lis

r

fJ^TERESTING ACCOUXT

OF THE

VOYAGES AND TRAVELS

OF

CAPTAINS LEWIS AND CLARKE,

IN THE YEARS 1804 B, & 6«

GIVING A FAITHFUL DESCRIFIION OF THE RIVER MISSOURI AXV

ITS SOURCE-OF THE VARIOUS TRIBES OF INDIANS THROUGH

WHICH THEY PASSED-MANNERS AND CUSTOMS-SOIL

—CLIMATE— COMMERCE— GOLD AND SILVER

MINES— ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE

PRODUCTIONS.

Interspersed

I^Vith xery entertaining anecdotes, and a varietij of other useful and pleasing information, re- markably calculated to delight and instruct the readers.

To which is added

, i complete Dictionary of the Indian Tongue

BY WILLMM FlSHERf Esq,

"-'^

BALTIMOHB , ^ ^,o^'

PRINTED AND PUBI^ISHED BY P. MAUBOj

JV". 10, JSTorth Howard St^ 1813^

t-

5"^ 'a.

. r ■

THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION

From the President of the United States to CongresSf explmns the nature, and hears ample testimony oj the value of this

NOVEL AND ARDUOUS UNDERTAKING.

" THE expedition of Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, for exploring the river Missouri, and the best communication from that to the Pacific Ocean, has had all the success wMch could be expected. They have traced the Missouri nearly to its source 5 descended the Columbia to the Pacific Ocean; ascer- tained with accuracy the geography of that inter- esting communication across the continent ; learned the character of the country, its commerce and in- habitants ; and it is but justice to say that Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their brave companions, have, by this arduojis service, deserved well of their country..

THO. JEFFERSON.

MESSAGE,

From the President to the Senate and House of Re^ % presentives of the United States. • ^

IN pursuance of a measure proposed to Con- gress by a message of January 18th, one thousand eight hundred and three, and sanctioned by their approbation for carryin.^ it into execution, captain Meriwether Lewis, of the first regiment of infantry. \vas appointed with a party of men, to explore the river Missouri, from its mouth to its source, and, crossing the highlands by the shortest portage, to ^^ .z.^^^^ ^^^^ "^^^^^ communication thence to the Facific Ocean; and Lieutenant Clarke was appoin- ted second m command. They were to enter into conterence with the Indian nations on the route^ with a View to the establisliment of commerce with them. They entered the Missouri, May fourteenth, one thousand eight hundred and four, and on the hrst ot November took up their winter quarters near the Mandan towns, 1,609 miles above the mouth of the river, in latitude 47« 21' 27'' north, and longitude 99'^ 24' 56'^ west from Greenwich. On the eight of April, one thousand eight hundred and tive, they proceeded up the river in pursuance of - the objects prescribed to them. A letter of the preceeding day, April 7th, from Captain Lewis, is herewith communicated. During his stay amone: the Mandans, he had been able to'lay down the Mis- soun, according to courses and distances taken on his passage up it, corrected by frequent observa- tions of longitude and latitude ; and to add to the actual survey of this portion of the river, a gene- ral map of the country between the Mississippi and Pacific, from the thirty-fourth to the fifty-fourth degrees of latitude. These additions* arc from in-, formation collected from Indians with whom he had the opportunities of communicatine-, during his journey and residence with them. "Copies of this map are now presented to both houses of Congress,

MESSAGE. vii

With these I communicate also a statistical view, procured and forw arded by him, of the Indian na- tions inhabiting' the territory of Louisiana, and the countries adjacent to its northern and western bor- ders ; of their commerce, and of other interesting^ circumstances respecting them.

THO. JEFFERSON.

IXTUOBUCTIOX.

The advantages, that arise from tlie discoveries of unknown regions, arc too numerous to be men- tioned. They arise one after another in continual vsuccession. Geograpliy, Civilization, Humanity, and the Arts and Sciences, receive aid from them.

From the knowledge of geography accrues the most intrinsic advantages of any Science extant. It not only feasts the imagination with the amuse- ment of novel descriptions ; but is tlie life of com- merce, whence the arts and sciences receive suc- cour, and a reciprocal exchange.

It cannot fail of giving pleasure to the philanthro- pic mind, to behold implements of agriculture put in the hands of the uncivilized barbarian, to provide and protect him from the precarious reliance on the chase for a scanty sustenance. The time is not far distant, in all moral probability, when the un- cultivated wilds of the interior part of the continent, which is now only inhabited by tiie tawny sons of 'the forest, and the howling beasts of prey, will be ex- clianged for the hardy votaries of agriculture, who will turn those steril wildernesses into rich cultiva- ted and verdant fields.

It may be suggested, that tlie intolerable sufferings of the Aborigines, from the impoi-tation of foreign diseases, and the more baneful influence of spirit- uous liquors, more tlian counterbalance the benefits that tliey receive from civilization. These objec- tions, it must be frankly confessed, are very pow- erful. But it is hoped, that vigilent measures will be pursued, by a government professed to be foun- ded on the principles of humanity and wisdom, to prohibit the introduction of spirituous liquours among them. The small pox has raged, when lit- tle or no communication was held with them. Pro- visions are already made to introduce vaccine in- oculation among them, which will prevent those horrid ravages which are mentioned in the coiu*se of the work.

INTRODUCTION. ix

*

Curiosity is often excited to contemplate, that regions, upwards of three thousand miles inlengtli, bordering on a country inhabited by an inquisitive and enterprising people, who could avail them- selves of the benefit of a lucrative fur trade, should remain so long unexplored. Many impediments have retarded the tour, that has laid open to view a Country hitliei'to liidden from the knowledge of the civilized American.

Attempts have been made, by the great disco- verer, captain Cook, to find a communication by water in the northern regions between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. Whether the two great oceans are joined together in those regions remains an un- certainty ; but the rigors of a frigid zone evinced, that though they joined it, it was impracticable to navigate between them.

To travel among the Indians, is but too often thought the road that inevitably leads the unfortu- nate adventurer to an untimely death. The barba^ rity of tlie Indians in war is proverbial ; but in time of peace, hospitality and humanity are traits justly due to their character. It is a j udicious saying of an eminent traveller among them, that, "in time of peace no greater friends, in time of war no greater enemies."

Before the acquisition of Louisiana by the United States, the jealous disposition of the Spaniards de- barred all adventures for discoveries from that quai'ter.

These impediments would compel the discoveries of the western part of the continent, to be made by a voyage by the way of Cape Horn, which would be too long, arduous and expensive to entice the enter- prise.

In the year 1789, the celebmted traveller Alexan- der Mackenzie embarked from Fort Chepewyan,in lat. 58, N. Ion. 110, W. from Greenwich, and with the greatest fortitude, under embarrassing and pe- rilous circumstances, he with assiduity explored the nojjthern region to nearly the 70th degree o£ north

X INTRODUCTION.

latitude, where obstruction by ice compelled him to return to Fort Cliepewyan. Thence he ascended tlie Peace River to its source, and thence to the Pa- cific ocean ; making many discoveries, which he judiciously narrated in his journal.

J'/ie following statement of the Commerce of the Mis- sourU is made by a gentleman, which will suffici- ently show the advantages that arise from it.

**The products which are drawn from the Missou* ri, are obtained from the Indians and hunters in ex- cliangc for merchandise. They may be classed ac- cording to the snbjoined table :

		D C	D C
Castor, - -	±228ilbs at 1 20	14737 20
Otters, - -	1267 skins	4 00	5068 00
Foxs -)
PouhaFoxs, I	802 skins	0 50	401 00
Tigars Cats, J
Raccoons, -	4248 skins	0 25	1062 00
Bears, black ' gray k yell.	2541 skins	2 00	5082 00
Puces, - -
Buffaloes, -	1714 skins	3 00	5142 00
Dressed cow hs.	189 skins	1 50	283 50
Shorn deer sks.	96926tt)S	0 40	38770 4a
Deer skins, > with hair, j	6381 skins	0 50	3190 50
Tallow & fat,	S3±3lbs	0 20	1662 60
Bear's oil, -	2310 galls.	1 28	2572 00
Muskrats,
Martens,
		S 77971 20

" The calculations in this table, drawn from the most correct accounts of the produce of the Mis- souri, during fifteen years, make the average of a common year 77,971 dollars.

"On calculating, in the same proportion, the

iNTRODUCTION. xi

amount of merchandize entering the Missouri, and <2;iven in exchange fyv peltries, it is found that it amounts to ^61,250, including expenses, equal to one fourth of the value of the merchandize.

*^ The result is, that this commerce gives an an- nual profit of Sl6,721, or about 27 per cent.

" If the commerce of the Missouri, without en- couragement, and badly regulated, gives annually 30 great a profit, may we not rest assured that it will be greatly augmented, should government di- rect its attention to it ? It is also necessary to ob- serve, that the price of peltry, fixed by this table, is the current price in the Illinois : if it were regula- ted by the prices of London, deducting the expenses of transportation, the profit, according to our cal- culation, vrould be much more considerable.

" If the Missouri, abandoned to savages, and presenting but one branch of commerce, yields such great advantages, in proportion to tlie capital era- ployed in it, what miglit we not hope, if some mer- f-hants or companies with lai'ge capital, and aided by a population extended along tlie boilers of the iiver, should turn their attention to other branches of the trade, which the^ might undertake (I dare 3ay) mth a certainty of success, v/hen v/e consider the riclies buried in its banks, and of which 1 have 'ndeavourcdii^. these notes to give an idea.

ESTIMATE

Of the product of the several Mne&»

'* Mine a Burton - 550,000^3 mineral, estimated to

{)roduce 66 2-3, is 336,666 2'Slhs ead, atS5, is 18,333 33

To which add $S0 (on 120,000/^5 manufacter- ed) to each thousand, is 3,600 00

21,933 S3

•< Old Mines, - 200,000?5s mi- neral, estimated to produce 66 2-3, is 133 333 1-3)65 lead at S5 per cwt, is - - - 6,666 67 ** Mine a la Mott, 200,000/65

lead, at $5 per cwt. is - - 10,000 00 " Suppose at all the other mines 30,000/&s lead, at S5, is - 1,600 00

i -18,166 67

Total amount, is jS40,100 00

" When the manufacture of white and red lead is put into operation, the export valuation will be con- siderably augmented on the quality of lead^"

IRAVELS

TO THE

PACIFIC OCEA^y.

ON the 14th of May, 1804, we embarked from St. Louis on the expedition. Having, previous to our setting out, provided ourselves with every thing requisite for the prosecution of the voyage, which consisted of large quantities of ammunition and jSre-arms, for the purpose of protecting us from the hostile attacks of the natives, and for procuring us food. We likewise took a lai'ge quantity of orna- ments, consisting of medals, trinkets, &c. for the purpose of gaining a favourable reception among the Indians, and to procure us such articles of use as our situation required.

Our company, consisting of forty -three, were generally divided into two companies ; the one for hunting, who travelled by land, and overtook the other party at night, who were in our water con- veyance, which consisted only of two small perogues and a batteau. Larger vessels would obstruct us in ascending the Missouri near its^ source. We were compelled to encamp by night on the banks of the river ; our vessel being too light to sail except by day.

The great object of our expedition was to aid Commerce and Population,

The country bordering on the Missouri produces immense quantities of fur, which can be purehased of the Indians for a mere trifle, and which can be easily transported for the head of the Missouri to the Columbia river with very little expense, consi-

li NEW TRAAnbiLb

dering the low rate that horses can be purchased from the Snake Indians (who inhabit the coiintr> at the head of the Missouri) to transport tliem tu the Columbia river, and thence to China by a very short route.

This trade would give employment to an ini- mense number of inhabitants, and the country is sufficiently luxuriant for the population of an im- mense colony.

MISSOURI.

The Missouri is already ranked among tlic great- est rivers. It is an object ofastonishment to the wliole world. The uninformed man admii-es its rapidity, its lengthy course, salubrity of its waters, and is astonished at its colour, while tlie reflecting mind admires the innumerable I'iches scattered on its banks, and foreseeing tlie future, beholds already this I'ival of the Nile, flowing through countries as fertile, as populous, and as extensive as those of Egypt.

A traveller, howevei* intelligent he way be, can give but a faint idea of the innumerable riclies ac- cumulated on its banks. This sketch will barely point out the most important.

The Missouri joins the Mississippi five leagues above the town of St. Louis, about the 40tli degree of north latitude. It is necessary to observe, tliat, after uniting with the Mississippi, it flows through a space of 1200 miles before it empties itself into' the Gulf of Mexico. As this part of its course is well known, I shall speak of the Missouri only. I as- cended about six hundred leagues, without perceiv- ing a diminuation either in its width or rapidity. — The principle rivers wliieh empty into the Missouii ai^ as you ascend, the Gasconade, the river of the Osages, the two Charatunis, the Great river, the river Des Canips, Nichinen, Batoney,, tlie Great -and Little Nimaha, the river Plate, fe river des Sioux, and L'Eau Qui Court.

AMONG THE INDIANS. 15

As far as twenty -five leai^ues above its junction with the Mississippi, are to be found different set- tlements of American families, viz. at Bonhomme, and Feme Osage, &c. ; beyond this its banks are inhabited only by savage nations — the Great and Lit- tle Osages, settled one hundred and twenty leagues on the river of that name ; the Canips, the Ottos, the Panis, the Loups or Panis Mahas, the Mahas, the Poukas, the Ricaras, the Mandanes,the Sioux ; the last nation is not fixed on the banks of the Mis- souri, but habitually goes thereto hunt.

Tlie banks of the Missouri are alternately woods and pairies ; it is remarked that the higher you as- cend this river, the more common are tliese pairies, and they seem to increase every yeai* by the fires which are kindled every autumn by tlie savages or white hunters, either by chance or the design of fa- cilitating their hunting.

The waters of the Missouri are muddy, and con- tain throughout its course a sediment of veiy fine sand, which soon precipitates; but this circum- stance, which renders them disagreeable to the sight, takes nothing from their salubrity.

Experience has proved, that the waters of tlie Missouri are more wholesome than tiiose of the Ohio, and the upper Mississippi. The livers and sti'cams, which empty into the Missouri, below the river Plate, are clear and limpid, but above this river, they are as muddy as those of tJie Missouri itself. This is occasioned by beds of sand, or hills of a very fine ^vhite earth, whence they take rise.

The bed of the Missouri is obstructed with banks, sometimes of sand and sometimes gravel, whicli fre- quently change their place, and consequently ren- der tlie navigation always uncertain. Its course i^ generally west by nortJi-west.

To give a precise idea of the incalculable riches scattered on the banks of the Missouri, would re- quire unbounded knowledge.

The Hats are covered with huge trees ; thcIJard or poplai'. The sycamore, out of one piece of which B

16 NEW TRAVELS

are made canoes, which carry ahiiost 18,000 cwt. The maple which affords the iidiahitants an agreea- hie and Avliolesome sugar. I'hc wild chei'ry tree, and the red and hlatk walnut, so useful in joiners' work. The red and white elm, necessary to cart- wrights. The trincanthoSf which, when well trim- med, forms impenetrahlc hedges. The water wil- loAV, tlie white and red mulherry tree, ^c. &c.

On the shores are found, in abundance, the white and hlack oak, proper for every kind of shipwrights' and cai'])enters' work. The pine, so easily worked, and on the stony mountains the durable cedai*.

It would be impossible to detail all the species of trees, even those unknow n in other counti'ies, and the use that can be made of them, of which w^ are still ignoi'ant.

The plants are still more numerous : I will pass lightly over this article, for the w ant of sufficient botanical knowledge. The Indians are well ac- quainted with the virtues of many of them ; they make use of them to heal their wounds and to poison tlicir arrows ; they also make use of different kinds of Saxwyanv.es; to dye different colours ; they have one which is a certain and prompt cure for the vene- real disease,

Tht" lands on tlie l)orders of tlie Missouri ai'c ex- cellent, and when cultivated ai*e capable of yielding abundantly all the productions of the temperate, Ami oven some of the warm climates ; wheat, maize and every species of grain, Irish potatoes, and excel- lent sweet potatoes ; hemp seems hei-e to be an indi- genous plant ; even cotton succeeds, though not as well as in more southerly cmmtries ; its cultui*e, however, yields a real advantage to the inhabitants settled oil the banks of the Missouri, who find in a crop off a field of about two acres sufficient for the want of tiieir fiimilies.

The natural prairies are a great resource being of themselves excellent pasturages, and facilitating the labours of the man who is just settledj, and wiio can thus enjoy, with little labour, from the first

AMONG THE INDIANS. 17

year, a considerable crop. Clay fit for making uricks is very common : there is also Fayance clay, and every species of clay, which, in the opinion of intelli.^ent persons, is the real koaolin to which the porcelain of China owes the whole of its reputation.

There are found on the borders of the Missouri many springs of salt water of every kind, which will be more than sufficient for the consumption of the country,, when it shall become inhabited.

Salt-petre is found here in great abundance, in numbeness caves, which are met with along the banks of the river.

The stones arc generally calcareous and gates. There is one found also, which I believe to be pecu- liar to the banksof the Missouri. It is of a blood- red colour, compact, soft under the chisel, and hai'd- ens in the air, and is susceptible of a most beautiful polish. The Indians make use of it for their calu- mets ; but from the extent of its layers it might be easily emplbyed in more important works. They have also quarries of marble, of which we only know the colour 5 they are streaked with red. One quarry is well known and easily worked, namely, a species of plaster, which we ai'c assured is of the same nature as that of Paris, and of which the United States make a great use : we also found voU canic stones, which demonstrate the ancient exis- tence of unknown volcanoes.

We are confirmed in the belief, that there were Yolcanoes in some of their mountains, by the intel- Ugence that we received from the Indians ; who in- formed us, "that the Evil Spirit was mad at Red ** people, and caused the mountains to vomit fire, ** sand, gravel, and large stones, to ten-ify and de- V stroy them ; but the Good Spirit had compassion ** on them, and put out the fire, chased the Evil ** Spirit out of the mountains, and left tliem unhurt^ ** but when they returned to their wickedness, the ** Great Spirit had permitted the Evil Spirit to re- ** turn to the mountains again, and vomit up fire ; " but on their becoming good and making sacrifices.

±H NEW TRAVELS

** the Great Spirit chase4 away the Evil Spirit from ** disturbing them, and for forty snows* he had not ** permitted him to return."

The short stay we have generally made among the savage nations, has prevented us from making those researches which would have supplied us with more extensive information, respecting the various mines found on the borders of the Missouri ; we know with certainty, only those of iron, lead and itosd; there is however, no doubt, but there are some of tin, of copper, of silver, and even of gold, according to the account of the Indians, who have found some particles or dust of these metals either on the surface of the earth, or on the banks of small torrents.

I consider it a duty at the same time to give an idea of the salt mines and the salines, which are found in the same latitude on the branches of the river Arkansas. At about 300 miles from the vil- lage of the Great Osages, in a westerly dii'cction, after having passed several branches of the river Arkansas, we find a flat surrounded by hills of an immense extent, and about 15 leagues in diameter ^ the soil is a black sand, very fine, and so hard that the horses hardly leave a trace. During a warm and dry season, there exhales from this flat, va- pours, which after being condensed, fall on this black sand, and cover it with an incrustation of salt, very wliite and fine, and about lialf an inch thick ; and rains destroy this phenomenon.

At about 18 miles from tliis flat, there are found mines of genuine salt, near the surface of the earth : the Indians who are well acquainted with them, are obliged to use levers, to break and raise it.

At a distance of about 15 leagues from the flat, of which we have just spoken, and in a southerly direction, there is a second mine of genuine salt of the same nature as the other. These two mines difier only in cployr ; the first borders on a blue, the

* Forty Fears.

AMONG THE INDIANS. 19

second approaches a red* In short much further south, and still on the branches of the Arkansas, is a saline, which may be considered as one of the most interestinji^ phenomena in nature*

On the declivity of a small hill there are five holes, about a foot and a half in diameter, and two in depth, always full of salt water, without ever overflowing. If a person were to draw any of this salt water, the hole would immediately fill itself; and about ten feet lower, there flows, from tliis same hill, a large stream of pure and sweet water.

If tills country was peopled, the working of these genuine salt mines would be very easy, by means of the river Arkansas. Tliis species of salt is found by experience to be far preferable to any other for salting provisions.

