
ament seldom seen
was much amused
I man, who, whilst
iter constantly ex-
l at different times
)e.
il's tracks to the place
langled and gored by
ia.is, who oscertained
ve, bad met a buffalo
in from any one ; and
, which had brought
rned bis horse loose,
home at full speed,
ifuriated animul with
entioned, in the death
fored and stamped to
n, wultering in blood
life."
, whom I confidently
i. ( Vil" PLATt 86).
lie Indians from vari-
rearcs, and file or '^ut
67
'■CaiUn.
91
li
He told me, that it was
the tribe to crying : and that all the chiefs
22.3
very easy thing for him to set all the
women of
before they w'ent^to war -""and" atT,"/""" T^ Profoundly to his voice
'• the greatest orator in he Sioux .at L "7 . M J "^"»^' *'^' '^ "^'
11.3 greatest in the world. ' ^^ "''"'^'' ^' undoubtedly meant
Besides these distinquis of this trrpat ar^A ^ r i ■,
gular succession, accofding to theif rank and T.' Il ".".v' P""^'' '" ^^-
of the Susseton band; Tah-zee-kaT da ch« rl ^'f^'^'"^' ^an-ee-ton, chief
Sancton band; Ka-pes-ka-day ( he.h dl a b Tf'n '"^^ '' ''''
Wuk-mi-ser (corn), a warrior o the S' '''' °V''' ^-^'"-^^ *««'^'-
nee-chee(noh^art);;hiefofth:l?:i::;r^^^^^^^
ri.h-nee-eeh-ee.rah (the grizzly bear tLTru'^""'^' Mah-to-ra-
the Oncpa-pa band; mV-Sc ^-gf u "7^
brave ; Shon-ka (the dog), chief of the Ca 1 , ^ ' f '^'^^'"""'^^^d
^«»rf; Tah-teck-a-da-hair (the s en wiS; Ttr T1 """ P""^^^
Hah-ha-ra-pah (the elk's head), ch If of til V^ f ^'f T' '^'"'^ '
een-nah-pa (the white bear th.t ^^'^ ^e-ta-sip-shov band ; Mahto-
band; Shon-ga.ton4a-cre h^t^^ '' ^'- 5^-¥-< Siou.
great conjurof and m?gSan'^'''°"' '""»)' ^'-f of a band, a
The portraits of all the above dio-„itarip<5 rnn u. .i
life, in my very numerous Collection prvded I tf 1 '' '"7\"' '"'^" ''.
also the portraits of two very prettv sl. 1 . ' ' '"'^
tah-eeh-tcLh-ta-mah-nee (the r^ed thin't; ^"^^''(^''^^'^ ^4) Wi-Iooh-
( PLATE q'5^ Tp),nn c , f , ° *'^^* touches m marching), and
(PLATE 95), Tchon-su-mons-ka (the sand bar). The first of these wLen
in profusion ; or ^^ave thei inge o Jy „ o I £,? "T^' "" ""' °" *'"^ "^'=''^
«a4umhas been un-II j'^ ^ td ^d ^^^^^^ T °' ^'" ^"''^'^ '^'"-•
(instead of coins, of which th"^, India ! ha ''no knl^ i'' 't "' " '"""'*''"= •""""'"
hands-breadth. .,ein, the fixed value of ^LZtitS;;?"' ^'""^^' °^ ^° '"""^
length, as tnbute to con^ul^r^.^S^I^^^^ "' ^"'^ '' ^ •"-^«""°'-
M^;: ™^^!^i:r;::; s"' "'"'^-^"r ^" ^"^^ ^'"-' ^"- »^" ^ ^--'^ ^«
not reco lee to Ive seen t vl' TV? "T" \ ""' °" '"""'^'"i'' ""' ^^"--'"- ^ ''<>
same materials fo i m uf c u/e are fldV \ "^'T'^ ''r""" '"'^'"°^' "'•"'"'«" "'«
with but very few strings of i„"rJtth W''""''."""'' ^'''°"g'' "'-« -S'"-- 1 "'et
.1.0 tribes north and w^est of the n U ^ TT "°""' "'"^ "°"'"'^ ^*" '' -""-S^'
Western iroat.er the different trH T ^,'°"^' ""'* "'""» ""^ ^^^'^ "^ our
it. winch they "n nw afford d IT '" r'*:' T' ''^""''"'"^ """"'^"''^'^ «""
Lave ineeniouslv intrrdu!« iV ^' "°'""''' " °^ ''"''^ ""'"•^' "'^ «'"« ^""^ 'l'''«l"='
w.se, of p re elai o some < '"""' '""',"'"" "' "' '"'"'"'-'"^^'l ^y steam or othor-
Hooded .,r::s:';;:dro::rr"::^::VT7''T^ '••^"" ^'"^^ ^"^^ '>-•
••"nseuuenllv destrov th« „,.l„ ^' "* ""''' "^ f° '^«'l"ced a price, as to cheapen, and
Br
« Mi
Iv
224
(plate 94), is the daughter of the famous chief called Black Rock, of
whom I have spoken, and whose portrait has been given (plate 91). She
is an unmarried girl, and much esteemed by the wliole tribe, lor her modesty,
as well as beauty. She was beautifully dressed in skins, ornamented pro-
fusely with brass buttons and beads. Her hair was plaited, her ears sup-
ported a great profusion of curious beads — and over her other dress she
wore a handsomely garnished buffalo robe.
So highly was the Black Rock esteemed (as I have before mentioned),
and his beautiful daughter admired and respected by the Traders, that Mr.
M'Kenzie employed me to make him copies of their two portraits, which he
has hung up in Mr. Laidlaw's trading-house, as valued ornaments and
keepsakes.*
The second of these women (plate 95) was very richly dressed, the
upper part of her garment being almost literally covered with brass but-
tons ; and her hair, which was inimitably beautiful and soft, and glossy as
silk, fell over her shoulders in great profusion, and in beautiful waves, pro-
duced by the condition in which it is generally kept in braids, giving to it,
when combed out, a waving form, adding much to its native appearance,
which is invariably straight and graceless.
This woman is at present the wife of a white man by the name of Char-
don, a Frenchman, who has been many years in the employment of the
American Fur Company, in the charade.- of a Trader and Interpreter ; and
who by his bold and daring nature, has not only carried dread and conster-
nation amongst the Indian tribes wherever he has gone ; but has conmianded
much respect, and rendered essential service to the Company in the prose-
cution of their dangerous and critical dealings with the Indian tribes. I
have said something of this extraordinary man heretofore, and shall take
future occasion to say more of him. For the present, suffice it to say, that
• Several years after I left the Sioux country, I saw Messrs. Cliardon and Piquet, two
of the Traders from that country, who recently hud left it, and told me in St. Louis, whilst
looking at the portrait of this girl, that while staying in Mr. Laidlaw's Fort, the chief,
Black Rock, entered the room suddenly where the portrnit of his daughter was hano-ing
an the wall, and pointing to it with a heavy heart, told Mr Laidlaw, that whilst his
band was out on the prairies, where they had been for several months "makin- meat "
his daughter had died, and was there buried. "My heart is glad again," "said he
" when I see her here alive ; and I want the one the medicine-man made of her which
IS now before me, that I can see her, and talk to her. My band are all in mourning for
her, and at the gate of your Fort, which I have just passed, are ten horses for you and
Ee-ah-sa-pa's wigwam, which you know is the best one in the Sioux nation. I wish you
to take down my daughter and give her to me." Mr. Laidlaw, seeing t!,o nnusuatty
liberal price that this nobleman was willing to pay for a portrait, and the mw. -Hef that
he expressed for the loss of his child, had not the heart to abuse such n-Me feeling-
and taking the painting from the wall, placed it into his hands : telling : ,m that it of
right belonged to him, and tL;.'. ios horses and wigwam he must take bu. ;- mid keep them
to mend, as far as possible, bin liberal heart, which was broken b. u.s l.as of his only
daughter, ' '
!d Black Rock, of
(PLATE 91). She
le, for her modesty,
i, ornamented pro-
lited, her ears sup-
er other dress she
before mentioned),
Traders, that Mr.
portraits, which he
2d ornaments and
ichly dressed, the
d with brass but-
soft, and glossy as
autiful waves, pro-
)raids, giving to it,
lative appearance,
the name of Char-
nployment of the
1 Interpreter ; and
Iread and conster-
it has commanded
pany in the prose-
! Indian tribes. J
e, and shall take
ffice it to say, that
225
nesl:„'';:rio?trfelS^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^'^^""^ ^- --' ^ind-
dress and robe which h^rh r '" '°""*''y' ""'^ ^'^° ^^' ^ «"Perb
vvhichheinJstedonl^^^ «"^ worn by his wife,'and
it will long remain to be examined.- "" '""'^' ^'' ^''**^' "'"^^^
delphia. where we were' Seated wih 1 ' "f "'" '"''""°"' "'"' '^' ^ity of Phila-
two sisters, who arrh.VCespectabr^^^^^^^ '"""^""*. "''' '"'"'P'*"'''^- «- -°ther and
•«d had at the same timf livW with thl^ T'T "r"""' ''""''''"'^ *° ^'"^ «l>°"t '>''» !
old. the son of Monsridon aJd hT'T" ^ f^ '""*'-'"««'^ ''"y- ■"">"» ten years
This fine boy who had receded the 1!. fTy ""'"i "'""" ' ''""^ "'"'-« «P°k«° "f-
country hy L fath^f Jd^f; wX" S el atn^ tt ^1^ r^"' ""■" i*^ ^"'"^"
Pttjns. ouucBuon, witn which they were Uking gr«»t
rdon and Piquot, two
e in St. Louis, whilst
law's Fort, the chief,
augliter was hanging
idlQw, that whilst his
iths " making meat,"
lad again," said he,
I made of her, which
e all in mourning for
1 horses for you, and
: nation. I wish you
seeing t!ip niinsiiatiy
id the i.-iK! i,'rief that
I such r.'.I.ie feeling;
Celling ■ tm. that it of
bark .ind keep tliem,
r the I .'3S of his only
>CL. I.
9 ^
22G
LETTER— No. 28.
MOUTH OF TETON RIVER. UPPER MISSOURI.
f n
Whilst painting the portraits of the chiefs and braves of the Sioux, as
described in my last epistle, my painting-room was the continual rendezvous
of the worthies of the tribe ; and I, the " lion of the day," and my art, the
summum and ne plus ultra of mysteries, which engaged the whole conver-
sation of chiefs and sachems, as well as of women and children. I men-
tioned that I have been obliged to paint them according to rank, as they
looked upon the operation as a very great honour, which I, as '* a great
chief and medicine-man," was conferring on all who sat to me. Fortunate
it was for me, however, that the honour was not a sufficient inducement for
all to overcome their fears, which often stood in the way of their consentingr
to be painted ; for if all had been willing to undergo the operation, I
should have progressed but a very little way in the " rank and file" of their
worthies ; and should have had to leave many discontented, and (as they
would think) neglected. About one in five or eight was willing to be
painted, and the rest thought they would be much more sure of " sleeping
quiet in their graves" after they were dead, if their pictures were not made.
By this lucky difficulty I got great relief, and easily got through with those
who were willing, and at the same time decided by the chiefs tobev/orthy,
of so signal an honour.
After I had done with the chiefs and braves, and proposed to paint a
few of the women, I at once got myself into a serious perplexity, being
heartily laughed at by the whole tribe, both by men and by women, lor
my exceeding and (to them) unaccountable condescension in seriously
proposing to paint a woman ; conferring on her the same honour that I had
done the chiefs and braves. Those whom I had honoured, were laughed at
by hundreds of the jealous, who had been decided unworthy the distinction,
and were now amusing themselves with the very enviable honour which the
great white medicine-man had conferred, especially on them, and was now
to confer equally upon the squaws !
The first reply that I received from those whom I had painted, was, that
if I wag to paint women and children, the sooner I destroyed their pictures,
the better ; for I had represented to them that I wanted their pictures to
exhibit to white chiefs, to shew who were the most distinguished and worthy
of the Sioux ; and their women had never taken scalps, nor did anything
227
better than make fires and dress sic.n.: t
n>a. in explaining to them that 1 wantL .^ ^""' '^'*""'' '" '^''' d"^'"-
hang«„rfJthoseoaheirhusb nl Zefj^^^^ the women to
and how they dressed, without savin" „'' ^leZ h" ' '".7 """ '""*^'''
s.derable dclav of my operation, ".ni^ u . . *^^'"- ^^^^' ««'"« <^on-
ti^roughthe village.7^8uS d ;„"j, ""'^'^ ''''''"^*'°" °" the subject,
or which the two^bove ^ttd If ripV "™'" °^ ^''™^"'' P^^-'
in civilized society, where he sittnr ^ ,, V '""" ""•"°<Jest enough
done to speak J.'and to tk " r^J^S T^^ P/^r^' ^"^" '"' ''
down, from morning till nic^ht in fr2 Tl .^" ^"'^'^" "'^ten lays
beautiful face, and faithfully .^ij.;"? ""'' T"""'' ^'"'""^ '""^ °-»
accident or harm. ^ ^ '"^ " '^^°'" ^^y ^o day, to save it from
This watching or fiff/arAn^ their portraits I hnv^ „K ^ j •
my travels amongst them as a very curTo's til r''"^ ''"""^ *" ^^^
where my colours were not dry and s b^c H f ' '"'^ '" '"'"^ '"^''"^^«'
the crowds who were gathering abouf Ti /" ""'"y ^"''^^"'s, from
dianship of essential L^vt tVme- e":inV" '°""f ^ r"''- S"-
great deal of anxiety ° ^ """"^ oftentimes from a
■here may be life to . cenlin „T, ?u ""' '"P="""»"» "»lion, that
violence be done ° ', i m" ;„"! '" ""= '!'""' • •"" *" if harm n,
or do them other i„]^;^: ' '°°" n,y,te„on, wa,, affect thci, health
.mteeT.ld';«;;"e,n:rd't„Th''' ""'"'Tr'" ""■ "■y"™* - "■"
famiL, .c;aSer!iraVt;e'lzt:n;' i:::tr2rariT^
li.ee„inB- when Tl TeLf '^^■""" 'f "■"''» '"'"«'■ »"'' »" ^'-^ »ere
.«. .oL .if;i:dS;o,r:=r:i;ref:ri^i:x^^
whi!\:rrrtcr:;?„'rr.rerwr""'^-"""-''^'
ifeemed to re,"?e ,he Id " , ^ '"'' "^"'' "»""" •*»'«'
sathered in f™,Tf ,h T """^""^^ """i «°''™S:«; and the whole villase
steamer m this w.ld country was deen.ed a wonderful ^rrurrence, and
^f!'
