ort Snelling. The next day the Sioux children were playing foot-ball merrily with the head of a Chippeway. One boy, and a small boy too, had ornamented his head and ears with c

nt. The infants, instead of being amused with toys or trinkets, are held up to see

ome linen to bind up his wounds, a candle to burn at night, and some whiskey to make her cry! Her son recovered, and the mother, as she sat by and watched him, had the satisfaction to see the scalps of the murdered Chippeways stretched on poles all

a wrinkled neck and arms seamed with the scars of many a self-inflicted wound; she tried to make her tattered blanket meet across her chest, but the benumbed fingers were powerless, and her step so feeble, from fatigue and want of food, that she almost f

our questions; now she becomes quite talkative. Her small keen eye follows the children as they play about the room;

and her oldest son: consumption walked among her household idols. She has one son left, but he loves the white man's fire-water; h

ng-it will be dark before she reaches home-the wind blows keenly across the open prairie-she had better lie down on the carpet before the fire and sleep.

widow and the childless. God help her, I

THE DA

s the Great Spirit. He is the creator of all thin

or Man o

micaxta, Man

an of th

axta, Man o

nktahe, God o

aoka, the an

kan, god

ller in Woods. This g

in a hol

er, that is, the god

at they can b

ustr

COT

R

NDS OF T

-EN-DAG

R

mysteries of this dance are kept inviolable; its secrets have never been divulged by its members. The medicine men and women attend in cases of sickness. The Sioux have the greatest faith in them. When the patient recovers, it redounds to the honor of

hange with the day. She has been very busy of late, for Checkered Cloud is one of the medicine women of the Dahcotahs; and as the Indians have had a good deal of sickness among them, you might follow her from teepee to teepee, as she proceeds with the sacred rattle [Footnote: Sacred rattle. This is generally a gourd, but is sometimes made of bark. Small beads are put into it. The Sioux suppose that

aking in the village, Checkered Cloud must be there, to call to the minds of

ssed through the water; and to-day-but while I am writing of her, she approaches the house; even now, her shadow falls upon the room as she passes t

y time. Her brow speaks of intellect-and the white hair that is parted over it falls unplaited on her shoulders. She folds her blanket round her and s

rees, the rivers, were all our own. But the Great Spirit has been angry with his chi

and to make our wigwams. Then, I cared not for cold and fatigue, for I was young and happy. But now I am old; my children have gone before me to th

of their enemies; my daughter sleeps

crificed to the Spirit of the woods, and we prayed to the Great Spirit. We lifted up our hands and said, 'Father, Great Spirit, help us to kill deer.' The arrows of our hunters never missed,

passed over the Mississippi, she would fill her cup with its waters, to drink and throw over her brow. The medicine

women left their canoes, and prepared to carry

ever was on her cheek; she did not know me when I spo

gently over the Rapids.' I was afraid, but with her brothers holding the line she mu

we approached the rapids, my heart beat quickly at the sound of the waters. Carefully did her brothers hold the line, and I never moved my eyes from the canoe in which she lay. Now the roaring of the wa

urn to me, Wenonah, I will never love maiden but you; did you not promise to light the fires in my wigwam?' He would have thrown himself after her, had not the young men prevented him. The body rests not in the cold waters; we

ched for us, they longe

They did so-but

eping; they struck them with their tomahawks, they t

rty; we knew by their joyful cries that they had avenged their friends.

, and he who was as dear as a son to me, the lover of my child. I fled f

ctive as they were in my youth. Neither can I work with porcupine as I used to-for age and tears have dimme

break in terrors over your head. Your name is your history, your life has been a checkered cloud! But the storm of the day has yielded to the influence of the setting sun. The thunder has ceased to roll, the wind has died away, and the golden streaks

gold that their children might be educated and redeemed from their slavery of soul? Checkered Cloud will die as she has lived, a believer in the religion of the Dahcotahs. The traditions of her tribe are written on her heart. She worships a spirit in every forest tree, or every running stream. The features of the favored Israelite are hers; she is perchance a daughter of their lost tribe. When she was young, she would have listened to the

d man of the novel or the drama, but the red man as he appears to himself, and to those who live with him. His better characteristics will be found quite as numerous as ought to be expected under the circumstances; his faults and his sufferings should appeal to the hearts of those who hold the means of his salvation. No intelligent citizen of th

EA

R

-DOOT

rouble; although the chief probably thinks it of no importance whether his two wives fight all the time or not, so that

us, right on the edge of the shore, there are three young men carousing. One is inclined to go to sleep, but the other two will not let him; their spirits are raised and excited by what has made him stupid. Who

the medicine man, is gesticulating by his side, and accompanying his motions with the most horrid noises. But all in vain; the spirit of "Iron Arms," the man of strength, is gone. The doctor says t

g the air with their cries, we will find out wha

ife, whose face, now merry, now sad, bright with smiles at one moment, and lost in thought the next, gained for her the name of "The Changing Countenance," is hush

iden would not be his wife if he gave her all the trinkets in the world. She loves and is going to marry "Iron Lightning," who has gone to bring her-what? a brooch-a new bl

urs for eating or sleeping. In front of the teepees, young men are lying on the ground, lazily playin

ys at hand. And then, the sons of each wife take a part in the battle; they first fight for their mothers, and then for themselves-so that the chief must have been reduced to desperation long ago if it were not for his pipe and his philosophy. Good Road's second wife has Chippeway blood in her veins. Her mother was taken prisoner by the Dahcotahs; they adopted her, and s

cted that there was Chippeway blood near them-no farther off than their chief's wigwam; and eight or ten braves vowed they would make an end of "Old Bets." But she heard of their threats, left the village for a time, and after the Dahcotahs had gotten

village. Her children were always taunting the sons of the first wife, and so it went on, until at last Good Road said he would stand it no longer; he told his oldest wife to go-that h

defined prospect of seeing her rival's blood flow. She would greatly have preferred taking her life herself; and as sh

d Bets. The time would come-she would watch

and his Chippeway wife. They would not easily yield their right to the chieftainship. Whi

PTE

is alive with cheerfulness, she does not join in any of the amusements

nd the copper-colored children spring after it, as if the water were

t her seat, for "Shining Iron," the son of Good Road's second wife, approach

arrior. "They are laughing while they sew the buffalo-skin together, and you

rth, "and I sit alone because I choose to do so. But if I a

ng man, while his eyes flashed fire, and the v

ake gum, and after putting some medicine in it, will induce the girl of his choice to chew it, or put it in her way so that she will take it up of her own accord. It is a long time before an Indian lover wil

rave acts to her, but she turned a deaf ear to his words. He promised her he would always have venison in her teepee, and that he never would take another wife; she was the only woman he could ever love. But h

said the angry lover, "but

wrists, the warrior left her to her own thoughts. They were far from being pleasant; she must warn her lover of the threats of his rival. For a while she almost determined she would not marr

she grasped the handle of her knife, as if she would plunge it into her own bosom for harboring the dark thought. Never should she be unfaithful; when Fiery Wind return

*

nds, they lord it over each other, and it is only when they become grandmothers that they seem to feel

about the morals of her children; but it is nevertheless true, that she talks to them, and, according to her own ideas of right and wrong, tries to instil good principles into their minds. The gra

hands and feet of some little Chippeway children, and strung them, and worn them for a ne

wn flesh and blood, that the thought of their

but a stick of wood to some purpose. Although it had the good effect of quelling the refractory spirits of the young, it invariably fired the soul of his aged mother. The old woman would cry and how

dered women as being inferior to dogs, and he would as soon have

Shining Iron after the warning he had given her, she was attracted by the cries of one of the old women of the village, who was

ap, which goes around the forehead; the weight of the burden falls upon the head and back. This occasions the figures of the Indian women to stoop, since they necessarily lean forward in order to preserve their balance.] went to a hill just above the village, and deliberately made her preparations for hanging, as coolly too as if she had been used to being hung for a long time. But when, after having doubled the strap four times to prevent its breaking, she found h

eathers of her warrior as he descended the hill towards the village. Gladly would she have gone to meet him to welcome him home, but she knew that Shining Iron was watching her motions, and she bent h

e the sons, was in disgrace with the chief, and, li

TER

e bands in the neighborhood of Fort Snelling considered it as a necessary part of

riend. He loaded the gun, saying at the same time to it, "Now, the Dahcotahs call you 'wah-kun' (supernatural), kill me the fattest cow in the drove." He waited a few moments to see his orders executed, but the gun was not "wah-kun" enough to fire by order alone. Seeing that it did not go off, the

are may come to the Indians, they ar

urder without a cause; but when offence has be

he boys in the village. The chief ordered the boys to take off all their clothes, and gave them each a gun. He then told them how brave their forefathers were-that they never feared pain or danger-and that they must prove themselves worthy sons of such ancestors. "One of these days y

ers, who accompanied them, how little they feared their enemies, as they termed the hornets. And formidable enemies they were too-for many of the little fello

pointed to the nest, and without a moment's hesitation, the young Dahcotahs attacked it. Out flew the hornets in every direction. Some of the little boys cried out with the pain from the stings of the hornets on their unprotected limbs-but the c

ere no scalps taken by the enemy, but they could not deny that the list of the wounded was quite a long one. Some of them limped, in spite of their efforts to walk upright, and one little

o Indian file, and entered as triumphantly as their fathers wou

plied herbs to their swollen limbs, and the mimic war furnished a

PTE

more by their internal dissensions than from other causes. Murder is so common among them, that it is even less than

that Red Earth took her place by the side of her husband, thus asserting her right to be mistress of his wigwam. While she occupied herself with her many duties, she never for a moment forgot the threat of Shining Iron. But her cares and anxieties for her husband's safety were soon over. She had not long been a wife before her enemy lay a corpse; his life was a forfeit to his love for h

er was with him at the moment that they chose to accomplish their purpose; and when an Indian commences to shed blood, there is no

kun stone," to which they sacrifice, at his head. No one reposes near him. Alone he lies, undisturbed by aught except the winds that sigh over him. The first flowers of Spring

efore on earth. The jugglers remember many incidents that occurred during some former residence on earth, and they will tell them to you with all the gravity imaginable.] His friends believe that he may hold comm

murderers. Good Road reminds her that Shining Iron had made a threat, and it was not proper he should live; and the chief insisted more upon this,

e dresses the wounds of her daughter, she wishes that the Dahcotahs had killed her mother instead of a