Should these notes, imperfect and without order, but in every respect founded on truth, and observa- tions made* by myself, cite the curiosity of men of intelligence, capable of investigating the objects which they have barely suggested, I do not doubt but that incalculable advantages would result to the United States, and especially to the district of Lou- isiana.

It is impossible to give an exact account of the Peltries, wliich are brought down the Mississippi, as thcv are immediately transported to Canada, withou't passing any port of this country ; we can obtain a ti-ue statement only from the settlements on the Lakes. It is b ut a short time since the Red river has been explored.

After leaving the river Des Mones, the Fur trade from the Upi>er Missouri is carried on entirely by British houses, and almost the whole of the Furs which ai^e obtained from the other Indian traders, are also sent to Canada, where they commaiid much higher prices than at New-Orleans ; where, in fact, there is no demand for them. It is als) necessary to observe, that the further north we go, the grea- t*>r the value of the peltri-s. It is but a few years filnc^ peltries have bei'n exported froui America, by B 2

29 NEW TRAVELS

way of the Ohio. It is to be desired, that the eas^ tern paii; of America should encourage this expor- tation, by raising the prices of peltries to nearly those of Canada.

The country at the head of the Missouri and Co- lumbia river bears a great similarity ; being cold and very sterile, except in pasturage only. At the foot of the mountain, at the head of the Missouri, lives a tribe of Indians, called Serpentine, or Snake Indians ; who are the most abject and miserable of the human race, having little besides the features of human beings.

They live in a most \vi*etched state of poverty, subsisting on berries and fish ; the former they manufacture into a kind of bread, which is very palatable, but possesses very little nutritious quali- ty. The only article of value which they possess is horses, in which the country abounds, and in very severe winters they are compelled to subsist on them, for the want of a better substitute for food.

I'hey are a very harmless inoffensive people ; when we first made our appearance among them, they were filled with terror, many of them fled, while the others wlio remained, were in tears, but were soon pacified by tokens of friendship, and by presents of beads, kc, which soon convinced them of our friendly disposition.

The Snake Indians are in their stature crooked, which is a peculiarity, as it docs not characterize any other tribe of Indians, that came within the compass of our observation. To add to this defor- mity, they have high cheek bones, large light co- loured eyes, and arc very meagre, which gives them a frightful aspect.

With an axe we could purchase of them a good horse, we purcliased twenty-seven from them, which did not cost more than one hundred dollars ; which will be a favourable circumstance for trans- porting fur over to the Columbia-rive.

At tlie head of the Columbia river, resides a tribe by the name PaUotepaUorSf or Flatheads ; the latter

AMONG THE INDIANS. 2i

name they derive from an operation, wliich renders the top of the head flat; which is performed while they ai*e infants, when the bones of the cranium are soft, and elastic, and are easily brought to the de- sired deformity. The operation is performed by tying boards, hewn to a proper shape for the pur> pose, which they compress on the head. In per- forming this singular operation, many infants, I think without doubt, lose their lives. The more they get the head misshapen, it is considered with them the greater beauty.

They are very kind and hospitable people. We left in "charge with them when descended the Colum- bia river, our horses, which they kept safe. They likewise found where we had concealed our ammu- nition in the earth ; and had they not been an ho- nest people, and preserved it safe, our lives must have been inevitably lost; they delivered up the whole, without wishing to reserve any, or to receive for it a compensation.

Tliey, like tlie Snake Indians, abound in hoi^ses, which subsist in the winter season on a shrub, whicli they call evergreen: which bears a large leaf, which is tolerably nutritious ; they likewise feed upon the side of hills whicli gush out small spi'ings of water, which melt the snow, and affords j)asture. In this manner our horses subsisted while going over the rocky mountains.

The country inhabited hj the Snake and Flathead Indians produces but very little game.

Captain Clarke kept an account of the distances of places from one to another; which were not kept by myself, for which reason I hope it will be a sufficient apology for subjoining two of his state- mentSr

NEW TRAVELS

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN CLARKE TO HIS EXCEL- LENCY GOVERJVOR HARRISON.

Foi-t Mandan, April 2(1. '' Dear Sir,

*^ BY tlie return of a party Avhich we sent from tliis place with despatches, I do myself the pleasure of i^iving you a summary view of the Missouri, &c.

** In ascending" as high as the Kansas river, which is three hundred and thirty -four miles up the Mis- souri : on the south west side, we met a strong cur- rent, whicli was from five to seven miles an hour ; the hottom is extoisive, and covered with timher, the higli country is interspersed with rich handsome prairies, well watered, and ahound in deer and bears ; in ascending as high as the river Plate, we met a current loss rapid, not exceeding six miles an hour. In this distance we passed several small rivers on eacli side, which water some finely diver- sified country, principally prairies, as between Yin- cennes and Illinois, the bottoms continue wide, and covered with timber ; tliis river is about six thou- sand yards wide, at the mouth, not navigable ; it heads in the rocky mountains, with the North ri- ver, and Yellow Stone river, and passes through an open country-. Fifteen leagues up this river tlie Ottoes and thirty Missouries live, in one village, and can raise two hundred men ; fifteen leaglies higher up, the Paneas and Panea Republicans live in one village, and can raise seven hundred men. Up the wolf fork of this river, Papia Louisis .live in one village, and can raise two hundred and eighty men; these Indians., have partial ruptures fre- quently. River Plate is six hundred and thirty miles pu the Missouri, on the south west side. Here we find the Antelope or (ioat. The next river of size as- cending, is tlie Stone river, commonly called by the Ingaseix, Little river Desirous ; it takes its rise in lake Dispice, fifteen miles from the river Deinoir,

AMONG THE INDIANS. 24

and is sixty-four yards wide ; here commences the Sioux country. The next by note is the Big Sioux river, which heads with the St. Peters, and waters of lake Winnepie, in some high wooded country. About ninety miles still higher, the river Jacque falls on the same side ; and about one hundred yards wide. This river heads with the waters of lake Winnepie, at no great distance east from the place, the head of the river Demon in Pelican lake, be- tween the Sioux rivers and St. Peters. The coun- try on both sides of the Missouri, from the river Plate to tliat place, has very much the same ap- pearance; extensively fertile plains, containing but little timber and that little, principally confined to the river bottoms and streams. The country east of this place, and off, from the Missouri as low as Stone river, contains a number of small trees, many of which are said to be so much impregnated with glauber salt as to produce all its effects ,v cer^ tain it is that the water in the small streams from the hill below on the south west side possesses this quality.

y About the river Jacque Bruff, the country con- tains a great quantity of mineral, cobalt, cinabar, alum, copperas, and several other things -, the stone coal which is on the Missouri is very indifferent. Ascending fifty-two miles above the Jacque, the ri- ver Quicum falls on the south west side of this river, is one thousand and twenty-six miles up, one hun- dred and fifty yards v/ide, not navigable ; it heads !" Ii ^. ^ mountains which run nearly paralhd to the Missouri from about the head of the Kansas river, and ends south west of this place. Quicum waters a broken country one hundred and twentv- two miles, by water, higher. White river falls m on the south west side, and is thi^ee hundred yards wide, and navigable, as all tlie other streams are. Which are not particularly mentioned. Tiiis river heads m some small lakes, short of the Black moun- lams. 1 lie Mahan and Pocan nations rove on the fteads ol this river and the Quicum, and can raise

2i NEW TllAYELS

two hundred and fifty men ; tliey were very nume- rous a few years ago, but the small pox and the Jsivoux Iiavc redueed them to their present state. — I'he Sivoiix i?0Ksess the south west side of the Mis- souri above White river, one hundred and thirty- two niik s hi.^;hci', and on the west side. Teton river fal^ into it; it is small, and lieads in the open plains ; here we met a large hand of Sioux, and the stcond whieh we iiad seen, ealledTetons ; those are rascals, and may be justly termed the pirates of the Missouri. They made two attempts to stop us. They are subdivided, and stretching on the river near to this place, having reduced the Racres and Mandans, and drove them from the country they now occupy.

"The 8ioux bands rove in the country to the Mississippi. About forty-seven miles above the Teton river, the Chyanne river falls in from the south-west, four thousand yards wide; is navigable to the Black mountains, in which it takes its rise, in the third range. Several bands of Indians, but little knov/n, rove on the heads of this and the river Plate ; and are stated to be as follows 5 Choaenne, three hundred men ; Staetons, one hundred ; Ga- nenaviech, four liUndred ; Cayanwa and Wetahato, two hundred; Cahata, seventy; Detame, thirty, Memesoon, filty ; Castahana, one thousand tliree hundred men. It is probable that some of those bands are the remains of the Padoucar nation. At fourteen hundred and forty miles up the Missouri, (and a short distance above two handsome rivers, which take tlieir rise in the Black mountains) the Kicaraslive in three villages, and are the remains of ten difl'erent tribes of Pane as, who hiive been i-educed and drove from their country lower down by the Sioux ; their number is about five hundred men ; they raise corn, beans, &c. and aj^pear tViendly and well dispovsed. They were at w ar with the nations of this neighbourhood, and we have bi-ought about peace. Between the Re- cars and this place, two rivers fall in on the south-

AMONG THE INDIANS. 25

west and one on the north-east, not very long, and take their rise in the open countrj^ Tliis country abounds in a j^reat variety of wild aninials, but a few of w hich the Indians take ; many of these ani- mals are uncommon in the United States, such as w liite, red, and ffrey bears ; lon.e; eared mules, or black tail deer, (black at the end of the tail only) lari^e hare, antelope or Goat; the red fox; tlic j^round pranrie dogs, (who burrow^ in tlic ground) tlie braroca, whicli has a head like a dog, and the si^e of a small dog ; the w bite brant, magpie, cal- umet, cage, ^cc. and many otliers arc said to inha- bit tiie rocky mountains.

'**I have collected tlie following accounts of the rivers and country in advance of this, to w it : two days' march, in advance of tliis, the Little Missour- ri falls on tlie south side, and heads at the north- west extremity of the Black mountains ; six days' march further, a large river joins the Missouri, affording as much water as the main river ; this river is rapid without a fall, and navigable to the Rocky mountains, its brandies head with the Ava- ters of the river Plate; the country in advance is sftid to be broken.

*• The trade of the nations at this place is from tlie north west, and Hudson's Bay establishments, on the Assinneboin river, distant about one hundred and fitly miles ; those traders are near- ly at open war with each other, and better cal- culated to destroy than promote the happiness of those nations to which they have latterly extended their trade, and intend to form an establishment near this place in the cours c of this year. ** Your most

** Obedient servant,

Wm. CLARK,

26 NEW TRAVELS

XETTEH FROM CAPT. CLARK, TO HIS BROTHER.

St. Louis, Sept. 1806. " Bear Brother,

** We arrived at this place at twelve o'clock to-day, from the Pacific ocean, where we remained during the last winter, near the entrance of the Columhia river. This station we left on \:7th of March last, and should have reached St. Louis early in August, had we not been detain- ed by the snow, which barred our passage across the Rocky mountains until the 24th of June. In returning through those mountains, we divided ourselves into several parties, digressing from the rout by which we went out, in order the more effectually to explore the country, and discover the most practicable route which does exist across the Continent by the way of the Missouri and Co- lumbia rivers; in this we were completely suc- cessful, and have therefore no hesitation in declar- ing, that, such as nature has permitted, we have discovered the best route which does exist across tlic continent of ISorth America in that direction^ Suclris that by way of the Missouri to the foot of the rapids, below the great falls of that river, a dis- tance of two thousand five hundred and seventy - five miles, thence by land, passing by the Rocky mountains to a navigable part of the Kooskooske three hundred and forty ; and with the Kooskooske seventy-tliree miles. Lewis's river one hundred and fifty -four miles, and the Columbia four hundred and thirteen miles to the Pacific ocean, making tlie total distance from the confluence of the Missouri and Missis>ippi to the discharge of the Columbia into the Pacific ocean, three thousand five hundred and fifty-five miles. The navigation of the Mis- souri may be deemed good; its difficulties arise from its falling banks, tlie timber imbedded in the mud of its channel, its sand-bars, and steady ra- pidity of its current, all which may be overcome

AMONG THE INDIANS. 27

by the necessary precaution. The passage by land of three liundred and forty miles, from the falls of the Missouri to the Kooskooke, is tlie most formidable part of the tract proposed across the Continent. Of this distance, two hundred miles is along a good road, and one hundred and forty miles over tremendous mountains, which for sixty miles is covered with eternal snows. A passage over these mountains is, liowever, practicable fi'om the latter part of June to the last of September, and the cheap rate at which horses are to be ob- tained from the Indians of the Rocky momitains, and west of them, reduces the expenses of traiiS- portation over this portage to a mere tridc. Tiie navigation of the Kooskooske, Lewis's river, and the Columbia, is safe and good, from the first of April to the middle of August, by making three portages on the latter river ; the first of which, in descending, is twelve hundred paces at the falls of Columbia, two hnndred and sixty one miles up that river ; the second, of two miles, at the long narrow, six miles below tlie falls ; and a third, also of two miles, at tlie great rapids, sixty-five miles still lower down. The tide flows up the Columbia one hundred and eighty-tliree miles and within seven miles of the great rapids. Large sloops may with safety ascend as higli as the tide water, and vessels of three hundred tons burthen reacli the entrance of the Multnomali river, a large Southern branch of the Columbia, whicli takes its rise on the confines of New Mexico, witli the Calle- I'ado and Apostle's rivers, discharging itseli into the Columbia, one hundred and twenty -five miles from its entrance into tJie Pacific ocean. I con- sider this track across the Continent of immense advantage to the fur trade, as all the furs collected in nine tenths of the most valuable fur country in America, may be conveyed to tlie moutli of the Co- lumbia, and shipped from thence to the East Indies, by the first of August in each year ; and w ill of course reach Canton earlier than the furs which C

■:s jSEW travels

are annually exported from Montreal arrive in Great Britain.

" In our outwaiMi bound passage we ascended to the foot of the rapids below tlie great falls of the Missouri, where we arrived on the lith of June, 1805. Not having met with any of the natives of the Roeky mountains, we were of course ignorant of the passes by land, which existed through those mountains to the Columbia river : And had we even known the rout, we wei'c destitute of horses, which would have been indispensably necessary to enable us to transport tlie requisite quantity of ammunition and other stores to ensure the remain- ing part of our voyage down the Columbia; we tlierefore determined to navigate the Missouii as far as it was practicable, or unless we met with some of the natives, from whom we could obtain horses and information of the country* Accord- inglv, w« undertook a most laborious portage at the falls of the Missouri, of eighteen miles, whicli wc elfectcd with our canoes and baggage by the 3d of July. From hence, ascending the Missouri, we penetrated the Rocky mountains at the distance of seventy-one miles above tlie upper part of the por- tage, and penetrated as far as the three forks of that river, a distance of one hundred and eighty miles further. Here the Mis-souri divides into three nearly equal branches at the same point. The two largest brandies are so nearly of the same dignitv, tliat we did not conceive that either of them could with propriety retain tlie name of the Missouri, and therefore called these streams Jef- ferson's, Madison's and Gallatin's rivers. The eonliuenee of those rivers is two thousand, eight liundi-ed and fifty-eight miles from the mouth of the Missouri, by the meanders of that river. Wc ai-iived at tli« three forks of the Missouri on the ^7th of July* Not having yet been so fortunate as to meet with the natives, altiiough I had previously made several excursions for that purpose, we wei-e compelled still to continue our route by water.

AMONG THE INDIANS. 29

" The most northerly of the three forks, that to which we had given the name of Jefferson's river, was deemed the most proper for our purpose, and we accordingly ascended it two hundred and forty- eight miles to tlie upper forks, and its extreme navigable point ; making the total distance to which we had navigated the waters of the Mis- souri three thousand and ninety -six miles, of which four hundred and twenty-nine lay within tlie Rocky Mountains. On the morning of the 17th of August, 1805, I arrived at the forks of Jeffei^on's river, where I met captain Lewis, who had previously penetrated, with a party of three men, to the w a- ters of the Columbia, discovered a band of the Shos- hone nation, and had found means to induce thirty- five of their chiefs and warriors to accompany him to that place. From these people we learned that the river on which they resided was not navigable, and that a passage through the mountains in that direction was impracticable. Being unwilling to confide in this unfavourable account of tlie natives, it was concerted between captain Lewis and my- self, that one of us should go forward immediately with a small party, and explore the river ,• while the other in the interim should lay up the canoes at that place, and engage the natives with their horses to assist in transporting our stores and baggage to their camp. Accordingly I set out the next day, passed the dividing mountains between the waters of the Missouri and Columbia, and de- scended the river which I call the East Eork of Lewis's river, about seventy miles. Finding tliat the Indian's account of the country in the direction of this river, was correct, I returned and joined captain Lewis on the 29th of August, at the Shos- hone camp, excessively fatigued, as you may sup- pose ; having passed mountains almost inaccessible, and compelled to subsist on berries during tha greater part of my route. We now purchased twenty-seven horses of these Indians, and hired a guide, who assured us that he could in fifteen

30 NEW TRAVELS

days take us to a large river in an open country -, west of these mountains, by a route some distance to the north of the river on which they lived, and that by wliich the natives west of the mountains visit the plains of the Missouri, for the purpose of hunting the buffaloe. Every preparation being made, we set forward with our guide on the 31st of August, through those tremendous mountains in which we continued until the 22d of September, before we reached the lower country beyond them ; on our w ay we met with the Olelachshoot, a band of the Tuchapaks, from whom we obtained an ac- cession of seven horses ; and exchanged eight or ten othei's. This proved of infinite service to us, as we were compelled to subsist on horse beef about eight days before we reached the Koos- kooske.

^* During our passage over those mountains, we suffered every thing which hunger, cold, and fa- tigue could impose ; nor did our difficulties, with respect to provisions, cease on our arrival at the Kooskooske ; for although the Pallotepallors, a nu- merous nation inhabiting that country, were ex- tremely hospitable, and for a few trifling articles furnished us with an abundance of roots and dried salmon, the food to which they were accustomed, we found that we could not subsist on these articles, and almost all of us grew sick on eating them ; we were obliged, therefore, to have recourse to the flesh of liorses and dogs, as food, to supply the de- ficiency of our guns, wliicli produced but little meat, as game was scarce in the vicinity of our camp on tlie Kooskooske, w here we were compelled to remain, in order to construct our perogues, to descend the river. At this season the salmon ai*e meagre, and form but indifferent food. While we remained here, I was myself sick for several days, and my friend captain Lewis suffered a severe in- disposition.

♦* Having completed four perogues and a small canoe, we gave our horses in charge to the Pallo-

AMONG THE INDIANS. 31

tepallors until we returned, and on the 7 th of Oc- tober, re-embarked for the Pacific ocean. AVe descended by tlie route I liave ah*eady mentioned. The water of the river being low at this season, we experienced much difficulty in descending : we found it obstructed by a great number of difficult and dangerous rapids, in passing of which our pero- gues several times filled, and the men escaped narrowly with their lives. However, this difficulty does not exist in high water which happens within the period which I have previously mentioned. We found the natives extremely numerous, and gene- rally friendly, though we have on several occasions owed our lives and the fate of the expedition to our number, which consisted of thirty-one men. On the 17th of November we reached the ocean, where various considerations induced us to spend the winter ; we therefore searched for an eligible situation for that purpose, and selected a spot on the south.side of a little river, called by the natives JVetnl, which discharges itself at a small bar on the south side of the Columbia, and fourteen miles within point Adams. Here we constructed some log houses, and defended them with a common stockade work. This place we called Fort Clat- sop, after a nation of that name who were our nearest neighbours. In this country we found an abundance of elk, on which we subsisted princi- pally during the last winter. We left Fort Clat- sop on the 27th of March. On our homeward bound voyage, being much better acquainted wdth the country, we were enabled to take such precau- tions as in a great measure secured us from the want cf provisions at any time, and greatly lessened our fatigues, when compared with those^ to which we were compelled to submit in our outward bound journey. We have not lost a man since we left Mandans, a circumstance which, I assure you is a pleasing consideration to me. As I shall shortly be with you, and the post is now waiting, I deem C2

33 JNEW TRAVELS.

it unnecessary here to attempt minutely to detail the occurrences of tlic last eighteen months. ** I am, ^:c.

*' Your affectionate brotlier,

Wm. CLARKE.