I' /
22R
the time of lier presence here, IooUpH upon, and used as a holiday Some
Bl.arp encounters amongst the tru,,p,r, who come in here from the moun-
tains, loaded with pa-V-, of )„,.. ..i,l, sinews hardened by long exposure
and seemingly impatient for a jight, which is soon given them by some
bullying fisticuff-fellow, who steps forward and settles the matter in a
ring, which IS made and strictly preserved for/«,V;,/ay, until hard raps, and
bloody noses, and blind eyes ^^ settle the hash," and satisfy his trapper-
•hip to lay in bed a week or two, and then graduate a sober and a civil
man.
Amongst the Indians we have had numerous sights and amusements to
entertain and some to shock us. Shows of dances— ball-plays— horse-
racing-foot-racing, and wrestling in abundance. Feasting-fasting and
prayers we have also had; and penance and tortures, and almost every
thing short of self-immolation. '
Some few days after the steamer had arrived, it was announced that a
granc feast was to be given to the great white chiefs, who were visitors
amongst them ; and preparations were made accordingly for it The two
chiefs Ha-wan-je-tah and Tchan-dee, of whom I have before spoken
brought their two tents together, forming the t.o into a semi-circle (plath
96), enclosing a space sufficiently large to accommodate 150 men ; and sat
down with that number of the principal chiefs and warriors of the Sioux
nauon; with Mr. Chouteau Major Sanford, the Indian agent, M.
M Kenzie, and myself, whom they had invited in due time, and placed on
e evated seats in the centre of the crescent ; while the rest of the compaiw
being deTout '"" ' "'^ ""'' "«-'egged, preparatory to the LsI
In the centre of the semi-circle was erected a flag-staff, on which wa.
sive of their friendly feelings towards us. Near the foot of the flag-staft
were placed in a row on the ground, six or eight kettles vi,i, iron covtrs on
them, Shu tivig them tight, m which were prepared th,. viands tor onr volup-
tuous feast. Near the kettles, and on the ground also, bottoms.de upward^s
were a number of wooden bowls. i„ which the meat wus to be served ou.'
And in front, two or three men, who were there placed as waiters, to light
the pipes for smoking, and also to deal out the food
In these positions things stood, and all sat, with thousands climbing and
*ndian ati "" i' T'' ''"'^ '' '^' "^''-' ^^ '" f'""' oV the
..^l fT T i " ''' y"" ^''' to-day-mv heart is always glad to
, h7 H ' " T'^-""'" ^'''' F^^''-' -ho sends him here is very
rich and we are poor. Our frien.l Mr. M'Ken.ie, who is here, we are J
O ^ ITT '""' """• '"'^ ^'^ ^''«" b« --V -hen he is goiu-
Our. fuend who ,s on you. right-hand we all know .. very rich and we
a holiday. Some
re from the moun-
by long exposure,
in them by some
the matter in a
itil hard rups, and
xtisfy his trapper-
sober and a civil
id amusements to
ball-plays — horse-
ting — fasting, and
and almost every
announced that a
who were visitors
for it. The two
e before spoken,
emi-circle (plate
50 men ; and sat
iors of the Sioux
dian agent, Mr
le, and placed on
t of the company
atory to the feast
.ff, on which was
met, both expres-
of the flag-s»,aft
til iron covers on
(is for our volup-
tomside upwards,
to be served out.
I waiters, to light
ds climbing and
1 at length, Ha-
' in fii.nt of the
ied him thus :—
s always glad to
him here is very
bere, we are ai^o
hen he is gone
ry ricb and we
33d
you, we did not know-he came 111, 1. ^'dia'"'^ ^^o .its wi.h
n,e very weii-uil the womenkTow ^S i. kl;::'"' "1 'k '." ""»'"
.nany curion, thing., and we have aU been p taj S 11 ' ,: "' '^r
u. .nuch anju.ement-and we know he i. ,rLt IdS!:.'"""'" '" "■"'''
yon ::^:;':; L^K^rt'rr^^rr z:? 7^-7 -t;
buflalo hnmp and „,urrow_bnt we le v'ou Lrh • ^l"'''l "'^ ^"'^
have killed onr faithful dogs to feed vo iand thl P " f «" • "" r'T^"
friendship. I have no more .o ^^yV'^"-'"'^ ^^'^ ^reat Sp.r.t w.ll seal our
After these words he took off his beautiful war-eade head-dress-hU .»,;,»
-H legg.ngs-his necklace of gri^^|y bears' claws a. d h s n^^'^n^^^ ^d
a'r^rnt^.^^;^; ''•'' ''T r^^""^''-^" ^'^'^ feet of T'agTnt
-houlden,. and returned to the feast, taking his seat which he had before
and impressive manner h whiVh if h^A k-> i , ^ pome
for a Quantitv of 7nh! J 7 t '*'" ''°"*' ' ^"'^ ««"^ '" ^*»e steamer
eturr. aZ^ • T/"'^ °'^" presents, which were given to him in
eturn. After tins, and after several others of the chiefs had addressed him
n a similar manner; and, like the first, disrobed themselves, Tdthrol
took and atr' '"''' "'^ ^°"^''^ '* ^° Ha-wan-je-tah to smoke. Ho
East a^d t^e wl^^'^'r."^ "'' ''"" '° ^^^ ^^^^-^^ *'>« So"th-to the
ntl;:d'tht«:iT.t ^;;: ^l^ ft was over his head, and pro-
las rfadv wi h "^ "^ I'' ^""^^"'^ '^^^ed. when another of the three waiters
Tasted thJo^H T"f' ?^' ''"^"^ ^ third one, in the same way. which
lasted through the hands of the whole number of guests. This smoking was
he f:rt ti: I : ^''^'"' ^'.''"^"^^ ^° ^^^-^ and established f^ ^.'a.d
the fea^t the whole way. to the most positive silence. After the pine is
through t. 1 18 considered an evil omen for any one to speak • and if anv
pe"d by ttr^-^ '"]? ""^' "^" '" ^ "^'^'•'^'' ^^^ pipeV- iltantVdrop^
use k'o 11 thi n ' 7 '"P'"""°" " ^"^''' tl^'^t they would not dare to
If tl 1 f °" = .*"." ""°"'^'' «"^ '^ ""^'' '■"^ ^"d "«'^J i" its .tead.
ed to U Tu T "^ "" '"'^ '^"""^ the smoking, the waiters then p o-
ceed to distribute the meat, which is soon devoured in the feast. ^
*illi
'' ^i»M
230
In .his case the lids were raised from the kettles, which were all filled
with dogs' meat alone. It being well-cooked, and made into a sort of a
stew, sent forth a very savoury and pleasing smell, promising to be an ac-
ceptable and palatable food. Each of us civilized guests had a large
wooden bowl placed before us, with a huge quantity of dogs' flesh floating
in a profusion of soup, or rich gravy, with a large spoon resting in the dish,
made of the buffalo's horn. In this most difficult and painful dilemma we
sat ; all of us knowing the solemnity and good feeling in which it was given,
and the absolute necessity of falling to, and devouring a little of it. We
all tasted it a few times, and resigned our dishes, which were quite willingly
taken, and passed around with others, to every part of the group, who all
ate heartily of the delicious viands, which were soon dipped out of the
kettles, and entirely devoured ; after which each one arose as he felt dis-
posed, and walked off" without uttering a word. In this way the feast ended,
and all retired silently, and gradually, until the ground was left vacant to
the charge of tha waiters or officers, who seemed to have charge of it durin"
the whole occasion. "
This fea? was unquestionably given to us, as the most undoubted evi-
dence they could give us of their friendship ; and we, who knew the spirit
and feeling in which it was given, could not but treat it respectfully, ar:d
receive it as a very high and marked compliment.
Since I witnessed it on this occasion, I have been honoured with numer-
ous entertainments of the kind amongst the other tribes, which I have visited
towards the sources of the Missouri, and all conducted in the same solemn
and impressive manner ; from which I feel authorized to pronounce the dog-
feast ?>. truly religious ceremony, wherein the poor Indian sees fit to sacrifice
hiS faithful companion to bear testimony to the sacredness of his vows of
friendship, and invite his friend to partake of its fiesh, to remind him for-
cibly of the reality of the sacrifice, and the solemnity of his professions.
The dog, amongst all Indian tribes, is more esteemed and more valued than
amongst any part of the civilized world ; the .ndian who has more time to
devote to his company, and whose untutored mind more nearly assimilates
to that of his faithful servant, keeps hirn closer company, and draws him
nearer to his heart ; they hunt together, and are equal siiarers in the chase—
their bed is one ; and on the rocks, and on their coats of arms they carve
his image as the symbol of fidelity. Yet, with all of these he will end his
affection with this faithful follower, and with tears in his eyes, off-erhimas a
sacrifice to seal the pledge he has made to man ; because a feast of venison,
or o. buff-alo meat; is what is due to every one who enters an Indian's wig'
wam; and of course, conveys but a passive or neutral evidence, that gene^
rally goes for nothing.
1 have sat at many of these feasts, anc' never could but appreciate the
moral and silemnity of them. I have seen the n-.ster take from the bowl
the head of his victim, and descant on its former affection and fidelity with
i!ch were all filled
e into a sort of a
sing to be an ac-
uests had a larg;e
Jogs' flesh floating
esting in the dish,
linfiil dilemma we
vhich it was given,
I little of it. We
jre quite willingly
le group, who all
ipped out of the
se as he felt dis-
y the feast ended,
was left vacant to
liarge of it during
t undoubted evi-
knew the spirit
respectfully, and
iired with numer-
ich I have visited
the same solemn
onounce the dog'
2es fit to sacrifice
s of his vows of
remind him for-
pronessions.
nore valued than
las more time to
learly assimilates
, and draws hint
s in the chase —
arms they carve
he will end his
!S, offer him as a
feast of venison,
m Indian's wig-
2nce, that gene-
231
tears in his eyes. And I have seen guests at the same time by the side of
jne. jestmg and sneering at the poor Indian's folly and stupidity and I
have said m my heart that they never deserved a name so g^od o/w
At the feast wh.ch I have been above describing, each of us tasted a little
of the meat, and passed the dishes on to the Indians, who soon demoli hed
everythmg they contained. We all agreed that the meat was well cook d
and seemed to be a well-flavoured and palatable food ; and no doubt, could
have been eaten w.th a good relish, if we had been hungry, and Ino a„t of
the nature of the food we were eating. 'e;norant of
The flesh of these dogs, though apparently relished by the Indians is
undoubtedly, mferior to the venison and buffalo's meat, of which feast 'are
constantly made where friends are invited, as they are in civilized sociUy to
ThS'" ." '°"'''''' P"'y • ^'■°'" *^'^^ ^"-"^^ ^'«°«' '» *0"'d «eem cLr,
fl.!h 7.^^ '?? «''']^ordinary motive, at all events, for feasting on the
flesh of that useful and faithful animal ; even when, as in the inftance 1
have been descnb.ng, their village is well supplied with fresh and dried meat
of the buffalo The dog-feast is given, I believe, by all tribes in No th
Amenca; and by them ail, I think, this faithful animal, as well as de
horse « sacnficed m several different ways, to appease offended Spirits or
^eities, whom it .s considered necessary that they should conciliate in this
way : and whea done, is invariably done by giving the best in the herd or
t appreciate the
e from the bow/
nd fidelity with
2.'{2
LETTER— No. 29.
MOUTH OF TETON RIVER. UPPER MISSOURI,
AwoTiiER curious and disgusting scene I witnessed in the after part o.
tiie day on wliicii we were honoured with the dog feast. In this I took no
part, but was sufficiently near to it, when standing some rods off, and wit-
nessing the cruel operation. I was called upon by one of the clerks in the
Establishment to ride up a mile or so, near the banks of the Teton River, in
a little plain at the base of the bluffs, where were grouped some fifteen' or
twenty lodges of the Ting-ta-to-ah band, to see a man (as they said) " look-
ing at the sun!" We found him naked, except his breech-cloth, with
splints or skewers run through the flesh on both breasts, leaning back and
han^-in^^ with the weight of his body to the top of a pole which was fastened
Ju the ground, and to the upper end of which he was fastened by a cord which
v.-?.s t,!f d to the splints. In this position he was leaning ba^ k, with nearly the
whole weight of his body hanging to the pole, the top of which was bent for-
ward, a'lowing his body to sink about half-way to the ground (plate 97). His
feet were still upon the ground, supporting a small part of his weight ; and he
htid in his left hand his favourite bow, and in his right, with a desperate grip,
his medicine-bag. In this condition, with the blood trickling down over his
body, which was covered with white and yellow clay, and amidst a great
crowd who were looking on, sympathizing with and enrouraging him"*, he
washangmgand " looking at the sun," without paying tW. least attention to
any one about him. In the group that was reclining around him, were seve-
ral mystery-men beating their drums and shaking their rattles, and singing
as loud as they could yell, to encourage him and strengthen his heart to
stand and look at the sun, from its rising in the morning 'till its setting at
night; at which time, if his heart and his strength have not failed him, he is
•• cut down," receives the liberal donation of presents (which have been
thrown into a pile before him during the day), and also the name and the
style of a doctor, or medicine-man, which lasts him, and ensures him respect
through life. '
This most extraordinary and cruel custom I never heard of amongst any
other tribe, and never saw an instance of it before or after the one I have
just named. It is a sort of worship, or penance, of great cruelty ; disgust-
ing and painful to behold, with only one palliating circumstance about it,
which IS, that It is a voluntary torture and of very rat-e occurrence. The
iOURI.
in the after part o.