NO

R

RGIN'S

e day before enjoyed one of their favorite amusements-a ball-play on the ice. Those who owned the bright cloths and calicoes which were hung up before their eyes, as an incentive to win the game, were still re

wiftest runner in the band, and as I stooped to catch the ball sh

face, and her countenance expressed cruelty and passion. But Harpstenah had nothing to avenge; when she was young she was passed by, as there was nothing in her face or disposition that could attract; and now in the winter of life she was

ne man, had hung on a pole the prizes that were to be given to the

ed at the opportunity of displaying their graceful persons. The old women were eager to commence the game, for they longed to possess the cloth for their leggins, and the calico for their "okendoke

arked off, the others threw it back again far over their heads, and then all ran back, each party endeavorin

k with a circular frame at the end of it; this they call a bat sti

the best of the other. How excited they are! the snow-covered hills, majestic and sile

care that Harpstenah does not win the game. Ho, Harpstenah!

ided. In the struggle for the ball, Harpstenah received a blow from an old squaw as dismal looking as herself, and Wenona catche

those who were beautiful and graceful,

she was young and beautiful. The handsomest presents were given her, a

determined on revenge, "If I am old," she said, "I will live long enough to bring misery on her; ugly as I may be, I will humble the proud beauty. What do I eat? the worthless heads

her rival, her own life will probably pay the forfeit. Has disgrace or insult been heaped upon her? a life of eighty years is not long enough

PTE

r absence, and the men are examining their guns and bows and arrows. The young girls anticipate amusement and happiness, for they will assist their lovers t

e to pass the long evening. "If this were full," said a young hunter, kicking at the same time an

, but where would you be the day after. Did you not, after drinking that very whiskey, strike

om the contemptuous sneer of his companions, for all despise the Dahcotah

has hushed her child to sleep, and she is resting from the fatigues of the day. Several old men, friends of Little Crow's fath

o her; "why should the eyes of a chief's sister be f

you yesterday; he laid them at the door of your wigwam. He wants to buy me, and y

lied the chief; "he wears many feat

come and they are to make an early start. Was ever such confusion? Look at that old hag knocking the very senses out of her daughter's head because she is not ready! and the gi

er child on the top of it. No wonder she looks so cross, for the second wife walks leisurely on

rn, and teepees, and children with dogs on their backs. The

TER

y in the ground and cover them with a buffalo skin. A fire is soon made in the centre and the corn put o

d them up. The beautiful animal flies in terror from the death which comes surer and swifter than her own light

ed in the wigwam of the chief, and many of the Indians were smoking around it, but We

stened to him with respect, for they knew that his name was a terror to his

ed not to take his gun to kill the game he wanted; the glance of his

stepped into the open air, why does the light of the moon fall upon faces pale with terror? "See!" said th

" said Red Cloud; "we w

ged their guns in quick

h was brilliantly illu

oping to ward of

d superstitious terror, while the maiden's face was calm and fearless. "Do you not fear the power of

land of spirits? Listen to my words, my brother: there are but two of us; strife and disease have

y dreams. 'Wenona,' she said, (and the waves were still that they might hear her words), 'Wenona, the lands of the Dahcotah are green and beautiful-but there are fairer prairies than those on earth. In that bright country the forest trees are ever gr

my brother, but I knew

ou say that I shall marr

to my heart; sooner

er me. Brother, you

were his wife, and you shall not be forced to marry him. But why should you think of death? you saw our braves as they shot at the lights in t

one star was seen falling in the heavens, and the light that followed it was lost in the brightness of the others. And her dreams were not happy, for t

*

s of Wenona rejoiced in her happy looks, but to Harpstenah they were bitterness and

use Wenona loves him not? Are there not maidens among the Dahcotahs more beautiful than she? She never loved you; her brother, too, has treated you with contempt. Listen to my words, Red Cloud; the Virgin's Feast is soon to be celebr

are in his ear-madness an

a would die rather than be disgraced." And as he spoke Harpstenah t

PTE

it round and sing, and they join in celebrating many of the customs of their tribe. But the Virgin's Feast has reference to th

as to be celebrated at Little Crow's village; the time was m

ed in their gayest apparel; their long hair plaited and falling over their shoulders. Those who are conscious of error dare not approach the feast, for it is a part of the ceremony that they shall be expos

s not more pure than she. But Red Cloud cared not for that. She h

s and leads her from the sacred ring? To whom shall the maiden turn for help? To her brother? his angry counte

seen as she flies to the woods. Death is t

they found her lifeless body; the knife was deep in her heart. She knew she was innocent, but what d

rthless, when embittered by unmerited contempt. She knew not that God has

House of Spirits-she may have fo

o be placed upon the scaffold-"He is dead," she cried, "and Wenona was innocent! He hated her because she slighted him; I hated her because she was ha

her native village again, how will the maidens tremble as they approac

d where repose the mortal remains of the chief's sister-how often will the Dahcotah maidens draw near to contras

COTAH C

me to fear, why has he made the white woman rich and happy, and the Dahcotah poor and miserable?" She

of repose, that darkness might cover her as with a mantle-and when 'sleep forsook the wretched,' did she not pray for the breaking of the day, that she might again forget all in the pe

whose only happiness was in shedding the blood of his fellow creatures. The name of an "Indian" when ut

ve brought paleness to her cheek to have whispered her that not many years w

but for the faith of the Christian, of despair. For several years she only wept with others when they sorrowed; fair children followed her footsteps, and it was happiness

es of his children, in order to forget the scene he had just witnessed. But, man of God as he was, there was not always peace in his soul; yet none could see that he had cause for care

the wretched Dahcotahs, their bodies are suffering, and their souls, immortal like thine, are

the wilderness, to deprive his children of the advantages of education and good influences, and instead-to show them life as it is with t

ength, and vainly does the mother call upon the child, whose eyes wander in delirium, who knows not her voice from a stranger's. Nor does the Destroyer dep

life and happiness, the iron enters his soul; but as the Christian remembers who has afflicted him, his spirit rises above his sorrow. Nor is there now any

n her trust in God she yields up her child to her friend, and listens not to the suggestions of those who would induce her to remain where she would still enjoy the comfort

, with bright eyes and lips parted with smiles, and then as she last saw them-their hands white to transparency, the h

overcame the usual calmness of her kind friend; and as she wondered why,

on the earth which is secure from sorrow. Have I not told you why? This world is not your home or

Father had forsaken him. And remember that after death the power of those who hated him ceased; the grave received but could not keep his body. He rose from the dead, and went to Heaven, where he has prepared a place for all who love him; f

PTE

attributes. Those who have lived near the missionaries, say that the Great Spirit lived forever, bu

the earth and all animals to them, and that their feasts and customs were the laws by

for all animals that fly. Near the source of the St. Peters is a place called Thunder-tra

spirit; their own hearts are bad. It would be impossible to put any limit to the number of spirits in whom the Dahcotahs believe; every object in nature is full of them. They attribute deat

e worshipped as emb

ch connection. They sacrifice to all the spirits; but they have a stone, painted red, which they call Grandfather, and on or near this, they place their most valuable articles, their buffalo robes,

They perhaps obtained this idea from the whites. They have a far greater fear of the spirits o

*

me of the medicine men, the priests, and the doctors of the Dahcotahs, seem to have an idea of the immortalit

n spirits, dreams, and charms, the fear that some enemy, earthly or spiritual, may be secretly workin

ake them despair of accomplishing it. Their religion is a superstition, including as few elements of truth and reason as

Great Spirit-"Father, help us to kill the buffalo." "Let us

casionally at the time of their dances. When they dance i

onsider every object that the Great Spirit has made, from the hi

e traditions of their ancients; their women are to tan deer-skin for their mocassins, while their young children learn to be brave warriors by attacking and destroying wasps' or hornets' nests; they will celebrate the dog feast to show how brave they are, and sing in triumph as they dance round the scalps of their enemies. Such is the Heaven of the Dahcotahs! Almost every Indian h

wonderful medicines, (which secret is as sacred with them as free-mason

d body are nothing more than jugglers, and are the worst men of the tri

d no one knows what this medicine is but those who are initiated into the myster

ge the secret of his clan. All the differe

ian! And the heart of the missionary would faint within him at the work whic

the faith of her fathers, which influenced her in youth. Yet the subduing of her passions, the quiet performance of her duties, the neatness of her person, and the order

s and patience, however, have accomplished much, and during the last year they have, in several instances, expressed a desire for the aid and instruction

ground yields them for food, and have

ission; in all there are about one hundred and sev

ll more. They have induced many of the Dahcotahs to be more temperate; and although few, comparative

of the beautiful lake from which the station takes its name; at "Travers des Sioux" about eighty miles fro

on, talent, and piety, should waste their time and attainments upon a people who cannot appreciate their efforts. If the missionaries reasoned o

mself will accomplish. They have willingly given up the advantages of this life, to preach the gospel to the degraded Dahcotahs. They are translating the Bible into

TER

food during the next winter? whatever be the consequences, they stop to celebrate a dance or a feast, either of which is a part of their religion. How many Christians satisfy their consciences by devoting one day of the

Snelling, say that they have lived on the earth before in some region far distant, that they died, and for a time their spirits wandered through the world

the Dahcotahs. But of all their superstitious notions the most curious is the one which

cormorant, a bird which feeds on fish. He was very much alarmed, and directed hi

lue clay. Preparations were immediately made to celebrate the Fish dance, i

wigwam. The war implements were then brought inside the ring, and a pol

painted black, excepting the breast and arms, which are

metamorphosed for the occasion into a wolf-that is, he has the skin of a wolf drawn over him, and hoops fixed to his hands to enable

commence quacking and dancing and using their arms in imitation of wings, keeping up a continual flapping. Thus for some time they dance up to and around the fi

beginning in the way of eating the fish. Then each cormorant flaps up and takes a bite, and the

ghten away the Indian children. The cormorants perceive the approach of the wolf, and a g

llow, flapping his wings and stretching out his

zes it with his teeth, and makes his way out of the ring, as fast as he can, on all fours. The whole of the fish, bones and all, must be swallowed; not the smallest portion of it c

as he sees how determined is their belief in such a religion. Is it not a source

take a part in it. She believed the medicine women could foretell future events; and, with an injustice hardly to

ce-aye, even exulted at the idea of

missionary to leave his home and take up his abode in the country of the savage; and sings to the praise of God in her own tongue as she sits by the door of her wigwam. She smiles as she tells you that her "face is dark, but

ASH

PTE

f the Dahcotah Chiefs. His village is on the

hore, and the many bluffs that rise behi

give him a reputation above the Dahcotahs about him. But his father was a man

is father's name,) is said by the Dahcotahs

eller having been murdered by some Dahcotahs of the band of which Wabashaw was a war

nd than the others, naturally influenced their inferiors. Their braves

required that these Dahcotahs should leave the forests of the west, and remain for a time as prison

ome; it was far worse to be struck, for the amusement of idle men and children-to have the war eagle's feather rudely torn fr

eir journey, and the prisoners were even

en; or if they had, he would only have laughed at the strange dialect that he could not comprehend. But the Dahcotahs bore with patience their unmerited confinement, and Wabashaw excelled them all. His eye was not as bright as when he left home, and