THE treatment tliat we received from the In- dians, during nearly three years that we were with them, was very kind and hospitable ; except the ill treatment that we received ironi the Sioux tribe, who several times made attempts to stop us ; and we should have been massacred, had we not terri- fied tliem from their murderous intention, by threat- ening tisem with the small pox, in such a manner as would kill the \n hole tribe of them. Nothing could be moi'C horrible to tliem, than the bare men- lion of tliis fatal disease. It was first communicated to them by the Americans, and spread from tribe to tribe with an unabated pace, until it extended it- self across the continent.

** This fatal infection, spread around with a bane- l\d rapidity, which no flight could escape, and with a fatal effect tliat nothing could resist. It destroy- ed, with its pestilential breath, whole families and tribes; and the horrid scene presented to those wlm had the melancholy and effecting opportunity of beholding it, a combination of the dead and dy- ing, and such as to avoid the horrid fate of their friends around them, prepare<l to disappoint the plague of its prey, by terminating their own exis- tence. The habits and lives of those devoted people, who provide not to day for the wants of to-morrow, must have heightened the pains of sucli an affliction, by leaving them not only without remedy, but even without alleviation. But nothing was left them, but to submit in agony and despair. To aggi'avate the picture, if aggravation was possible, may be added the sight of the helpless child beholding the putrid carcase of its beloved parents dragged by the wolves from tbeir huts, (who were invited hither by the sttncli) and with a furacious voracity, satiate their

AMONG THE INDIANS.. 3S

hunger on the mangled corpse. Or in the same manner, serve the dog with food from the body of his once beloved master. Nor was it uncommon for the father of a family, whom the infection had just reached, to call liis family around him, to represent the sufferings and cruel fate from the influence of some evil spint^ who was preparing to extirpate their race ; and to invite them to bafile death, with all its horrors with their own weapons ; and at the same time, if their hearts failed in this necessary act, he was himself ready to perform the deed of mercy with his own hand, as the last act of his af- fection, and instantly follow them to the chambers of death.'*^ The Indians being destitute of phif* sicianSf living on animal food, plunging tliemselves into cold water f on tlie first discovery of the dis- ease, rendered itgcneralJy mortal.

W hile we were at fortMandan,tlie Sioux robbed several of our party wlien they were returning to the fort, with tlie fruits of an excursion after game ; and murdered several of the ^Mandan tribe in cold blood, without provocation, while reposing on the bosom of friendship. On heaving of this massacre, captain Clarke and the greatcrpartof us volunteer- ed to avenge the murder; but were deterred by not receiving succour from thcMandan warriors,* who declined to avenge the outrage committed on them. Tlie probability of their not enlisting, was, that they were afraid of the superior number of the Sioux to warrant an engagement.

Soon after this massacre, we received authentic intelligence, that the Sioux had it in contemplation (if their threats were true) to murder us in the spring ; but were prevented from making the attack, by our threatening to spread the small pox with all its horrors, among them. They, knowing that it first originated among the white people, anil having heard of innoculation and the mode of keeping the infection in vials, which they had but an imperfect

'^ A western Traveller,

3* NEW TRAVELS

idea of, that barely a threat filled them with horror, and was sufficient to deter them from their resolute and bloody purpose. This stratagem may appear insignificant to the reader, but w as of the greatest consequence to us ; for to it alone we owe not only the fate of the expedition, but our lives.

Most of the tribes of Indians that we became ac- quainted with (except the Sioux) after being intro- duced by our interpreter, and found that our inten- tions were friendly towards them, never failed of greeting us with many tokens of tlieir friendly dis- position. Soon aftci" our inter\ iew, we were invited to smoke the calumut of peace, and to partake free- ly of their venison. The women and children in pai'ticular, were not wanting in showing tokens of friendship, by endeavouring to make our stay agreeable. On our first meeting, they generally held a council, as they term it, wiien their cliief de- livers a "talk," in wiiich they give their sentiments respecting their new visitors; wliich were filled w ith prol^^ssions of friendship, and often wei'e very eloguent, and abounded with sublime and figurative language.

\Vhen we departed, after taking leave, tliey would often put up a prayer, of whicli the follovv irig is a sample, which was put up for us by a Mandan : ** That the great spirit would favour us with smooth water, with a clear sky by day, and a bright star- light by night ; that we might not be presented \^ ith the red hatchet of v/ar ; but, that the great pipe of peace might ever shine upon us, as the sun shines in an unclouded day, and that we might be oversha- dowed by the smoke thereof; that we might have sound sleep, and that the bird of peace might whis- per in our ears pleasant dreams ; that the deer might be taken by us in plenty ; and that the great spirit would take us home in safety to our women and children." These prayers were generally made ■with great fervency, often smiting with great vehe- mence, their hands upon their breast, their eyes fixed in adoration towards heaven. In this manner

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AMONG THE INDIANS. 35

they would continue their prayers until we were out ©f sight.

In the fore part of autumn we experienced slight typlius indispositions, caused by great vicissitudes of weather, w liich at times was very damp.

Our affectionate companion serjeant Floyd was seized with a severe astenic disease, of which he fell a victim. He was seized with an acute pain in his intestines, accompanied with a great suppres- sion of the pulmonary function. Every ciTort that our situation allowed, was in vain used for his re- covery ; we buried him in tJie most decent manner that our circumstance would admit. He was uni- versally lamented by us.

Sev^'al times, many of our party were in immi- nent danger of being devoured by the wild beasts of prey ; but happily we escaped. Frequently we were annoyed by a kind of light coloured bear, of which the country near the head of the Missouri, abounds. After being attacked, they give no quarter, but rush with great fury towards their enemy. One of our party shot at one of them, and wounded him ; the bear, instead of being intimidated by the smart of the wound, was stimulated into rage, and rushed with great fury to devoiir the assailant, who saved his life by running headlong down a steep precipice, that formed the bank of the river ; but was severely bruised by the precipitant retreat.

The following narrative of an encounter with a Snak^, is told by a companion^ whose veracity can be relied on, I will give it in his own words,' as he related it in a letter to his friend.

*< SOME time," says he "hefore we reached fort Mandan, while I was out on an excursion of hunting, one of the greatest monsters tliat ever shocked the mind with horror was presented to my sight. When passing deliberately in a forest tliat bordered on prairie, 1 heard a I'ustling in the bushes ; 1 leaped towai'ds the object, delighted with the pros^

36 NEW TRAVELS

pectof acquiring game. But on proceeding a few paces further, my blood was cliilied with horror, by the api^earance of a serpent of an enormous size. On discovering me, he immediately erected his head to a great height; his colour was of a yellower hue than the spots of a rattle snake ; and on the top of his back were spots of a reddish colour. His eyes emit- ted fire, his tongue darted, as though he menaced my destruction. He was evidently in tiie attitude of springing at me, when I levelled my rifle at him ; but probably owning to my consternation, I only wounded him; but the explosion of the gun and the wound turned to flight the awful enemy. Perhaps you ma;^ think, that my fright has magnified the descriptioji. I can candidly aver, that he was in bulk half as large as a middle-sized man."

In the Indian tribes there is so great a similarity in their stature, colour, government, and religious tenets, that it will be I'equisite, for perspicuity, to rank them under one general head. And when there is a contrast in course of the description, it will be mentioned.

They are all (except tlie Snake Indians) tall in stature, straight, and robust. It is very seldom they are deformed, which has given rise to the sup- position, that they put to death their deformed chil- dren, which is not the case. Their skin is of a cop- per colour, their eyes large, black, and of a bright and sparkling colour, indicative of a subtle and dis- cerning mind. Their hair is of the some colour, and prone to grow long, straight, and seldom or ne- ver curled ; tlieir teeth are large and white. I never observed any decayed among them, which makes their breath as sweet as the air they exale. The A\ omen are about the stature of the English women, and much inclined to corpulency, which is seldom the case with the other sex.

I shall not enter into a discussion about the cause of their hue. I shall barely mention the supposi- tions that are made respecting it. Some have as- serted, tliat it is derived principally from their

AMONG THE INDIANS. 37

anointing themselves with fat in the summer season, to prevent profuse perspiration, and this, combined With the influence of the sun, has given the tincture ot their complexion. To support the hvpothesis they assert, that the repeated above mentioned causes give colour to tlie parent, who procreates Iiis own likeness, until at length it is entailed on poste- nty. But notwithstanding this curious reasoning:, others arc of opinion, that tlie hand of the Creator gave the reddish hue to the Indians, the sable colour to tlie African, and that of wliite to the civilized na> tions.

They esteem a beard exceedinglv unbecomine:, and take great pains to get rid of if; nor is there ever any to be perceived on their faces, excei)t when they grow old and become inattentive to their ap- pearance. Every crinose excrescence on other parts ol their body is lield in as great abhorrence bv them, and both sexes are equally careful to extirpate it, in winch they often employ much time.

Tlie Pallotepallors, Serpentine, Mandan, and other interior tribes of Indians, pluck them out with bent pieces of hard wood, formed into a kind of nip- pers, made for that purpose ,• while those that have a communieation with Americans or Europeans procure from them wire, wJiich they ins:eniousiy make into an instrument resembling a scre\\ , which will take so firm a hold of the beard, that with a sudden twitch they extirpate them out by the roots, when considerable blood never fails to flow.

The dress of the Indians, varies according to the tribe tliat they belong to ; but in general, it is very commodious, not to encumber them in pursuing: the chase, or tlieir enemy; tliose that inhabit the Mis- souri, I have often seen, in cold weather, witfiout any apparel to screen themselves from the incle- mency ot the weather. The lower rank of the Pal- lotepallors and Clatsops, wearnothin-in the sum- mer season, but a small garment about their hips, which is eituer manufactured out of bark or skins and which would vie with, if not excel, any Euro-

38 NEW TRAVELS

pean manufacture, being diversified with different colours, which give it a gay appearance. Their kings are generally dressed in i^obcs that are made out of small skins, (which takes several hundred for a garment) of different colours, neatly tanned, which they hang loosely over their shoulders.

In deep snows they wear skins, which entirely cover their legs and feet, and almost answer for breeches: being held up by strings tied to tlic lower part of the waist. Their bodies in the win- ter season, are covered witli different kinds of skin, which are tanned with the fur on, which they wear next to the skin. Those of the men, who wish to appear more gay than others, pluck out tlie greatest part of their hair, leaving only small locks as fancy dictates, on which are hung differ- ent kinds of quills, and feathers of elegant plumage superbly painted. The Sioux and Osages, who traffic with the Americans, wear some of our ap- parel, such as sliirts and blankets ; the former they cannot bear tied at the wristbands and collar, and the latter they throw loosely over their shoul- ders. Their chiefs dress very gay; about their heads they wear all kinds of ornaments that can well be bestowed upon them, which are curiously wrought, and in the winter long robes of the rich- est fur that trail on the gi*ound.

In the summer there is no great peculiarity, only what the higher rank wear is excessively orna- mented.

The Indians paint their heads and faces yellow, gi*een, red and black ; wliich they esteem very or- namental. They also paint themselves wlien they go to war; but the method they make use of on this occasion differs from that which they wear merely as a decoration.

The Chipa7vay young men, wlio are emolous of excelling tlieir companions in finery, slit the out- ward rim of both ears; at the same time they take care not to separate tlicm entirely, but leave the flesh thus cut, still untouched at both extremities ;

AMONG THE INDIANS. 39

around tliis spungy substance, from tlie upper to the lower part, they twist brass wire till the weight draws the amputated rim in a bow of five or six inches diameter, and draws it down almost to the shoulder. This decoration is esteemed gay and becoming.

It is also a custom among them to bore their no- ses, and wear in them pendants of different sorts. Shells are often wore, which when painted are reckoned very ornamental.

The dress of the Indians who inhabit the borders of Louisiana is for their legs, a kind of stocking, either of skins or cloth ; these are sewed up as much as possible in the shape of their leg, so as to admit of being drawn on and off; the edges of the stuff of which they are composed are left annexed to the seams, and hang loose about the breadth of a hand ; and this part which is placed on the out- side of tlie leg, is generally ornamented with lace and ribbons, and often with embroidery and porcu- pine quills variously coloured. Tlie hunters from Louisiana find these stockings much more conve- nient than any others. Their shoes are made of the skins of deer or elk ; these after being dressed with the hair on, are cut into shoes, and fashioned so as to be easy to their feet and convenient for walking. The edges around the ankle are decora- ted with pieces of brass or tin, fixed around a leather string about an inch long, which being placed very tliick, make a delightsome noise when they walk or dance.

Tlie dress of the women in the summer season consists only of a peticoat that does not reach down to their knees. In the winter they wear a shift, made of skins which answers a very good purpose when they stand erect, as it is sufficiently low, but when they bend over they often put modesty to the blush. Their feet and legs are covered simi- larly to the other sex.

Most of the female Indians who dwell on the west side of the Mississippi, near its confluence

40 NEW TRAVELS

with the Missouri, decorate their heads hy enclo- sing their hair in plates of silver ; it is a costly or- nament and is made use of by the highest rank only. Those of the lower rank make use of bones, which they manufacture to resemble that of silver. The silver made use of, is formed into thin plates of about four or five inches broad, in several of which they confine their hair. That plate which is near- est the head is of considerable width ; the next narrower, and made so as to pass a little way un- der the other, and gradually tapering till they get to a very ineonsiderahle magnitude.

This proves to be of great expense, for they of- ten wear it on the back side of the head, extending to the full length of their hair, which is commonly very long.

The women of every nation generally paint a spot against eacli about the size of a crown piece, some of them paint their hair, and sometimes a spot on the middle of the forehead.

The Indians have no fixed habitations when they are hunting ,• but build their houses where conve- niency presents : which are made so small, that it obliges the inhabitants to grope about in them, be- ing so low as not to admit one to stand erect, and are without windows. Those that are built for a permanent residence arc much more substantial ; they are built of logs and bark, large enough to contain several apartments. Those built for the chiefs are often ycry elegant. That of the chief warrior of the Mahas, is at least sixty feet in cir- cumference, and lined witli fiii^, and painting. Th< furs are of various colours, many of wliich I had never seen before, and were extremely beauti- ful ; the vai'iety in colour formed a contrast that much addcil to its elegance. The paintings were elegant, and would adorn the dwellings of an opu- lent European prinee. But the houses of the com- nion people are very indifferent.

Ihi :y have also moveable houses, which they ^se for fishing, aud sometimes for hunting; which

AMONG THE INDIANS. 41

are made of deer skins, or birch bark sewed to- gether, which they cover over poles made for that purpose ; they are bent over to form a semicircle, which resemble those bent by the Americans for beans or hops to grow on, and are covered over as before mentioned, which are very light and easily transported where necessity requires.

The best of their cabins have no chimneys, but a small hole to let the smoke through, which they are compelled to stop np in stormy weather; and when it is too cold to put out their fire, their huts are ilUed with clouds of smoke, which render them insvipportable to any but an Indian.

The common people lie on bear skins, which are spread on the floor. Their ciiiefs sleep on beaver skins, which are sometimes elevated.

Their utensils ai^e few, and in point of usefulness very defective ; those to hold water in, are made of the skins of animals and the knotty excrescences of hard wood ; their spoons are manufactured out of wood, or the bones of a buffalo, and are tolera- bly commodious, and I have often seen them ele- gant, and sometimes painted.

The Flatheads and Clatsops make baskets out of rushes, that will hold water if they are not very dry. These two nations appear to have more of a mechanical genius, than any other people that I have ever been acquainted with. And I think they are not outrivalled by any nation on earth, when •taking into consideration their very limited me- chanical instruments.

Many of the Indian nations make no use of bread, salt, and spices; and many live to be old without seeing or tasting of either. Those that live near the snowy mountains, live in a great jueasure on berries, whicli clothe the fields in great abundance.

The Taukies and other Eastern tribes, where Indian corn grows, take green corn and beans, boil tltem together with bear's flesh, the fat of

42 ISEW TRAVELS

wliicli gives flavour and renders it beyond com- parison delicious ; they call this dish Suecatosh.

In general they have no idea of the use of milk, although great quantities might be collected from buffalo and elk. They only consider it proper for the nourishment of the young of these beasts, in their tender state. It cannot be perceived that any inconvenience arises from the disuse of arti- cles so much esteemed by civilized nations, wltich they use to give a relish and flavour to their food. But on the contrary, the great healthiness of the Indians, and the unhealthiness of the sons of Epi- tHirus, prove that the diet of the former is the most salutary.

They preserve their meat by exposing it to the vsun in the summer, and in the winter by putting it between cakes of ice, which keep it sweet, and free from any putrefactive quality.

Their food consists in a great measure of the flesh of the bear, buflalo, and deer. Those that reside near the head of the Missouri and Columbia iivris, Ciiiefly make use of the buffalo and elk, v/hich are often seen from fifty to an hundred in a drove. When there are plenty of the two last mentioned beasts there are but a few of the former, and where there are many of the former, but few of the latter.

The mode of roasting their meat, is by burning it under ground on the side of a hill, placing stones next to the meat; the mode of building to heat it, sowewhat resembles the fire made under a iime-kilsi. In this manner they roast the largest of their animals.

The mode of cooking smaller pieces, is to roast it in stones, that are hewn out for the purpose.

The Flatlieads and Clatsops procure a root about the size of a potatoe, wiiich grows sponta- neously and in great abundance, and is tolerably palatable, and perfectly agiees with the natives ; but made us all sick, vvhilc wc were among them. Before we descended the Columbia river, we were

AMONG THE INDIANS. 4b3

unable to procure game, and had recourse to the flesh of dogs and horses to preserve life, as those of roots would, without doubt, have destroyed us, and we were unable to procure any other kind of food.

Many of the tribes of Indians are extremely dirty. I have seen the Maha Indians bring water in the paunches of animals that were very dirty, and in other things equally so. But tlie Maha chiefs are very neat and cleanly m their tents, apparel, and food.

The Indians commonly eat in large parties, so that their meals may, with propriety, be termed feasts ; they have not set hours for their meals, but obey the dictates of nature.

Many of the tribes dance before or after their meals, in devotion to the Great Spirit, for the bles- sings they receive. Being informed of the mode of our saying grace, they answered that they thought we were stupid and ungrateful not to ex- ercise our bodies for the great benefits that we recieved : but muttering with our lips, tiiey thought was an unacceptible sacrifice to the Great Spirit, and the stupid mode of the ceremony ridiculous in the extreme. In their feasts, the men and women eat apart; but in their domestic way of living, they promiscuously eat together.

Instead of getting together and drinking as the Americans do, they make use of feasting as a sub- stitute.

When their chiefs are assembled together, on any occasion, they always conclude with a feast, at whicii their hilarity and cheerfulness know no bounds.

No people on earth are more hospitable, kind, and free, than the Indians. They will readily share with any of their own tribe the last i)art of their provisions, and even those of a diiferent nation. Tliough they do not keep one common stock, yet the community of goods is so prevalent D2

4i NEW TRAVELS

among tliem, and their generous dispositions ren- der it nearly of the same effect.

They stiike fire by rubbing together two sticks of wood, of a particular kind, whicli they procure with ease ; fi'om other kinds it is impossible to procure fire.

They are extremely circumspect and deliberate in every word and action ; tliere is nothing that hurries them into any intemperate wratli, but that inveteracy to their enemies, which is rooted in every Indian's breast, and never can be eradicated. In all other instances they are cool, and deliberate, taking care to suppress the emotions of the heart. If any Indian has discovered tliat a friend of his is in danger of being cut off by a lurking enemy, he does not inform him of his danger in direct terms, as though he was in fear, but he first coolly asks him which way he is going tliat day ; and having his answer; with the same indifference tells him, that he has been informed, that an obnoxious beast lies on the route where he is going, which might probably do him mischief. Tiiis hint proves suffi- cient ; and his friend avoids the danger w ith as much caution, as tliough every design and motion of his enemy had been pointed out to him.

llus apathy often sliows itself, on occasions that would draw fourth the fervour of a susceptible heart. If an Indian had been absent from his family for several months, either on a war or hunting paily, and his wife and children meet him at some distance from his habitation, instead of the affectionate sensations that naturally arise in the breast of more refined beings, and are productive of mutual congratulations, he continues liis course without looking to the right or left; without pay- ing the least attention to those around him, till he arrives at his house : He there sits down, and w ith the same unconcern as if he had not been absent a day, smokes his pipe; those of his friends who foliowed him, do the same; perhaps it is several hours before he relates to them tlie incidents that have befallen him during his abscence^ though per-

AMONG THE INDIANS. 45

haps he has left a father, a brother, or a son dead on the iiehl, (whose loss he ought to liave lamented) or has been successful in the undertaking that call- ed him fi'om home.