In this I took no
e rods ofF, and wit-
of the clerks in the
the Teton River, in
ed some fifteen or
s they said) " look-
breech-cloth, with
3, leaning back and
which was fastened
led by a cord whicli
uk, with nearly the
which was bent for-
nd (plate 97). His
his weight ; and he
ith a desperate grip,
cling down over his
nd amidst a great
couraging him, he
'ft least attention to
nd him, were seve-
dttles, and singing
fthen his heart to
ig 'till its setting at
ot failed him, he is
(which have been
:he name and the
tisures him respect,
rd of amongst any
'ter the one I have
cruelty ; disgust-
unistance about 't,
occurrence. The
233
poorandignorant, misguided and superstitious man «,!,« j., •
his everlasting reputation at stake upo"^ h isre Z it H.T^'u- "' ^"^
he expects to face the sun and gradual Ivturn histn r' '''''''"'^'
he sees it go down at night ; J if heSs ant It ^f wS\h'^""' '"
mment danger, he loses his reputation as a brave or ie'y ma' Z" T
a signal disgrace in the estimation of the tribe like all In ' ^"^'"^«"
and fe.„,, and .n.ny ,„„Jes It sacrif „7 te leMh °"'""°'" '""
..Ho. attention ,„ J^ ftan the ManZ'd^Xhich l./oT, *°,'"' '™
.n a great measnre to ti.e wandering and predate™ mode= ^r T tT''^
course, I was not lucky enoudi to spp Th . ' ^"'^ '"^'''^^ ^^
.|.e w,.o,e transaetion l^^ZZ ,.X'^;MZ m" S"'' '1
.l.e clerk, ,„ the Estahlishntent. From the Lc™„t "f, " of" HL"''' ,
bear .ome shght resemblance to that of the Mand„n ^ ' "" "
no nearer to it tl.an a feeble elTorl i,v .„ 1 ««<'«»'■«%.»».. ce„mmy, hut
.0 copy a cnston. whW t Wy „! pUXt'vel/'''''"''''"" ' "^P""
.henrselve,. bat have cndelvonre^t: 2t^ fLrllr "rVV"
awnmg of mmense si/p erPPtnrl „.. »i • '•" , "^'^"^^ay. 1 hey had an
about me '^ '° '^^^' ^"""^^^ ^^"^ "°^ds that were
friendship and l T !. "'''P""^ ^°'' '""' ""^ ^« ass.irances ot their
every vade'ty of the.r ' T"""' '° ''^"^^^ ^"^ ^""^ ''-- ^^eir country
Pines and tL '"^"^^^'"res, of their costumes, their weapons, their
to pay very liberal prices. ^ ""' "^^«^«^"ly obliged
C'uZ^:;.r:r s;td^; r r "^^^'-^^'^.that , :,.. co..
nnrtrJfc. T /. ^""^ '^*'^'''^"' representations in the numerous
thil 1 ? \ .7 °^ ^''^ """'^ interesting of the very great numbers of
those thnigs which I have collected in this and other tribes whichi have viliL
il H
234
The luxury of smoking is known to all the Noith American Indians,
in their primitive state, and that before they have any knowledge of to-
bacco ; which is only introduced amongst them by civilized adventurers,
who teach them the use and luxury of whiskey at the same time.
In their native state they are excessive smokers, and many of them
(I would almost venture the assertion), woidd seem to be smoking one-
half of their lives. There may be two good reasons for this, the first of
which is, that the idle and leisure life that the Indian leads, (who has
no trade or business to follow — no office hours to attend to, or profes-
sion to learn), induces him to look for occupation and amusement in so
innocent a luxury, which again further tempts him to its excessive use,
from its feeble and harmless effects on the system. There are many weeds
and leaves, and barks of trees, which are narcotics, and of spontaneous
growth in their countries, which the Indians dry and pulverize, and carry
m pouches and smoke to great excess — and which in several of the lan-
guages, when thus prepared, is called k'ldck k'neck.
As smoking is a luxury so highly valued by the Indians, they have
bestowed much pains, and not a little ingenuity, to the construction of
their pipes. Of these I have procured e collection of several hundreds,
and in plate 98, have given fac-simile outlines of a number of the
most curious. The bowls of these are generally made of the red steatite,
01 -' pipe-stone" (as it is more familiarly called in this country), and many
of fhem designed and carved with much taste and skill, with figures and
groups in alio relievo, standing or reclining upon them.
The red stone of which these pipe bowls are made, is, in my estima-
tion, a great curiosity ; inasmuch as I am sure it is a variety of steatite
(if it be steatite), diflfering from that of any known European locality,
and also from any locality known in America, other than the one from
which all these pipes come; and which are all traceable I have found
to one source ; and that source as yet unvisited except by the red man
who describes it, everywhere, as a place of vast importance to the Indians
—as given to them Ly the Great Spirit, for their pipes, and strictly for-
bidden to be used for anything else.
The source from whence all these pipes come, is, undoubtedly, somewhere
between this place and the Mississippi River; and as the Indians all speak
of it as a great medicine-pVdce, I shall certainly lay my course to it, era
long, and be able to give the world some account of it and its mysteries.
The Indians shape out the bowls of these pipes from the solid stone,
which is not quite as hard as marble, with nothing but a knife. The
stone which is of a cherry red, admits of a beautiful polish, and the
Indian makes the hole in ihe bowl of the pipe, by drilling into it a hard
«ick, shaped to the desired size, with a quantity of sharp sand and water
kep» constantly in the hole, subjecting him therefore to a very great labour
m^ thf> necessity of much patience
American Indiana,
' knowledge of f.o-
vilized adventurers,
e same time,
nd many of them
) be smoking one-
6r this, the first of
in leads, (who has
;nd to, or profes-
l amusement in so
' its excessive use,
;re are many weeds
nd of spontaneous
ulverize, and carry
several of the lan-
[ndians, they have
lie construction of
' several hundreds,
a number of the
)f the red steatite,
ountry), and many
1, with figures and
is, in my estima-
variety of steatite
European locality,
iian the one from
iblfi I have found
t by the red man
ice to the Indians
3, and strictly for-
ibtedly, somewhere
! Indians all speak
f course to it, era
id its mysteries,
n the solid stone,
ut a knife. The
1 polish, and the
ling into it a hard
rp sand and water
very great labour
' !i
1
m
W
i
j
1
1
m '
'
fi
235
The shafts or stems of these pipes, as will be seen in plate 98, are from
two to four feet long, sometimes round, but most generally flat ; of an inch
or two m breadth, and wound half their length or more with braids of por-
cupmes' quills ; and often ornamented with the beaks and tufts from the
wood-pecker's head, with ermine skins and long red hair, dyed from white
horse hair or the white buffalo's tail.
The stems of tliese pipes .vill be found to be carved in many ingenious
forms, and m all cases they are perforated through the centre, quite stagger-
ing the wits of the enlightened world to guess how the holes have been bored
through them ; until it is simply and briefly explained, that the stems are
uniformly made of the stalk of the young ash, which generally grows straight
and has a small pith through the c. ntre, which is easily burned out with a hot
wire or a piece of hard wood, by a much slower process.
In PLATE 98, the pipes marked b are ordinary pipes, made and used
/or the luxurrj only of smoking; and for this purpose, every Indian designs
and constructs his own pipe. The calumet, or pipe of peace (plate 98 a),
ornamented with the war-eagle's quills, is a sacred pipe, and never allowed
to be used on any other occasion than that of peace- making ; when the
chief brings it mto treaty, and unfolding the many bandages which are
carefully kept around it-has it ready to be mutually smoked by the chiefs,
after the terms of the treaty are agreed upon, as the means of solemnizing
or signing, by an illiterate people, who cannot draw up an instrument, and
sign their names to it, as it rs done in the civilized world.
The mode of solemnizing is by passing the sacred stem to each chief
who draws one breath of smoke only through it, thereby passing the most
inviolable pledge that they can possibly give, for the keeping of the peace.
This sacred pipe is then carefully folded up, and stowed away in the chief's
lodge, until a similar occasion calls it out to be used in a similar manner.
There is no custom more uniformly in constant use amongst the poor
Indians than that of smoking, nor any other more highly valued. His pipe
IS his constant companion through life— iiis messenger of peacr : he pledges
his friends through its stem and its bowl— and whrn its care-drowning fumes
cease to flow, it takes a place with him in his solitary grave, with his toma-
hawk and war-club, companions to his long fancied, " mild and beautiful
hunting-grounds."
The weapons of these people, like their pipes, are numerous, and mostly
manufactured by themselves. In a former place (plate 18) I have de-
scribed a part of these, such as the bows and arrows, lances, &c., and they
have yet many others, specimens of which I have collected from every tribe;
and a number of which 1 have grouped together in plate 99 ; consisting of
knives, war-clubs, and tomahawks. I have here introduced the most gene-
ral and established forms that are in use amongst the different tribes which
are all strictly copied from amongst the great variety of these articles to b*-
*ound in my Collection.
236
The scalping-knivea a and i, and tomahawks e « e e are of civilized
manufacture, made expressly for Indian use, and carried into the Indian
country by thousands and tens of thousands, and sold at an enormous price.
The scabbards of the knives and handles for the tomahawks, the Indians
construct themselves, according to their own taste, and oftentimes ornament
them very handsomely. In his rude and unapproached condition, the In-
dian is a stranger to such weapons as these — he works not in the metals ;
and his untutored mind has not been ingenious enough to design or execute
anything so samge or destructive as these civilized rejinements on Indian
barbarity. In his native simplicity he shapes out his rude hatchet from a
piece of stone, as in letter /, heads his arrows and spears with flints ; and
his knife is a sharpened bone, or the edge of a broken silex. The war-club
c is also another civilized refinement, with a blade of steel, of eight or ten
inches in length, and set in a club, studded around and ornamented with
some hundreds of brass nails.
Their primitive clubs d are curiously carved in wood, and fashioned out
with some considerable picturesque form and grace ; are admirably fitted to
the hand, and calculated to deal a deadly blow with the spike, of iron or
bone which is imbedded in the ball or bulb at the end.
Two of the tomahawks that I have named, marked e, are what are deno-
minated " pipe-tomahawks," as the heads of them are formed into bowls
like a pipe, in which their tobacco is put, and they smoke through the
handle. These are the most valued of an Indian's weapons, inasmuch as
they are a matter of luxury, and useful for cutting his fire-wood, &c. in
time of peace ; and deadly weapons in time of war, which they use in the
hand, or throw with unerring and deadly aim.
The scalping-knife 6 in a beautiful scabbard, which is carried under the
belt, is the form of knife most generally used in all parts of the Indian coun-
try, where knives have been introduced. It is a common aud cheap but-
cher knife with one edge, manufactured at Sheffield, in England, perhaps, for
sixpence ; and sold to the poor Indian in these wild regions for a horse. If
I should live to get home, and should ever cross the Atlantic with my Collec-
tion, a curious enigma would be solved for the English people, who may
enquire for a scalping-knife, when they find that every one in my Collection
(and hear also, that nearly every one that is to be seen in tlie Indian country,
to the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean) bears on its blade the
impress of G.R., which they will doubtless understand.
The huge two-edged knife, with its scabbard of a part of the skin of a
grizzly bear's hekd, letter a, is one belonging to the famous chief of tlie
Mandans, of whom 1 have before said much. The manufacture of this knife
IS undoubtedly American ; and its shape differs altogether from those which
<*re in general use.*
• This celebrated knife is now in my Indian Museum, and tliere is no doubt, from its
•utiieutic iustory, that it has been several Umes plunged to the iiearte of Lii> eaemieb by
are of civilized
1 into the Indian
1 enormous price,
iwks, the Indians
entimes ornament
::ondition, the In-
t in the metals ;
design or execute
'iments on Indian
le hatchet from a
i with flints ; and
X. The war-club
1, of eight or ten
ornamented with
nd fashioned out
dmirably fitted to
spike of iron or
e what are deno-
irmed into bowls
oke through tlie
)ns, inasmuch as
fire-wood, &c, in
h they use in the
carried under the
the Indian coun-
aiid cheap but-
land, perhaps, for
i for a horse. If
: with my Coliec-
leople, who may
in my Collection
B Indian country,
on its blade the
of the skin of a
ous chief of the
ture of this knife
rom those which
i no doubt, from its
i)i hin euemieb by
J ■'
1'
i
1
m
r
,^»U.ii .
ol
or
ar
wi
CO
thi
an
a I
niE
thf
an(
fro
the
in I
ver
tak
the
bef
tbe
£xr
toh-
took
I se
meiti
you.
237
The above weapons, as well as ihe how and lance of wI.i.K i i, u ,
jpoken.areali carried and used on horseback v^L .It'fJ,^"^'?"
dians in this country of green fields all r,v« f«, .1, • '^''^ '"*
.wrga.», which i :.im„,, „;.ti,rv MM :; r;,''°"'r*' "°'' "'" '"
•Fed. They .,. all cruel ™a.,e„ fo/ih ho«e a d „ "': '' """
goad the™ „„„i,h a ,,.,.,y.„j „„„, : lip (",; "9,7 "'h ,i'l
okicl. !• geacrall, made nf a laree Dron„ nf th/ .1 J\ ■''' ' '""'"' "'
the lashes ofrawl.ide are ,„ SJ^^- ? ■l"'' ^^ "' °' "•< •"I
.ide ..ap,. The.e .T; ii::,,.-' ^aLaS r^crrL" T,' '"'■'
was ,ny rnedrctne, that chiefs and n.edicine-men turned out 'and aVreed t.
compliment me with a dance (PL ATF lnn^ ii , , °"\'^"a ^^S^eed ti»
amongst them. " '•'"" ^" P'^y *« ^"y ^^-anger
In this dance, which I have called " the dance of the chiefs " for want of
a more s,gn.hcant t.tle, was given by fifteen or twenty chie "and dXs
many of whon. were very old and venerable men. All of them came out n
the drum, and sang for the^d^cttll^tL'^r^rng^^rd^:
m a row, and chant ng a sort of choni, fnr f Ko ,i .■ "."'^" swnanig
very few instances thft I ever hat 1 ' r^^ »orm,ng one of the
take anv oart in fl.« • ? ' ^^'^'^ ^^^ ''°'^*'" ^'^ ^^''^^^^^ to
This dance wa. ^"""^' '?l "^ ^''"' "" ^""-""^"^ ^'th the men.
lias dance was a very spirited thing, and pleased me much, as well as all
^ts'>::=:^rr^ir:t=,:«ir~
ExmACT-l" TI>B , ^'°''. ;"*,"'"'« ""'1 o"'"-- tl"ngs seut to me by him from that country :
to J^Thale been lie L 17" f "' ""' '""°"^'" ^"^'^ ^"^ ""» ^"-^. ^^^''■-
took poss LUf evervl T T". "l" '"^ "*" "^'"^^''^ ""> «*«<=«'««* immediately
•»*^nH;in tb . rount V -nH ;r' "■'""'' " """^ '°°''«'l "1'°" "^ tte greatest
-. * '"" """"^y- «">«» "^ y«" «'" recollect it. it will be lughly appreciated by
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
1.0 !f i- I
I.I
1.25
u
u I.
1.4
2.5
2.0
1=
1.6
6"
vV'^
o/%
Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
4^^
^
V
c\
,v
\
^s^
^
^ ^#>.
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238
As I have introduced the scalping-ktiife above, it may be well for me to
give some further account in this place of the custom and the mode of
taking the sculp ; a custom practiced by all the North American Indians,
which is done when an enemy is killed in battle, by grasping the left hand
into the hair on the crown of the head, and passing the knife around it
through the skin, tearing off a piece of the skin with the hair, as large ag
the palm of the hand, or larger, which is dried, and often curiously orna-
mented and preserved, and highly valued as a trophy. The scalping is an
operation not calculated of itself to take life, as it only removes the skin,
wiiiiout injuring the bone of the head ; and necessarily, to be a genuine
scalp, must contain and show the crown or centre of the head ; tl.at part of
the skin which lies directly over what the phrenologists call " self-esteem,"
where the hair divides and radiates from the centre; of which they all profess
to be strict judges, and able to decide whether an effort has been made to
produce two or more scalps from one head. Besides taking the scalp, the
victor generally, if he has time to do it without endangering his own scalp,
cuts off and brings home the rest of the hair, which his wife will divide into
a great many small locks, and with them fringe off the seams of his shirt
and his leggings, as will have been seen in many of the illustrations ; which
also are worn as trophies and ornaments to the dress, and then are fami-
liarly called " scalp-locks." Of these there are many dresses in my Collec-
tion, which exhibit a continuous row from the top of each shoulder, down
the arms to the wrists, and down the seams of the leggings, from the hips
to the feet, rendering them a very costly article to buy from the Indian
who is not sure tiiat his success in his military exploits will ever enable him
to replace them.