Wabashaw that he was no longer a prisoner; that he would soon again see the Father of many wa

imbs were thin, and his strength had failed f

ississippi again shone before them, when the well-known bluffs met their eager gaze; when the bending river gave to view their native v

ave wearied of waiting for him-perhaps she had gon

o were wont to follow him and listen to

could see many upon the shore, but who were they? The canoe swept over the

setting sun revealed the faces of their friends; their cries of joy rent

irst chief; and his influence was unbounded. Every band has a chief, and the honor descends

PTE

fies to break through, or set aside; it was given in consequen

titutes its importance; where a family is small, a member of it can be injured with little fear of retaliation; but in a large family there are sure to be found some who will not let an insult pass without revenge. Sacred W

years to come. Then there were tall brothers, braving hardships and danger, as if a Dahcotah was only born to be scal

mean an ordinary girl, but Sacred Wind was not of that stamp; she was destined to be a heroine. She had many lovers, who wore themselve

the advantages of each match; but it would not do. The girl was eighteen years old,

were wearied with arguing with her; but not one of them

airs, for she had none to attend to; and grandmothers, among the Sioux, are as loving and devoted as they are

you when you are old? The 'Bear,' has been to the traders; he has bought many things, which

here are more high rocks than one on the banks of the Mississippi, and my heart is as strong as Wenona's. If y

nversation, rose to go out; and as she passed Sacred Wind, she whispered in her ear, "Tell her why you will not marry the B

r own heart. She had tried to cease thinking of "The Shield;" keeping away from him, dreading to fin

ld her that she was the most beautiful girl among the Dahcotahs-when he whispered her that he loved her dearly; and would marry her in spite of mothers, grandmother

n the sacred customs of her tribe. The Shield used many arguments, but all in vain. She told him she was afraid to marry him, but that she w

mined she should be his wife; he trusted to time

y the Sioux; and the Eyanktons and Sissetons still use them. They are made of buffalo sk

dead. We will go to one of the villages, and when we are married, we will come back. Let them be angry, I w

, or any one else; and they returned to her father's teepee, little thinking that

enough to know that her case was a hopeless one, she made up her mind to m

ore she destroyed her; and she had hardly yet made up her mind as to the way which

he true reason why she would not marry the Bear. This was the first blow, and it struck

e! she would have trembled with rage that a Dahcotah maiden, and her grandchild, should be guilty of the

of the fatal passion of her granddaughter, she would have longed to seize the thunderbolts of Jupiter (if

eath showed that she coul

nd the "Eagle that Screams as she Flies," (for that was

rs old, she would go through all the fatigues of a march of three hundred miles, and t

wo old squaws who had

Eagle wa

her lamentations; she called upon all the spirits of the lakes, rivers, and prairies, to torment the war party; nothi

Shield was the observed of all ob

sin. How could she help loving the warrior

e loved the Shield more in absence; why then hope tha

upon it, but could not still its tumult. "He has come," she said to herself, "but will his

relations. Alas! for the Swan, the wounded bird feels not so acutely the

h all the impetuosity of a loving heart, she thought she had a right to the affections of the Sh

ing." That very evening did she repeat to the family of Sacred Wind the conversation she had over

atched, shamed, and even beaten. The medicine men threatened her with all their powers; no pu

that were exerted against him. Sacred Wind bore everything in patience but the sight of the Bear. She had been bought and s

on the silence of night; canoes were flying across the water; fri

river, or in the woods. Sacred Wind

she hated the Bear; and although she trembled when she spoke of the medicine men, her husband

Her friends were assis

had forgotten his child,

ld have first missed he

nd of

hem as their canoe passed away, until it became a speck in t

, with a nobler courage, a more devoted love, broke through the customs of her nation, laid aside the

HCOTAH

ntry and a new-the home of a people who are rapidly passing away-and of a nation whose strength is ever advancing. The white man treads upon the footsteps of the Dahco

d their numbers and driven them farther north and west; the white people have needed their lands, and their course is onward. How will it end? Will this powerful tribe cease to be a nat

God is defaced in the hearts of the savage. Cain-like does the child of the forest put forth his hand

e boundless prairies? how many generations have roamed over them? when did the buffalo first yield to the arrow of the hunter? And look at the worn bases of the rocks that are washed by the Father of waters. Hear the Dahcotah maiden as

ardly be brought to yield to the necessity of control; and were there a possibility of success, how soon would the pipe of peace be thrown aside, and the yell and whoop of war be heard instead! And who would bl

her warrior children, while on the opposite side of the Mine Soto [Footnote: Mine Soto, or Whitish Water, the name that the Sioux give to the St. Peter's River. The mud or clay in the water has a whitish l

s, and the angry savages that spring from them as hastily ascending the hill. From the gates of the fort, hundreds of

house is a piazza, and on it lay the body of a young Dahcotah; his black hair plaited, and falling over his swarthy face. The closed eye and compressed lips proclaimed the pr

has again overcome her efforts at composure, see how she plunges her knife into her

mourners. A crowd of friends are weeping round his body. But the mother has turned to the warriors as they press through the crowd; tears enough have been shed, it is time to think of revenge. "Look at your friend," she

of the tempest within. Shah-co-pee, the orator of the Dahcotahs, and "The Nest," their most famous hunter; the tall form of the aged chief "Man in the cloud" leaned against the railing, h

PTE

the fort, and the Dahcotahs presented them with blankets and pipes, guns and powder, and all that the savage deems valuable. Afterwards, the Dahcotahs danced, and the generous Chippeways exceeded them

to their homes. Their wise men said they rejoiced that nothing had occurred to disturb the harmony of the two tribes. But their vicinity

iration of the tribe when he was but a warrior, and they exalted him to the honor of being their chief. Deeds of blood marked his course, yet

cotahs. When the latter celebrated one of their national feasts, when they ate the heart of the do

n: FALLS OF

his warriors that they were to return home on the following day. He expressed a wish to see sev

setting sun; while the white man is as the sun rising in all his power. We are the falling leaves; the whites are the powerful horses that trample them under foot. We are about to return home, and it is well that nothing has happened to occasion strife

le in the Day" having thus done all that he deeme

war and hunting. The Chippeway chief was the husband of three wives, who were sisters; and, strange to say, when an Indian fancies more than one wife, he is fortunate if he can obtai

re in the neighborhood of Fort Snelling. They had accompanied Hole in the Day's band, with the determination of killing an enemy. The ancient feud still rankled in their hearts; as yet they had had no opportunity of satisfying their th

he sad news, and the two Chippeways were soon out of the po

iends came together; and as they entered one by one, on every side pressing, forward to see the still, calm, features of

every year brings the Chippeways to Fort Snelling, either to transact business with the government or on a visit of pleasure, the Chippeways and Dahcotahs must be frequently thrown to

as then in command at Fort Snelling, sent word to the Chippeway chief of the murder that had

and revenging themselves; the arguments of the agent and other friends of the Dahcotahs were unavailing; nothing would satisfy them but blood, The eyes, even of the wome

o change their intentions; "but as soon" said he, "as you attack the Chippeways, will

rs, seeing the necessity of waiting for the

e was held at the gate. There were assembled about three hundred Dahcotahs a

other Chippeway warriors had been absent from the camp. Hole in the Day, however, gave up tw

me to defer the hope of revenge, return

TER

scalping-knife. But the very strangeness of the customs of the Dahcotahs adds to their inte

s also. The Christian knows that the body will live again; that the life-giving breath of the Eternal will once more re-animate the helpless clay; that the eyes

the "city of spirits," yet the infant she has nursed at her bosom, the child she loved and

ts off her hair and tears her clothes, throwing them under the scaffold, what joy would

ual ceremonies attending the dead performed, but with more than usual e

raised a few feet from the ground. All the relations of the deceased then sit round it for about twenty-four hours; they tear their clo

k and they do not wash the paint off until they ta

ntinue their wailing for some time. Then for awhile their tears are wiped away. After smoking for a short time another of the f

e heard as she called for her husband, while the rocks and the hills echoed the wail.

with guns and clothing. For fear they would be killed by the Dahcotahs, their release was kept a secret, and the Dahcotahs knew not that the two Chippeways were released, until they were far on their journey home. But one of them never saw his native village again. The long conf

PTE

are philosophers, after all-they knew that they could not go after the Chippeways, so they made the best of it and smoked. Beloved Hail was dead, but th

swers to our runaway matches, and in some respects the former is the ditto of one conducted as it o

a world of trouble. It prevents the necessity of the father looking daggers at the son-in-law, and then loving him violently; the mother is spared the trial of telling her daughter that she forgives her though sh

dvantage of us in runaway matches, or as they say in "stealin

the man takes his gun and powder and shot, and the girl her knife and wooden bowl to eat and drink out of; and these she intends to hide in her blanket. Sometimes they merely go to the next village to return the next day. But if they fancy a bridal tour, away they go

persecute her and perhaps shoot her husband. But this does not happen often. Just as, once in a hundred years in a Christian land, if a girl will run away with a young man, her par

"marriage in high life" among the Dahcotahs, and the

lways the case with the Dahcotah women) are small. She has a quantity of jet-black hair, that she braids with a great deal of care. Her eyes are very black, but small, and her dark complexion

she was in love with "The War Club;" she threw the girl down and tore half the hair out of her head. What made it seem very strang

were properly arranged, he would put the war eagle feathers in his head, and folding his blanket round him, would walk about the village, or attitudinize with all the airs of a Broadway dandy. War Club was a great warrior too, fo

he girls of the village should fall in love with him; and he, like a downright fl

the young warriors were shooting at a mark, Walking Wind was pronounced the best shot among them, and the War Club was quite subdued. He could bear eve

rls and diamonds, for they never even heard of them; and the philosophy of the thing is just the same, since everybody is outdone by somebody. Besides, her lover played the flute all night long near her father's wigwam, and, not to speak of the pity that she felt for him, Walking Wind was confident she n

consent; but the War Club was more honorable than tha

houses to be kept up, just as well as lords and dukes do; so they collected everything they owned for the purpose of buying Walking Wind. Guns and blankets, powder and shot, knives and

ays the presents on the ground and has a consultation, or, as the Indians say, a "ta

so much trouble to ask a question, he never for a moment waits for a

minds as to what they are going to do. In due time the presents are taken into the wigwam, which