If an Indian has been engaged for several days in the chase or any other laborious expedition, and by accident continued long without food, when he arrives at the hut of a friend, where he knows that his wants will be immediately supplied, he takes care not to show the least symptoms of impatience, or be- tray, the extreme hunger that he is tortured with; but on being invited in, sits contentedly down, and smokes his pipe with as much composure as if his appetite was cloyed, and he was perfectly at ease : he does the same if among strangers. This custom is strictly adhered to by every tribe, and they esteem it a proof of fortitude, and think the reverse would entitle them to the appellation of old women.

If you tell an Indian, that his children have greatly signalized themselves against an enemy, have taken many scalps, and brought home many prisoners, he does not appear to feel any great emotions of pleasure on the occasion ; his answer

fenerally is, *• they have done well," and makes ut very little enquiiy about it ; on the contrary, if you inform him that his children are slain or taken prisoners ; he makes no complaints, he only replies, "it is unfortunate," and for some time, asks no questions about how it happened.

This seeming indifferance, however, does not proceed from a want of the natural affections, for, notwithstanding they are esteemed savages, I never saw among any other people greater proofs of filial tenderness ; and, although they meet tlieir wives after a long absence witli the stoical indiffer- ence just mentioned, they are not, in general, void of conjugal affection.

Another peculiarity is observable in their man- ner of paying visits. If an Indian goes to visit a particular person in a family, he mentions to whom his visit is intended, and the rest of the

46 NEW TRAVELS,

family immediately retire to the other end of the hut or tent, and are careful not to come near enough to interrupt them during the whole con- versation. The same method is pursued when a young man goes to pay his addresses to a young wo- man; but then he must be careful not to let love be the subject of his discourse while the day light re- mains.

They discover an amazing sagacity, and ac- quire with the greatest readiness, any thing that depends upon the attention of the mind. By ex- perience, and an acute observation, they attain many perfections, to which the Americans are strangers. For instance, they will cross a forest, or a plain, which is two hundred miles in breadth, and reacli ^\itll great exactness the point at which they intend to arrive, keeping during the whole of that space in a direct line, without any ma- tei^ial deviations; and this they will do with the same ease, let the weather be fair or cloudy.

With equal acuteness they will point to that part of the heavens, the sun is in, though it be inter- cepted by clouds or fogs ; beside this they are able to pursue with incredible facility the traces of man or beast, either on leaves or grass; and on this account it is witli great difficulty that a flying ene- mv escapes discovery.

They are indebted for these talents not only to nature, but to an extraordinary command of the intellectual faculties, which can only be acquired by an unremitted attention, and by long experience.

They are in general very happy in a retentive memory: tliey can recapitulate every particular that has been treated of in councils, and remember the exact time when they were held. Their belts of wampum preserve the substance of the treaties they have concluded with the neiglibouring tribes; for ages back, to which they will appeal, and refer with as much perspicuity, and readiness, as Europeans can to their written records.

Every nation pays great respect to old age-

AMONG THE INDIANS. 47

The advice of a father will never receive any extraordinai^ attention from the young Indians; probably they receive it with only a bare assent; but they will tremble before a grandfather, and submit to his injunctions with the utmost alacrity. The words of the ancient part of the community are esteemed by the young as oracles. If they take during hunting parties, any game that is reckoned by them uncommonly delicious, it is immediately presented to the eldest of their rela- tions.

They never suffer themselves to be overbur- thened with care ; but live in a state of perfect tranquility and contentment, being naturally indo- lent. If provisions, just sufficient for their subsis- tence, can be procured with little trouble, and near at hand, they will not go far, or take any extraor- dinary pains for it, though by so doing they might acquire greater plenty and of a more estimable kind.

Having much leisure time they indulge this in- dolence to which they are prone, by sleeping or rambling about among their tents But when necessity obliges them to take tlie field, either to oppose an enemy, or to procure themselves food, they are alert and indofatigahle. Many instances of their activity, on these occasions, will be given when we treat of their wars.

The greatest blemish in their cliaracter, is that savage disposition, which impels them to treat their enemies with a severity, that every other nation shudders at ; but if they are thus barbarous to those with whom they are at war, they are friendly, hospitable and humane in peace. It may with truth be said of them, that they are the woVst en- nemies, and the best friends of any people in the world.

Tliey are, in general, strangers to the passion of jealousy, and brand a man with folly that is dis- trustful of his wife. Among some tribes the very idea is not known ; as tlie most abandoned of their

48 - NEW TRAVELS

young men very rarely attempt the virtue of mar- ried women, nor do tiiese put themselves in the way of solicitations; yet, tlie Indian women in general, are of an amorous dispositioii ; and be- fore they are married are not the less esteemed for the indulgence of their passions.

The Indians, in their common state, are stran- gers to all distinction of pioperty, except in the articles of domestic use, which every on«- considers as iiis own, and increase as circiinistances admit. They are extremely liberal to each other and sup- ply the deficiency of their friends with any super- fluity of their own.

In dangers they readily give assistance to any of their band that stand in need of it, without any expectation of return, except those just rewards that are always confered by the Indians on merit. Governed by the plain and equitable laws of nature, every one is rewarded according to his deserts ; and their equality of condition, manners, and pri- viliges, with that constant and social familiarity which prevails through every Indian nation, ani- mates them with a pure and patriotic spirit, that tends to tlie general good of the society to which they belong.

If any of their neighboiir» are bereaved by death, or by an enemy, of their children, those who are possessed of the greatest number of prisoners, who are made slavesj supply the deficiency : and these are adopted by them and treated in every respect as if they realy were the children of the person to whom they are presented.

The Indians can form to themselves no idea of the value of money ; they consider it, when they are made acquainted with the uses to which it is ap- plied, by other nations, as the source of innumera- ble evils. To it they attribute all the mischiefs that are prevalent among Europeans, such as treachery, plundering, devastation, and murder.

They esteem it irrational, that one man should be possessed of a greater quantity than another, and

AMONG THE INDIANS. 49

are amazed that any lionour should be annexed to the possession of it.

But that the want of this useless metal should be the cause of depriving persons of their liberty, and that on account of this particular distribution of it, great numbers should be shut up within the dreary walls of a prison, cut off from society of which they constitute apart, exceeds their belief; nor do they fail, on hearing- this part of the United »States' sys- tem of government related, to charge the institu- tors of it with a total want of humanity, and to brand them witli the names of savages, brutes.

They show almost an equal degree of indifference for the productions of art. When any of these are shown them, they say, ^* It is pretty, I like to look at it, " and often are not inquisitive about the construction of it, neither can they form proper conceptions of its use. But if you tell them a per- son runs with great agility, is skilled in hunting, can direct with unerring aim a gun, or bends with ease a bow^ can dexterously work a canoe, under- stands the art of war, is acquainted with the situa- tions of the country, and can make his way without a guide through an immence forest, subsisting during this on a small quantity of provisions, they are in raptures ; they listen with great attention to the pleasing tale, and bestow the highest commen- dation on the hero of it.

They make but very little use of physicians and medicine, and consequently they have but very few disease among them. There is seldom an Indian but what blooms with the appearance of health. They have no midwives among them ; and among several tribes the mother is without the assistance of any person being with her at the time of her de- livery, not even a female attendance.

Soon after the birth of a child, it is placed on a board, which is covered with a skin stuffexl with soft moss : the child is laid on its back and tied to it. To these machines are tied strings, by which they hang them to branches of trees 5 or, if they do not

50 NEW TRAVELS

find trees handy, they lean them a,8^ainst a stump 01' stone while they dress the deer or fish, or do any domestic business. In this position they are kept until they are several months old. When tak- en out they are suffered to go naked, and are daily bathed in cold water, which render them vigour- ous and active.

The diseases manufactured by the modern sons of dissipation, are known by them. These hardy disciples of health, do not hear of the powerful and painful eloquence of the Gout, Consumption^ and the rest of the long catologue of Typhus diseases, which is preached to the votaries of Epicurus and Bacchus, when their repentence is too late.

An Indian child is generally kept at the breats until it is two years old, and sometimes, though rarely, until three years.

The Indians often occasion inflammatory disease, by I xcessive eating, after a fast of three or four days, when retreating from, or pursuing an enemy.

The inequality of riches, the disappointment of ambition, and merciless oppressions, are not with them exciting causes of insanity, I niade great in- quiry, but was not able to learn, that a single case of melancholy or madness was ever known among them.

The dreadful havoc that the small-pox has made, has necessarily been mentioned.

The mode of curing a fever, is by profuse perspi- ration, which is effected by the patients being con- fined in a close tent or wigwarm, over a hole in the earth, in which red-hot stones are placed ; a quantity of hot water is then thrown upon the stones, which involves the patient in a cloud of va- pours and sweat ; in this situation he rushes out ; and plunges into a river of water, and from hence he retires into a warm bed.

They never think of giving medicine, until they have first made an attempt to remove the disease by sacrifices and prayer ; and if the patient re- covers soon, it is attributed to the holy management

AMONG THE INDIANS. 51

of the priest ; and if medicine is to be used as tlie last alternative, they never administer it without its bemff accompanied with prayer, and a lar-c quan- tity of meat, which they consume on tiic fire for a

sacrifice

They have a plant among them, wJiich has the power of producing abortion. It is related by Mi\ Jelferson in his Notes on Virginia, that the Indians mhabitnig the frontiers possess a plant tliat pro- duces the same effect.

Considering their ignorance of astronomv, time IS very irrationally divided by the Indians. "^Those m the interior parts (and of those I would gcncrallv be understood to speak) count their years by win- ters ; or, as they express themselves, by snows.

Some nations among them reckon their years by moons, and make them consist of twelve svnodical or lunar months, observing, wJien thirty moons nave waned, to add a supernumerary one, which they term the Lost Moon ; and then begin to count as before. They pay a great regard to the first appearance of every moon ; and on the occasion always repeat some joyful sounds, stretching at tlie saine time their hands towards it.

Every month has witJi them a name expressive of it season; for instance, they call the month of March (m which their year generally begins at the hrst new moon, after the vernal Equinox) the » orm Month or Moon ,• because at this time the worms quit their retreats in the bark of the trees, wood, &c. where they have sheltered themselves during the winter.

The month of April is termed by tliem the montli of Plants. xMay, the month of Flower. June tiie Hot Moon. July, the Buck Moon. Their reason tor thus denominating these is obvious.

August, the Sturgeon Moon; because in tliis month they catch great numbers of that fish.

September, the Corn Moon; because in that month they gather in their Indian Corn.

October, the Travelling Moon ; as they leave at E

BZ ISEW TRAVELS

this time their \illa.2;es, and travel towards the place wliere they intend to liiiut during the win- ei*.

Noveniher, the Beaver Moon ; for in this month the Beavers begin to take shelter in their houses, having laid up a sufficient store of provisions for the winter s<^ason.

Decciiiber, the Hunting Moon, because they em- ploy this month in pursuit of their game.

January, the Cold Moon, as it generally freezes harder, and the cold is more intense in this than m any other month.

Februarv, they call the Snow Moon, because more snow^ commonly falls during this month, than anv otiier in the winter.

^y hen the moon does not shine they say the Moon is dead ; and some call tlie three last days of it the naked days. The moon's first appearance they term, is coming to life again.

They make no division of weeks ; but days they count by sleeps ; half days by pointing to the sun at noon; and quarters by the rising and sitting ol tlie sun ; to express which in their traditions they make use of very significant hieroglyphics.

The Indians are totally unskilled in geography as well as all other sciences ; and yet they draw on tiieii^ birch bark very exact charts or maps of the counti'ics they are acquainted with. The latitude and longitude in only wanting to make them tolera- blv complete. . ^ .

Their sole knowledge in astronomy consists m b^iii£- able to point out the pole-star ; by which they rr£:iilate their course when they travel in the night. They reckon the distance of places, not by miles or leagues, but bv a day's journey, which accord- ino- to the best calculations I could make, appeal's toTie about tw( nty English miles. These they also divide into halves and quarters, and will demon- strate t];eni in their maps with great exactness, by the I'iorodvphics just mentioned, when they regu- ate in council their wai' pai'ties, or their most dis- ant hunting excursions.

AMONG THE INDIANS. 53

Tlicy have no idea of arithmetic ; and tfiou^i they are able to count any number, figures as well as letters appear mysterious to them, and above their comprehension.

Every separate body of Indians is divided into lands or tribes ; which band or tribe forms a little community with the nation to wliich it belongs. As the nation has some particidar symbol by which it is distinguished from others, so each tribe has a badge ironi which it is denominated 5 as that of the Eagle, the Panther, the Tiger, the Buffalo, ke. One band is represented by a Snake, another a Tortoise, a third a Squiri-el, a fourtli a Wolf, and a fifth aBuf- faloe. Througliout every Hation they particulize themselves in the same manner ; and the meanest person among them will remember his lineal descent, and distinguish himself by his respective family.

Did not many circumstances tend to confute the supposition, I should be almost induced to coneliKte from this distinction of tribes, and the particular attachment of the Indians to them, that they derive their origin, as some have asserted, fi-om the Is- raelites*

Besides this, every nation distinguishes them- selves by tlie manner of constructing^ their tents or huts. And so well versed are all the Indians in this distinction, that though there appears to be no difference on the nicest observations made by an American, yet they will immediately discover, from the position of a pole left in the ground, what na- tion has encamped on the spot many months be- fore.

Every band has a chief who is termed the great chief, or the chief warrior ; and who is cliosen in consideration of his experience in war, and ot his approved valour, to direct tlieir military operations, and to regulate all concerns belonging to that de«

Eartment, But this chief is not considered as the ead of the state. Besides the great warrior who is elected for Ids warlike qualifications, there is ano- ther who enjoys a ^re-eminence as his hereditary

Bi NEW TRAVELS

right, anil haiS the more immediate management of their civil affairs. This chief might with great pro- priety be denominated the Sachem ; whose assent is necessary in all conveyances and treaties, to which he affixes the mark of the tribe or nation.

Though these two arc considered as the heads of the band, and tlie latter is usually denominated their king, yet the Indians are sensible of neither civil or military subordination. As every one of them en- tertains a high opinion of his consequence, avA is extremely tenacious of his liberty, all injunctions that carry with them the appearance of a positive command, are instantly rejected with scorn.

On this account, it is seldom that their leaders are £0 indiscreet as to give out any of their oi'ders in a peremptory style ; a bare hint from a chief that he thinks such a thin^ necessary to be done, instantly arouses an emulation among the inferior ranks, and it is immediately executed with great alacrity. By this method the disgustful part of the command is evaded, and an authority that falls little short of ab- solute sway instituted in its room.

Among the Indians no visible form of government is establislied ; they allow of no such distinction as magistrate and subject, every one appearing to en- joy an independence that cannot be controled. Ihe object of government among them is rather fo- reign than domestic, for their attention seem more to be employed in preserving sucli a union among members of their tribes as will enable them to watch the motions of their enemies, and act against them with concert and vigour, than to maintain interior order by any public regulations. If a scheme that appeai^s to be of service to the community is propos- ed by the chief, every one is at liberty to choose whether he will assist in carrying it on ; for tliey have no compulsory laws that lay them under any restrictions. If violence is committed, or blood is shed, the right of I'evenging these misdemeanors is left to the family of the injured : the chiefs assume

AMONG THE INDIANS. 55

neither the power of inflicting or moderating the punishment.

Some nations, where the dignity is hereditary, limit the succession to the female line. On the death of a chief, his sister's son sometimes succeeds him in preference to his own son ; and if he happens to have no sister, the nearest female relation assumes the dignity. This accounts for a woman being at the head of the Winnebago nation, which, before I was acquainted w^ith their laws, appeared strange to me.

Each family has a right to appoint one of its chiefs to be an assistant to the principal cliief, w^ho watch- es over the interest of his family, and witliout whose consent nothing of a public nature can be carried into execution. These are generally chosen for their ability in speaking ; and such only are permitted to make orations in their councils and general as- semblies.

In this body, with the hereditary chief at its head, the supreme authority appears to be lodged ; as by its determination every transaction relative to their hunting, to their making war or peace, and to all their public concerns, are regulated. Next to these, the body of warriors which comprehends all that are able to bear arms, hold their rank. This divi- sion has sometimes at its head tlie chief of the na- tion, if he has signalized himself by any renowned action, if not, some chief that has rendered himself famous.

In their councils which are held by the foregoing members, every affair of consequence is debated ; and no enterprise of the least moment undertaken, unless it there meets with the general approbation of the chiefs. They commonly assemble in abut or tent appropriated to tliis pju'p'ose, and being seated in a circle on the ground, the eldest chief rises and makes a speech, when he has concluded, another gets up, and thus they speak if necessary, by turns.

On this occasion their language is nervous, and E2

56 iSfEW TRAVELS

their manner of expression emphatical. Theii* style is adorned with images, comparisons, and strong metaphors, and is equal in allegories to that of any of the eastein nations. In all their set speeches tiiey express themselves with much vehe- mence, hut in common discourse according to our usual method of speech.

Hie young men are suffered to he present at the councils, though they are not allowed to make a speech till they are regularly admitted; they however listen with great attention, and to show that they hoth undeistand and approve of the reso- lutions taken hy the assembled chiefs, they fre- quently exclaim, "That is right," "That is good.''

The customary mode among all ranks of expres- singj^their assent, and which they repeat at the end of almost every period, is by uttering a kind of forcible aspiration, which seems like an union of the letters OAH.

Dancing is a favourite exercise among the In- dians: they never meet on any public occasion, but this makes a part of the entertainment; and when they are not engaged in war or huntings the youth of *bi.th sexes amuse themselves in this man- ner every evening.

They always dance, as I have just observed Ri tlieii' feasts. In these as well as other dances, every man i ises in his turn, and moves about with great freedom and boldness ; singing as he does so, the exploits of his ancestors. During this tlie compa- ny who are seated on the ground in a circle around the dancer, join with him in making the cadence, h} an odd tune, which they utter all together, and which sounds, " Heli, heh, heh." These notes, if they might be so termed, are articulated with a harsh accent, and straned out with the ut- mt st force of their lungs; so that one would ima^ gir.e theii- strength must soon be exhausted by it; instead of which, they repeat it with the same vio- lence during the whole of the enteiiaimBenL

AMONG THE INDIANS. 5r

The women, particularly those of the western na- tions dance very gracefully. Tiiey carry themselves erect, and with theii' arms hanging down close to their sides, move first a few yards to the right, and then hack again to the left. This movement they perform without taking any steps as an American would do, but with their feet conjoined, moving by turns their toes and heels. In tliis manner they glide with great agility to a certain distance, and then return : and let those who join in the dance be ever so numerous, they keep time so ex- actly with each otlier, that no interruption ensues. During tliis, at stated periods, they mingle their shrill voices, with tlic hoarser ones of the men, who sit around (for it is observed that the sexes never intermix in the same dance) which with the music of the drums and chicicoes, make an agreeable harmony.

The Indians have several kinds of dances, wliich they use on different occasions, as the Pipe Calumet Dance, tlie War Dance, the Marriage Dance, and the Dance of the sacrifice. The movements of every one of these are dissimilar; but it is almost impossible tp convey any idea of the points in which they are unlike.

Different nations likewise vary in their manner of dancing. The Chipeway throw themselves into a greater variety of attitudes than any other peo- ple; sometimes tliey hold their heads erect, at others they bend them almost to the ground; then recline on one side, and immediately on tlie other. Others carry themselves more upright, step firmer, and move more gracefully ; but tliey all accompa- ny their dances Nvith the disagreeable noise just mentioned.

The Pipe Dance is the principal and most plea- sing to a spectator of any of them, being the least frantic, and the movement of it mfjst graceful. It is but on particular occasions that it is used : as when ambassadors from an enemy arrive to tr^t

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of peace, or wlien strangers of eminence pass through their territories.

The >\ar Dance, which they use both before they set out on their war parties, and on their return fi^m them, strikes terror into strangers. It is perfoi'med, as others, amidst a circle af the warriors ; a chief g-enerally begins it, who moves from the riglit to the left, singing at the same time botli his own exploits, and those of his ances- tors. When he has concluded his account of any memorable action, he gives a violent blow w^ith his war club, against a post that is fixed in the ground, near the centre of the assembly for this purpose.