The scalp, then, is a patch of the skin taken '"rom the head of an enemy
killed in battle, and preserved and highly appreciated as the record of a
death produced by the hand of the individual who possesses it ; and may
oftentimes during his life, be of great service to a man living in a com-
munity where there is no historian to euro! the names of the far.ious — to
record the heroic deeds of the brave, who have gained their laurels in
mortal combat with their enemies ; where it is as lawful and as glorious to
slay an enemy in battle, as it is in Christian communities ; and where the
poor Indian is bound to keep the record himself, or be liable to lose it
and the honour, for no one in the tribe will keep it for him. As the scalp
is taken then as the evidence of a death, it will easily be seen, that the
Indian has no business or inclination to take it from the head of the living;
which I venture to say is never done in North America, unless it be, as it
sometimes has happened, where a man falls in the heat of battle, stunned
with the blow of a weapon or a gunshot, and the Indian, rushing over his
body, snatches off his scalp, supposing him dead, who afterwards rises from
the field of battle, and easily recovers from this superficial wound of the
knife, wearing a bald spot on his head during the remainder of his life, of
ly be well for me to
I and the mode ot°
American Indians),
isping the left hand
the knife around it
he hair, as large as
'ten curiously orna-
The scalping is an
y removes the skin,
y, to be a genuine
head ; tl.at part ot"
call " self-esteem,"
lich they all profess
has been made to
king the scalp, the
ring his own scalp,
vife will divide into
seams of his shirt
[lustrations ; which
and then are fami-
jsses in my Col lee-
ch shoulder, down
ings, from the hips
from the Indian
II ever enable him
head of an enemy
as the record of a
ssses it ; and may
I living in a com-
of the famous — to
d their laurels in
and as glorious to
s ; and where the
i liable to lose it
lim. As the scalp
be seen, that the
lead of the living;
unless it be, as it
)f battle, stunned
, rushing over his
erwards rises from
cial wound of the
idcr of his life, of
239
which we have frequent occurrences on our Western frontiers. T».e scalo
niust be from the head of an enemy also, or it subjects its possessor I
d jace and mfamy who carnes it. There may be many instances where an
Indian is justified in the estimation of his tribe in taking the life of one of
his own people ; and their laws are such, as oftentimes make it his imperative
duty . and yet no circumstances, however aggravating, will justify him or
release him from the disgrace of taking the scalp. ^ ^
There is no custom practised by the Indians, for which they are more
universaUy condemned, than that of taking the scalp ; and, at' the san
time, I think there is some excuse for them, inasmuch as it is a general
custom of the country, and founded, like many other apparently absurd
and ridiculous customs of these people, in one of the necessities of Indian
ii»e, wiMch necessities we are free from in the civilized world, and which
customs, of course, we need not and do not practice. From an ancient
custom « time out of mind," the warriors of these tribes have been in the
hab.t of going to war, expecting to take the scalps of their enemies whom
they may slay in battle, and all eyes of the tribe are upon them, making it
their duty to do it ; so from o- tom it is every man's right, and his duty also,
to continue and keep up a regulation of his society, which it is not in his
power as an individual, to abolish or correct, if he saw Ht to do it.
One of the principal denunciations against the custom of taking the scalp,
IS on account of its alleged cruelty, which it certainly has not ; as the cruelty
would U in the killmj,&nA not in the act of cutting the skin from a man's
head after he is dead. To say the most of it, it is a disgusting custom, and
I wish I could be quite sure that the civilized and Christian world (who kill
hundreds, to where the poor Indians kill one), do not often treat their enemies
dead, in equally as indecent and disgusting a manner, as the Indian does by
taking the scalp.
If the reader thinks that I am taking too much pains to defend the
Indians for this, and others of their seemingly abominable customs, he will
bear it m mind, that I have lived with these people, until I have learned the
necessities of Indian life in which these customs are founded ; and also, that
I have met with so many acts of kindness and hospitality at the hands of the
poor Indian, that I feel bound, when I can do it, to render what excuse I can
for a people, who are dying with broken hearts, and never can speak in the
civilized world in their own defence.
And even yet, reader, if your education, and your reading of Indian cruel-
ties and Indian barbarities— of scalps, and scalping-knives, and scalping,
should have ossified a corner of your heart against these unfortunato people,
and would shut out their advocato, I will annoy you no longer on this sub-
ject, but withdraw, and leave you to cherish the very beautiful, humane and
parental moral that was carried out by the United States and British Govern-
ments during the last, and the revolutionary wars, when they mutually em-
ployed thousands of their «' Red children," to aid and to bleed, in fighting
'*?!
240
their liattles, and paid them, according to contract, so many pounds, shilling
and pence or so many dollars and cents for every " scalp" of a " red" or
a " blue coat" they could brinj in !
In TLATE 101, there will be seen the principal modes in which the scalps
are prepared, and several of the uses to which they are put. The most usual
way of prepanng and dressing the scalp is that of stretching it on a little
hoop at the end of a stick two or three feet long (letter a), for the purpose
of dancing ,t, as they term it ; which will be described in the scalLlance
in a few moments. There are many again, which are small, and not
dre^ed ; sometimes not larger than a crown piece (letter c), and hune
to different parts of the dress. In public shows and parades, they are
often suspended from the bridle bits or halter when they are paraded and
carried as trophies (letter b). Sometimes they are cut out, as it were into
a string, the hair forming a beautiful fringe to line the handle of a war-club
(letfer e). Sometimes they are hung at the end of a club (^letter d), and at
other times, by the order of the chief, are hung out, over the wigwams,
suspended from a pole, which xfs called the '« scalp-pole^ This is often
done by the chief of a village, in a pleasant day, by his erecting over his wig-
wanr. a pole with all the scalps that he had taken, arranged upon it (letter A ■
at the sight of which all the chiefs and warriors of the tribe, who had taken
scalps, "follow suit;" enabling every member of the community to stroll
about the vdlage on that day and " count scalps," learning thereby the
standing of every warrior, which is decided in a great degree by the number
of scalps they have taken in battles with their enemies. Letters g, n shew
the usual manner of taking the scalp, and (letter h), exhibits the head of a
man who had been scalped and recovered fi-om the wound.
So much for scalps and scalping, of which I shall yet say more, unless I
should unluckily lose one before I get out of the country.
il;
nany pounds, shillingra
calp" of a "red" or
29 in which the scalps
put. Tiie most usual
itching it on a little
r a), for the purpose
id in the scalp-dance,
are small, and not
(letter c), and hung
d parades, they are
ey are paraded and
t out, as it were into
handle of a war-club
lub {letter d), and at
t, over the wigwams,
lo/e." This is often
erecting; over his wig-
ed upon it (lettery) ;
tribe, who had taken
community to stroll
earning thereby the
agree by the number
Letters g, g, shew
hibits the head of a
id.
■ say more, unless I
241
LETTER -No. 30.
MOUTH OF TETON RIVER. UPPER MISSOURI
teen h.„dl,„j over; ,„»,e de.cHpti„„ of whioh „,, be ,«,,.,, f«. he
reader ,„ endeavouring to api„eciate some of thei, .tranercglo,. »nH
.m„,.™„u, „hich I a™ ,„o„ to unfold, ,„ ...r,"o°i%l"T, a„d
h»e?;at;f„:'':f\tt:e":tr r p* ^of ^rr M ^^
purpose a young man about to construct him a shield di^s a holp 7f .
driven through hole, made neat the edge, of the lin Th t f*'
cnnou! proces,, which i. mo« dexterously done the skin ,t.„,?' J\.
n». unt, „ ,s rondered as thick and hard a, required (and his friLds have
dtnteei°:%Ttt Tif pVt' oT" Vt t°" ^'-'^-^-'^
.J.^ that he desires, ittlTpalld wThif ^Zlrttr::: t
wAeaglcs;!! '''".f'"'' f*""''"' f™'" l»"»: it i. U,e„ frilged
Thr^T 1.J ' ;'"' •""»°'™'» !>» """y ha,e chosen, and slum with
II tte wal!' "",? "■" """'' '■'» ""•"■ These shields are carld ,
i«:=;7ou:hrfrZs^r:xrr°"'" ^---^
VOL. I.
I 1
249
or pip,,, an.l il.c nmlon. off^mokin-. I have already spoken : and I then
luid, tl.at ti.e Indians u«e ?«v,.ial Rubstitutcs for tobacco, which ihey call
Kntck h'neck. For the carrying,' of ihis delicious weed or bark, and pre-
serving its flavour, the women construct very curious pouches of otter or
beaver, or other skins (letters c, c, c,), which are ingeniously ornamented
with porcupine quills and beads, and generally carried hanging across the
left arm, containing a quantity of the precious narcotic, with flint and steel
and spunk, for lighting the pipe. *
^ The musical instruments used amongst these people are few, and exceed-
ingly rude and imperfect, consisting chiefly of rattles, drums, whistles, and
lutes, all of which are used in the different tribes.
In PLATE 101 J (letters d, d,) will be seen the rattles (or She-she-quois)
most generally used, made of rawhide, which becomes very hard when dry
and charged with pebbles or something of the kind, which produce a shrill
noise to mark the time in their dances and songs. Their drums (letters e, e,)
are made in a very rude manner, oftentimes with a mere piece of rawhide
stretcired over a hoop, very much in the shape of a tambourin ; and at other
times are made in the form of a keg, with a head of rawhide at each end •
on these they beat with a drum-stick, which oftentimes itself is a rattle the
bulb or head of it being made of rawhide and filled with pebbles. In other
instances the stick has, at its end, a little hoop wound and covered with buck-
skin, to soften the sound ; with which they beat on the drum with great
violence, as the chief and heel-inspiring sound for all their dances, and also
as an accompaniment for their numerous and never-ending songs of amuse-
ment, of thanksgiving, and medicine .c metai. The mystery whistle, (letter
/,) 18 another instrument of their invention, and very ingeniously made
the sound being produced on a principle entirely different from that of any
wind instrument known in civilized inventions ; and the notes produced on
It, by the sleight or trick of an Indian boy, in so simple and successful a
manner, as to bafHe entirely all civilized ingenuity, even when it is seen to
be played. An Indian boy would stand and blow his notes on this rcpeatediv
for hundreds of white men who might be lookers-on. not one of whom could
make the least noise on it, even by practising with it for hours. When I
first saw this curious exhibition, I was charmed with the peculiar sweetness
of Its harmonic sounds, and completely perplexed, (as hundreds of white
men have no doubt been before me. to the great amusement and satisfaction
ot the women and children,) as to the mode in which the sound was produced
even though ,t was repeatedly played immediately before my eyes, and
handed to me for my vain and amusing endeavours. The sounds of this
little simple toy are liquid and sweet beyond description ; and, though here
only given in harmonics, I am inclined to think, might, by some ingenious
musician or musical instrument-maker, be modulated and converted into
something very pleasing.
The War-whistle (letter A,) is a well known and valued little instrument,
poken ; and I tlieii
CO, which ihey call
I or bark, and pre-
)oiiches of otter, or
niously ornamented
hanging across the
with flint and steel,
re few, and exceed-
rums, wliistlcs, and
(or She-she-quois)
;ry hard when dry,
ch produce a shrill
Irums (letters c, c,)
5 piece of rawhide
urin ; and at other
'hide at each end ;
:self is a rattle, the
pebbles. In other
covered with buck-
e drum with great
ir dances, and also
)g songs of amuse-
?»y whistle, (letter
ingeniously made,
t from that of any
notes produced on
and successful a
when it is seen to
on this repeatedly,
)ne of whom could
r hours. When I
peculiar sweetness
lundreds of white
nt and satisfaction
und was produced,
're my eyes, and
iie sounds of this
and, though here
y some ingenious
nd converted into
i little instrument.
!•
■
I
t
ti
ti
rr
w
It
ill
243
colour, which arc wound aroLcI i A cli! ^77'""' ^""''' "^ '"«'«-'^'^"t
with h.„,. .uspended generally fro;„ hin „1 1 "^ '""'"" *'"'' »« '^""''^
Thuhttle n.trun.entha»butLonls wheha r T """^'^ '"■'"'^"'•
he endB of it. The note produced in oX end h '"°''"^f '^ '^ ^'"*'">< "'
the other, give, the ,ig„al for battle whiUr .'. ? "'""^ """•« '^"" t'"'"
thmgtlmti,distinctIyLardanrdmto'dh "'''■■ ^°""'''' '^ ^'^^'"'''' = «
and noi,e of battle, where all are bark „" ^,^,"7 ■"""• -«" ■" ^''e heat
and of course unable to hear the comma Is ot heir "V '°"' " ''''''''^'
civilized world '(letter ,7 Th Uwhat'l 7 "'"' ''" P"^' '^°"' "'
•'rf-w*/»A^.." a .. wlinebago curt n^ flute '".? ,'" '"""^^ '^""^^ '^
•t IS perforated with holes for L fin ^ ' .'^ ''"'-eet-qu-^ 1<-to,"&c.:
'our. and in some instances for l! ^'7' T''"""' '''' "'"' «^ «"'«" fo
their octaves. Thes n" L Ire "r '' '7'"^ "."'^ ^° "^""y "«'- -"•
ti.at they have very littletsr orT^t o7v ^ '' ""^'""^ ^'^^'^
blown m the end, and the sound nrn,i 7 , ''.^- ^''ese instruments are
In the vicinity of the Upp"" M^si " • Te °" '''' ^""^'P''^ "^ ^ -'"""«.
|..«trumen,calle'd the WiX^ uS'flute!^" T ''""'''''' '>^""' ""^
hy traders and others i„ those rf dons hS 1 """^ "'^"^'y '"'""^'"^^
with signal success, often imesTw:.!? Ik' ^°""^ ■"'" °*' ''^^^ '"^' ""^^t
notes, which they b ow fo " o ' to ,1 "^ the.r sweethearts with its simple
bank of some ^tLZsoLZJ^^t^l' oTl '"" '.V" '"'' ^^^ ''^
near to the wigwam which contZ e "i "Aheirlr '"^ "' ^"'^''
her soul is touched, and she resoon irh?"^ . "''"' P''''"'" = ""^^
ready to repay the yoZJornlZr J '° '"' "''''""" ^'«"'^'' ^^at she is
and her heart. How tf ue Tl It P""'' ^'''' '"^^ ^ift of her hand
cannot say, but therceainlvnlrrT^ "^^ '"^^ ''-" ™-'^. »
co.nome/by which v:':::^:^,^^ ^""^^ '^°""' '"' '•' ^'■^^'"
-Tharnir hrirbtliiti;'^'"' ""t^-^^' ^^ ^"' - -- ^«
«ame fact will be stil Ze .1 1 '![°^''? ""'^ '^''' P^^P'^' and the
to hear their oca e hSon t r^'^J '° '''"^^ ^^° ''^^^ «" opportunity
ti.e ears of ^::^r:^^ roL^^!^ ^"'^ ^""- ''-^'y --^i4
trwSrr»lt^^^^^^^^^^ ^'^^"- — -ts of all the
music are introduced T^'.h' ' °^ *''''"' ^''^' ''''^ '^"^ instrumental
which constitute al the rr ?'»""^^«"«'^^ '" ^^out four different steps,
.cenes are ry num outt 7 'T''?; ''"' ''^^ ''^"^'^^ ""^* '"«""* "^ ^'''-
t^rtions. accoirrd w^b ; ' "1 ^ ''' ""'"' ^-'«"M"'"P^ and con-
- e-ct\i„::rrt lei: L^^ "':!"t'^-'"' ^^''-•' - given
motions. It has been said by some travellers, thnt
t'
244
Ijit
'■n
the Indian has neither harmony or melody in his music, but I am unwilling
to subscribe to such an assertion ; although I grant, that for the most part of
their vocal exercises, there is a total absence of what the musical world would
call melody ; their songs being made up chiefly of a sort of violent chaunt of
harsh and jarring gutturals, of yelps and barks, and screams, which are
f iven out in perfect time, not only with " method (but with harmony) in
their madness." There are times too, as every traveller of the Indian country
will attest, if he will recall them to his recollection, when the Indian lays
down by his fire-side with his drum in his hand, which he lightly and almost
imperceptibly touches over, as he accompanies it with his stifled voice of
dulcet sounds that might come from the most tender and delicate female.