PTE

ced her toilet-and it was no light task t

, was worked with rows of bright ribbons, and the sewing did honor to her own skill in needle-work. Her breast was covered with brooches, and a quantity of beads hung round

cted and put on a horse; and the bride, accompanied by three or fou

e bride. Do not suppose that Walking Wind's father takes offence at the bridegroom's not coming when he is called; for it is as much a part of the ceremony, among the Dahcotah

pearance, the Indians raise a shout of applause, and all run towards him as he approa

ceremonies, to be a wife, must jump upon the back of her husband's relati

t for the wigwam so soon as the luggage is on. The bride draws back and pouts a little, when some of her friends undertake

is literally to be her lord and master-and they are man and wife. As much so, as if there were a priest and a ring, pearls and bride-cake. For the Dahcotah reveres the ceremony of marriage, and he thinks with solemn awe of the burial rites of his nation, as we do. These rites have been preserv

-CO-

OR OF TH

ge is about twenty-five miles from Fort Snelling. He belongs to the b

and smoke; to say that he is a great chief, and that he is hungry and must eat before he starts for home? If

in the Cloud. His face is decidedly ugly; but there is an expression of intelligence about his quick

ed black. He never combs his hair, but wears a

on to the word. His hands, which are small and well formed, are

casion, he talks well; and assumes an air of importance that wou

tly have these two bands made peace, but rarely kept it any length of time. On this occasion many promises were made on bo

Snelling to be present at the council of peace. Early in the morning he and abou

ed, they assembled in their canoes, drawing them close together, tha

dorned with feathers from the war eagle; and the noon-day sun gave brilli

his canoe-and not the less proudly that

or thus he always add

ves; never has a cowa

Lakes. Let the women

ll face our foes,

danced round their scalps, and our children have kicked their heads about in the dust. What more do we want? When we are in council, listen to the words of the Inte

ed to have all the talking to himself, to arrange matters according to his own id

He always gains his point, for you are obliged to give in order to get rid of him. He will take up his quarters at the Interpreter's, and come down upon you every day for a week just at meal time-and as he is always blessed with a ferocious appetite, it is much better to capitu

PTE

rning was rather cool, thought some, and as they hesitated about going, of course their toilets were delayed to the last moment. And when all were fairly in the boat, wood was yet to be found. Then something was the matter with one of the wheels-and the mother

d loaf upon loaf of bread and cake; pies, coffee and sugar; cold meats of every description; with milk and cream in bot

for fear the ladies should be sea-sick; or, perhaps, in case the gent

, the chief making an animated appeal to some one on board the boat; and as he reached the shore he gave us to understand that h

f the St. Peter's. Not a creature was to be seen for some distance on the banks, and the bi

ble was to be set for dinner; the children had already found out which ba

that there were not enough chairs for half the party. We borrowed each other's knive

m plenty to eat. How he seemed to enjoy a piece of cake that had accidentally dropped into the oyster-soup! and with equal gravity would he eat

sed-how few such days o

ressed Col. D--, who was at that time in command of Fort

hief, and worthy of being honored, and we have chosen this a

here was anything like jesting on the subject of his own high me

the shore as the boat landed, as well they m

self admiration he took the most conspicuous station on a ro

ounding him, did the untaught orator address his people. His lips gave rapid utteran

to live quietly and happily. They taught them to plant corn, and they were anxious to instruct their children. "When

th the big Captain of the Fort, and he, knowing the bravery of the Dahcotahs, and that I was a

self importance, we listened with apparent, indeed with real admiration of his eloquent speech. The women brought ducks on board, an

who contributed most to its pleasures is gone from us-one whom all esteem

TER

ther grave lately. There

e is old as the hills, wrinkled and haggard; the chief cares no more for her than he does for the stick of

for I her to plait her hair and put on her ornaments; fo

talking her into the match; but he induced the parents to sell her

sted them. The young wife had not the courage to resent their ill treatment, for the loss of her lover had broken her heart. But that lover did not seem to be in such despair as she was-he di

or something to tell of the young one; but there was no one near. The wind whistled ke

ear the sound of his voice when wearied to de

ved her still-that he had only been waiting an opportunity to

her depart-no one knew where to seek for her. When the old man heard that Red Stone was gone too, his rage knew no bounds.

ned all through the night, bruised and bleeding, for the fault of their rival; w

to the other Indians who sat with him in his teepee, somewhat after the manner and in the spirit of Job's friends). "I s

ater forced its way until it was frightful to see it. The trees near the shore were thrown down, and the small islands were left bare. Near Fort Snelling there was a house where a

alls, was found here. It was placed on a scaffold on the shore, near where the Indians found her, and Chec

g as they carried everything before them? The father of Wenona clung to his daugh

ghter under the waters, and he may bury me there too." And while the others fled from

of Unk-a-tahe is great!" so spoke the medicine man, and Shah-co-pee almost forgot his lo

escape from the old man, and his two wives; while he is always making speeches to his men, commencing by saying he is a great chief,

PTE

other warriors, some of them chiefs, on a vi

decided at Washington that the Dahcotahs should pay four thousand dollars of their annuities as an atonement for the act. This caused much suffering among the Dahcotahs; fever was making great havoc among them, and to deprive them of their flour and other articles of food was o

or a while; the Dahcotahs paying the most profound attention, although they could not understand a word of what was passing; and when there was a few moments' silence, the chiefs rose each in his turn to protest against the Winnebagoes passing through their country. They all spoke sensibly and well;

fectly erect as he a

s; look upon us, for we are your children too. You are placed here to see t

mphasis, Shah-co-pee shook hands all round a

the white man a place to call his own on our prairies? He co

me of them to him, and we are content to do so, but he has promised to protect

him; we treat him with hospitality. He looks at our rocks, our river, our t

ur wives were sick; they could not plant corn or gather the Indian potato. Many of our nation died; thei

make a path through our hunting grounds: they will subsist upo

lands, he should pay us. We object to the Winnebagoes passing through our country; but if it i

nd Shah-co-pee, after shaking

like the spirit that induces you to demand it. May you live long to make speeche

AR-MA

RACK-

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sting and carousing; their canoes together flew over the waters of the Mississippi. The young Sioux warriors found strange beauty in the oval faces of the Chi

ved with all the devotion of a heart untrammeled by forms, fresh from the hand of nature? She listened to his flute in the still evening, as if her spirit would forsake her when she heard it no more. She would sit with him on the bluff which hung over the Mississippi, and envy the very waters which would remain

he saw her grief at the prospect of parting. "Let us go," he sai

o pleasant was the task of paddling her lover over the quiet waters,

ther Dahcotahs, had gone some distance above the falls to hunt. While there, he fell in love with a young girl wh

p and started for their homes. When they reached the falls,

when her husband loved her no more, and, putting her son in

oy too, as a Dahcotah warrior; she turned to look once more at her husband, w

laced her child high up in the canoe, so that his father could

to her to come ashore. But he might have called to the roaring

e with his arms uplifted, en

s heard above the waters as she sang her death song. Soon th

e. An elk and fawn are often seen, and

ontinued the Sioux, as he met the l

alls upon them, so will my spirit depart when I no longer listen to your voice. But when I go to th

o receive her. But thou wilt bid adieu to earth in the midst of the battle-in the very presence of him, for whose love thou wouldst venture all.

PTE

ng, they divided into two parties, one party returning h

terms with the Sioux, giving pres

ppeways. These pillagers are in fact highwaymen or privateers-havin

cealed themselves in a path near Lake Calhoun. T

The boy entered the village calling for his mother, to tell her the sad news; her cries of grief gave the alarm, and soon the death of the Sioux was known throughout the village. The news fle

vowed he would with his own arm avenge the death of his friend. The very

ad the Dahcotahs against the Chippeways; and though he longed to raise his tomahawk against his foes, his spirit sunk within him when he remembered the girl

TER

been committed, they were leisurely turning their steps homeward,

hirst but blood. And the women and children must suffer first. The savage suffers a twofold death; before h

re all looking forward with pleasure to seeing their homes again. The women went leisurely along; the infant slept quietly-what should it fear close to its mother's heart! The young children laughed as they hid themselves

orward to death as the end of her cares. She concealed in her bosom the trinkets he had given her; every feature

cry, that banished eve

t suddenly upon th

thers. Their children are scalped before their eyes; their infants are dashed aga

children. [Footnote: The Dahcotahs believe, or many of them believe, that each body has four souls. One wanders about the earth and re

see neither beauty nor grace, when rage and revenge are in their hearts. It is bl

her. With all a woman's trust she throws herself in his arms. "Save me! save me!" she cries; "do not let them slay me before your eyes; make me your prisoner! [Footnote: When t

prisoner. Another moment's reflection convinced him that that would be

upon them, he gave her one more look, he touched her with his spear, [Footnote: When a Dahcotah touches an e

nt her reeling to the earth. Her lover had forsaken her i

ad most admired her beauty; and her body was trampled

ly did they retrace their steps, and when they reached the spot, they bravely stood t

way. One of the Chippeways seized his frightened child and placed him upon his back. Hi

heart was strong within him. He flies, and the Sioux are close upon his heels! He fires and kills one of them. The other Sioux follows: he has nothing to encumber him-he must be victor in such an unequal contest. Bu

ay piled together; the hearts that had welcomed the

home (nearly one hundred when the party joined them from

e the Chippeways slept, the war-cry of the Sioux aroused them. And though they fought brave

iumphantly, they were greeted with shouts of applause. The scalps were divided a

and covered with vermilion, ornament

for months did the Dahcotah women dance around them. The men wore

ps were buried with the deceased re

e honors paid by his countrymen are a poor recompense for the loss of his love and protection. The life of th

to slay his brother, and the savage alone can present an excuse. The Dahcotah dreams not that it is

PTE

no longer refuse to acknowledge the power of their charms. They asked him eagerly of the fight-whom he had killed first-but they

clung to him, recalling every word and look of Flyin

the recollection of revenge. He had waded in the blood of his enemies; he had trampled upon t

if to flee from the sound. In his dreams he saw again that trustful face, that loo

ave me!" forever whispered every forest leaf, or every flowing wave. Often did he

ut he knew that it was beyond their art, and he

d among the Dahcotahs to seek more scalps, more

battle; but the death that she sought to avert, was a welcome m

KE

R

EN F

*

was away-and the mother's heart was always filled with anxiety, for she knew that Wenona had drawn upon her the envy of her young companions, and she feared that some one of them would cast a spell [Footnote: The Indians fear that from envy or jealo

flected her form told her she was beautiful; yet her brother was the bravest warrior of the Sissetons; and her aged parents too-was not their love enough to satisfy her heart! Never did brother and sister love each other more; their features were the same, y

buffalo robe;-when happiness and plenty were in their wigwams-and when the voices of weak women and famished children were never heard calling for food in vain-then the longing for vengeance that