Every one dances in his turn, and recapitulates the wondcrous deeds of his family, till they all at last join in the dance. Then it becomes truly alai'ming to any stranger that happens to be among them, as they thi'ow themselves into every horrible and terrifying posture that can be ima- gined, rehearsing at the same time the parts they expect to act against their enemies in the field. During this they hold their sliarp knives in tlieir hands, with which, as they ^^hirl about^ they are every moment in danger of cutting each other^s throats ; and did they not shun the threatened mis- chief with inconceivable dexterity, it could not be avoided. By these motions they intend to repi^sent the manner in which they kill, scalp, and take their prisoners. To heighten the scene, they set up the same hideous yells, cries, and war-hoops they use in time of action : so that it is impossible to consider them m any other light than as an assemblage of demons.

After some hours spent in dancing, the feast begins ; the dishes being brought near me, I per- ceived that they consisted of dog's flesh: and I 'was informed that at all public grand feasts they never make use of any otlier kind of food.

In this custom of eating dog-'s flesh on particu- Ijur occasions, they resemble the inhabitants of some

AMONG THE INDIANS. 59

of tiie countries that lie on the northeast borders of Asia. The author of the account of Kamschatka, published by order of the empress of Russia: in- forms us, that the people inhabiting Koreka, a country north of Kamschatka, who wander about in liords like the Arabs, when they pay their worship to tlie evil beings, kill a rein deer or a dog', the iicsh of which they eat, and leave the head and tongue sticking on a pole with the front towards the east. Also, that when they are afraid of any infectious distemper, they kill a dog, and winding the guts about two poles, pass between them. These customs in which they are neai'ly imitated by the Indians, seem to add strength to my supposition, that America was first peopled from this quai'ter.

" I know not," says a traveller among them, "under what class of dances to rank that per- formed by the Indians who came to my tent when I landed near lake Pepin, on the banks of the Mississippi. When I looked out, as I there men- tioned, I saw about twenty naked young Indians, the most perfect in their shape, and by far the handsomest of any I had ever seen, coming to- w aids me, and dancing as they approached, to the music of their drums. At every ten or twelve yards they halted, and set up their yells and cries.

" When they reached my tent, I asked them to come in ; which, without deigning to make me any answer, they did. As I observed that they were painted red and black, as they usually are when they go against an enemy, and perceived that some parts of the war dance was intermix t with their other movements, I doubted not but they were set on by the inimical chief who had refused my salutation: I therefore determined to sell my life as dear as possible. To this pui-pose, I re- ceived them sitting on my chest with my gun and pistols beside me, and ordered my men to keep a watchful eye on them and be also upon their guard.

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^* The Indians being entered they continued their dance alternately, singing at the same time oi' their heroic exploits, and the superiority of their race over every people. To enforce their lan- guage, though it was uncommonly nervous and expressive, and such as would of itself have car- ried terror to tlie firmest heart, at the end of every period they struck their war-clubs against the poles of my tent with such violence, tiiat I expected every moment it would have tumbled upon us. As each of them in dancing round, pas- sed by me they placed their right hand above their eyes, and coming close to me, looked me steadily in the face, which I could not construe into atoken of friendship. My men gave them- selves up for lost, and I acknowledge, for my own part, that I never found my apprehensions more tumultuous on any occasion.

^* When they had nearly ended their dance, I presented to them the pipe of peace, but they would not receive it. I then, as my last resource, thought I would try what presents would do ; ac- cording I took from my chest some ribbands and trinkets, which I laid before them. These seemed to stagger their resolutions, and to avert in some measure their anger; for after holding a consul- tation together, they sat down on the ground, which I considered as a favourable omen.

** Thus it proved that in a short time they re- ceived the pipe of peace, and lighting it first pre- sented it to me, and then smoked with it themselves. Soon ofter they took up the presents, which had hitherto lain neglected, and appearing to be greatly pleased with them, departed in a friendly manner. And never did I receive greater pleasure than at getting rid of such formidable guests.

" It was not ever in my power to gain a thor- ough knowledge of the designs of my visitors. I had sufficient reason to conclude that they were hostile, and that their visit, at so late an hour, was made through the instigation of the Grand

AMONG THE INDIANS. 61

-Sautor; but I was afterwards informed that it might be intended as a compiiment which they usually pay to the chiefs of every other nation who happen to fall in witli them, and that the cir- cumstances in their conduct whicli had appeared so suspicious to me, were merely the effects of their vanity and designed to impress on the minds of those wiiom they thus visited an elevated opinion of their valour and prowess. In the mornin.2; before I continued my route, several of their wives brought me a present of some sugar, for w hom I found a few more ribbands.

" The dance of the sacrifice is not so denomi- nated from their offering up at the same time a sacrifice to any good or evil spirit, but is a dance to which tiie Naudowessies give that title from being used when any public fortunate circumstance befals them. Whilst I resided among them, a line lar^e deer aecidently strayed into the middle of their encampment, which they soon destroyed. As this happened just at the new* moon, they esteemed it a lucky omen; and having roasted it whole, every one in the camp partook of it. After their feast,' they all joined in a dance, which they from its being somewhat of a religious nature, termed a dance of the sacrifice."^

Hunting is the principal occupation of the In- dians ; they are trained to it from theii* youth, and it is an exercise which is esteemed no less honour- able tlian necessary toward their subsistence. A dexterous and resolute hunter is held in nearly as great estimation by them as a distinguished warrior. Scarcely any device, which tlie ingenuity of man has discovered for ensnaring or dcstr-jying those animals that supply tliem with food, or whose skins ai^ valuable, is unknown to them.

AThilst they are engaged in tiiis exercise, they shake off the indolence peculiar to their nature., and

* See Dr. Hubbard* s Compilation of Indian Hi^-

fOry,

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become active, persevering, and indefatigable. They are equally sagacious in finding their prey, and in the means tliey use to destroy it. They discern the footsteps of the beast they ai'e in pursuit of, although they are imperceptible to every other eye, and can follow them with certainty through the pathless forest.

The beasts that the Indians hunt, both for their flesh, on which they subsist, and for their skins, of which they either make their apparel, or barter with the Europeans fer necessaries, are the buffalo, elk, deer, moose, carriboo, bear, beaver. Otter, martin, &c. I defer giving a description of these animals here, and shall only, at present, treat of the manner of hunting them.

The route they shall take for this purpose, and the parties that shall go on the different expeditions, are fixed in their general councils, whicli are held some time in the summer, when all the operations for the ensuing winter are concluded on. The chief warrior, whose province it is to regulate their pro- ceedings on this occasion, with great solemnity is- sues out an invitation to those who choose to attend him ; for the Indians, as before observed, acknow- ledge no superiority, nor have they any idea of compulsion ; and every one that accepts it, pre- pares himself by fasting during several days.

The Indians, do not fast as some other nations do, on the richest and most luxurious food, but they totally abstain from every kind, either of victuals or drink ; and such is their patience and resolution, that the most extreme thirst could not oblige them to taste a drop of water ; yet amidst this severe ab- stinence they appear clieerful and happy.

The reasons they give for thus fasting, are, tliat it enables them freely to dream, in which dreams they are informed where tliey shall find the greatest plenty of game; also, that it averts the displeasure of the evil spirits, and induces them to be propitious. They also on these occasions blacken those parts of their bodies that are uncovered.

AMONG THE INDIANS. 63

The fast being ended, and the place of hunting made known, tlie chief who is to conduct them, gives a grand feast to those who are to form the dif- ferent parties : of which none of them dare to par- take till they have bathed themselves. At this feast, notwithstanding they have fasted so long, they eat Avith great moderation ; and tlie chief that presides employs himself in rehearsing the feats of those who have been most successful in the business they are about to enter upon. They soon after set out on the march towards the place appointed, painted or rather bedaubed with black, amidst the acclama- tions of all the people.

It is impossible to describe their agility or perse- verance, whilst they are in pursuit of their prey ; neither thickets, ditches, torrents, pools, or rivers stop them ; they always go straight forward in the mo^t direct line they possibly can, and there are few of the savage inhabitants of the woods that they can- not overtake.

When they hunt for bears, they endeavour to find out their retreats ; for during tlie winter, these ani- mals conceal themselves in the hollow trunk of trees, or make themselves holes in the ground, wherethey continue without food, whilst the severe weather lasts.

When the Indians think they have arrived at a place where these animals usually haunt, they form themselves into a circle according to their number, and moving onward, endeavour, as they advance towards the centre, to discover the reti*eats of their pi'ey. By this means, if any lie in the intermediate space, they are sure of arousing and bringing tliem down, either with their bows or their guns. The bears will take to flight at siglitof a man or a dog, and will only make resistance when they are ex- tremely hungry, or after they are wounded.

The Indian method of hunting the buff\\lo is by

forming a circle or a square, nearly in the same

manner as wlien they search for tlie bear. Having

taken their different stations, they set the grass,

F

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wliicli at this time is rank and dry, on lire, and these animals who are extremely fearful of that element, Hying with precipitation hefore it, great numbers ai'c hemmed in a small compass, and scarcely a single one escapes.

They liave diffei'ent ways of hunting the elk, the deer, and tlie carriboo. Sometimes they seek them out in the woods, to which they retire during the severity of the cold, where tliey are easily shot from behind tlie trees. In the more northern climates they take the advantage of the weather to destroy tlieelk; wlien the sun has just strength enough to melt the snow, and the frost in the night forms^ a kind of crust on the surface, this animal being lieavy, breaks it with his forked hoofs, and with difliculty extricates himself from it : at this time therefore he is soon overtaken and destroyed.

Some nations haAX a method of hunting these^ni- mals which is more easily executed, and free from danger. The hunting party divide themselves into two bands, and choosing a spot near the borders of some river, one party embarks on board their ca- noes, whilst the other forming themselves into a se- micircle on the land, the flanks of which reach the shore, let loose their dogs, and by this means rouse a'i the game that lies Within these bounds ; they then drive them towards the I'ivei*, into which they no sooner enter, than the greatest part of them areim- mediately despatched by those who remain in the eanoes. ^

Both the elk and buffalo are very furious when they are wounded, and will turn fiercely on their |)ursuers, and trample them under their feet if the hunter finds no means to complete theii' destruction, or does not seek for security in flight to some ad- jacent ti-ee^^ by this method they are frequently avoided, and so<tired with the pursuit, that they vo- luntarily give it o\ ^i^

But the hunting iirvliich the Indians, particu- larly those who iiiliabit tJibvoiorthern parts, chiefly jcmploy themselves, jand from^vhich they reap tJie

AMONG THE INDIANS. 65

greatest advantage, is tlie beaver hunting. The season for this is tliroug'hout the whole of the win- ter, from November to April ; during which time the fur of these animals is in the greatest perfec- tion. A description of this extraordinary animal, the construction of their huts, and tlie regulations of their almost rational community, I shall give in another place.

The hunters make use of several methods to de- stroy tliem. Those generally practised, are either that of taking them in snares, cutting through the ice, or opening their causeways.

As the eyes of these animals are very quick and their hearing exceedingly acute, great precau- tion is necessary in approaching their bodies ; for as they seldom go far from t!ie water, and their houses are always built close to the side of some large river or lake, or dams of tlieir own cojistruc- tiou, upon the least alarm they hasten to tlie deep- est part of the water, and dive immediately to the bottom ; as they do this tliey make a great noise by beating the water with their tails; on purpose to put the whole fraternity on their guard.

They take them with snares in the following manner; though tlie beavers usually lay up a sufficient store of provisions to serve for their sub- sistence during the winter, they make' from time to time excursions to the neighbouring woods to pro- cure fresh supplies of food.

The hunters having found out their haunts, place a trap in their way, baited with small pieces of bark, or young shoots of trees, wliicli the beaver has no sooner laid hold of, tlian a large log of Avood falls upon liim, and breaks his back; his ene- mies; who are upon the watch soon appear, and instantly despatch the helpless animal.

At other times when the ice on the rivers and lakes is about half a foot thick, they make an open- ing through it with their hatchets, to which the beavers will soon hasten, on being disturbed at

66 NEW TRAVELS

their houses, for a supply of fresh ah% As their breath occasions a considerable motion in the wa- ter, the hunter has sufficient notice of their ap- proach, and methods are easily taken for knock- ing them on the head the moment they appear above the surface.

When the houses of the beavers happen to be near a rivulet, tliey are more easily destioyed : the hunters then cut the ice, and spreading a net un- der it, break down the cabins of the beavers, who never fail to make towards the deepest part, where they are entangled and taken. But they must not be suffered to remain there long, as they would soon extricate themselves with their teeth, which are welljvuown to be excessively sharp and strong.

The Indians take great care to hinder their dogs from touching the bones of the beavers. The reasons they give for these precautions, are, first, that the bones are so excessively hard, they spoil the teeth of the dogs ; and secondly they are ap- prehensive they shall so exasperate the spirits of the beavers by this permission, as to render the next hunting season unsuccessful.

When the Indians destroy buffaloes, elks, deer, &c. they generally divide the flesh of such as they have taken among the tribe to which they belong, But in hunting the beaver, a few families usually unite and divide the spoil between them. Indeed, in the fust instance tliey generally pay some atten- tion in the division to their own families ; but no jealousies or murmui'ings are ever known to arise on account of any apparent partiality.

Among the Naudowessies, if a person shoots a deer, buftalo, 6cc. and it runs a considerable dis- tance before it drops, where a person belonging to another tribe, being nearer, first sticks a knife into it, the game is considei'ed as the property of the latter, notwithstanding it had been mortally wounded by the formei'. Tliough this custom ap- pears to be arbitrary and unjust, yet that people, clicerfuUy submit to it. This decision is, however.

AMONG THE INDIANS. 6?

very different from that practised by the Indians on the back of the colonies, where the first person that Iiits is entitled to the best share.

The Indians begin to bear arms at the age of fifteen, and lay them aside when they arrive at the age of sixty. Some nations to the southward, I have been informed, do not continue their military exertions after they are fifty.

In every band or nation there is a select number who are styled the warriors, who are always ready to act either offensively or defensively as occasion requires. These are well armed, bearing t}ie weapons commonly used among them which vary according to the situation of their countries. Some make use of tomahawks, knives, and fire-arms; but tliose who have not an opportunity of purchas- ing these kinds of weapons, use bows and arrows, and also the Casse Tete, or War Club.

The Indians that inhabit still furtlier to the west- ward, a country which extends to the South Sea, use in fight a warlike instrument that is very un- common. Having great plenty of horses, they al- ways attack their enemies on horseback, and encumber themselves with no other weapon than a stone of a middling size, curiously wrought, which they fasten by a string about a yard and a lialf long, to their right arm, a little above the elbow. These stones they conveniently carry in their hands till they reach their ennemies, and then swinging them with great dexterity, as they ride full speed, never fail of doing execution. The country which these tribes possess, abounding with large extensive plains, those who attack them seldom return ; as tlie swiftness of the horses on which they are mounted, enables them to over- take even the fleetest of tlieir invaders.

I was informed that unless they found morasses or thickets, to which they could ^-ctire they were sure of being cut off; to prevent tliis tliey always took care whenever they made an onset, to do it ccar such i^etreats as were impassable for cavalrv, F 2

68 NEW TRAVELS

they then having a great advantage over their en- nemies, whose weapons could not reach them there.

Some nations make use of a javelin, pointed with hone, worked into different forms 5 hut the Indian weapons in general are bows and arrows, and the shoi't club already mentioned. The latter is made of a very hard wood, and the head of it fashioned round like a ball, about three inches and a half diameter ; in this rotund part is fixed an edge resembling tliat of a tomahuwk, either of steel or flint, whichsoever they can procure.

The dagger is peculiar to some nations, and of ancient construction, but they can give no account how long it has been in use among them. It was originally made of flint or bone, but since they have had communication with the European tra- ders they have formed it of steel. The length of it is about ten inches, and that part close the han- dle nearly three inches broad. Its edges are keen, and it gradually tapers towards a point. They wear it in a sheath made of deer's leather, neatly ornamented with porcupine's quils ; and it is usu- ally hung by a string, decorated in the same man- ner, which reaches as low only as the breast. This curious weapon is worn by a few of the prin^ eipal chiefs alone, and considered both as an useful instrument, and an ornamental badge of supe- riority. ^

I observed among tliem a few targets or shields, made of raw buftalo hides, and in the form of those used by tha ancients; but as the number of these was small, and I could gain no intelligence of the sera in whicli they first were introduced among them, I suppose those I saw liad descended Irom father to son, for many generations.

Tlie reasons the Indians give for making war against one anotlier, are much the same as those urged by more civilized nations for disturbing the tranquifity of their neighbours. The pleas of th(i former are in general however, more rational and

AMONG THE INDIANS. 69

just, than such as are brought by Europeans in vindication of their proceedings.

The extension of empire is seldom a motive with these people to invade and to commit depredations on the territories of those who happen to dwell near them. To secure the rights of hunting within particular limits, to maintain the liberty of passing -through their accustomed tracts, and to guard those lands, which they consider from a long tenure as theii- own, against any infringement, are the general causes of those dissentions that so often break out between the Indian nations, and which are carried on with so much animosity

Though strangers to the idea of separate pro- perty, yet the most uncultivated among them are well acquainted with the rights of the community to the domains they possess, and oppose with vi- gour every encroachment on them.

Notwitlistanding it is generally supposed, that from their territories being so extensive, the boundaries of them cannot be ascertained, yet I am well assured tliat the limits of each nation in the interior parts are laid down in their rude plans with great precission. By theirs, as I have just observed, was I enabled to regulate my own ; and after the most exact observations and inquiries, I found but very few instances in which they erred.

But interest is not cither tlie most frequent or most powerful incentive to their making war on each other. The passion of revenge, wJiich is the distinguisliing cliaracteristic of these people, is the most general motive. Injuries are felt by tJicm with exquisite sensibility, and vengeance pfirsued with unremitted ardour. To this may be added, that natural excitation which every Indian is sensible of as soon as he approaches the age of manhood, to give proof of iiis valour and prowess.

As they are early possessed with a notion that war ought to be tlie chief business of tiicir lives, that there is notliing more desirable than tlie repu- tation of being a great warrior, and that the scalps

70 NEW TRA>T5LS

of their ennemies, or a number of prisoners are alone to be esteemed valuable, it is not to be won- dered at that the young Indians are continually restless and uneasy if their ardour is repressed, and they are kept in a state of inactivity. Either of these jiropensitics, the desire of revenge, or the gratification of an impulse, that by degrees be- comes habitual to them, is sufficient, frequently to induce them to commit hostilities on some of the neighbouring nations.

When tlie chiefs find any occasion for making war, they endeavour to ai'ouse their habitudes, and by that means soon excite their warriors to take arms. For this purpose they make use of their martial eloquence, nearly in the following words, which never fails of proving effectual : " the bones of our deceased countrymen lie uncovered, they call out to us to revenge their wi'ongs, and we must satisfy their request. Their spirits cry out against us. They must be appeased. The genii, who are the guardians of our honour, inspire us with a resolution to seek the ennemies of our mur- dered brothers. Let us go and devour those by whom they were slain. Sit there no longer inac- tive, give way to the impulse of your natural va- lour, anoint your hair, paint your faces, fill your quivers, cause the foi*est to resound with your songs, console the spirits of the dead, aud tell them they shall be revenged."

Animated by these exhortations the warriors snatch their arms in a transport of fury, sing the song of war, and burn with impatience to imbrue their hands in the blood of their enemies.

Sometimes private chiefs assemble small parties and make excursions against those with whom they are at wai^ or such as have injured them. A single warrior, prompted by revenge or a desire to show his prowess, will march unattended several hundred miles, to surprise and cut off a straggling party.

These irregular sallies however, are not always

AMONG THE INDIANS. 71

approved of by the elder chiefs, though they are often obliged to connive at them.

But when a war is national and undertaken by the community, their deliberations are formal and slow. The elders assemble in council, to which all the head warriors and young men are admitted, where they deliver their opinions in solemn speeches, weighing w^ith maturity the nature of the enterprise they are about to engage in, and balancing with great sagacity, tlie advantages or inconveniences that will arise from it.

Their priests are also consulted on the subject, and even sometimes, the advice of the most intelli- gent of their women is asked.

If the determination be for war, they prepare for it without much ceremony.