These quiet and tender songs are very different from those which are sung
at their dances, in full chorus and violent gesticulation ; and many of them
seem to be quite rich in plaintive expression and melody, thjough barren of
change and variety.
Dancing, I have before said, is one of the principal and most valued
amusements of the Indians, and much more frequently practised by them
than by any civilized society ; inasmuch as it enters into their forms of wor-
ship, and is often their mode of appealing to the Great Spirit — of paying their
usual devotions to their medicine — and of honouring and entertaining
strangers of distinction in their country
Instead of the " giddy maze" of the quadrille or the coimtry dance,
enlivened by the cheering smiles and graces of silkened beauty, the Indian
performs his rounds with jumps, and starts, and yells, much to the satisfac-
tion of his own exclusive self, and infinilj amut jment of the gentler sex, who
are always lookers on, but seldom allowed so great a pleasure, or so signal an
honour, as that of joining with their lords in this or any other entertainment.
Whilst staying with these people on my way up the river, I was repeatedly
honoured with the dance, and 1 as often hired them to give them, or went
to overlook where they weie performing them at their own pleasure, in pur-
suance of their peculiar customs, or for their own amusement, that I might
study and correctly herald them to future ages. I saw so many of their dif-
ferent varieties of dances amongst the Sioux, that I should almost be disposed
to denominate them the " dancing Indians." It would actually seem as if
they had dances for every thing. And in so large a village, there waa
scarcely an hour in any day or night, but what the beat of the drum could
somewhere be heard. These dances are almost as various and different in their
character as they are numerous — some of them so exceedingly grotesque and
laughable, as to keep the bystanders in an irresistible roar of laughter — others
are calculated to excite his pity, and forcibly appeal to his sympathies, whilst
others disgust, and yet others terrify and alarm him with their frightful
threats and contortions.
All the world have heard of the " bear-dance" though I doubt whether
more than a very small proportion have ever seen it; here it is (plate 102)
ic, but I am unwilling
at for the most part of
le musical world would
)rt of violent chaunt of
d screams, which are
(but with harmony) in
r of the Indian country
when the Indian lays
i he lightly and almost
ith iiis stifled voice of
ind delicate female.
1 those which are sung
n ; and many of them
ody, though barren of
ipal and most valued
itly practised by them
ito their forms of wcr-
Spirit — of paying their
ring and entertaining
: the country dance,
ed beauty, the Indian
, much to the satisfac-
)f the gentler sex, who
easure, or so signal an
y other entertainment,
ivcr, I was repeatedly
to give them, or went
own pleasure, in pur-
jsement, that I might
V so many of their dif-
uld almost be disposed
lid actually seem as if
a village, there was
eat of the drum could
IS and difTerent in their
iedingly grotesque and
ar of laughter — others
his sympathies, whilst
n with their frightful
ough I doubt whether
icrc it is (plate 102)
245
which is given severaTdavs b 1 P^^^'^'Pafon m the bear dance,
m£„*Z7 """""'""'■■"-»"»'» ".i'—tapo,..n. and
pm.«i dance (plat. 103). wa. gi.en, „„. by a set of LTZiho!,"
«,. , speaking bnl by tta Br,, and m». independen. yo n^^e in f e
o^^TTot^T': <'■? '"' "T- »• «"• -«P'«i* their Led, 1^
r on"a' h 'rt',"?' " ";*'"«-">•" "'"-e "« drum, and li g in
tad a l,e cln h n '' ''"^ °' ?" ™'"- '" "'» 1»"» «™'y »"e ""g' "'
Great sir, „ ',,""1 '"'' '"" '"'" "'"' ""' »""". i° «» 'PP™' t- the
Of .ca/p5, and of the modes and objects of scalping, I have before sooken •
?: t etrosr n' •" ''^T'' °^*^^ ^^^'^^ we'reSretchea otmtlC.:
a,r olfih^'';'^?'' ^',Y^^ ^^^^ '' ^''^'" "^ ^ celebration of a victory ; and
by ' ,rof?h ' "/ '7'''^ "1"^' "^''^'"^ ^'^"^ ''>^'"' ^'-"'^ - 1»- -««'^
«.» V. ' f '°'''''''' ""^ J"^^ '^'^'""^*^ ^^''""g t° bed. When a wa
Slr^„"'"r '"*'"■ """'''°"' '"•'"*'''"= ''«""^ ^^itli them the scalps o '
the.r enem.es, they generally .' .iancc thenr for Hftcen nights in succcs io
'>/l
246
▼annting forth the moit extravagant boagts of their wonderful prowess In war,
whilst they brandish their war weapons in their hands. A number of
young women are selected to aid (though they do not actually join in the
dance), by stepping into the centre of the ring, and holding up the scalps
that have been recently taken, whilst the warriors dunce (or rather jump),
around in a circle, brandishing their weapons, and barking and yelping in the
most frightful manner, all jumping on both feet at a time, with a simulta-
neous stamp, and blow, and thrust of their weapons ; with which it would
seem as if they were actually cutting and carving each other to pieces.
During these frantic leaps, and yelps, and thrusts, every man distorts his face
to the utmost of his muscles, darting about his glaring eye-balls and snapping
his teeth, as if he were in the heat (and actually breathing through his
inflated nostrils the very hissing death) of battle ! No description that can
be written, could ever convey more than a feeble outline of the frightful
effects of these scenes enacted in the dead and darkness of night, under the
glaring light of their blazing flambeaux ; nor could all the years allotted to
mortal man, in the least obliterate or deface the vivid impress that one scene
of this kind would leave upon his memory.
The precise object for which the scalp is taken, is one which is definitely
understood, and has already been explained ; but the motive (or motives),
for which this strict ceremony is so scrupulously held by all the American
tribes, over the scalp of an enemy, is a subject, as yet not satisfactorily set-
tied in my mind. There is no doubt, but one great object In these exhibitions
is public exultation ; yet there are several conclusive evidences, that there
are other and essential motives for thus formally and strictly displaying the
scalp. Amongst some of the tribes, it is the custom to bury the scalps after
they have gone through this series of public exhibitions ; which may in a
measure have been held for the purpose of givingthem notoriety, and of award-
ing public credit to the persons who obtained them, and now, from a custom of
the tnbe, are obliged to part with them. The great respect which seems to
be paid to them whilst they use them, as well as the pitying and mournful
song which they howl to the manes of their unfortunate victims; as well as
the precise care and solemnity with which they afterwards bury the scalps,
sufficiently convince me that they have a superstitious dread of the spirits o/
iheir slain enemies, and many conciliatory offices to perform, to ensure theii
own peace ; one of which is the ceremony above described.
■ful prowess In war,
ds. A number of
tctually join in the
ding up the scalps
(or rather jump),
: and yelping in the
le, with a sitnulta-
ith which it would
ii other to pieces,
an distorts his face
balls and snapping
thing through his
escription that can
le of the frightful
f night, under the
le years allotted to
'ess that one scene
which is definitely
otive (or motives),
all the American
satisfactorily get-
II these exhibitions
dences, that there
;tly displaying the
ry the scalps after
; which may in a
iety, and of award-
r, from a custom of
ct which seems to
'ing and mournful
ictims; as well as
i bury the scalps,
id of the spirits of
n, to ensure tbeii
,•' •.
i
1
1
: '1'
I
947
letter-No. 31.
Iw foriner Letters I ha
are more familiarly denom!nated"in T' "''°""' °'' '^^ ^''""'' or (as thev
^He^e region, in nuLroXt "n ":; ST/r "^^' ^'^^^^ ^
These noble animals of the ox hJoiT i . "'^ '^^ ^^^ » '""'e more.
•enbed in our books on Natural C' " " ""' '"^'^ '^^"^" «° -^" ^e
and great importance i„ thU s 'wS^^^.^J' ^ -'J."' °' ^"™- '"*- *
;n>e .ke the history of the poo Ta at" !ndT 'f ^''^""^^'y «° «* ''"»
tJmt they are rapidly wasting away at th^ " ^''"l *''^ ^^""^ consideration.
--andbiseharacter.la:^rr^^-;n:';ir:;;t;~
-ta^l -talUtr;^^^ applied to these ani-
just about as much reseLlanl't ' Je ^^^^^^^^^ '"^ ^h.-y bear
^ebra or to a common ox. How nearlv tlfpt ^^''°' "' ^''^y ^« '» »
Europe, which I never have had annn^™'^ "'''''°"''' '° '^' '''*°» «f
;neh-ned to think, is now nearly extnctT^:l■^"^' ^"'^ "•"'=''• ' «-
tojudge from the numerous enlavin' I h^'^r^y^ ^^^ '^^ *«'«
descnptions I have read of thlTluIdT '''iV^'^' animals, and
.yet a wide difference between the bison o7 1 '^^'"'^''"^'^ »« ^^ink. there was
•n the North of Europe and Asia Th 1 • ■"'"'"" P''"'"^^' ^nd those
after call it) buffalo.'is the ta^st of tte""'" ''""' " ^'' ' ^'^^^ ''«-
hvmg in America: and seems fn U , """•"'"atrng animals that is now
vastcountry.byth Grl St V;:^^ T'^ «ver the plains of th^
who live almosi e.cl.Z/^^l^ZtirTr^^^^^^^^ ">-
«k.ns. The reader, by referrL back tn ^^ ^'^' "'""^^'^^^ ^'"^ '»>«•
of this Work, will see faSu^^ If ,?"''^, ' ^"^ «' '" ^^e beginning
animal, ia their proud and f "e state of , "''' ""'^ '"^'""'^ ^'^ ^^s huge
country to which they annronrlt^K , "''* ^'^'''^ °" '^' P'ains of the
b"t changing very muVhTtrsel; ^^^^^^ f^"^' ^"''^"^ '^ ^ ^^"^ brown
or fur. from its great length in Z ? ?°'" """^ ^° •=«''' ^ their hair
weather, turning qui St and ll ""?"" '"'^ 'P""^' ''"'* ^^P°«"^e to the
' t bll"{f^ ~ shXlV^^ ^'^^^' ^'- '^^ -•"- -t
•hake's alng\';d'sh!g" 'SreVmlt ""^'^ °''°'' P«-^«' and
SSy oiacic mane, that falls m great profusion and con-
248
fusion, over his head and shoulders ; and oftentimes failing down quite to
the ground. The horns are short, hut very iurge. und have hut one turn.
I.e. they are a simple arch, without tlie least approach to a spiral Ibrni, like
tliose o( the common ox, or of the goat species.
The female is much smaller than the male, and always distinguishahre by
he peeuhar shape of the horns, which are much smaller and more crooked
lummg' their points more in towards the centre of the forehead.
Oi.« of the most remarkable characteristics of the buffalo, is the peculiar
formation and expression of the eye. the ball of which is very large and white
and the iris jet black. The lids of the eye seem always to be strained quite
open, and the ball rolling forward and down ; so that a considerable Jn of
the ins IS hidden behind the lower lid. while the pure white of the eyeball
glares out over it in an arch, in the shape of a moon at the end of its first
(juarter.
These animals are. truly speaking, gregarious, but not migratory— thev craze
in immense and almost incredible numbers at times, and roam about and
over vast tracts of country, from East to Vest, and from West to East, as
often a, from North to South; which has often been supposed they natu-
rally and habitually dul to accommodate themselves to the temperature of
the clima e in the different latitudes. The limits within which they are
<ound m America, are from the 30th to the 65th degrees of North latitude •
and heir extent from East to West, which is from the border of our extreme
Western frontier limits, to the Western verge of the Rocky Mountains, is
defined by quite different causes, than those which the degrees of tempera-
ture have prescribed to them on the North and the South. Within these
25 degrees of latitude, the buffaloes seem to flourish, and get their living
without the necessity of evading the rigour of the climate, for which Nature
seems most wise y to have prepared them by the greater or less profusion
of fur, with which she has clothed them.