. "Come, my brother, we will go and sit by the banks of the lake, why should you be unhappy! the buffalo is s

en the darkness was only relieved by the flash that laid the tall trees of the forest low; when the thunder bird clapped her wings as she swept throug

ed to pass in anger over the wigwam of the old man-for the eye of the Dahcotah maiden was losing its brightness, and her step was less firm, as she wandered with her brother in her native woods. Vainly did the medicine

's death, was a severe one. The mother had never been strong, and she soon followed her

winter had settled on

who alone could drive a

that his countenance sh

him Eta Keazah,

opportunity to avenge his own. His sister has never been forgotten; but he remembers her as we do

young son calls upon him to teach him to send the arrow to the heart of the buffalo. But the sufferings of his tribe

PTE

nglish half-breeds and Cree Indians, into the Sisseton country, have caused their buffalo to recede, and so

r. Their families must accompany them, for they have not the smallest porti

m is coming on too; nothing is heard but the howling blast, which mocks the cries of famished children. The drifting of the snow makes it impossible to see what course they ar

e me food! while the dying infant clings to its mother's breas

rcing cold seizes upon the exh

another is clinging to her, she has no time to weep for the dead; nature calls upon her to make an effort for the living. She takes her child and follows the rest. It woul

ood and not die, is the joyful cry of all, and when their fierce appetites are appeased, they carry

owed by those of disease; the strength of many is laid

TER

n for the purpose of carrying away the buffalo they had killed. One of this party had left his companions, and was riding alone at some distance from them. A Dahcotah knew that his nation would suffer from the

them. The rest escaped, and carried the news of the death of their braves to their village. One of the killed was a relative of Sullen Face. The sad news spread rapidly through the v

e us, and take the lives of our warriors. They have taken from us the food that would nourish our wives and children; and more, they have kil

n fifty warriors, stationed himself in the vicinity of the road by wh

s Sioux. A number of Indians were gazing at an object not very distant, and in order to discover what it was, the chief of the

it, he slackened his pace, when suddenly he

a short time, his fears infected the others, but after a while several determined to go and bring a more satisfactory report to their chief. They returned with the body, as

limbs, and, after a consultation, they agreed to send word to the missionaries

home, and with kind nursing he was soon able to account

he way. We lost our way, however, and were eagerly looking for some person who could set us right. Early one morning some Sioux came up with us, and seemed inclined to join our party. One of them left hastily as if sent on a message; after a while a number of warriors,

Watson through the shoulder, and another sent an arrow through his bo

the rest of the cattle. We never heard of him again. The Indians say he disappeared from among the bushes, and they could not find him; but the probability is that they killed him. Some seemed to wish to kill Turner and myself-

mself unable to swim. I tried to carry him across on my back, but could not do it; he was drowned, and I barely succeeded in reaching the shore. After resting, I proceeded on my journey. When I came in sight of the Indian vi

s I know not. There is something

m to belong to the party that had killed his friends

PTE

ile the Aurora Borealis is flashing above us, and the sound of the waters of St. Anthony's Falls meets the ear,) the high bluffs of the Mississippi seem to guard its waters as they glide along. To the south, the St. Peter's has wandered off, preferring gentle

ner gaze with pleasure on the brightness of the sky, or listen to

with my h

n a torrent

le rushing

to its ba

e in my fe

e's foam and the

spears glanci

rumpet in

der of Watson by two Dahcotah Indians, orders were received at Fort Snelling that two companies should proce

of course always ready to "go where glory waits" them, but

a wife to leave; it will be weeks be

e has are in the wash. He will have to borrow of Selden; but here's the difficulty, Selden is going too, and

tors, for hard bread, though healthy, is never te

im for fear of measles; while the disciple of Esculapius, though he knows there will be better cooking i

t will be his happy fate to find out there is danger near, and to give the alarm, Another vows, that if trouble wont come, why he will bring it by quarrelling with the first rascally Indian he meets. All is ready. Rations are put up for the men;-hams, buffalo tongues, pi

ave them three of his warriors, (who were with the party of Sullen Face at the time of the murder,) pr

ghest spirits. But a little incident occurred on their return, that was rather calculated to show the transitoriness of earthly joys. One dark night, when those who were awake w

not bound, their honor had been trusted to;-but you cannot place much reliance on the honor of an Indian with a prison in prospe

health, covered with dust

PTE

nied by others of the band, they started for Fort Snelling. The wife of Sullen Face had insisted upon accompanying him, and influenced by a presentiment that he should never return to his native village, he al

soners. A large number of Indians assembled to witness the scen

ther's hand. In a moment the iron grasp of the soldier was on the prisoner's shoulder; they entered the gate of the fort; and he, who had felt that the winds of Heaven were not more free than a Dahcota

he buffalo for your mother." But to his wife he only said, "I have done no wrong, and fear not the power of my enemies." Th

e. "Beautiful country!" said he, as he gazed towards the point where the waters of the Mississippi and St. Peter's meet. "I shall never look upon you again, the waters of the rivers

urder, suffered much from sickness. Sullen Face would not complain, but the others tried to induce him to make hi

tones. They were obliged, however, to hide themselves for a time among the rocks, to elude the sherif

ued their journey with difficulty, for they were near perishing from want of food. They found a pl

near Prairie le Gros, he became so ill that he was unable to proceed. He insisted upon his friends leaving him; this they at first re

m. But he heeded not their kindness. Death had dimmed the brightness of his ey

led. My spirit drooped within his hated walls? But hark! there is music in my ears-'tis the voice of the sister of my youth-"Come with me my brother, we wait for you in the house of the spirits! we

n death, but his lips murmu

-YAH-

SP

*

PTE

e borders of the Chippeway country. There had recently been a fight near the spot where they were, and the Dah

e the cry of a bird or of some animal, so that if the attention of their enemies should be drawn

nd this was the close of their last day's efforts to that int

ment gave sign of what it was that excited their curiosity. All at once there was a fearful foreboding; they remembered why they were there, and they de

eved from their terrible suspense,

nd the skins were stretched upon poles; while on separate poles the hands were placed, with one finger of each

hcotahs. And besides, the hands pointing to the country of the Dahcotahs-did it not plainly say to the spies, go back to

nt to their indignation. Then their smothered rage burst forth. They hastened to return and tell the event of their journey. They forgot how grieved the wives and

o them what they had seen. A council of war was held, which resulted in immediate preparations

and there is in every village a war chief, who conducts the party. The war danc

uggler besides; and he had a reputation acquired from an act performed when he was a very young man, which show

"the Owl" got separated from the rest of the party, and he climbed a tree to see if he could discover his comrades

rk he commenced hooting like an owl, having previously transformed himself into one. The Chippeways looked up towards the tree and asked the owl what he was doing there. The owl replied that he had come to

on and a name besides; for until now he had been called Chaskè, a name always g

rmed every third or, fourth night until the party left. For each dance the war chief had a hew set of performers; only so many were asked at a time as could conv

their war chief. He was to direct them where to find the enemy,

nd they would build large fires at night, and te

regulation! his gun is broken, his blanket cut to pieces, and he is told to return home. Such was the fate of Iron Eyes, who wandered from the party to shoot a bird on the wing, contrary to the orders of their chief. But although dis

sameness of the view. On the opposite side of the Mississippi, high bluffs, with their worn sides and broken rocks, hung over the river; and in the centre of its waters lay the sacred isles, whose many trees and bushes wanted only the warm breath of summer to display their luxuriance. The war chief commenced. He

de a gun being fired off; no straggling was allowed; none but

esy where the enemy, was to be found, and about their number; and besides, he had to charm the spirits of their ene

lie down as if asleep, when the war chief signifies the approach of

commencing his song. Near this hole he placed a hoop, against which are laid all the war implements of the chief. Before the song commences the warrio

this ensures to the Dahcotahs success in battle. And most solemnly did the Owl assert to his sol

ve the spirits of their enemies. About noon they sat down to rest, and waited until the remainder of the party came up. When t

They, congratulated each other by looks, too cautious even to whisper. In a few moments a hundred Chippeways could be called up, but still the Dahcotahs plunge i

of evil. At their camp the Chippeways had made pickets, for they knew they might

ent any alarm being given by the breaking of a twig or the rustling of the leaves. They were very near the Chippeways, when the war ch

tter to bear a trophy to their country, to say, Our comrades are avenged. Nor was that a

re out of the reach of attack, when their feet trod again upon Dahcotah soil, then they stopped to stre

s rise before their view. They know that their young wives will rejoice

ses the inhabitants of the village from their duties or amusements. The warriors enter the village in triumph, one by one, each bearing the s

n may their rejoicings be lost in cries of terror! Even now they tremble at the sound of their own voices when

PTE

hat purpose. Many years ago a woman made a teepee of deer-skin; and was taken suddenly ill, and died immediately after. Some reason must be found for the cause of her death, and

ook into a looking-glass; for the medicine

d so powerful, as to be able to take the thunder in his hand and cast it to the ground. He dresses in many colors, and wears a forked hat. One side of his face is red, the

rarely performed. The following incident will show how great is their reverence for this singular being. An Indian made a v

hot stone, and the water flew on the others, and scalded them badly; the image of the giant was also displaced; the Indians never dreamed of attributing their burns to the nat

re faithful in acting up to all its requirements. Every feast

es turned their attention to making sugar. Many groves of sugar trees were in sig

, anxious to celebrate it. Neither need it be concluded that this occasioned them no loss of time; for they were all occupie

f them who could not eat all that was given him was obliged to pay leggins, or a blanket, or something valuable, to the med

ion; for almost all of them were made quite ill by excess, and were seen at

TER

t's indisposition. But there was no hesitating when the war chief spoke; so she placed her child upon her back, and seated herself in the stern of the canoe, paddling gently along the shore where

nclined, he would point out to his wife the place where he shot a deer, or where he killed the man who had threatened his life.

ike a good wife, she shone by the r

and towards evening many of the Indians were assembled in the wigwam

the Dahcotahs, and they have had many battles. My father was a great medicine man; he was killed many years ago, and his spirit wandered about the earth. The Thunder-bird wanted him, and Unk-ta-he wanted him, for they said he wou