The chief warrior of a nation does not on all oc- casions head the war party himself, lie frequently deputes a warrior of whose valour and prudence he has a good opinion. The person thus lixed on be- ing first bedaubed with black, observes a fast of several days, during which he invokes the Great Spintf or deprecates the anger of the evil ones, holding while it lasts no converse with any of his tribe.

He is particularly careful at the same time to ob- serve his dreams, for on these do they suppose their siiccess will in a great measure depend; and from the firm persuasion every Indian, actuated by his own presumptuous thoughts is impressed with, that he shall march forth to certain victory, these are generally favourable to his wishes.

After he has fasted as long as custom prescribes, he assembles the warriors, and holding a belt of wampum in his hand, thus addresses them :

*• Brothers ! by the inspiration of the Great Spirit I now speak unto you, iyid by him am I prompted to carry into execution the intentions wliich I am about fo disclose to you. The blood of our deceased brother is not yet wiped away ; their bodies are n;)t yet covered, and I am going to perform this duty to them,*'

^:^ NEW TRAVELS

Having then made known to tliem all the moth es that induce him to take wp arms against the nation with whom they are to engage, he thus proceeds : '*! have therefore resolved to march through thQ war path to surprise them. We will eat their flesh and drink their hlood ,• we will take scalps and make prisoners ; and should we perish in this glo- rious enterprise, we shall not be forever hid in the dust, for this belt shall be a recompense to him who buries the dead." Having said this, he lays on the ground, and he who takes it up declares himself his lieutenant, and is considered as the second in com- mand ; this, however, is only done by some distin- fuished warrior who has a right by the number of is scalps, to the post.

Though the Indians thus assert that they will eat the flesh and drink the blood of their enemies, the threat is only to be considered as a figurative ex- pression. Notwithstanding they sometimes devour the heai-is of tliose they slay, and drink the blood, by w ay of bravado, or to gratify in a more complete manner their revenge.

The chief is now washed from his sable covering, anointed with bear's fat, and painted with their red paint, in such figures as will make him appeal* most terrible to his enemies. He then sings the w^ar song, and enumerates his warlike actions. Having done this he fixes his eyes on the sun, and pays his adoration to tjie Crveat Spint, in which he is accom- panied by all the warriors.

This ceremony is followed witli dances, such as I have before described ; and the whole concludes with a feast which usually consists of dog's flesh.

This feast is held in the hut or tent of the chief warrior, to which all those who intend to accom- pany him in his expedition send their dishes to be filled ; and during the feast, notwithstanding he has - fasted so long, he sits composedly with his pipe in his mouth, and recounts the valorous deeds of his family.

As the hopes of having their wounds, should they

AMOXG THE INDIANS. 73

receive any, j^roperly treated, and expeditiously cured, must be some additional inducement to the warriors to expose themseh es more freely to dan- ger, the priests, who are also their doctors, pre- pare such medicines as will prove efficacious. With great ceremony they carry various roots and plants and pretend tliat they impart to them the power of healing.

Notwithstanding this superstitious method of proceeding, it is very certain that they have ac- quired a knowledge of many plants and herbs that are of a medical quality, and which they know how to use with great skill.

From the time the resolution of engaging in war is taken, to the departure of the warriors, the nights are spent in festivity, and their days in making the needful preparations.

If it is thought necessary by the nation going to war, to solicit the alliance of any neighbouring tribe, tliey fix upon one of tlieir chiefs who speaks the language of that people well, and who is a good orator, and send to them by him a belt of wampum, on which is specified the purport of tlie embassy in figures that every nation is well acquainted with. At the same time he carries with him a hatchet painted red.

As soon as he reaches the camp or village to whicli he is destined, he acquaints the chief of the tribe with the general tenor of his commission, who immediately assembles a council, to which the am- bassador is invited. There having laid the hatchet on the ground, he holds the belt in his hand, and enters more minutely into tiie occasion of his em- bassy. In his speech he invites them to take up the hatchet, and as soon as he has finished speaking, delivers the belt.

If his hearers are inclined to become auxiliaries io his nation, a chief steps forward and takes up tlic hatchet, and they immediately espouse, with spirit, the cause they have thus engaged to support. But • f, on this application^ neither the belt or hatchet

74 NEW TRAVELS

are accepted, the emissary concliules tliat the peo- pie whose assistance lie solicits, have already en- tered into an alliance with the foes of his nation, and returns with speed to inform his countrymen of his ill success.

The manner in which the Indians declare war against each other, is by sending a slave with a hatchet, the handle of which is painted red, to the nation which they intend to break with ; and the messenger notwithstanding the danger to which he is exposed from the suddeji fury of those whom he thus sets at defiance, executes his commission with great fidelity.

Sometimes this token of defiance has such an in- stantaneous effect on those to whom it is presented, that in the first transports of their fury a small party will issue forth, without waiting- for tlie per- mission of the elder chiefs, and slaying the first of the offending nation they meet, cut open the body and stick a hatchet of the same kind as that they just received, into the heart of their slaughtered foe. Among the more remote tribes this is done with an arrow or spear, the end of which is painted red. And the more to exasperate, they dismember the body, to show that they esteem them not as men, but as old women.

The Indians seldom take the field in large bodies, as such numbers wonld require a greater degree of industry to provide for their subsistance, during their tedious marches through dreary forests or long voyages over lakes and rivers, than they would care to bestow.

Tlieir armies are never encumbered with baggage or military stores. Each warrior, besides his weapons, carries with him only a mat, and whilst at a distance from the frontiers of the enemy sup- ports himself with the game he kills or the fish he catches.

When they pass througli a country where they have no apprehensions of meeting with an enemy, they use very little precaution^ sometimes thei*e are

AMONG THE INDIANS. 75

scarcely a dozen warriors left toi^ethor,- the rest bei.io: in pursuit of tlieir j^ame ; but tliou-h they should have roved to a very considerable ilistanc'c from the wai'-path, they are sure to arrive at the place of rendezvous by the ho!ir appointed. , They always pitch their tents lon.;^ before sunset ; and being- naturally presumptuous,' take verv little <^are to .^uard a.^ainst a surprise. They place .^reat onfidence m their Manitous, or household ffods, which they always carry with them ; and bein;^ per- suaded that they take upon them the office of sentin- ols.they sleep very securely under their protection. 1 hose :Manitous, as they are called by some na- tions but which are termed Wakons, that is spirits, by the Naudowessies, are notliin- more than the otter and martin skins I have already described ; for which, however, they have a .i^reat veneration.

After they have entered the enemy^s country, no people can be more cautious and circumspect; fires are no longer lig-lited, no more shouting is lieard, nor t!ie game any longer pursued. They are not even permitted to speak -, b'lt must convey whatever they have to impart to eack other, by siirns and motions. ^

Tliey now proceed wholly by stratagem and am- buscade. Having discovered their enemies, they send to reconnoitre them ; and a council is imme- diately held, during wliifh thev speak only in whis- pers, to consider of the intelligence imparted by liiose who were sent out.

The attack is generally made just before day- break, at which period they suppose their foes to be in tlie soundest sleep. Throughout the whole of the preceeding night they will lie flat upon their laces, without stirring ; and make their approaches m the same posture, creeping upon their hands and leet till they are got within bow-shot of tfiose they have destined to destruction. On a signal given by the chief warrior, to which the Whole 11 ^f"!^''* answer by the most hideous yells, they au start up, and, discharging their arrows in the G

76 iNEW TRAVELS

same instant, without giving their adversaries tiinc to recover from the contusion into which tiiey aie tlirown, pour in upon them with their warclubs or

^^Th^Indians think there is little glory to be ac- quired from attacking their enemies openly in the field ; their greatest pride is to surprise and destroy. They seldom engage without a manifest appear- ance of advantage. If they find the enemy on their c:uard, too strongly intrenched, or superior m num- hers, they retire, provided there is an oiyortunity of doine: so. And they esteem it tlie greatest quali- fication of a chief warrior, to be able to manage an attack, so as to destroy as many of the enemy as possibk^ at the expense of a few men.

When the Indians succeed m tlieir silent ap- proaches, and are able to force tlic camp which they attack, a scene of liorror tliat exceeds description en«ues. The savage fierceness of the conquerors, and the desperation of the conquered, who we know what they have to expect should they fall alive into the hands of their assailants, occasiontbe most 'extraordinary exertions on both sides. The fiffure of the combatants all besmeared with black and red paint, and covered with the blood of tlie slain, their horrid yells and ungovernable tury, arc not to be conceived by those who have never seen them Though the Indians are negligent in guard- iM^^ surprise, they are^alert and dexterous in surprising their enemies. To their caution and perseverance in stealing on the party they design to attack, they add that admirable talent, or ratto- instinctive qualification I have already descTibed, of tracing out those they are in pursuit ot. Un the smoothest grass, on the hardest e^rth, and even on reverystoneswilltheydiscoverthetracesofanene- my , and by the shape of the footsteps,and the distance bc^ veen the prints, distinguish not only whe her it is a m^i or a woman who has passed that way, but even thTnationtowlnchtheybelong. However incredible

this might appear, yet, from the many proofs I re-

A^IONG THE Il^DIANS. 77

ceivcd whilst among them of their amazing sagacity inthis point, I see no reason to discredit even these extraordinary exertions of it.

When they have overcome an enemy, and victory is no longer doubtful, tlie conquerors first despatch all such as they think they shall not be able to carry off without great trouble, and then endeavour to take as many prisoners as possible ; after this taey return to scalp those who are either dead, or too much wounded to be taken with them.

At this business they are exceedingly expert. They seize the head of the disabled or dead enemy, and, placing one of their feet on the neck, twist their left hand in the hair; by this means, having extended the skin, that covers the top of the head, they draw out their scalping knives, which are al- ways kept in good order for this cruel purpose, and witli a few dexterous strokes takes off the part that is termed the scalp. They are so expeditioiis^in doing this, that the whole time required, scarcely exceeds a minute. These tiizy p^cser^'e as mr,r.;:ir.cr.ts G. their prowess, and at the same time as proofs of the vengeance they have inflicted on their enemies.

If two Indians seize in the same instant a prisoner, and seem to have an equal claim, the contest be- tween them is soon decided ; for to put a speedy end to any dispute that might arise, tlie person that is apprehensive he shail lose his expected reward, immediately has recourse to his tomahawk or war club, and knocks on the head the unhappy cause of their contention.

Having completed theii* purposes, and made as much havoc as possible, they immediately retire towards their own country, with the spoil they have acquired, for fear of being pursued.

Should this be tlie case, they make use of many stratagems to elude the searches of the pursuers. They sometimes scatter leaves, sand, or dust over the prints of their feet : sometimes tread in each other's footsteps : and sometimes lift their feet so high and tread so lightiy, as not to make any im-

78 ISE^Y TRAVELB

j^ressicn OK the ground* But if they fir.d all thcSU precautions uifav ailing;, and that tliey are near be- ing- overtaken, they iirst despatch and scalp their piisoKei's, and then dividing, each cndeavouifi to regain Ids native country by a diireient route. I'his prevents all further pursuit^ for their ])ursuers ^ liow despairin,!^, either of gratifying their revange, t>r of lelcasing those of their friends who were made captive, return home.

If the successful party is so lucky as to make good their retreat unmolested, they hasten with the g-reatest expedition to reach a country wlierc they may be perfectly secure ; and tiuit their woundeil companions may net retard their flight, they cairy them by tuinsiii litters, or if it is in the winter sea- son, draw them on sledges.

I'Le prisoners tUuing their march, are guarded with the greatest care. During the day, if the Journey is cvir land, they are always held by some of the victorious party ; if by water, they are fas- tened Ic the canoe. ' in the night time Ihcy are stretched along the ground quito naked, with their legs, ai*ms, and neck fastened to hooks fixed in the ground. Besides this, cords ai'C tied to their arms or legs, which are held by an Indian, w ho instantly awakes at the least motion of them.

During their march they oblige their prisoners (0 sing their death song, which generally consists t»f. these or similar sentences ; **I am going to die, 1 am about to suller; but I will bear the severest tortures my enemies can inflict, with becoming for- titude. I will die like a brave man ; and 1 shall I hen go to join the chiefs that have suffei'cd on the ame' account." These songs are continued with i.ecessary intervals, until they reach the village or vamp to which they are going.

> hen the waniois are arrived within hearing, they set up diiferent cries,w hich connnunicatc totheir ij'iends a general histoiy of the success of tlie expe- t ition. The number of the dead-ci*ies tliey give, <:t dare how many of tlieirown party are lost; and

AMONG THE INDIANS, rj

the mimber of war hoops, the n#iiber oC prisoners they have taken.

It is difhcultto describe these cries ; but the best idea I can convey of them is, that the former con- 0 sists of the sound whoo, whoo, whoop, which is con- tinued in a loni;- shrill tone, nearly till the breath is exhausted, and then broken off with a sudden ele- vation of the voice. The latter, is a loud cry, of much the same kind, which is modulated into notes f by the hand being placed before the mouth. Both ot' them miglit be heard to a very considerable dis- tance.

Whilst these are utteriii,^, the persons, to whom they are designed to convey the intelligence, con- tinue motionless and ail attention. Wheiitliis cere- mony is performed, the whole village issue out to learn the particulars of the relation they have just heaM in general terms ; and accordingly as the news proves mournful or tlie contraj'v, they answer by so many acclamations or cries of lauiv^ntion.

Being by this time arrived at tiie village or camp, the women and cliildren arm themselves with sticks, and bludgeons, and form tiiemselvcs Int } twiy rank*, through wliich the prisoners are obliged to ])ass. Tlie treatment they undergo before tltey reach the extremity of the line, is very severe. Sometimes they are so beaten over the' head and face, as to have scarcely any remains of life; and happy would it be for them if by this usage an ejid was put to their wretched beings. But Ihdr tormen- tors take care that none of the blows they give prove mortal, as they msh to reserve the miserable sufferers for more severe inflictioris.

After having undergone this introductory disci- pline, they are bound hand and foot, whilst the ehiels hold a council in which their fate is ^ter- mined. Those who are decreed to be put to t^ath, by the usual torments, are delivered to the chief of the warriors : such as are to be spared, are given into the hands of the chief of the nation ; so that m a short time all the prisoners mav be assured of G 2

so ISEW TRiiYELS

their*fate,^s tlieTiientence now pronounced is irrc- vocabk'. Ikv iofnicr they tei m beiiii^* consigned to the house of death, the latter to the hous'c ot irtace. ?

Smili captives as are pretty far advanced in life, . and have acquired i^reat lionour by their warlike deeds, always atone for tlic blood tlic^ have spilt, by tlie tortures of lire. Their success in war is readily known by the blue nuirks upon their breasts and ai ins, which are legible to the Indians as letters are to Americans.

The manner in which these hierog'lyi)hics are made, is by breaking' the skin with the teeth of fish, or sharpened Hints, dipped in a kind of ink made (t)f tiic soot of pitch pine. Like those of ancient Picts of Britain, these arc esteemed ornamental ; and at the same time they serA e as registers olti^a heroic actions of the warrior, who thus bears libolit liim indelible marks of his valour.

The prisoners destined to death are soon led to the place of execution, whicii is g'cneraily in the cen- tre of the camp or village ; where, being stript, and every pai't of their bodies blackened, the skin of a crow or raven is fixed on their litads. They are then bound to a stake,. with faggots heaped around tiicm, and obliged, for the last tiuie, to sing their death song.

The wari'iors, for such it is only Avho commonly sufl'er this punishment, now perform in a more pro- lix manner this sad solemnity. They recount with an audible voice all the brave actions they have per- fcrmed, and pride themselves in the number of ene- mies they have killed. In this rehearsal they spare not even their tormentors, but strive by e\ery pro- voking tale they can invent, to irritate and insult t!iem. Sometimes this lias the desired effect, and the liiilferers aie despatched sooner than thcyother- tvise would have been.

Ttiere are many other methods which the Indians make use of to put their prisoners to death ; but these are only occasional 3 that of burning it niest gencriUIy used.

K

^ ^

AMONG THE INDIANS. 81

^riiis method of tormenting their enemies is con- sidered by the Indians as productive ol* more than one beneficial consequence. It satiates, in a greater degree, that diabolical lust of revenge, which is the predominant passion in the breast of every indivi- dual of every tribe ; and it gives the gro\\ ing war- riors an early propensity to that cruelty and thirst of blood, which is so necessary a qualification f(U* sucli as ^^ ould be thorou^ily skilled in their savage art of war.

Notwithstanding these acts of severity exercised by the Indians towards those of their own species, who fall into their hands, some tribes of them have been very remarkable for their moderation to such female prisoners, belongingto the English colonies, as have happened to be taken by them. W omen of great beauty have frequently been carried off by tJiem, and during a marcli of three or four hundred miles, through their retired forests have lain by their sides without receiving any insnlt, and their ciiastity lias remained inviolate. Instances have hai)pened, where female captives, who have been pregnant at the time of their being taken, have found the pangs of child-birth come upon them in the midst of solitary ^voods, and savages their only companions ; yet from these savages as they were, have tliey reccn ed every assistance their situations would admit of, and been treated with a degree of delicacy and humanity they little expected.

Those prisoners that are consigned to the house of grace, and tliese are commonly the young men, wo- iiien, and children, await the disposal of the chiefs, who after the execution of such as are condemned to die, hold^a council for this purpose.

A herald is sent round the village or camp, to give notice that such as have lost any relative in the late expedition, are desired to attend the distri- bution, which is about to take place. Those wo- men who have lost their sons or husbands, are generally satisfied in the first place ; after these, such as'^have been deprived of friends of a more

82 NEW TRAVELS

rciiioic degree of consanguinity, or who choose to adopt some of the youth.

The division being made, which is done, as in other cases, without the least dispute, those who have received any share, lead them to their tents ov^ huts ; and having unbound them, wash and dress their wounds, if they happen to have any ; they then clothe them, and give the most comforta- ble and refreshing food tlieir store will afford.

Whilst their new domestics are feeding, they endeavour to administer consolation to theiH } they tell them that as they are redeemed from death, they must now be cheerful and happy ; and if they serve them well without murmuring or repining, nothing shall be v,'anting to make them such atone- ment ibr the loss of their country and friends, as ciicumstanccs will allow" of.

If any men are spared, they are commonly given to the v/idows that Juive lost their husbands by the liraids of the enemy, should there be any such, to whom, if they happen to prove agreeable, they are soon married. But should the dame be otlierwise engaged, the life of him, who falls to her lot is in great danger; especially if she fancies that her late luisband wants a slave in the country of spirits, to wliich he is gone.

When this is the case, a number of young men take the devoted captive to some distance, and dis- patch him without any ceremony: after he has been spared by the council, they consider him of too little consequence to be entitled to the torments of those who have been judged worthy of them.

The women are usually distributed to the men, from whom they do not fail of meeting with a fa- vourable reception. The boys and girls are taken into tlie families of such as have need of them, and are considered as slaves ; and it is not uncommon that they are sold in the same capacity to the American traders who come among them.

The Indians have no idea of moderating the ravages of war, by sparing their prisoners, and

AMONG THE INDIANS. 83

cntcrin.t^ into a iiegociation with the band from whom they have bei'u taken for an cxciiange. All that are captivated by both parties, are citlier put to death, adopted or made slaves of. And so par- ticular is every nation in tliis respect, that if any tribe, even a warrior, should be taken prisoner, and by chance be received into the house of grace, cither as an adopted person or a slave, and should afterwards make his escape, they will by no means iTceive him, or acknowledge him as one of their band.

The condition of such as are adopted, differa not in any one instance from the children of the nation to which they belong. They assume all the rights of those whose jdaces they supply, and frequently make no difficulty in going in the war parties against their own countrymen. Should however, any of those by chance make their escape, and be afterwards retaken, they are esteemed as un- natural children, and ungrateful persons, who have deserted and made v.ai' itp'w'n their parents and bene- factors, and are treated with uncommon severity.

That part of the prisoners which are considered as slaves, are g-enerally distributed among the chiefs ; who frequently make presents of some of them to the American governors of the out-posts or to the superintendants of Indian affairs. I have been informed that it was the Jesuits and Frencli missionaries that first occasioned the in- troduction of these unhappy captives into the set- (kments, and by so doing taught the Indians that they weixi valuable.

Their vie^^s indeed were laudable, as they im- agined that by this method they should not only prevent niucli barbarity and bloodshed, but find the opportunities much inci-eased of spreading their re- ligion among them. To this purpose they have en- couraged the traders to purchase such slaves as they nict with.