It is very evident that, as high North as Lake Winnepeg. seven or eight
hundred miles North of this, the buffalo subsists itself through the severts
wmters ; getting its food chiefly by browsing amongst the timber, and by
pawing through the snow, for a bite at the grass, which in those regions I
frozen up very suddenly in the beginning of the winter, with all its juices in
It and consequently furnishes very nutritious and efficient food; and
of en. If not generally, supporting the animal in better flesh during these
dif hcu t seasons of their lives, than they are f.>und to be in, in the 30lh degree
knotrt'^r ' ^r'''" °^ ^'''''"'' "''^^« '^' ''''"'y «*• winter is not
known . but during a long and tedious autumn, the herbage, under the in-
IfZ 1 ' T'"^ '""l'' ^'''^"""y "^""^ ^'"^y '« ^ '"«^« ^usk, and its
to baTk n'T' ""''1 'i'" P°°^ ''''''''''' ^^^" '" ^'"^ dead of winter.
juicy ting to bitTaT ^ '"'^' ^""' ^"""^ ^"^ ''''^'' °^ ^ ^-" ^
The place from which I am now writing, may be said to be the very heart or
ullirip; down quite to
liave hut one turn,
to u spiral Ibrni, like
ys (listinn;uisliabre by
T and more crooked,
)rehead.
ffalo, is the peculiar
k'ery large and wliite,
I to be strained quite
considerable part of
white of the eyeball
t the end of its iirgt
igratory — they graze
nd roam about and
m West to East, as
lupposcd they natu-
the temperature of
bin which they are
of North latitude ;
irder of our extreme
:ocky Mountains, is
iegrees of tempera-
uth. Within these
nd get their living
!, for which Nature
!r or less profusion
peg, seven or eight
irough the severest
he timber, and by
in those regions is
'ith all its juices in
ficient food ; and
flesii during these
in the 30th degree
ty of winter is not
age, under the in-
nere husk, and its
le dead of winter,
efit of a green or
5 the very heart or
249
of the death and destruction thairded' °"'?* ■"'"' ''""^'^^ "'='^«""*
'.urrying on their final exSion """""^ '^''' ""'''« ""'">»'». «"•<»
The Sioux are a bold and desperate tu>t of l,„,.-
and in the heart of their country is oIp Z\/ '"' ""'' ^''''^ ''""»"":
goods, of whiskey, and oZ Je b e co :odi':;r T'^T """''"^"''' ""^
."ost indefatigable men. who are constaTtul ' ? "' ' ^'^^ '^'^'
be stripped from these Jnin.als backs! ^ ^"^ ^°'" '"^^ ^^''^ '^'' '^-
These are the causes which lead so dirortlu .„ .k •
and which open to the view of tLZ. T ^ . . ■" '^^"^ destruction;
familiarly, the scene of rchevoTn "" ^T'^'^' ^ ^'^''''y. -cl so
belong pLuliarly to thi:^:^^trhl'r:nL""' ^' '^"'-'^^""^' ^'^^
Tlie almost countless herds of these animnl. .!,„.
™ these prairie,, h.,e beer, often ,Tk'„lfK' ',? '°"'"""' "« "'"■
W»ke„ the ,-Lri.s' tilXtL T''"-"™ '""' '■"'"""' '"
8.'a«nn q» .1. .u • "'"" "^ogemer. Jt is no uncommon th ns at this
in'51 I., .r . oilier in the most furious manner (platp
i e who : ma": "r i"' "" ""'" "^ "^""^'""^"y ^«»--^ '^^ f- 1 and
..n i,. ...^o«. ..r.r r ..ttoLtTj;:^^^;!^
and others .ndulgnrg; ,„ ,hei, " „al|o„.." .. a bull in his wallow" fs.ftl'
4 en sa„„. ,n this count,, ; and has a vor, ..gnificant n,ea„i„° wi h 'htse
ZtTofZ r: \ ""f"" •■"" P"'"'"'"- *'-■ " "Uter'endt r
1 Z I T '"'"' '■'' '""'''''°8 "l""! in a mud puddle.
much with the great profusion of their long and shagav hair or fur of,!;
gr™ on the low grounds in the prairies, fhar. .h^e'l a liSe stCn;
K K
250
water lying a.nong.t tho grnM, „n,l li.e ground un.Jcrnealh being .uturute.!
w. , ,t. .» .oft, ,nt„ which the enonnou, b.,11, lowered down upon one knee
W.1I plungo h,. horn., and at la.t hi, head, driving u,, il,e e^rth. and «oon
making an excavat.on ,n the Kro.nul, into which the water filters from
amongst the gran, forming for hin. in a few n.on.ent,. a cool and comfort-
able bath, into which he plunges like a hog in hii mire.
In t\m delectable laver, he throws himsdf Hat upon his side, and forcinu
himself violently around with his horns and his huge hump „„ his shoulder,
presented to the sides, he ploughs up the ground by his rotarv .uo'io7
•inking himself deeper and deeper in the ground, continually enlu,,mg his
poo . in which he at length becomes nearly immersed ; and the water ,d
mud about him mixed into a complete mortar, which change, hi, colour and
drips in streams from every part of him as he rises up upon his feLt a
descr "bedT''''" °'" """'' "'"^ "*'''"""' ^ ^"^^''^"^ ""^ too eccentric to'be
It is generally the leader of the herd that takes upon him to make this
excavation ; and if not (but another one opens the ground), the leader (who
IS conqueror) marches forward, and driving the other from it plunges him-
«el nito It: and having cooled his sides, and changed his colour to a
wa kmg mass of mud and mortar; he stands in the pool until inclination
nducos him to step out. and give place to the next in command, who ZZ
ready; and another, and another, who advance forward in their turns to
enjoy the luxury of the wallow; until the whole band (sometime, an hui-
dred or more) will pass through it in turn ; each one throwing his hi
ofT. nn 1 """";'"«""".• '»"d each one adding a little to the dimension,
of the pool, while he carries away in his hair an equal share of the clay
which dries to a grey or whitish colour, and gradually falls off. By tS
operation, which is done, perhaps, in the space of half an hour, a ciicular
excavation of fifteen or twenty feet in diameter, and two feet in dep'l s
completed, and lelt for the water to run into, which won fills it to the level
01 the ground.
To these sinks, the waters lying on the surface of the prairie., are con-
mually draining and in them lodging their vegetable deposits ; which, after a
lapse of years, hll them up to the surface with a rich soil, which throws up
an unusual growth of grass and h.rbage; forming conspicuous cin "^
wim-h arrest tl.,. eye of the traveller, and ,rc calclated to e.:cit. his su p i e
for ages to come. • aurpnse
Many travellers who have penetrated not quite far enough into the
Western country to see the habits of these animals, and the manner in which
these «y./eno«, circle, are made; but who have seen the prairies strewed
with their bleached bones, and have beheld these strange circles, which
often occur in groups, and of different sizes-have come home with beautiful
and mgeniou. theories (which must needs he made), for the origin of these
..ngular and unaccountable appearances, which, for want of a rational
th being wturatej
wri upon one knw,
lie ciirtli, und soon
Wdter filters from
cool and coniforN
is side, and forcing
ip on his ahouldeii
his rotarv motion,
Miiily enlui^ing liis
ind the water ind
jea l\i:i colour, and
' upon his feet, a
00 eccentric to be
him to make this
),the leader (who
1 it plunges him-
his colour to a
until inclination
nand, who stands
in their turns, to
metimes an hu:i-
irowing his body
■0 the dimensions
ihare of the clay,
dis off. By this
' hour, a circular
feet in depth, is
Is it to the level
dairies, are cen-
ts; which, after a
which throws up
spicuous circles
Hcitf his surprise
nough into the
manner in which
prairies strewed
f circles, wiiich
le with beautiful
origin of these
It of a rational
-22,
■^^iwV, ,i;
iO.-)
'■^' ^--tv
.A^^t^it.::^:-"^"-'
•Mbi^
i()(i
I
$
I
a';
251
Many travellers again, have supposed that these rings were produced bv
the dances of the Indmns, which are oftentimes (and in fact mortTeneralM
purformed ,n a crcle ; yet a moment's consideration disprrerucraZ
bab,l,ty. masmuch as the Indians always select the groundl he l dancT^
near the s.tes of their villages, and that always on I dry and h r7 founTa"^
^cm ; when these "fa.ry circles" are uniformi; found to'be on low I^d tt
and of rendermg some further accounts of scenes which I have witnessed in
foibwmg ou my sportmg propensities in these singular regions.
chase of tlebuff"r"r"r"* 1 '" '"'""" '" ^'^^^ P^^'« -"-^« '" the
Chase of the buffalo, which is almost invariably done on horseback wifli
bow and lance. In this exercise, which is highly prized by them, as one o
their most valued amusements, as well as fo? the'principal mode orpro
cunng meat or the.r subsistence, they become exceedingly expert • and ar^
able to slay these huge animals with apparent ease. ^ ^ *
ho.^5r wT '" ""T P'"' "'' "" '""""^^'i °» ^'"all. but serviceable
hoises, which are caught by them on the prairies, where tV^y are often run-
-^ w,ld m numerous bands. The Indian, then, mounted on 1 s li Ue
> id horse, wh,ch has been through some years of training, dashes off at
fu 1 speed amongst the herds of buffaloes, elks, or even antefope and dea
flefes nii::VH "^'•""^'^^ "^"^^^'^ ''-'<• ^1-' horse is U
few paces. ' " P""'^' '° "^ ^'^""'^ '^'''''' ■'' ^'^^ ^'i^'^''^- «'^ -
In the chase of th. buffalo, or other animal, the Indian generally " strips"
h m^ell and Ins horse, by throwing off his shield and quivl, and every Tart
o h.s d.ess wnch n.ght be an encumbrance to him in running ; graspinl
h.8 bow m lus lelt hand, with five or «ix arrows drawn from his quiver and
eady for a.tant use. In his right hand (or attached to tl e' w sU is u
eavy whip, winch he uses without mercy, and forces his horse alS of
his game at the swiftest speed. i'ui'i,i>iue oi
These horses are so trained, that the Indian has little use for the rein
rigtt iie";^:::;^^:^'^'"'';'" 'r "°^^^ "pp'°^^-"- ^^^ -imaion;;
3 T- ' ^ ^' ''"""^^ '"' '"'"■ "'*^ ^''^"^« t« t''row his arrow to the
left ; which he does at the instant when the horse is passing-brin^l. hhn "
opposite to the heart, which receives the deadly weapon '. o U^f fhe "
V c„ , ,„,„.^ ,,^,.,^ ,,^ j^^^.^_^ generally rides close in t c • e'r
""fl l.e selects the annual he wishes to kill, which he seprates Cn X'
I.!' f: J
252
throng as soon as he can, by dashing his horse between it and the herd
and forcing ,t off by .tself; where he can approach it without the danrr ^
will be borne iii mind, is but a pony.
No bridle whatever is used in this country by the Indians, as they have
no knowledge o. a b.t. A short haher, however, which answer in place of
a brdle, .s .n general use ; of which they usually form a noose around tl'e
under jaw o, the horse, by which they get great power over the anin, ;
ad which hey use generally to stop rather than ,uide the horse. Thi
halter .s called by the French Traders in the country. VurrSt, the stop, and
has great power m arrestmg the speed of a horse ; though it is extremely
dangerous o use too freely as a guide, interfering too much with ,LTe -
dom of h,s hmbs. for the certainty of his feet and security of his rider
wJ!h k" T r '^\*''' '^'"'''''^ '^' ^°""^ °f h'« «t««d to the animal
which he has selected, the training of the horse i. such, that it knowsTl'e
object of ..^s rider's selection, and exerts every muscle to give it close com!
pany ; while the halter lies loose and untouched upon its neck, and tL
rider leans quite forward, and off from the side of Ws horse, witL hi bow
drawn and ready for the deadly shot, which is given at the instant heTs
opposite to the animal's body. The horse being instinctively S of the
h s* bol W "' " "'"""^ '"""^^ ''^ "''' ^'^'^'^ *^^ -««^h'of the end of
his bow), keeps his eye strained upon the furious enemy he is so closely en-
countering ; and the moment he has approached to the nearest distance
required, and has passed the animal, whether the sho* is given or no^ h!
gradually sheers off, to prevent coining on to the horns If the nfur It d
of Its too familiar attendant. These frightful collisions often take place
notwithstanding the sagacity of the horse, and the caution of its rider S
m these extraordinary (and inexpressible) exhilarations of chase, which seem
^ drown the prudence alike, of insiinctand reason, both horse and rider often
seem rushing on to destruction, as if it were mere pastime and amusement.-
I have a ways counted myself a prudent man, yet 1 have often rcaked (as
.t were) out of the de lirmm of the chase (into which 1 had fallen, as into an
agitated sleep, and through which I had passed as through a delightful
dream where to have died would have been but to have remained, rid „ '
on, without a struggle or a pang. ^
In some of these, too, I have'arisen from the prairie, covered with dirt and
» it and the lierd,
lOut the danger of
) closely escortin"'
iproachinff, at the
>arity between the
1 horse, which, it
ans, as they liave
iswers in place of
noose around the
aver the animal ;
the horse. This
et, the stop, and
"h it is extremely
ch with the free-
f his rider,
ed to the animal
that it knows the
ive it close com-
s neck, and the
rse, with his bow
he instant he is
ely afraid of tiie
ch of the end of
is so closely en-
nearest distance
;iven or not, he
if the infuriated
e fatal reception
'ten take place,
of its rider ; for
ase, which seem
! and rider often
id amusement.*
)ften waked (as
illen, as into an
igh a delightful
imained, riding
ed with dirt and
back to PLAVE '.',
.J
253
/Aerfea^A of these huge Jnl^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ brings hi.n i„ ,t
hands that have acquired moTZthtTT. u " ''"' •''^'^" P^«d"=«J by
With the Indian'who hTsmad £ th '' '""T ^'^ °""-
of his life, there is ess di JulTv and le, d "'"'' {"^ '^''' ^"'^ ^•""^'-'^"t
his breath." and his unaS d hand it"^^^^ ncles without "losing
In PtAPE 108, I have?;nreslt.H '"""^'"^ '" ''^ ^^^^'X ^ows.
-eofwho.ar;pur::i:?srat: ai^i^tf^-'-i' '-''
The group in the fore-round shpw» fi ? ? ''°"'* ^"'^ ^"0^8-
arrow has been thrown aid driven to t]"h:'"''t '' ''" '"^'^"^ «f^- the
and the /.. dragging behind hXse' hel '' t !"''" " f"" ^^^'^^
of rawhide, often or fifteen • .rds inZll \ / '^'° " ^ '°"? ^hong
and used chiefly to catcrthe C^Id h ^ '."l''' "^^'^^'■^' ^^'^'^^"r twists!
their necks a no'ose wlh s J e a °;^:' et r'!.'?' '' ^'^"'^'"^ -"
are " choked down." I„ ^unn n! 1 h V? '^' ''''''' ^'''^ ^»>''^'» they
drags on the ground at the horsele' f^ ' "' '" ''"' "''"^'•' '^' '-'"
«o that if a 4n is dismounted wht^^^^'"f"'' ^^'^^^^ '•«^^'' behind.
stumbling of the horse h«h!: I °'^''" '^' ""'^' ^y the tripping oi
stubbornfy holding on^oi of J ' ^^'' f ^"P'"» '« ^''^ '«-' -d' by
back he is^nstantfy repTa /anTcT";^ "' "'"'"^ "^'^ ''°^-' - -bose
In the dead J th ? ' . ^""tmumg on in the chase.
countrt wtre It Z^^^^-? 1^ ^^ ^^^^'^ ^'^ '•" ^^'^
Indian runs upon the surface of !hf k ' f "'' "'''' '^"y ^^^''' the
-hich buoy him^ „p, while ttT/atti u\ .J k V^ '' ^'' «"°" «boes,
to the middle of their ^des and. ^f! °^ *^' ''"^'^'°^^' ^'"'" them down
them certain anreasy v ^ :« T^^ P-gress, ensures
PLATE 109. The snol TZ IT °' '^""^^ ^^ their pursuers, as in
depth of three and our feet bLTbi:" '^''^ ^ '"'"^ ^''^ -"^-' to th
the hills in many places wMchar, iH 'T 'T '''' *°P^ ^''^ ^''^^^ of
whilst it is drifte^d^n t .e IouLTII ^"' '^' "^"^^'"^^ to graze upon,
rendered almost ent"^ JaTsa e toT" T ' "^-^ ^"^^ ''^'''^'^''
closely pursued by their enlZestl ?' a«"nals, which, when
-on wedged in aid a most Tnable to ^^^ 'I ^'T^' ^''™"S'^ '^' ^"t are
the Indian, who runs ^l ^ htly upon hTln f '''^'^" ^" ^^^^ ^^^^ '«
their hearts. The skins are thL^t ?T '^°'' '"^ ''""^^ bis lance to
and the carcasses leftoTe devn Tf'^ f' '° ^' '''^ ^° '^' Fur Traders,
which the greatelt nl'l^r of hesJaninLf "'^" "J" " ^''^ «^«-» '"
they are most easily kill7d a th t " .''t '^'fy'^ '■°"' ^^^'^ ™bes~
and more abunda/t. gives ^retr tilt ^ ^t' ^' ^"' ^^^"^ ^^^^
264
The Indians generally kill and dry meat enough in the fall, when it
is fat and juicy, to last them through the winter ; so that they have little
other object for this unlimited slaughter, amid the drifts of snow, than
that of procuring their robes for traffic with their Traders. The snow
•hoes are made in a great many forms, of two and three feet m length,
and one foot or more in width, of a hoop or hoops bent around for the
frame, with a netting or web wovon across with strings of rawhide, on
which the feet rest, and to whicli they ".rn fastened with straps somewhat
like a skate.* With these the Indian will glide over the snow with as-
tonishing quickness, without sinking down, or scarcely leaving his track
where he has gone.