Dahcotah again, and lived in this village. He taught me all that I know, and when I go to the land of spir

e but believed that he could by a spell cause their instant dea

le of her want of reason. Generally she sat quiet, but if the cry of an infant fell

left her village to seek her friends in some of the neighboring

etched by her desolate condition-that home where she had been very happy w

trees for food; but they were on the open prairie. There was nothing to satisfy the wretched cravings of hunger, and her child

ough instinct, for forgetting and forgotten by all w

d to kill her, but were afraid to

o the shore, and there, with only her h

r. She is perfectly harmless, and the wife of the war chie

asting-and when her appetite is satisfied, she seems to live

tradition was far from them, but the Dahcotahs tell each other over and over again the stories which have been handed down from their fathers, and these incident

comrade to eat, but he refused. The other argued with

y his importunities, consented to eat, but added with a mysterious look, 'My friend, I hope

the terrible thirst continued, and at last the Indian, who had begged his companion to eat, began to be tired of bringing him water to drink. He therefore told him he would bring him no more, and requested

ssage of the St. Croix; so much so that the

rsion up the river, and when they got near the fi

some red down in it. She then placed the dish near the fish in the river, and entreated the fish to

led down in the water, and

h, was loved by him when he was a Dahcotah,

was half spent when they separated to rest, with as firm a faith in the s

ustr

IDEN'S

R

NA'S

ippi river. It is about twenty miles in

h, particularly the sturgeon. On its shores the traveller gathers white and red agates, and sometimes specimens streaked with veins of gold color. The

e lake, the Chippeway

issi

lean over towards the water. With this rock is associa

maiden as delivering an oration from the top of the rock, long enough for an address at a college celebration. It has been s

d, too, that the hero

mistake, the maid

red. They are offended if you suggest the possibility of its being a fiction. Indeed they fix

row into it the feeling, and energy of

hs to which Wenona belonged, lived near Fort Snelling. The

ellent as an article of food, and the women stain their quills to ornament the dresses of the men, their mocassins, and many other articles in use among them.

mily. She declared she never would consent to be the wife of the man whom her parents had chosen for her, though he was y

ot now hunt deer for you and me, and what shall we do for food? Chaskè

is a great warrior too. When your brother died, did he no

al. "I do not love him, I will not

discouraged. He killed game and supplied the wants of the famil

e girl entreated them not to receive them, but the lover refused

th many presents; whatever would make the family comfortable on their journey

mping for a time opposite the Maiden's Rock to rest from their journey, the hunters determined to go f

over, when suddenly a loud cry was heard

ore, and the mother continued to sh

matter? "Do you not see my daughter?" she said;

on to the Spirit of the Rock, calm and unconcerned in her dangerous po

called to her and entreated her to go back from the edge of the rock. "Come down to us, my

disobeyed you; and could I have married the man I love, I should have been happy, and would never have left you. But you have been cr

if to intimate to them that their efforts were in vain. But when they were quite near, so that they held out t

ave killed her, for she fell like a dead bird, amidst the sh

dsomest clothing, placed upon a

ver her earthly remains; for her spirit was offended w

Dahcotahs; and why not apply t

on to doubt the actual oc

jealousy, or from the fear of being forced to marry some one she dislikes. A short time ago a very young

e engagement. Even her sister did not object, nay, rather seemed anxious to for

d soon overtook her. He renewed his entreaties, and finding her still obstinate, he told h

e desired effect, for the girl expre

ell his wife of the return of her sister, and that

ging to a tree, forever free from the power of her tormentors. He

ame time one that would tell better, than where she fastens an old leather strap about her neck, and dies literally by choking. But there is this to be taken into consideration. When she hangs herself near the village, she can manage affairs so that she can be cut do

fe would have been all happiness-without him, all

re she would become his wife; and he would smile, as if he had but little faith in the words of a woman. Now he should see that her

her lover would admire that firmness which made

ff, and as the shades of evening are throwing dimness and a mystery around the beauty of the lake, and of the mountains, he fancies he can see the arms of the girl as she tosses them wildly in the air. Some hav

ich fixes a date to the incident, as well a

t the band of Indians went and obtained the porcupines,

a scaffold. The father in the middle of the night went out to mourn for his child. While he leant against the scaffold weeping, he saw a man watching him. The stranger did not appear

ather went out again to lament its death. The same figure appe

d their camp again, and at nigh

med in the way they anticipated, for their foes came bodily, and when daylight appeared, one thousand Chip

Dahcotahs were totally unprepared for them, and many

n fled to their canoes, but the Chippeways were too quick for them; and the

anoe was pushed from the shore, it would whirl round, and the delighted Chippeways caught the can

cotah boy prisoner. The party had not travelled far, when a number of Dahcotahs attacked the Chippeways, but the latter succeeded in kill

e for the canoe of the Dahcotah. In a moment he had reached and entered it, and the

rst attacked by the Chippeways, he saw he had but one chance, so he dive

gone some distance, he ventured where the water was warmer, which he kn

by the Dahcotahs. And according to their tradition, the lovers and family of Wenona perished in this bat

IAN IN

*

er are hard to bear. Want was an evil from which they were suffering; though the Dahcotahs were not so poor then as they are now. They had

entered into his body; they used the sacred rattle. But Ahaktah's throat got worse; he died, and w

w their attention to the door. There stood he for whom they mourned. The dead man again took his place among those who sat beside the hous

and in that short time I have seen many strange things. First, I passed through a beautiful country; the forest-trees were larger than any you have ever seen. Birds of all colors filled them, and their music was as loud as when our medicine men play for us to celebra

sang their death songs under the tomahawk of their enemies. Neither did any woman ever assist. She is not considered worthy to touch the war implements of a Dahcotah warrior,

arranged the war-eagle feathers in my head. Here, I said to myself, did my father rest when he was on the same journey. I was tired, but I could not wait-I longed to see my friends who had travelled this path before me-I longed to tell them that the Dahcotah

me one, but all was desolate; and beautiful as everything wa

s were built regularly on the shores of the river. As far as I c

my journey's end. The river was wide and deep, and the waves were swiftly following one another, when I plunged among them; soon I reached the opposite shore, and a

was my mother's brother, Flying Wind, the medicine man. I reme

ad not eaten since I left the earth. I asked my uncle for some rice to eat, but he did not

e yourself with food when you have no means of killing game? When my home was on the Mississippi, the warriors of the Da

rs? where is my brother who fell under the tomahawk of his enemy? where is my sister who threw herself into the power of Unktahe, rather than to

planting corn and tanning deer-skin. But you will not now see them; your step is firm and your eye is bright; you must return

nd arrow. I took it, and while trying it

elt sad when I heard her cry, 'My son! my son!' Then I recollect being on the top of the half-side mountain on Lake Pepin. Afterwards I was on the mountain near Red Wing's village, and again I stood on a rock, on a point of land near where the waters of the Mississippi and S

given him by his uncle, and that he was always successful in hunting or in war; that he en

E-MO

WAND

*

by a summer's sun, played at checker's, or drank, or slept, from morn till night, and seemed to forget that they were the greatest warriors and hunters in the

rrows, and drawing out one arrow from the quive

away, and the setting sun warned him, not only of the approach of night, but of musquitoes too. He thought he would build a fire

sticking in its side. He drew the arrow out, then cut out the tongue, and after making a fire, he put the

and rubbed his eyes, and the woman pointed to the path which led across the prairies

he air, and changing her form to that of a beautiful bird, blue as the sky that hangs over the morning's mist, she flew away. Chaskè was surprised and delight

cheated out of my supper to-night," said he; so he cut the tongue out of the moose and placed it before the fire to roast. Hardly had he seated hi

rm, determined to find out who she was, she, turning upon

him, but already had he been twice baffled by a woman. Still he continued his journey. He had this consolation, the Dahcotah girls did not turn into birds and fly away. At least there was the charm of novelty in the incidents. The next day he killed a

m lightly and pointed to the path. Her back was turned towards him, and instead of r

turned her face to him, and Chaskè

lack like the Dahcotah maidens', but it hung in golden ringlets about her face and neck. The warm blood tinted her cheeks as she met the ardent

wise men of the Dahcotahs, beavers and bears have souls. They have many traditions about bear and beaver-wom

"but you are more beautiful than the Spirits of

e to my white lodge, and we will be happy; for see the bright water as it falls on the rocks. We will sit by

and were very happy. They were still happier when their little boy began to play about the lodge; for although

n the evening from hunting, she was always glad to see him, and while he rested himself and smoked, she would cook his meat for him, and seem anxious to make him comfortable. But he had never seen her eat; and when he w

he took his bow and arrows, as if he were going out on a day's hunt. After going a short dist

r, she cut down a number of the small and tender poplars, and, carrying them home, ate them as if she enjoyed them very much. Chaskè was infinitely relieved when he saw that hi

sin Flower," for her golden ringlets reminded him of that beautiful flower. "She shall not have to cut the trees down herself," said Chaskè, "I will bring her food while she prepares mine." So he went out to hunt, and returned in the

she was very angry; and, taking her child in her arms, she left the lodge. Chaskè was astonished to see his gentle wife angry

elf. But, as night came on, and neither she nor the child returned, the deserted husband grew despera

llowing it up a little way he came to a beaver dam, and on it sat his wife with her chi

id you leave me?" called he. "I should h

d Mocassin Flower. "You need not have watched me to find out what I eat. R

r would not let him. She tied a string to his leg and told him to go, and the child would plunge into the wa

the lodge; but she refused to do so, and sat combing her long hair. The child had cried itself

waked him as of old. He started and looked at her, and perceiving

Dahcotah warrior still l

ell," replied the Dahcotah;

time; but she sighs to return home-her he

the beaver dam where his wife still sat. In the meantime the woman who h

to the Dahcotah;

nge woman bringing her husband food. "Who are you," she cried, "that are tro

"do not the souls of the bears enjoy

the Bear woman had brought him. When he had done eating, she took the bark dishes. "Come with me," sh

encouragement to remain. "Well," said he, "I always

e anything but dogs in comparison with a Dahcotah warrior. Yes, he who had scorned the Dahcotah girls, as they sm

young Dahcotah had the advantage; though the little bear would roll and tumble, and stick his claws into the Dahcotah, yet it always ended by the little bear's capering off and roaring after his mother. Perhaps this was

the matter?