The good eftects of this mode of proceeding, where not however equal to tliQ expectations of

84 NEW TRAVELS

these pious fatliers. Instead of being the means of preventing cruelty and bloodshed, it only caus- ed dissentions between the Indian nations to be carried on with a greater degree of violence and with unremitted ardour. The prize they fought for being no longer revenge or fame, but the ac- quirement of spirituous liquors, for which their captive were to be exchanged, and of which almost every nation is immoderately fond, they sought for their enemies with unwonted alacrity, and w-ere constantly on the watch to surprise and carry them off.

It might still be said that fewer of the captives are tormented and put to death, since these expec- tations of receiving so valuable a consideration for them have been excited than there usually had been ; but it does not appear that their accustomed cruelty to the warriors they take, is in the least abatecl: their natural desire of vengeance must be gratified ; they now only become more assidious in securing a greater number of yourig prisoners whilst those who are made captive in their defence are tormented and put to death as befoi»e.

And this, even in despite of the disgraceful esti- mation 5 for the Indians consider every conquered people as in a state of vassalage to their conquerors. After one nation has finally subdued another, and a conditional submission is agreed on, it is custom- ary for the chiefs of the conquered, when they sit in council with their subduers, to wear petticoats as an acknowledgement that they are in a state of subjection and ought to be ranked among the wo- men. Their partiality of the French has however taken too deep root for time itself to eradicate it.

The wars tliat are carried on between the Indian nations are in general hereditary, and continue from age to age with a few interruptions. If a peace becomes necessary, the principal care of both parties is to avoid the appearance of making the first advances.

When tUey treat with an enemy relative to a sus-

AMONG THE INDIANS. 85

pension of hostilities, the chief who is commission- ed to inulvTtake the negociation, if it is not brought about oy the mediation of some neighbouring band, abates n thing of his natural haughtiness, even when the affairs of his country are in the worst situation, he makes no concessions, but endeavours to persuade his advessaries that it is their interest to put an end to the war.

Accidents sometimes contribute to bring about a peace between nations that otherwise could not be prevailed on to listen to terms of accommodation.

Sometimes the Indians grow tired of a war, which they have carried on against some neighbouring na- tion for many years without much success, and in this case they seek for mediators to begin a negotia- tion. These being obtained, the treaty is thus con- ducted :

A number of their own cliicfs, joined by those who have accepted the friendly office, set out toge- ther for the enemies' country ; such as are chosen for this purpose, are chiefs of the most extensive abilities, and of the greatest integrity. They bear before them the Pipe of peace, which I need not in- form my readers is of tiie same nature as a flag of truce among the Americans, and is treated with the greatest respect and veneration, even by the most barbarous nations. I never heard of an instance wherein the bearers of this sacred badge of friend- ship were ever treated disrespectfully, or its rights violated. The Indians believe that tlie Great Spirit never suffers an infraction of this kind to go un- punislicd.

The Pipe of peace, whicli is termed by them the Calmet, for what reason I could never learn, is aboi<t four feet long. Tlie bowl of it is made of red marble, and the stem of it of a liglit wood, curiously painted with hieroglyphics in various colour, and adorned with feathers, of the most beautiful birds ; but it is not in my power to convey an idea of the various tints and pleasing ornaments of this much esteemed Indian impliment.

86 NEW TRAVELS

Every nation has a diflfercnt method of decora- ting these pipes ; and they can tell at first siglit t » what band it belongs. It is used as an introduction to ail treaties, and great ceremony attends the use of it on these occasions.

The assistant or aid-de-camp of the great war- rior, wlien the cliiefs are assembled and seated, fills it with tobacco mixed with herbs, taking care at tUe same time that no part of it touches the ground. When it is filled, he takes a coal that is thoroughly kindled, from a fire wliich is generally kept burn- ing in the midst of the assembly, and places it on the tobacco.

As soon as it is sufticiently lighted, he throws off the coal. He then turns the stem of it towards the heavens, after this towards the earth, and now hold- ing it horizontally, moves himself round till he has completed a circle ; by the first action he is sup- posed to present it to the Great Spirit, whose aid is thereby supplicated ; by the second to avert any malicious interposition of the evil spirits : and hy the third to gain the protection of the spirits inhabiting the air, the earth, and the waters. Having thus secured the favour of these invisible agents, in whose power tliey suppose it is either to forward or obstruct the issue of their present deliberations, he presents it to the hereditary chief, who having ta- ken two or three whiffs, blows the smoke from his mouth, first towards heaven, and tlien around him upon the ground.

It is afterwards put in the same manner into tlie mouths of the ambassadors or strangers, wlio ob- serve the same cei*emony, then to tlie chief of the warriors, and to all the other cliiefs in turn, accord- ing to their gradation. During this time the. per- son who executes this honourable oflice holds the pipe slightly in his hand, as if he feared to press the sacred instrument; nor does any one presume to touch it but with his lips.

When the chiefs who are instructed with the com- mission for making peace, approach the town or

AMONG THE INDIANS. 87

camp to which they are i^oing, they begin to stn^ and dance the songs and dances appropriated to this occasion. By this time the adverse party arc apprised of their arnval, and, at the sight of tlie. Pipe of peace divesting themselves of their wonted enmity, invite them to the habitation of the Great Chief, and furnish them with every conveniency during the negotiation.

A council is then held ; and when the speeches and debates are ended, if no obstructions arise to put a stop to tlie treaty, the painted hatchet is buried in the ground, as a memorial that a!l animosities between the contending nations have ceased, and a peace taken place. Among the ruder bands, such as have no communication with the Americans, a war-club, painted red is buried, instead of the hatchet.

A belt of wampum is also given on this occasion, which serves as a ratification of the peace, and re- cords to the latest posterity, by the hieroglyphics into which the beacls are formed, every stipulated article in tlic treaty.

These belts are made of shells found on the coasts of New England and Virginia, whieli are sawed out into beads of an oblong form, about a quarter of an inch long, and round like other beads. Be- ijig strung en leather strings, and sevei'al of them sewed neatly together with fine sinewy tfireads, they then compose what is termed a belt of wam- pum.

Tlic shells are generally of two colours, some white and others violet; but the latter are more Idgldy esteemed than the former.

They are held in as much estimation Jl)y the* In- dians, as gold, silver, or precious stones are by the Americans.

The belts are composed of ten, twelve, or a greater number of strings, according to the importance of the affnir in agitation, or the dignity of the person to whom it is presented. On more trilling occasions, strings of these bca^i^ are presented by the ciiiets to H

88 NEW TRAVELS.

each other, and frequently worn by them about their necks as a valuable ornament.

I'he Indians allow of polygamy; and persons of every rank indulge themselves in this point. The chiefs in particular have a seraglio, wliich consists of an uncertain number, usually from six to twelve or fourteen. The lower rank are permitted to take as many as there is a probability of their being able, with the children they may bear, to maintain. It is not uncommon for an Indian to marry two sis- ters ; sometimes, if there happen to be more, the whole number ; and notw ithstanding this (as it ap- pears to civilized nations) unnatural union, they all live in the greatest harmony.

The younger wives are submissive to the elder ; and those who have no children, do such menial olHces for those who are fertile, as causes their situ- ation to differ but little from a state of servitude, llowevei*, they perform every injunction with the greatest cheerfulness, in hopes of gaining thereby the affections of their husbands, that they in their turn may have the happiness of becoming mothers, and be entitled to the respect attendant on that state.

It is not uncommon for an Indian, althougli he takes to himself so many wives, to live in a state of continence with many of them for several years. Sucli as are not so fortunate asio gain the favour of their husband, by their submissive and prudent be- haviour, and by that means to share in his embraces, continue in their virgin state during the whole of their lives, except they happen to he presented by him to some stranger chief, whose abode among them will Qot admit of his entering into a more last- ing connexion. In this case they submit to the in- junction of tlieir husband without murmuring, and are not displeased at the temporary union. But if at any time it is known that they take this liberty without first receiving his consent, they are punish- ed in the same manner as if they had been guilty of adultery.

AMONG THE INDIANS. 89

This custom is more prevalent among tlie na- tions, whicli lie in the interior parts, than among those that are nearer the settlements, as the man- ners of the latter are rendered more conformablcj in some points to those of the Americans, by tlic intercourse they hold with them.

The Indian nations differ but little from each other in their ma^rria^e ceremonies, and less intlie man= ners of their divorces. The ti'ibes that inhabit the borders of Canada, make use of the following cus- tom.

W hen a young Indian has fixed his inclinations on one of the other sex, he endeavours to gain her consent ; and if he succeeds, it is never known that her parents ever obstruct their union. M hen every preliminary is agreed on, and the day ajipointed, the friends and acquaintances of both parties assem- ble at the house or tent of the oldest relation of tlie bridegroom, where a feast is prepared on the occa- sion.

The company who meet to assist at the festival are sometimes very numerous : they dance, they sing, and enter into every other diversion usually made use of on many of their public rejoicings.

When these are finished, all those who attended merely out of ceremony, depart, and the bride- groom, and bride are left alone with three or four of the nearest and oldest relations of either side ; those of the bridegroom being men, and those of the bride women.

Presently the bride attended by these few friend, having withdrawn herself tor the purpose, appears at one of the doors of the house, and is led to the bridegroom, who stands ready to receive her. Hav- ing now taken their station, on a mat placed in the centre of the room, they lay hold of the extremities of a wand, about four feet long, by which they con- tinue separated, whilst the old men pronounce som 3 short harangues suitable to the occasion.

The married couple then make a public declara- tion of the love and regard they entertain for eaja

90 NEW TRAVELS

other, and holding the rod between them, danee and sin«'. AVhcn they have finished this part cf the ce- ipemony, they break the rod into as many pieces as there are w itnessts present, >v]io eacli take a piece and preserve it w itli care.

1 he bride is then reconducted out of the door at which she entered, where her young companions wait to attend her to her father's house ; there the bridegroom is obliged to seek her, and the marriage s eonsunimated. Ver^y often the wife remains at .xer father's house till she has a child, when she packs I!]) her apparel, v» Idch is all the fortune she is generally possessed of, and accompanies her has- ];andto his liabitation.

"When from any dislike a separation takes place, for they are seldom known to quarrel, tliey gene- rally give tlK ir friends a few days notice of their intentions, and sometimes offer reasons to justify their conduct. Tlie witnesses, v, ho were present at the marriage, meet on tlie day requested, at the house of the couple that are about to separate, and bringing with them the pieces of rod which they had received at their nuptials, throw them into the fire in the presence of all the parties.

I'his is the whole of the ceremony required, and the separation is carried on without any niurmur- ings, or ill will between the couple or the relations; and after a few months they are at liberty to marry *:gain.

When a marriage is thus dissolved, the children wldch have been produced from it, are equally divi- ded between them ; and as cliildien are esteemed a treasure by the Indians, if the number happens to be odd, the woman is allowed to take better half.

Though this custom seems to encourage fickleness end frequent separations, yet there are many of the Indians, who have but one wife, and enjoy with her a state of connubial happiness, not to be exceeded iii more i-efined societies. There arc also, not a few instances of women preserving an inviolable attach ~ ments to tlieir husbands, except in the cases before

AMONG THE INDIANS. 9i

mentioned, wliich are not considered as cither a violation of their chastity or fidelity.

Altliough I have said that the Indian nations dif- fer very little from each other in their marriage ceremonies, there are some exceptions. The Nau- dowessies have a singular method of celebrating their marriages, which seems to bear no resem- blance to those made use of by any other nation I passed through. >yhen one of their young men has fixed on a young woman he approves of, he dis- covers liis passion to her parents, who give him an invitation to come and live with them in their tvnt.

He accordingly accepts the offer, and by so doing engages to reside in it for a whole year, in the cha- racter of a menial servant. During this time he hunts, and brings all the game he kills to the family : by which means the father has an opportunity of seeing whether he is able to provide for the support of his daughter and the children that might be the consequence of their union. This however is only done whilst they are young men and for their first wife, and not repeated like Jacob's servitude.

When this period is expired, the marriage is so- lemnized after the custom of the country, in the following manner : three or four of the oldest male relations of the bridegroom, and as many of the bride's, accompany the young couple from their re- spective tents, to an open part in the centre of the camp.

. The chiefs and warriors, being here assembled to receive them, a party of the latter are drawn up in two ranks on each side of the bride and bridegroom immediately on their arrival. Their principal chief then acquaints the whole assembly with the design of their meeting, and tells them tliat the cou- ple before them, mentioning at the same time their names, are come to avow publicly their intentions of living together as man and wife. He then asks the two young people alternately, whether they de- sire tlkat the union might take place. Having de- clared with an audible voice that they do so, the H 2

93 ISEW TRAVELS

warriors fix their arrows, and discharge theui over the heads of the married pair : this done, the chief pronounces them man and wife.

The bridegroom then turns round, and bending liis body, takes his wife on his back, in which manner he carries her amidst the acclamations of the spectators to his tent. Tiie ceremony is suc- ceeded by the most plentiful feast the new married man can afford : and songs and dances, according to the usual custom conclude the festival.

Among the Indians, as well as European na- tions, there are many that devote themselves to pleasure, and notwithstanding tlie accounts given by some modern writers of the frigidity of an In- dian's constitution, become the zealous votaries if Venus. The young warriors that are thus dis- posed, seldom want opportunities for gratifying their passion : and as the mode usually followed >n these occasions is rather singular, I shall de- cribe it.

*• Wlien one of these young debauchees ima-

irines, from the behaviour of the person he has

hosen for his mistress, that lie shall not meet with

any great obstruction to his suit from her, he

pursues the following plan.

" It has been already observed that the Indians acknowledge no superiority; nor have they any ideas of subordination, except in the necessary regulations of their war or hunting parties; they ;;onsequently live nearly in a state of equality, pursuant to the first principles of nature. The lover therefore is not apprehensive of any check or control in the accomplishment of his ])urposes, if he can find a convenient opportunity for com- ])leting them.

** As the Indians are also under no apprehen- sion of robbers, or secret ennemies, they leave 1 hi' doors of their tents cr huts unfastened during tlie night, as well as in tlie day. Two or three houi^ after sunset, the old jieople cover over the

AMONG THE INDIANS. 9S

fire, that is generally burning in the midst of their apartment, wit'i ashes, and retire to their repose.

** Whilst darkness thus prevails, and all is quiet, one of these sons of pleasure, wrapped up closely in his blanket, to prevent his being known, will sometimes enter the apartment of his intended mis- tiness. Having first lighted at the smothered fire a small splinter of wood, which answers the pur- pose of a match, he approaches the place where she reposes, and gently pulling away the covering from the head, jogs her till she awakes. If she then rises up, and blows out the light, he needs no further confirmation that his company is not disagreeable ; but if after he lias discovered him- self she hides her head, and takes no notice of him, he miglit rest assured that any further solicitations will prove vain, and that it is necessary imme- diately for him to retire. During his stay he conceals the light as much as possible in the hollow of his hands ; and as the tents or I'ooms of the Indians are usually large and capacious, he es- capes without detection. It is said that the young women who admit their lovers on these occasions, take great care, by an immediate application to Iierbs, with the potent eflicacy of wliich they are well acquainted, to prevent the effects of these illi- cit amours from becoming visible ; for shoukl tlie natural consequences ensue, they must forever re- main unmarried."

The children of the Indians are ahvays distin- guished by the name of the mother ; and if a woman marries several husbands, and has issue by each of them, they are called after her. The reason they give for this is, that as their offspring are indebted to the father for their souls, the in- visible part of their essence, and to the mother for their corporeal and apparent part, it is more ra- tional that they should be distinguished by the name of the latter, from whom they indubitably derive their being, than by that of the father^

9^ NEW TRAVELS

to which a doubt might sometimes arise whether they are justly entitled.

There are some cei'emonies made use of by the Indians at the opposition of the name» and it is considered by them as a matter of great impor- tance but what these are I could never learn, through the secrecy observed on the occasion. I oiily know that it s ust a y given when the children have passed the state of infancy.

Nothing can exceed the tenderness shown by them to their ofspring ; and a person cannot re- commend himself to their favour by any method more certain, than by paying some attention to the younger branches of their families.

There is some difficulty attends an explanation of the manner in which the Indians distinguish themselves from each other. Besides the name of the animal by which every nation and tribe is de- nominated, there are others that are personal,^ and which the children receive from their mother.

The chiefs are also distinguished by a name that has either some reference to their abilities, or to the hieroglyphic of their families; and these are acquired after they arrive at the age of man- hood. Such as have signalized themselves either in their war or hunting parties, or are possessed of some eminent qualifications receive a name that serves to perpetuate tlie fame of these actions, or to make their abilities conspicuous.

It is certain the Indians acknowledge one Su- preme Being, or Giver of Life, who presides over all things. That is, the Great Spirit ; and they look up to him as the source of good, from whom no evil can proceed, They also believe in a bad spirit, to whom they ascribe great power, and suppose that tlirough his means all the evils which befal mankind are inflicted. To him therefore do they pray in their distresses, begging that he would eitlier avert their troubles, or moderate them when they are no longer avoidable.

They say that the Great Spirit, who is infinitely

AMONG THE INDIANS. 95

gX)od, neither wishes nor is able to do any mischief to mankind 5 but on the contrary, that lie showers down on them all the blessings they deserve; wliereas the evil spirit is continually employed in contriving how he may punish the human race ; and to do which he is not only possessed of the will, but of the power.

They hold also that there are good spirits of a lesser degree, wlio have their particular depart- ments, in which tliey are constantly contributing to the happiness of mortals. These they suppose to preside over all the extraordinary productions of nature, such as those lakes, riyer», or moun- tains that are of an uncommon magnitude ; and likewise the beasts, birds, fishes, and even vegeta- bles, or stones that exceed the rest of their species in size or singularity. To all of these they pay some kind of adoration.

But at the same time I fancy that the ideas they annex to the word spirit, are very different from the conceptions more enlightened nations enter- tain of it. They appear to fashion to themselves corporeal representations of their gods, and be- lieve them to be of a human form, though of a nature more excellent than man.

Of VaQ same kind are their sentiments relative to a futurity. They doubt not but they shall exist in some future state; they however fancy that their employments there will be somewhat similar to those they are engaged in here, without the la- bour and difficulties annexed to them in this period of their existence.

They consequently expect to be translated to a delightful country, where they shall always have a clear, unclouded sky, and enjoy a perpetual spring ; where the forests w ill abound with game, and the lakes with fish, which might be taken without a painful exertion of skill, or a laborious pursuit ; in short that they shall live forever in regions of plenty, and enjoy every gratification they delight in here, in a greater degree/

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To intellectual pleasures they ai'e stranger ; nor are these included in tlieir scheme of happiness. But they expect that even these animal pleasures will he proportioned and distrihuted according to their merit; the skillful hunter, the bold and suc- cessful warrior, will be entitled to a greater share than those who through indolence or want of skill cannot boast of any superiority over the common herd.

The Priests of the Indians are at the same time their physicians, and their conjurers ; whilst they heal their wounds, or cure their diseases, they interpret their dreams, give them protective charms, and satisfy that desire which is so preva- lent among them of searching into futurity.

How well they execute the latter part of their professional engagements, and the methods they make use of on some of these occasions, I have already shewn in the exertions of the priest of the Killistinoes, who was fortunate enough to succeed in his extraordinary attempt near Lake Superior. They frequently are successful, likewise in admin- istering the salubrious herbs they have acquired a knowledge of; but that the ceremonies they make use of during the administration of them contributes to their success, I shall not take upon me to assert.

When any of the people are ill, the person who is invested with this triple character of doctor, priest and magician, sits by the patient day and night, rattling in his ears a goad shell filled with di'y beans, called a Chichicoue, and making a dis- agreeable noise that cannot be well described.

This uncouth harmony one would imagine should disturb the sick person and prevent tlie good effects of the doctor's prescription ; but on the contrary they believe that the method made use of, contributes to his recovery, by diverting from his malignant purposes the evil spirit who has inflicted the disorder; or at least that it will take off his attention, so that he shall not increase the

AMONG THE INDIANS. 97

malady. This they are credulous enough to ima- gine he is constanly on tlie watch to do, and would carry his invetaracy to a fatal length if they did not thus charm him.

I could not discover that they make use of any other religious ceremonies than those I have de- scribed ; indeed on the appearance of the new moon they dance and sing ; but it is not evident that they pay that planet any adoration^ they only seem to rejoice at the return of a luminary that makes the night cheerful, and which serves to light them on their wayw^hen they travel during the absence of the suu.