The poor buffaloes have their enemy man, besetting and besei!,Mng them
at all times of the year, and in all the modes tiiat man in his superior
wisdom has been able to devise for their destruction. They struggle in
vain to evade his deadly shafts, when he dashes amongst them over
the plains on his wild horse — they plunge into the snow-drifts where they
yield themselves an easy prey to their destroyers, and they also stand un-
wittingly and behold him, unsuspected under the skin of a white wolf,
insinuating himself and his fatal weapons into close company, when they
are peaceably grazing on the level prairies, and shot down before they
are aware of their danger (plate 110).
There are several varieties of the wolf species in this country, the most
formidable and most numerous of which are white, often sneaking about in
gangs or families of fifty or sixty in numbers, appearing in distance, on
the green prairies like nothing but a flock of sheep. Many of these animals
grow to a very great size, being I should think, quite a match for the
largest Newfoundland dog. At present, whilst the buffaloes are so abun-
dant, and these ferocious animals are glutted with the buffalo's flesh, they
are harmless, and everywhere sneak away from man's presence ; which I
scarcely think will be the case after the buffaloes are all gone, and they
are left, as they must be, with scarcely anything to eat. They always
are seen following al)out in the vicinity of herds of buffaloes and stand ready
to pick the bones of those that the hunters leave on the ground, or to over-
take and devour those that are wounded, which fall an easy prey to iheni.
While the herd of buffaloes are togetiier, they seem to have little dread oi
the wolf, and allow them to come in close company with them. The Indian
then has taken advantage of this fact, and often places himself under the
skin of this animal, and crawls for half a mile or more on his hands and
knees, until he approaches within a few rods of the unsuspecting group, and
easily shoots down the fattest of the throng.
The buffalo is a very timid animal, and shuns the vicinity of man with the
• Tlie renders will look forward to plates 2M) and 24.'>, in tlie Second \ nliiun;,
lor iiiiiw .sillies.
le fall, when it
t tliey have little
s of snow, than
iers. The snow
! feet in length,
: around for the
of rawhide, on
straps somewhut
: snow with as-
eaving his track
beseiy;ing them
in his superior
rhey struggle in
)ngst them over
drifts where they
y also stand un-
" a white wolf,
)uny, when they
own before tliey
•untry, the most
neaking about in
in distance, on
of these animals
J match for the
)es are so abuu-
Falo's flesh, they
•sence ; which I
gone, and they
t. They always
and stand ready
und, or to over-
sy prey to them.
,e little dread oi
m. The Indian
imself under the
n his hands and
:ting group, uiitl
of man with tlie
e Second \ »liiiiitf,
I
8
n
c
b
n
1(
a
255
keenest sagacity; yet, when overtaken, and harassed or wounded turn,
upon ,ts assu.lants with tiie ut.nost fury, who have only to seek suCcty in
niKht In their desperate resistance the Hncst horses are often destroyed •
hut the Indian, with his superior sagacity and dexterity, generally finds some
ettective mode of escape, as in pla rs 111.
to li^oll" V'VrT "*• 1'" ^'"' ^''"'' ""^ '"'^^^ """^ y°""g' t''« •"»'« «een.s
to stroll about by the side of the dam, as if for the purpose of protectin.r the
young, at which tmie it is exceedingly hazardous to attack them, as they are
«".e to turn upon their pursuers, who have often to fly to each others assis-
ance (v..rK 112). The buffalo calf, during the first L months is red and
lias so much the appearance of a red calf in cultivated fields, that it could
easily be mingled and mistaken amongst them. In the fall, when itchanc.es
'ts hair It takes a brown coat for the winter, which it always retains, "in
pursuing a large herd of buffaloes at the season when their calves are but a
lew weeks old, I have often been exceedingly amused with the curious
manoeuvres ot these shy little things. Amidst the thundering confusion of a
throng of several hundreds or several thousands of these animals, there
wil be many o the calves that lose sight of their dams ; and being left
behind by the throng, and the swift passing hunters, they endeavour to
secrete themselves, when they are exceedingly put to it on a level prairie,
where nought can be seen but the short grass of six or eight inches in height
save an occasional bunch of wild sage, a few inches higher, to which the poor
attr.ghted things will run, and dropping on their knees, will push their noses
under it, and into the grass, where they will stand for hours, with theireyes shut
imagmmg themselves securely hid, whilst they are standing up quite straiuhi
upon their hind feet and can easily be seen at several miles distance. It is a
amiliar amusement for us accustomed to these scenes, to retreat back over
the ground where we have just escorted the herd, and approach these little
trembling things, which stubbornly maintain their positions, with their noses
pushed under the grass, and their eyes strained upon us, as we dismount
Irom our horses and are passing around them. From this fixed position tliey
are sure not to move, until hands are laid upon them, and then for the shins
of a novice, we can extend our sympathy ; or if he can preserve the skin on
his bones from the furious buttings of its head, we know how to con-
gratulate him on his signal success and good luck. In these desperate
struggles, for a moment, the little thing is conquered, and makes no further
resistance. And I have often, in concurrence with a known custom of the
country, held my hands over the eyes of the calf, and breathed a few strong
breaths into its nostrils ; after which I have, with my hunting companions,
rode several miles into our encampment, with the little piisoner busily fol-
lowing the heels of my horse the whole way, as closely and as affectionately
as Its instinct would attach it to the company of its dam !
This is one of the most extraordinary things that I have met with in the
imbits o» this wild country, and although I had often heard cf it, and felt
'2M
unable exactly to believe it, I am now willine; to bear tentimony to the fiict,
from the numerous instances which 1 have witnessed since 1 came into tlie
country. During the time tliat I resided at this post, in the sprinfr of the
year, on my way up the river, I assisted (in numerous hunts of the buHaio,
with the Fur Company's men,) in brinjjinff in, in the above manner, several
of these little prisoners, which sometimes followed for five or six miles
close to our horses' heels, and even into the Fur Company's Fort, and into the
stable where our horses were led. In this way, before I left for the ho id
waters of the Missouri, I think we had collected about a dozen, which Mr.
Laidlaw was successfully raising with the aid of a good milch cow, and which
were to be committed to the care of Mr. Chouteau to be tnmsported by the
return of the steamer, to his extensive plantation in the vicinity of St. Louis.*
It is truly a melancholy contemplation for the traveller in this country, to
anticipate the period which is not far distant, when the last of these noble
animals, at (he hands of white and red men, will fall victims to their cruel
and improvident rapacity ; leaving these beautiful green fields, a vast and
idle waste, unstocked and unpeopled for ages to come, until the bones of the
one and the traditions of the other will have vanished, and left scarce an
intelligible trace behind.
That the reader should not think me visionary in these contemplations, or
romancing in making such assertions, I will hand him the following item of
the extravagancies which are practiced in these regions, and rapidly leading
to the results which I have just named.
When I first arrived at this place, on my way up the river, which was in
the month of May, in 1832, and had taken up my lodgings in the Fur
Company's Fort, Mr. Laidlaw, of whom I have before spoken, and also his
chief clerk, Mr. Halsey, and many of their men, as well as the chiefs
of the Sioux, told me, that only a few days before I arrived, (when an
immense herd of buffaloes had showed themselves on the opposite side of
the river, almost blackening the plains for a great distance,) a party of five or
six hundred Sioux Indians on horseback, forded the river about mid-day,
and spending a few hours amongst them, recrossed the river at sun-down
and came into the Fort with fourteen hundred fresh buffalo tongues, which
were thrown down in a mass, and for which they required but a few gallous
of whiskey, which was soon demolished, indulging them in a little, and
harmless carouse.
This profligate waste of the lives of these noble and useful animals,
when, from all that I crould learn, not a skin or a pound of the meat (except
the tongues), was brought in, fully supports me in the seemingly extravagant
• The fate of these poor little prisoners. 1 was informed on my return to St. Louis a year
»fterwards, was a very disastrous one. 'the steamer Laving a distance of 1600 miles to
perform, and lying a week or two on sand bars, in a country where milk could not be pro-
cured, they all perished but oue, which is now flourishing in the extensive fields of thin
gentlemau.
mony to the fiict,
:e I L-uine into the
tlie Rprinj; of the
nts of the buH'.ilo,
c milliner, severiil
five or six miles
Fort, and into tlie
U'h fur the he id
lozen, which Mr.
h cow, and wliich
riinsported by the
lity of St. Louis.*
n tliis country, to
»st of these noble
ims to their cruel
fields, a vast and
1 the bones of the
lid left scarce an
ontemplations, or
following item of
d rapidly leading
er, which was in
gings in the Fur
ken, and also his
ell as the chiefs
rrived, (when an
: opposite side of
a party of five or
about mid-day,
iver at sun-down
'o tongues, which
but a few gallons
in a little, and
useful animals,
the meat (except
ingly extravagant
n to St. Louis a year
ice of ItiOO miles to
illi could not be pro-
teusive fields of tLii
257
pre«Ilption« flmt I have made a» to their exlinoUnn u,i • i i
■»t hand. I„ the above extrava^u L? ' *"'' ' """ ^''■•"'" '» "«^a'
were without fur and no w" .^ ^07' "7.^— '- their .kin.
-tucked with fresh and dried m t h " tl^^' h" 1 """'' ""^ '° "^"
flesh, there in a fair exhibition of M» '^ . "° """''"" *■"' "^'"P the
and auoof hi.reckie^:e;'r;;:i^ji;;:: ;:^j'::-- ^
'ndi.cements are held out to him in l„-. 1 /"^ ' '°"'^' "*" '''"^ P^^^^nt
In thi. singular country wher^t 11?'"^' I "" »''""«^«tion.
of society, makin. it a v ce o ■ n 1 f'°"^''"''"": .^"^^« "" '«w» orregulation.
•"> '-arm to inclui.V n t de icio 'bZ" ' '"^ ■ "'" ''^ '""^^"' ^'"^^ ^'""^ ''
tlial Jive, in ehci, coun,,, „ ^i" "'' "'" f"'; '"■" 'I'" l»«l buir^lo'. back
them, Iiowever in lo<.» „ i '"'"f" °' buttaloes in this country, slavinff
of sehng" e ;;i^- ' t7 wl '"' ''' '"""" '^udable purpose'than t af
epistle. Uri terd? ft ffj: "' 1 r""^' ' "r ^p"''" '■" ^ ^°™-
another, glutting themselve on fh "^' ''T.^^'^' f^^- «"« reason to
shaft, of fheir ene nieT or r u T''''' °^ '^'°'' '^^''^ <"'»" ^y the deadly
these sneak roZr'' ?'' "' "''* '^^ '° ^' '^^^^''^''^ ^y
^- the par^oT: lS::„;l^: ^^^^^^ ^^ ^" ^'-^ ^-^'y ^o rSieve them'
K^^V:^:;'^'' ''^ -'7 r ^ ^"^^'^ ^•>-' " ^hey instantly
the herds are trSn^ it oZ T "' ^'^ ^^^-tually make. Lt whe'
lingers at a distance behinJ h ^^P?' '*'"' ^" 'S^*^ °^ *°"nded one,
upon by these vtalus hunters T K 'f' °"^ ''' ^'^'* °^ '"^^ '^^^^' - - '
more, and are smt at Is to IT , '" ^'?^" '° ^'^^ """^"^^^ "^ «% «'
•neal. The buffi, how e" s a h" Tnd^'"'"' "' ?" '"■" "^ '' ^
retreat is cut off, makes de!nJl 1/ .1 '^""°"« animal, and when his
last moment for thTrilt oniff . f'"^ '''''''''''' ^""'^"'""^ to the
to his canine assa ants whi M °'^''""'"'^ ^^^'^ ^^^^^ % wholesale,
under his feet (p.I" I'l") ^" " *°^""^ "*" ^''^ «'' ^ «^-"pW to death
a g^nto'tZlTntarsst" T"' ' 'r '''''^' *'" '^ ^^ -^ -h
«eem. from appeZc rr^^ ''' """"^'^'^ ''"»' -''-^ it would
and at intervauTesne If! ^ f- ''''" '^"'^ ^'^''^^''^' '^^y^ '» attendance.
»hort time s a o fLT': '" ''' ^"""^ ^^ '^''^ '^'^ "^^ ^"t
VOL. ,. ^"y *'""^'"& companions and myself were return-
L L.
268
inec to OUT encampment with our horses loaded with meat, we discovered at a
distance, a hu^e bull, encircled with a gang- of white wolves; we rode
up as near as we could without driving them away, and being within pistol
shot, we had a remarkably good view, where 1 sat for a few moments and
made a 'jketch in my note-book (plate 1 14) ; after which, we rode up and
gave the signal for them to disperse, which they instantly did, withdrawing
themselves to the distance of fifty or sixty rods, when we found, to our great
surprise, that the animal had made desperr.-e resistance, until his eyes were
entirely eaten out of his head — the grizzle of his nose was mostly gone — his
tongue was half eaten off, and the skin and flesh of his legs torn almost
literally into strings. In this tattered and torn condition, the poor old
veteran stood bracing up in the midst of his devourers, who had ceased
hostilities for a few minutes, to enjoy a sort of parley, recovering strength
and preparing to resume the attack in a few moments again. In this group,
some were reclining, to gain breath, whilst others were sneaking about and
licking their chaps in anxiety for a renewal of the attack ; and others, less
lucky, had been crushed to death by the feet or the horns of the bull. I
rode nearer to the pitiable object as he stood bleeding and trembling before
me, and said to him, " Now is your time, old fellow, and you had better be
off." Though blind and nearly destroyed, there seemed evidently to be a
recognition of a friend in me, as he straightened up, and, trembling with
excitement, dashed off at fidl speed upon the prairie, in a straight line.