re is a hunter out there who wants

is arrow; but instead of hurting her, the arrow fell to the ground, and the

ying, he took the little Dahcotah in his arms, and followed his wife. Towards evening he came up with her, but she did not seem glad to see him. He asked her why she left him; she replied, "I want t

oman. "There is the great village of the bears. There are many young men there that loved me, and they will hate you because I preferred

man back again, but they hated the Dahcotah, and determined on his death. However, they received him hospita

young bears; and on one occasion, being pretty hungry, a cub annoying him at the time very much, he deliberately shot the cub with his bow and arr

for his own death; but whenever he contended with the bears he came off victor. Whether in running a foot race, or shoot

s native village, and nothing had ever been he

d left home but a few years before? The little boy that held his hand was cheerful enough, and seemed

them of the faithlessness of the bear woman also, you heard nothing but shouts of derision. Was it not a triumph for the

ce of the warrior, she would fain have offered to put new mocassins upon his feet, and bring him food. But she dared not s

f the earth with you, but you despised me. You have come back, and are laughed at. Care has broken your spirit, or you would not submit to the sneers of your old friends, and the contempt

with his present, who was as faithful and obedient as they were false and troublesome. "And he. found," says Chequered Cloud, "that there was no land like the Dahcotah's, no rive

long journey. Death has touched him, but not lightly, and pointed to the path which leads to the Land of Spirits-and he d

ad upon the ground, with only her blanket for a covering; when you are hungry you eat, but for days has the Dahcotah woman wanted for food, and there was none to give it. Your children

upon his wife instead of his enemy, even then the Dahcotah woman must live and suffer on." "But, Chequered Cloud, the sp

earth, and requires food; another protects the body; the third goes to the

You would then learn that there is but one soul, and that that soul will b

aws of our forefathers, the spirits of the dead will punish us. We must keep up the customs of our tribe. If we are afraid that the thunder will strike us, we dance in honor of it, and

ure one who has not harmed them; but where is the Dahcota

, and yet it strikes you. What is the

apping of its wings. But it is the young ones who do the mischief. The parent bird would not hurt a Dahcotah. Long

ainted the lightning. Our warriors were once out hunting in the winter, when a terrible storm came on, and a large thunder bird descended to the

E-CHU

WI

*

hippeways and Dahcotahs meet there is generally bloodshed; and, however highly Hole-in-the-Day may be es

ut danger from the tomahawk of his enemies. He proposed to pay them certain articles, which he should rece

behind them, contrasting its whiteness with their dark countenances and their gay ornaments and clothing. For some years there had

warrior in the nation; he had won the admiration of his people, and they had made him chief

t to feel the keen wind that was shaking the feathers in t

not revenge it. If wars should continue, you and I will not take part in them. You shall not fight, neither will I. There shall be no more war in that part of the country lying between Pine Island and the place called Hanoi catnip, (They shot them

last winter to treat of peace, however great your numbers, we should have killed you all. White men had ordered us to do

hunt on their lands to the borders of the prairie, but that they should not enter the prairie. The Chippew

eace shall be forever," and, turning to Wandiokiya (the Man that talks to the Eagle), a Dahcotah who had been taugh

. The Dahcotah adds, "We have now learned that the object of Hole-in-the-Day was to deceive and kill us; a

ceived us, deceived us

ay led the ban

DIOK

PTE

to witness. There has been great diversity of opinion concerning Hole-in-the-Day, The Chippeways and Dahc

towards the civilization of his people; he tried to induce them to cultivate the ground; indeed, he sometimes assumed the duties which among savages are supposed

isputing among themselves, or neglecting any thing which he found necessary to his c

nd their father felt their loss most keenly. Grave and stoical as was h

was possible. Loved by his tribe, feared by his enemies, respected and well treated by the white people, wha

ay river, about thirty miles northeast of Lac qui parle. The women raised the teepees, six in number, and prepared the scanty portion of food for their families. Here they remained, until their patience was almost exhausted, con

e were few to be seen. Some of the Indians proposed moving their camp where game was more plenty-where they might see deer, and use their bows and arrows to some purpose. But others

moving off in search of food, the other half remaining where the

g on towards evening, when the Dahcotahs heard the sound of footsteps, and their satisfaction was very great, when they percei

ad not returned when the Chippeways arrived. His two wives were with the Dahcotahs who received the Chippeways. One of these

pipe of peace with him, but some of them have left us to seek for food. We welcome you, and will eat together, and our friendship shall last forever." Hole-in-the-Day met his advances with every a

in requisition to feast the Chippeways. After eating, the pipe went round again, and at a la

oes; but that heart was beating fast, for in a moment he raises himself cautiously, gazes and smiles too upon the sleeping Dahcotah beside him. He gives the appointed signal, and instantaneously plunges hi

ar, though their protector was absent. The elder of the two clasped her children to her heart, consoled, in a measure, while listening to their calm brea

er and child. The bullet that kills the sleeping infant on its mother's breast, wounds the mother also; but she flies in horror, though not soon enough to escape the sight of her other pleading child, her warrior-son, vainly clasping his hands in entrea

TER

r more from the picture of her children, murdered before her eyes. She knew the direction in which the Dahcotahs who had left the party had encamped, and she direc

he utmost consternation prevailed among the Indians, but revenge was the second thought, and rapidly were their preparations

side their weapons, and reposed on the faith of their enemies, their strong limbs powerless, their faces turned towards the light, which fell upon their glassy eyes. See the mother, as she bends over the bodies of her innocent children!-her b

ys. His children are dead before his eyes, and their mother, always obedient and attentive, does not hear him whe

among the Dahcotahs, with the assistance of an Indian

the three teepees, no more than four

s of her murdered friends are yet sounding in her ears; and she knows not how soon their fate may be hers. Every step of the weary journey she pursues, takes her farther from her country. She dares not weep, she c

her, that she is the subject of their dispute, until the chief rai

he-Day and his warriors are received with manifestations of delight. They wel

uickness that there is no female among those who are looking at her as beautiful as she is. It may be that she may be required to light the household fires for one of her enemies. She sees th

hing but death can relieve her. Where are the spirits of th

pt her, and treated her with every kindness. He ordered his men not to take h

but at length she is brought out to be presen

ance was a contrast to the angry and excited faces that lowered upon her; but the chief looked unconcerned as to the event.

d often travelled far and suffered much to take the life of an enemy; and here, where there is one in their power, should they lose the opportunity of revenge? She was but a woman, but the Dahcotah blood flowed in her veins. She was not fit to live. The Eagle spoke next. He was glad that the chief had taken the prisoner to his teepee-it had been always customary occasionally to adopt a prisoner, and the chief did well to keep up the customs of their tribe. The prison

what their words portended. When the Eagle rose to speak, she recognized the warrior whose looks had frightened her; she knew he was pleading for her life too; but the memory of her husband took away the fear of death. Death with a thousand terrors, rather than live a w

pare her life; she has lived in my teepee; she is one of my family; you have assembled in council to-day to decide her fate-I have decided it. When I took her to my

ished to take her life, he continued, while his ey

will take the life of my prisoner? Come! she is here; why do yo

y leads her from the council and points to his teepee, which is again her home, and wher

PTE

ng that she was still alive, he could not give up the hope of seeing her again. Accordingly, the facts were made known at Fort Sne

de of the gate of the fort, showed that something unusual was occasioning expressions of pleasure; and as the

rs were soon there too-and the long sepa

tered the room where were assembled the Indians and the officers of the garrison. He shook hands with the o

y and recent fatigue. She listened while the Dahcotahs talked with the agent and the commanding officer; and at la

c prints, it was stated that he was thrown from his carriage and killed. Thi

ars, however, he could not withstand the temptation; and, on one occasion, being exceedingly drunk, h

ost noted Indians of the present day;

THE ANTI-NATURAL GOD;

ite Deer, a Sioux Warr

lli

ON OF THE

he g

he giant uses fo

at that the giant

other

er the door leadi

ament ove

ourt ornamen

do. do. wit

deer; 11. an el

Incense-

deer's claws, us

g flute o

eors that the giant sen

ect him fr

ant surrounded with li

s of animals t

bunches fastened to th

hese bunches of red do

found dead in

a large fungus that g

hat enters the court,

r de

ightning going fr

and hat. 31. Hi

-ZE

GIANT GODS OF

ere is a cold spell early in the warm weather, the Dahcotahs say Wah-zee-yah is looking back. When the son of Wah-zee-yah was killed, there were six on each side; the B

et hung to it; these are offerings made to the Great Spirit, to propitiate him. White Dog, who lives near Fort Snelling, says he has often prayed to the Great Spirit to keep him from sin, and to enable him and his family to do right. When he wishes to make an offering to the Great Spirit,

that "Iron Members," who died last summer

t the Giant. He wore a three-cornered hat, and one side was bright as the sun; so

re stood the Giant. Notwithstanding his position, his head reached to the top of the trees. The Giant was going northwards, and did not notice the Indian or stop; he says he watch

all the fires of the Dahcotahs, and then direct his men where to find the Chippeways. He would take a spoonful of sugar, and the same quantity of whiskey, and make an offering to the spirits of their enemies; he would sing to them, an

ral powers of a person who dislikes them. They consider the burning of incense a preventive of evil, and believe it wards off danger from lightning. T

's house" by the Dahcotahs; they say it is the residence of Unktahe, and under the hill is a subterranean passage, thro

Dahcotah, and as they approached this hill the Dahcotah exclaimed, "Do you not see him, there he is." And al

iant," she said; "and I was frightened when I woke; and I told my husband that I would give a dance to the Giant to propitiate him; but my husband said that I was not able to go through the Giant's dance; that I would only fail,

o give any idea of the n

animated with them; eve

ong the Greeks of ol

st animals are the obj

when they will acknow

and Heaven, the Sover

N LIFE A

R

ND THE TH

(Thunder,) do battle against each other. Sometimes the thunder birds are conque

ss, and want, and death, so long will they leave the haunts of men to weep where none but the Great Spirit may witness their tears. It

usband to his native village to be buried; my authority is the "medicine woma

e planted the poles of their teepees. Silence reigns where the merry laugh of the villagers often met in cho

PTE

s," the waves rose up, and heaved to and fro. Unktahe was eager to fight against his ancient enemies; for as the storm spirits shrieked wildly, the waters tossed above each other; the large forest trees were uptor

l upon the tall form of the chief, he turned his keen glance from the swift-flying clouds to the waters, where dwelt the god whose anger he had ever been taught to fear. He longed, though trembling, to see the countenance

. Trembling and crouching to the ground were the mothers and children, as the teepee shook from the force of the wind. The young children hid their faces close against thei

at towered above the river, rose a teepee, smaller than the rest.

rs! Evil had been the

, ever and anon scattered by the wind over the wretched household articles that lay aroun

made her a being of light and life. The head that lies on the earth was once pillowed on the breast of

and hail scatter her wild locks? She feels it not. Life

ears not the thunder, nor sees the angry lightning. She has laid upon the s

gwam. He was not alone; his comrade, "T

skin, throwing water upon it. She had smoked it too, and now it was ready to make into mocassins or leggins. She had determined, while she was tanning the deer-skin, how she would embroider them.