Notwithstanding Mr. Adair has asserted that the nations am»>ng whom he resided, observe with very little variation all the rites appointed by the Mosaic Law, I own I could never discover among the tribes that lie but a few degrees to the north west, the least traces of the Jewish religion, ex- cept it be admitted that one particular female custom, and their divisions into tribes carry with them proof sufficient to establish this assertion.

The Jesuits and French Missionaries have also pretended, that the Indians had, when they first travelled into America, some notions, though these were dark and confused, of the Christian institution ; that they have been greatly agitated at the sight of a cross, and given proofs by the impressions made on them that they were not en- tirely unacquainted with the sacred mysteries of Christianity. I need not say that these are too glaring absurdities to be credited, and could only receive their existence from the zeal of those fa- tliers, who endeavoured at once to give tlie public a better opinion of the success of their missions, aiul support to tlie cause they were engaged in.

The Indians appear to be in their religious prin- ciples, rude and uninstructed. The doctrines they hold are few and simple, and such as have been generally impressed on the human mind, by some means or other, in the most ignorant ages. They

98 NEW TRAVELS

however have not deviated, as many other uncivil- ized nations; and too many civilized ones have done, into idolatrous modes of worship; they- ven- erate indeed and make offerina;s to the wonderful parts of the creation, as I have hefore observed ; but whether these rights are performed on account of the impressions sueh extraordinary appearances make on them, or whether they consider them as the peculiar charge, or the usual place of residence of the invisible spirits they acknowledge, I cannot possitivcly determine.

The human mind in its uncultivated state is apt to ascribe the extraordinary occurrences of nature, such as eartliquakesj thunder, or hurricanes, to the interposition of unseen beings; .the troubles and disasters also that are annexed to a savage life, the apprehensions attendant on the precarious subsistence, and those numberless inconveniences which man in his improved state has found means to remedy, are supposed to proceed from the inter- position of evil spirits ; the savage, consequently, lives in continual apprehensions of tlieir unkind attacks, and to avert them has recourse to charms, to tlie fantastic ceremonies of his priest, or the powerful influence of his Manifcous. Fear has of course a greater share in his devotions than grati- tude, and he pays moi^e attention to deprecating the wi'ath of the evil, than to securing the favour of the good beings.

The Indians, however, entertain these absur- dities in common with those of every part of the globe who have not been illuminated with that reli- gion, which can only disperse the clouds of super- stition and ignorance, and th^y are as free from error as people can be, that have not been favoured with its instructive doctrines.

In Tenobscot, a settlement in the province of Maine, in the north east parts of New England, the wife of a soldier was taken in labour, and not- withstanding every necessary assistance was given her, could not be delivered In this situation she

AMONG THE INDIANS. 99

i^maiiied for two or three days, the persons around her expecting that the next pang would put an end to her existence.

An Indian woman, who accidentally passed by, heard the groans of the unhappy suiferer, and en- quired from whence they proceeiled. Being made acquainted with the desperate circumstance attend- ing the case, she told the informant that if she might be permitted to see the person, she did not doubt but that she should be of great service to her.

The surgeon that had attended, and the mid- wife who was then present, having given up every hope of preserving their patient, the Indian wo- man was pJloiwed to make use of any methods she thought proper. She accordingly took a handker- cJiief, and bound it tight over the nose and mouth of tlie woman 5 this immediately brought on a suf- focation ; and from the struggles that consequently ensued she was in a few" seconds delivered. The moment this was atchieved, and time enough to pre- vent any fatal effect, tlie handkerchief was taken off. «The long suffering patient thus happily re- lieved from her pains, soon after perfectly recov- ered, to the astonishment of those who had been witnesses to her desperate situation.

The reason given by the Indian for tliis hazar- dous method of proceeding, was, that desperate disorders require desperate remedies ; tliat as she observed the exertions of nature were not suf- ficiently forcible to effect the desired consequence, she theught it necessary to augment their force, which could only be done by some mode that was violent in the extreme.

An Indian meets death when it approaches liim in his hut with the same resolution he has often faced him in the field. His indifference relative to this important article which is the source of so many apprehensions to almost every other nation is truly admirable. When his fate is pronounced by the physician and it remains no longer uncertain, he

iOO NEW TRAVELS

harangues those about him with the greatest com- posure.

If he be a chief and has a family, he makes a hind of funeral oration, which he concludes by giving to his children such advice for the regula- tion of their conduct as he thinks necessary. He tlien takes leave of his friends, and issues out or- ders for the preparation of a feast, which is de- signed to regale those of his tribe that can come to pronounce his eulogium.

The character of the Indians, like that of other uncivilized nations, is composed of a mixture of ferocity and gentleness. They arc at once guided by passions and appetites, which they hold in com- mon with the fiercest beast that inhabit the woods, and are possessed of virtues which do honour to human nature.

In the following estimate I shall endeavour to forget, on the one hand, the prejudices of the Americans, wlio usually a,nnex to the word Indian, epithets that are disgraceful to human nature, and wlio view them in no other light tlian as savages and canijibals, whilst with equal care I avoi(l my partiality* towards them, as some must naturally arise from the favourable reception I met with during my stay among them.

That the Indians are of a cruel revengeful, inex- X)rfd)le disposition, tJiat they will watch whole days unmindful of the calls of nature, and make their way through pathless, and almost unbounded woods, subsisting only on the scanty produce of them, to pursue and avenge themselves of an en- emy ; that they hear unmoved the piercing cries of ,^ such as unhappily fall into their liands, and receive a diabolical pleasure from the tortures they inflict on tlieir prisoners, I readily grant ; but let us look on the reverse of this terrifying pictui-e, and we shall find them temperate both in their diet and po- tations, (it must be remembered that I speak of those tribes who have little or no communication with Americansj that they withstand, with unexampled

AMONG THE INDIANS. iai

patience, the attacks of hunger, or the inclemency of the seasons, and esteem the gratification of their appetites but as a secondary consideration.

We shall likewise see them social and humane to those whom they consider as their friends, and even to their adopted enemies ; and ready to par- take with them of the last morsel, or to risk their lives in their defence.

In contradiction to the report of many other travellers, all of which have been tinctured with prejudice, I can assert, that notwithstanding the apparent indifference with which an Indian meets his wife and children after a long absence, an indifference proceeding rather from custom than insensibility, he is not unmindful of the claims either of connubial or parental tenderness.

Accustomed from their youth to innumerable hardships, they soon become superior to a sense of danger, or the dread of death ; and their for- titude, implanted by nature, and nurtuj*ed by ex- ample, by precept and accident, never experience a iftoment's allay.

Though slothful and inactive whilst their stores of provision remain unexausted, and their foes are at a distance, they are indefatigable and persevering in pursuit of their game or in circumventing tlieir enemies.

If they are artful and designing, and ready to take every advantage, if they are cool and delibe- rate in their councils, and cautious in the extreme, either of discovering their sentiments, or of re- vealing a secret, they might at the same time boast of possessing qualifications of a more animated na- ture, of the sagacity of a hound, the penetrating sight of a lynx, the cunning of a fox, the agil- ity of a bounding roe, and the unconquerable fierceness of the tiger.

In their public characters, as forming part of a community, they possess an attachment for that band to which they belong, unknown to the inhabi- tants of any other cowntry. They combine, as if

102 NEW TRAVELS

they were actuated only by one soul, against the enemies of their nation, and banish from their minds every consideration opposed to this.

They consult without unnecessary opposition, or without giving way to the excitements of envy or ambition, on tlie measures necessary to be pursued for the desti'uction of those wlio have drawn on themselves their displeasure. No selfish views ever influence their advice, or obstruct their con- sultations. Nor is it in the power of bribes or threats to diminish the love they bear their coun- try.

The honour of their tribe, and the wellfare of their nation, is the first and most predominant emotion of their hearts ; and from hence proceed in a great measure all their virtues and their vices. Actuated by this, they brave every danger, endure the most exquisite torments, and expire triumphing in their fortitude, not as a personal qualification, but as a national characteristic.

From thence also flows that insatiable revenge to- wards those with whom they are at war, and alHhe consequent horrors that disgrace their name. Their uncultivated mind being incapable of judging of the propriety of an action, in opposition to their pas- sions, which are totally insensible of the controuls of reason and humanity, they know not how to keep their fury within any bounds, and conse- quently that courage and resolution, which would otherwise do them honour, degenerates into a sa- vage ferocity.

But this short disertation must suffice : tlie li- mits of my work will not permit me to treat the subject more copiously, or to pursue it with a logi- cal regularity. The observations already made by my readers on preceeding pages, will, I trust ren- der it unnecessary ; as by them they will be enabled to form a tolerable just idea of the people I have been describing. Experience teaches that anec- dotes, and relations of particular events, howevey trifling they might appear, enable us to form a

AMONG THE INDIANS. 103

truer judgment of the manners and customs of a people, and are much more declaratory of their real state, than the most studied and elaborate dis* quisitions, without these aids.

The two subjoined delineations, of two Tribes of In- dians who inhabit the country on this side the Rocky mountains, is a summarij^from the pen ofMacken- %ie.

The Knistenaux are of a moderate stature, well proportioned, and of great activity. Exam- ples of deformity are seldom to be seen among them. Their complexion is of a copper colour and tJieir hair black, which is common to all the natives of North America. It is cut in various forms ac- cording to the fancy of the several tribes, and by some is left in the long, lank flow of nature. Tiieir eyes are black, keen, and penetrating; their coun- tenance open and agreeable, and it is a principal object of their vanity to give every possible deco- ration to theii' persons. A material article in their toilets is Vermillion, which they contrast with their native blue, white, and brown earths, to which charcoal is frequently added.

Their dress is at once simple and commodious. It consists of tight leggins, reaching near the hip ; a strip of cloth or leather, called assian, about a foot wide, and five feet long, whose ends are drav/n inwards, and hang behind and before, over a belt tied round the waist for that purpose ; a close vest or shirting reaching down the former garment and tinctured with a broad strip of parchment fastened with thongs behind : and a cap for the head, con- sisting of a piece of fur, or small skin, with the brush of the animal as a suspended ornament: a kind of robe is thrown occasionally over the whole of the dress, and serves both night and day. These articles, with the addition of shoes and mittens, con- stitute the variety of theii* apparel. The m-ateiials I 2

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vary according to the season, and consists of dres- sed moose-skin, beaver prepared with the fur, or European woollens. The leather is neatly painted, and fancifully worked in some parts with porcu- pine-quills, and moose-deer hair ; the shirts and Icj^gins are also adorned with fringe and tassels ; nor are the shoes and mittens without somewhat of appropriate decoration, and worked with a con- siderable degree of skill and taste. These habili- ments are put on, however, as fancy or convenience suggests ; and they will sometimes proceed to the ehase in the severest frost, covered only with the slightest of them. Their head-dresses are compo- sed of the feathers of the swan, the eagle, and other birds. The teeth, horns, and claws of dif- ferent animals, are also the occasional ornaments of the head and neck. Their hair, however ar- ranged, is always besmeared with grease. The making of every article of dress is a female occu- pation ; and the women, though by no means inat- tentive to the decoration of their own persons, ap- pear to have a still greater degree of pride in at- tending to the appearances of the men, whose faces arc painted with more care than those of the women. The female dress is formed of the same materials as those of the other sex, but of a different make and arrangement. Their shoes are commonly plain, and tlieir leggins gai'tered beneath the knees. TIic coat or body covering falls down to the middle of the leg, and is fastened over the shoiddei's with cords, a flap or cape turning down about eight inches, both before and behind, and agreeably or- namented with quill-work and fringe; the bottom is also fringed and fancifully painted as high as the knee. As it is very loose, it is enclosed round the waist with a stiff belt, decorated with tassels, and fastened behind. The arms are covered to the wrist with detatched sleeves, which are sewed as far as the bend of the arm ; from thence they are drawn up to the neck, and the corners of them fall down behind as low as the waist The cap,

AMONG THE INDIANS. 105

when they wear one, consists of a certain quantity of leather or cloth, sewed at one end, by which means it is kept on the head, and, hanging down the back, is fastened to the belt, as well as under the chin. The upper garment is a robe like that worn by the men. Their hair is divided on the crown, and tied behind, or sometimes fastened in large knots over the ears. They are fond of Eu- pean articles, and prefer them to their own native commodities. Their ornaments consist, in common with all other savages, in bracelets, ring, and similar baubles. Some of the women tattoo tliree perpendicular lines, which are sometimes double ; one from the centre of the chin to that of the under lip, and one parallel on either side to the corner of the mouth.

Of all the nations which I have seen on this continent, the Knisteneaux women ai^ the most comely. Their figure is generally well pro])or" tioned, and the regularity of their features would be acknowleged by the more civilized people of Europe. Their complexion has less of that dark tinge which is common to those savages who have less cleanly habits.

These people, are, in general, sobject to few disorders. The lues venerea, however, is a com- mon complaint, but cured by the application of simples, with whose virtues they appear to be well acquainted ; they are also subject to fluxes', and pains in the breast, which some have attributed to the very cold and keen air which they inhale ; but I should imagine that these complaints must frequently proceed from their immoderate indul- gence in fat meats at their feasts^ particularly when they have been preceded by long fasting.

They are naturally mild and affable, as well as just in their dealings, not only among themselves, but with strangers.* They are also generous and

* They have been called thieves, but when that vice can with justics be attributed to them, it may be traced totUeir

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hospitable, and good-natured in the extreme, ex- cept w hen their nature is perverted by the inflam^ matory influence of spiritous liquors. To their children they are indulgent to a fault. The father^ though he assumes no command over them, is ever anxious to instruct them in all the preparatory qualifications for war and hunting ; while the mo- tlrer is equally attentive to her daughters in teach^ ing them every thing that is considered as neces* sary to their character and situation. It does not appear that the husband makes any distinction be^ twe.en the children of his wife, though they may be the offspring of different fathers. Illegitimacy is only attached to those who are born before their mothers have cohabited with any man by the title of husband.

It does not appear, that chastity is considered by them as a virtue ; or that fidelity is believed to be essential to the happiness of a wedded life. Though it sometimes happens that the infidelity of the wife is pimished by the husband with the loss of her hair, nose, and perhaps life ; siich severity pro- ceeds from its liaving been practised without his permission: for a temporary interchange of wives is not uncommon ; and the offer of their pervsons is considered as a necessary part of the hospitality due to strangers.

When a man loses his wife, it is considered as a duty to marry her sister, if she has one ; or he may, if he pleases, have them both at the same time.

It will appear from the fatal consequences I have repeatedly imputed to the use of spiritous liquors, that I more particularly considered these people as having been, morally speaking, great sufferers from their communication with the subjects of civi- lized nations; At the same time they were not, in a state of nature, without their vices, and some of them of a kind which are the most abhorrent to

connexion with tlie civilized people, who come into their coun- try to traffic.

AMONG TIIE INDIANS. 107

cultivated and reflecting* man. I shall only observe, that incest and bestiality are amoni^ them.

When a young man marries, he immediately goes to live with the father and mother of his wife, who treat him, nevertlieless, as a perfect stranger, until after the birth of his first child : he then at- taches himself more to them than to his own pa- rents ; and his wife no longer gives him any other denomination than that of the father of her child.

The profession of the men in war and Imnting, and the more active scene of their duty is the field of battle, and the chase in the woods. They also spear fish, but t!ie management of the nets is left to the women. The females of this nation are in the same subordinate state with those of all other savage tribes ; but the severity of their labour is much diminished by their situation on the banks of lakes and rivers, where they employ canoes. In the winter, when the waters are frozen they make their journeys, which are never of any great lengthy with sledges drawn by dogs. They are at the same time, subject to every kind of domestic drudgery ; they dress the leather, make the clothes and shoes, weave the nets, collect wood, erect the tents, fetch water, and perform every culinary ser- vice ; so that when the duties of maternal care are added, it will appear tha.t tlie life of these women is an uninterrupted succession of toil and pain. This, indeed is the sense they entertain of their own situation ; and, under the influence of that senti- ment, they are sometimes known to destroy their female children, to save them from the miseries wliich they themselves hav e suffered. Tliey also have a ready way, by the use of certain simples, of procuring abortions, which they sometimes practise, from their hatred of the father, or to save themselves the trouble which children occasion; and, as I have been credibly informed, this unna- tural act is repeated without any injury to the health of tbe women who perpetrate it.

The funeral rites begin, like all other solemn ce-

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remonials, with smoking, and arc concluded by a feast. The body is dressed in the best habiliments possessed by the deceased, or his relations, and is then deposited in a grave, lined with branches; some domestic utensils are placed on it, and a kind of canopy erected over it. During this ceremony, great lamentations are made ; and if the departed person is very much regretted, the near relations cut off their hair, pierce the fleshy part of their thiglis and arms with arrows, knives, &c. and blacken their face with charcoal. If tiiey have dis- tinguished themselves in war, they are sometimes on a kind of scaffolding ,* and I have been informed that women in the east, have been known to sacri- fice themselves to the manes of their husbands. The whole of tlie property belonging to the departed person is destroyed ; and the relations take in ex- change for the wearing apparel, any rags that will cover their nakedness. The feast bestowed on the occasion, which is, or at least used to be, repeated annually, is accompanied with eulogiums on the de- ceased, and without any acts of ferocity. On the tomb is carved or painted, the symbols of his tribe, which are taken from the different animals of the country.

Many and various are the motives which induce a savage to engage in war : to prove his courage or to revenge the death of his relations, or some of his tribe, by the massacre of an enemy. If the tribe feels itself called upon to go to war, tlie elders con- vene the people, in order to know the general opi- nion. If it be for war, the chief publishes his in- tention to smoke in the sacred stem at a certain period, to which solemnity, meditation and fasting are required as preparatory ceremonials. When the people are thus assembled, and the meeting sanctified by the custom of smoking, the chief en- larges on the causes which have called them toge- ther, and the necessity of the measures proposed on the occasion. jl

He then invites those who are willing to folio's? ^{

^ONG THE INDIANS. 109

him, to smoke out of the sacred stem, which is con- sidered asthetokeiiof enrohnent; and if it should be the general opinion, that assistance is necessary, others' are invited with gi-eat formality, to join them. Every individual who attends these meet« ings brings something with him as a token of his warlike intentions, or as an object of sacrifice, which, when the assembly dissolves, is suspended from poles near the place of council.

They have frequently feasts, and particular cir- cumstances never fail to produce them ; such as a tedious illness, long fasting, &c. On these occa- sions it is usual for the person who means to give the entertainment, to announce his design, on a certain day of opening the medicine bag and smok- ing out his sacred stem. This declaration is con- sidered as a sacred vow that cannot be broken. There are also stated periods, such as the spring and autumn, when they engage in very long and solemn ceremonies. On these occasions dogs are offered as sacrifices ; and those which are very fat, and milk white, are preferred. They also make large offerings of their property, whatever it may be. The scene of these ceremonies is in an open enclosure on the bank of a river or lake, and in the most conspicuous situation, in order that such as are passing along or travelling, may be induced to make their offerings. These is also a particular custom among them, that on these occasions, if any of the tribe, or even a stranger, should be passing by, and be in real want of any thing that is dis- played as an offering, he has a right to take it, so that he replaces it with some article he can spare, though it be of far inferior value : but to take or touch any thing wantonly, is considered as a sacri- legious act, and highly insulting to the great Mas- ter of Life, to use their own expression, who is the sacred object of their devotion.

The scene of private sacrifice is the lodge of the person who performs it, which is prepared for that purpose by removing every thing out of it, and

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spreading green branches in every part. The fire and ashes are also taken away. A new hearth is made of fresh earth, and another fire is lighted. The owner of the dwelling remains alone in it ; and he begins the ceremony by spreading a piece of new cloth, or a w ell-dressed moose-skin neatly painted, on which he opens his medicine-bag and exposes its contents, consisting of various articles. The principle of them is a kind of household god, which is a small carved image about eiglit inches long. Its first covering is of down, over which a piece of birch bark is closely tied ; and the whole is enve- loped in several folds of red and blue cloth. Tliis little figure is an object of the most pious regard. The next artiele is his war-cap, which is decorated with the feathers and plumes of scarce birds, beavei^, and eagles' claws, &c. There is also sus-^ tended from it a quill or feather for every enemy : ,#liom the owner