We turned our horses and resumed our march, and when we had advanced
a mile or more, we looked back, and on our left, where we saw again the
ill-fated animal surrounded by his tormentors, to whose insatiable voracity
he unquestionably soon fell a victim.
Thus much I wrote of the buffaloes, and of the accidents that befall them,
as well as of the fate that awaits them ; and before I closed my book, I
strolled out one day to the shade of a plum-tree, where I laid in the grass
on a favourite bluff", and wrote thus : —
'* It is generally supposed, and familiarly said, that a man * falls' into a
reverie ; but I seated myself in the shade a few minutes since, resolved to
force myself into one ; and for this purpose I laid open a small pocket-map
of North America, and excluding my thoughts from every other object in
the world, I soon succeeded in producing the desired illusion. This little
chart, over which I bent, was seen in all its parts, as nothing but the green
and vivid reality. I was lifted up upon an imaginary pair of wings, which
easily raised and held me floating in the open air, from whence I could be-
hold beneath me the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans — the great cities of
the East, and the mighty rivers. I could see the blue chain of the great
lakes at the North — the Rocky Mountains, and beneath them and near
their base, the vast, and almost boundless plains of grass, which were
speckled with the bands of grazing buffaloes !
" The world turned gently around, and I examined its surface ; continent
'. discovered at a
wolves ; we rode
ing within pistol
;w moments and
we rode up and
lid, withdrawing
and, to om great
itil his eyes were
(lostly gone — his
legs torn almost
[1, the poor old
who had ceased
overing strength
, In this group,
aking about and
and others, less
H of the bull. I
:rembling before
ou had better be
!vidently to be u
, trembling with
a straight line.
ve had advanced
e saw again the
satiable voracity
that befall them,
osed my book, I
laid in the grass
in 'fulls' into a
ince, resolved to
Tiall pocket-map
■ other object iu
sion. This little
ig but the green
of wings, which
nee 1 could be-
le great cities of
ain of the great
them and near
iss, which weru
•face ; continent
259
my own country I' Iw not p 1 , ' "T' °'"" "'' ^^^'^^" ^"''^ «*'
again to the wilds of my native land I bir . u " ^ *"""''
the distance of several hundreds ^Lstm NoTh t S "^r'T ' ''"■•
wheeling about in vast columns and Z ^'""'' ^^''^ ^^'^
with fuHous wildness-somT !r 1 ,f J'e ds-some were scattered, and ran
other parts (and there were many), the vivid rial nf <? "" ' '"
<AeJr victims Mi .^^ i ^'' ."^ ^'^'" "^s" oi fire-arms was seen—
So strange were men mixed (both red and white) with T T^"
earth's .,f,r„™T """' '" '°'"<' P'»=«' *=«"»<' 1° Wackm ilis
sen. „p great cloud, of <la»t, and „i,S fc„ can,e th L ,Z dil ?,
S»an, and trampling l,oof,, that .earned like .ho rambliL™ " a d,e dfn
craggy chffs ot the Rocky Mountains also were seen descending into t !
at:i:rtro7'tSe';s^ r sr t' rd^=^ r ' -*
casses left; and about them bauds of wolves an,l Hn„. » i , , '^^^
«ee„ devouring them. Contiguous:an:t::::;t tet ^ ^ ^,'7^;^^
smokes of wgwams and villages, where the skin! were dragged Id drted
for whue man's luxury ! where they were all sold for WuSy 'a .d t iToor
260
Indians laid drunk, and were crying. I cast my eyes into the towns and
cities of the East, and there I beheld buffalo robes hanging at almost every
door for traffic ; and I saw also the curling smokes of a thousand Stills — and
I said, ' Oh insatiable man, is thy avarice such ! wouldst thou tear the skin
from the back of the last animal of this noble race, and rob thy felloiu-man
of his meat, and far it give him poison / '" * • • •
Many are the rudenesses and wilds in Nature's works, which are destined
to fall before the deadly axe and desolating hands of cultivatmg man ; and
80 amongst her ranks of living, of beast and human, we often find noble
stamps, or beautiful colours, to which our admiration clings ; and even in
the overwhelming march of civilized improvements and refinements do we
love to cherish their existence, and lend our eflforts to preserve them in
their primitive rudeness. Such of Nature's works are always worthy of our
preservation and protection ; and the further we become separated (and the
face of the country) from that pristine wildness and beauty, the more plea-
sure does the mind of enlightened man feel in recurring to those scenes,
when he can have them preserved for his eyes and his mind to dwell upon.
Of such " rudenesses and wilds," Nature has no where presented more
beautiful and lovely, scenes, than those of ihe vast prairies of the West ;
and of man and beast, no nobler specimens than those who inhabit them —
the Indian and the 6u^a/o— joint and original tenants of the soil, and fu-
gitives together from the approach of civilized man ; they have fled to the
great plains of the West, and there, under an equal doom, they have taken
up their last abode, where their race will expire, and their bones will bleach
together.
It may be that power is right, and voracity a virtue ; and that these
people, and these noble animals, are righteously doomed to an issue that
will not be averted. It can be easily proved — we have a civilized science
that can easily do it, or anything else that may be re(|uired to cover the
iniquities of civilized man in catering for his unholy appetites. It can be
proved that the weak and ignorant have no rights — that there can be no
virtue in darkness — that God's gifts have no meaning or merit until they are
appropriated by civilized man — by him brought into the light, and converted
to his use and luxury. We have a mode of reasoning (I forget what it is
called) by which all this can be proved, and even more. The word and the
system are entirely of civilized origin ; and latitude is admirably given to
them in proportion to the increase of civilized wants, which often require a
judge to overrule the laws of 'nature. I say that we can prove such things;
but an Indian cannot. It is a mode of reasoning unknown to him in his
nature's simplicity, but admirably adapted to subserve the interests of the
enlightened world, who a e always their own judges, when dealing with the
savage : and who, in the present refined age, have many appetites that can
only b^ lawfully indulged, by proving God's laws defective.
)rtites that can
261
their mouths must be slopped to add H T ' ^"' '^' ^""'^ ''^°"»
fashionable world's luxurie,^. The ranks mu t b Z "f " "^"''^ '' '''
terminated, of this noble animal and Ztl^ 7f' '"^ '^'' '''' ^*-
without the means of supporting ifethwl' '\^''^' P'^'"« '^''^
longer, enveloped in bul.o r^^l^^^l^y 11:;^,^^:^^^^^^^
had been made t them' ! '' " '"'^ ^* '^^"^^ ^""^ ^'^^^^ that
bul'lf ".;."'''" *,° "^^ '■'"°"'"' calculations, and forget them not Th«
buffaloes (the quadrupeds from whose backs your beautif„I rl ,
and whose myriads were once spread ovL X who 1 ""f '"''""'
Rocky Mountains to the AtlanticTcl have rele„t 57bT T ''^
sr=-:::in-;-:sz4i:h^
itdtr Li^ "^' ^^- ^°^ -^^ ^- '"^ -i^^'-^^ t^ ? •;
th^o„!'h^^'''"'''?^^ contemplation for one who has travelled as I have
through these realms, and seen this noble animal in all its pride and glory
to contemplate .t so rapidly wasting from the world, drawinc the irreZ'
ble concus,on too which one must do, that its species is soon to be ex
of ttrvast anVSe^at? ''' ^"'" ^""^^ ^''' '''"" ''^ ''' -"P->
thetreatf an/o'rf, '°"'^"k?^^^'°" ^oo, when one (who has travelka
these realms, and can duly appreciate them) imagines them as they mvrht in
hi "wild . ^'' u" '""'' '•'' ""''^^ ^"''*^" '" *»'« ^'^«^i<= attire, gallopin-.
h rds of tr' ". , Tr^ '""' ^"'^ ^•"^'^ ^"'^ '--' -''J the'fleetmg
herds of elks and buffaloes. W hat a beautiful and thrilling specimen fc^
262
America to preserve and bold up to the view of her refined citizens and the
world, in future ages ! A nations Park, containing man and beast, in all
the wild and freshness of their nature's beauty !
I would ask no other monument to my memory, nor any other enrolment
of my name amongst the famous dead, than the reputation of having been
the founder of such an institution.
Such scenes might easily have been preserved, and still could be che-
rished on the great plains of the West, without detriment to the country or
its borders ; for the tracts of country on which the buffaloes have assem-
bled, are uniformly sterile, and of no available use to cultivating man.
It is on these plains, which are stocked with buffaloes, that the finest
specimens of the Indian race are to be seen. It is here, that the savage is
decorated in the richest costume. It is here, and here only, that liis wants
are all satisfied, and even the luxuries oi Y\i6 are afforded him in abundance.
And here also is he the proud and honourable man (before he has had
teachers or laws), above the imported wants, which beget meanness and
vice ; stimulated by ideas of honour and virtue, in which the God of Nature
has certainly not curtailed him.
There are, by a fair calculation, more than 300,000 Indians, who are now
subsisted on the flesh of the buffaloes, and by those animals supplied with all
the luxuries of life which they desire, as they know of none others. The
great variety of uses to which they convert the l)ody and other parts of that
animal, are almost incredible to the person who has not actually dwelt
amongst these people, and closely studied their modes and customs. Every
part of their flesh is converted into food, in one shape or another, and on it
tiiey entirely subsist. The robes of the animals are worn by the Indians instead
of blankets — their skins when tanned, are used as coverings for their lodges,
and for their beds ; undressed, they are used for constructing canoes — for
saddles, for bridles — I'arrets, lasos, and thongs. The horns are shaped into
ladles and spoons — the brains are used for dressing the skins — their bones
are used for saddle trees — for war clubs, and scrapers for graining the robes
— and others are broken up for the marrow-fat which is contained iu them.
Their sinews are used for strings and backs to their bows — for thread to
string their beads and sew their dresses. The feet of the animals are boiled,
with their hoofs, for the glue they contain, for fastening their arrow points,
and many other uses. The hair from the head and shoulders, which is long,
is twisted and braided into halters, and the tail is used for a fly brush. In
this wise do these people convert and use the various parts of this useful
animal, and with all these luxuries of life about them, and their numerous
game?, they are happy (God bless them) in the ignorance of the disastrous
fate that awaits them.
Yet this interesting community, with its sports, its wildnesses, its languages,
and all its manners and customs, could be perpetuated, and also the buffaloes,
whose numbers would increase and supply them with food for ages and
263
and bu,.a,d,, „h„ .i„ t„e „„' „,ht bo„«7„ ' ,' k ' ■"'" "" '"'^"'
back, of .,1 recant JkthTl '^"' "'', "'°"''' ^ """"'"S f™ "•«
.» or .00,000 oC:t;z^i;;,rc,:::;:rJZT"'- t
«.ei.ed b« aTl. of rS^I' """ '"' '"' "' """'■ '"'"' "" '"lia" ka,
addi*„Vft/"l"bt ?h.\ """""' " "r "• "• """""'y "-""^X. ™
300,000I„dia„, XL V '"'"""" ^ "* "'""" '*''"""=»'
thereby eneouraX 1 <I . "^"f ' '"'' '"P'"°'" ""'"*' ^"^^ ^^^^^ty ;
rather IhrcuZ.Cafrr 1"°°'' '."' ^'^ •"''"«^"°"« manufacturer
be acquirerand th „ fr„r " "1° "*^''"^''° ^'''"^' ^f^'^'' » J"«t to
shall have dmrovertLeTst"Ttr^ '' •" 'f '"^'"^^^ "'^''' "^^ « ^^^ y^^"
It m« V . '''°y'='' *''f '^«t of the animals producing them.
exln7for\h::eTbt't7:h?T'^^ ^^^^^'^^ °*" "^^ ^ ^'^ '"
indian?ife..her;:h:;t;etfr:iti^ri
necessities are entirely irHfi^;..i „ n *""""'*"'^^ to"ve on f The Indian's
have disappeared nhrcfulT I I''' nf ' ""^ ^'^'" '^''^ ^"""^'^^^ ^^all
woulrl ««i; 1 country, which will be within eight or te7i vears I
would t'7 k" '° '"PP'y '^'"^ ^'''' the necessaries o? life tl.eT/ and
l.500 000w„l... 1 ■ ' 'tarniig savages; and in their trains.
«.rri:ro?fin::-rjr:t;:?gteT^^^^^
«f
264
civilized man ; 90,000 of such have already been removed, and they draw from
Government some 5 or 600,000 dollars annually in cash ; which money passes
immediately into the hands of white men, and for it the necessaries of life may
be abundantly furnished. But who, I would ask, are to furnish the Indians
who have been instructed in this unnatural mode — living upon such neces-
saries, and even luxuries of life, extended to them by the hands of white
men, when those annuities are at an end, and the skin is stripped from the
last of the animals which God gave them for their subsistence ?
Reader, I will stop here, lest you might forget to answer these important
queries — these are questions which 1 know will puzzle the world — and. per-
haps it is not right that I should ask them. * « •
• ••••*
• * Thus much I wrote and painted at this place,
whilst on my way up the river : after which 1 embarked on the «teamcr for
the Yellow Stone, and the sources of the Missouri, through which mteresting
regions I have made a successful Tour ; and have returned, as will have been
seen by the foregoing narrations, in my canoe, to this place, from whence I
am to descend the river still further in a few days. If I ever get time, I may
give further Notes on this place, and of people and their doings, which I
met with here ; but at present, I throw my note-book, and canvass, and
brushes into my canoe, which will be launched to-morrow morning, and on
its way towards St. Louis, with myself at the steering-oar, as usual ; and
with Ba'tiste and Bogard to paddle, of whom, I beg the readers' pardon for
having said nothing of late, though they have been my constant companions.
Our way is now over the foaming and muddy waters of the Missouri, and
amid snags and drift logs (for there is a sweeping freshet on her waters),
and many a day will pass before other Letters will come from me ; and
possibly, the reader may have to look to my biographer for the rest. Adieu.
END or VOL. 1.
5580
ley draw frum
money passes
iesof life may
h the Indians
n such neces-
inds of white
>ped from the
I
ese important
Id — and. pRr-
at this place,
e steamer for
cli mteresting
'ill have been
om whence I
t time, I may
ings, which I
canvass, and
ning, and on
I usual ; and
rs' pardon for
companions.
Missouri, and
her waters),
om me ; and
rest. Adieu.