ked and placed in a wooden bowl before t

little time in talking, for the pipe was put by, and they were about to leave the teepee, when the son's steps were arrested by his mother's asking him if he were going out again on a hunt. "There is f

ther, and he knew it would grieve her to be

ear the 'long knives' [Footnote: Officers and soldiers are called long knives among the Sioux, from their wearing swords.] will carry you a prisoner to their fort? I will tell you wh

him she would not survive it. The knife she carried in her belt was ready to do its deadly work. She implored him to stay, calling to his mind the deaths of his fathe

of his mother. "Is not a woman a dog?" he said. "Do you intend to stay all night to hear your mother

f sight, while Harpstenah sat weeping, and swaying her body to and fro, lamenting the hour s

iries. Day and night they were on their guard; the chirping of the small bird by day, as well as the hooting of an owl by night-either might be the feigned voice of a tomahawked enemy. And as they approached St. Anthony's Falls, they had still another cause for

ing them in their canoes, they were joined by the Indians who had been

d from the tower at Fort Snelling, had been long out of sight. They

e maddening drink had made the blood in their dull veins course quickly. They anticipated the excitement that would mak

said the Rattler; "the long knives are eve

ing their liquor near us, and sell it, but if we buy it we are punished. When I was young," he added, bitterly, "the Dahcotahs were free; they went and came as they chose. There were no soldiers sent to our

uah Wechastah, had been drinking. They knew that the Chippeway interpreter was away, and that his wife was alone. They went, like cowards as they were, to frighten a woman. They yelled and sung, they beat against her door,

an uncle among the Tetons, go and visit him. You brought the fire water here, you frightened the wife of the Interpreter, an

ht; they are sleeping even now. We will have a merry night, and when the sun is high, and the long knives come to seek me, you may laugh at them, and tell them to follow me to the country

the revellers slept-when the soldiers

She looked out of the door of her teepee. She saw noth

were thrust back into their teepees by the bayonets of the long knives, and the voice of t

not hear them as they approached; they were drinking and shouting. White Deer had raised t

he teepee. The soldiers struck it to piec

threw from him his clothes and his blanket. He was a pris

he fort. His old father soon followed him; he offered to sta

d with the white man; they keep a watch ov

e winter, and have never asked clothing, and from hunger, and have never asked food. My wife has never stood at the gate to ask bread, nor have my daughters adorned themselves to attract the eyes of their

us our rights, and then gain us over by fair words. I hate them; and had not our warriors turned women, and learned to fear them, I would gladly climb their w

PTE

before her. Yet she was once the belle of an Indian village; no step so light, no laugh

e Sioux. Her sisters were married, and she had seen but fourteen summers when

sides. Cloudy Sky was willing to pay them well for their child. So she was told that her fat

at her, and told her that she was to have for a husband an old man without a nose. And it was true, though Cloudy Sky could once have boasted of a fine aquiline. He had been drinking f

events of the past day; for a time she ceased to think of the young man she loved, and the old one she hated. In her dreams she had travelled a long journey, and was seated on the river shore, to rest her ti

her mother, but her lips were sealed, and her voice powerless. She would have turned her face from the waters, but even this

ever feared that terrible race of beings whose home

ead. You have danced in the scalp-dance, and have reverenced the customs of the Sioux. You have shed many tears. You love Red De

r days I am to take my seat beside Cloudy Sky in his wigwam. He has twice

water have determined on the death of Cloudy Sky. He has already lived three times on earth. For many years he wande

ong ago we have said that the time should come, when we would destroy him from the earth. It is for you to take

urage when she is to be forced to marry a man she hates?" "The words of the fairy were wise and true," thought the maiden. "Our medicine-men say that the fairies of the water are

e "image of death" had chased away the impression left on his features of a fierce struggle with a hard life. How often had he warned her of the danger of offending Cloudy Sky, that sickness, famine, deat

ly of Cloudy Sky was a large one; there were many who would esteem it a sacred duty to avenge his death. Besides he would

. "When we were children, you made me mocassins, and paddled the canoe for me, and I brought the wild duck, which I shot while it was flying, to you. You p

e my eye, and the color my cheek; that my step should be slow and weary, and soon would I be laid in the earth beside my brothers. The spirit that should watch beside my body would be offended for my sin in disobeying the counsel of the aged. You, too, should die,

otion to her lover, her hatred of Cloudy Sky, and her faith in her dream, Harpstenah determined her heart should no

TER

r four times a day; if scarce, they eat but once. Sometimes they go without food for several days, and often they

and they are invariably hospitable and generous, always offer

or he was going out to hunt. Wild duck, pigeons, and snipe, could be had in abundance; the timid grouse, too, could be roused up on the pra

eat, the old man lift

y upon us, and give me

s, and the father went his way, leaving his wife

ipe, and then, seating himself outside, began to smoke. He was, in truth, a sorry figure for a bridegroom. Always repuls

es relieved the universal darkness. His blanket was torn and old-his h

sumed in honor of the man whom he had hated-whose life he had destroyed-who

nah, who appeared to be unconscious of his presence, now fixing

s pipe-stem. It was a very warm day, and the perspiration that was bursting from

and?" at length he

ing," she replied, "and he has go

come back

give a medicine feast to-morro

ar a new blanket, and plait his hair, and paint his face a more becoming color. But she knew his looks could not be improved, and she went on cutting wood, as unconcernedly as if the old war chief were her grandfather, instead o

approach, and stretch themselves on the grass to listen to him. "There is no nation so great as the Dahcotah-but our people are not so great now as they were formerly. When our forefathers killed buffaloes on these prairies, that the white people now ride across as if they were th

as children beside them. Their bones have been preserved through many generations. They are sacred

ollowed the Thunder Birds as they darted among the clouds. When the heavens were black, and the rain fell in big drops, a

ance against the Thunder Birds. They showed us their terrible horns, but they tried to frighten us in vain. We were but forty; we fl

n showed himself from behind the dark clouds. But soon our anger rose. The winds flew along swift

I remembered I had been a Sioux warrior. He held his shield before him, as he tried

ved his body. The sons of Unktahe shouted fearful c

n the heavens and the earth. The strife was over, and we were conquerors. I know that Unktahe hates me-that he would kill me if he could-but the Thun

e water told me that he had offended her race. I will do their bidding. Cloudy Sky may boast of his power, but ere two nig

PTE

e excited girl. Her father slept, tired with the day's hunt; and her mother

ts waters. It was bright as day; so clear was the lake, that the agates near the shore sparkled in its waters. The cry of the whipp

t. She had not seen her lover for many days; from the time that her marriage was determined upon, the young warrior had kept aloof from her. She had seized her opportunity to tell him that he must meet

ke to him, and he might not intend to come. Long she waited in vain, and

ted place. The bright moonlight fell upon her features, and her rich dress, as she waited with folded arms for her lover to address her. Her okendokenda of bright colors was slightly open at the neck, and revealed brooches of

ggins and mocassins proved that she had spent much time and labor

ave you come to tell me of the presents Cloudy Sky has made you, or do you wis

nd for the presents Cloudy Sky left for me, I have trampled them und

d to marry him. You are a coward to mind a little pain. Go, marry the old medicine man; he will beat you as he has his other wives; he may strike you with his tomahawk and kill you, as he did his first wife; or he will sell you to the traders, as he did the other; h

Cloudy Sky boasts that he is the friend of the thunder bird; in my dreams, I have seen the fairy of the waters, and he told me that Cloudy Sky should die by my hand. My words are tru

e will think that I have murdered him. It will be long ere I see you again, but in the moon that we gather wild rice, [Footnote: September] return, and I will be your wife. Go, now," she added, "say to your mother that you are going to visit your friends, and before th

He charged her to remember the secret spells of the medicine man. If she loved him it was far better to go with him now; they would soon be out

t in the thick bushes, he could see her again as she made her way along

nting, and, telling his mother he was goi

PTE

rated the next day, and Cloudy Sky was thus relieved

white blanket was marked according to Indian custom. On it was painted a black hand, that all might know that he had killed his enemy. But for all he did no

that upon her energy depended her future fate. Never did her spirit shrink from its appointed task. Nor

ked; afterwards she cut down branches of trees, and swept the wigwam. In the evening, the vill

roup had been seated on the ground, discussing their own and others' affairs. "No harm can come to you, my daughter, when you are the wife of so great a medicine man. If any one hate you and wish t

of the spirit lake is gone. I must sleep, that I may be ready to dress myself when you call me. My hair must be bra

ayed to Haokah the Giant, to give her power to perform a great deed. Assured that h

cine known only to the clan had been preserved for ages. Sacred had it ever been from the touch of woman. It was placed there to guard the me

rrible vengeance upon her head. Ready to sink to the earth with terror, the words of the fairy of the wat

heart has ceased-her hand is upon the handle of her k

onted, the old man and the maiden! The tyrant and his victim

she had feared-whose looks had checked her childish mirth, whose anger she

that were, fixed upon him, for he muttered of the road to the l

d of the Thunder Birds was worthy. Strike the

eel," and she drew it out, the life blood c

e. It was easy to wash the stains on

ied to sleep, fancied she heard the wild laugh of the water spirits. Clouds had obscured the moon, and distant thunder rolled along the sky; and, rou

own to be far away. It only remained to bury Clou

he fountains of a Sioux woman's tears are easily u

ho still trembled lest the spirit of the dead war-chief would haunt them. The richest clo

his strength would fail him, were it not for the refreshment of the tender flesh of the wild d

d again in the ball plays on the prairies. It needed no vermilion on her cheek t

that the leaves began to fall, they prepared the wi

h game-and winter found her a wife, and a happy one too; for Red Deer loved her in v

PTE

ught another wife to his teepee. Harpstenah was without a rival in his aff

he could, for his father's strength was gone. Consumption wasted his l

ger to have their strength renewed, in the country where their ancestors were still in the vigor of early youth. The band at Lake Calhoun were going on a hunt for porcupines; a long hunt, and

d, for in it lay the dying man-by his side his patient wife. The play of the children had ceased-they watched with silent awe the pale face and bright eye of their

remembers the body which it has so long inhabited shall be buried far from its native village. Your words were wise when you told me I had not strength to travel so far, and now my body must li

lk by my side. My heart is as brave now as it was when I took the life of the medicine man. The love that gave me courage then, will give me strength now. Fear not for me; my

ed watch. The mother looked at the faces of her sleeping sons, and listen

as but the wreck of a deserted

his, he had reached the lodge where the freed spi

y of her husband. By day, she had borne it all the weary way; at night, she had stopped to rest and to weep. Nor di

the burden, and afterwards

r love, nor could the floods dr

d and youth was deserted. Her husband forgotten by all but herself. Her two sons we

comes as often by the fire water purchased from the white people,

brought to her, his dark features stiff in death. The death blow was given

*

tains of heaven were unsealed, those of her heart were closed forever. Never more should tears relieve her, who had shed so many. Often had she gone into t

en. "She has gone to the prairies to

ing of day. The widowed wife and childless mother was fou

strength of Red Deer had wasted under a lingering disease; his

ahe rests upon a Dahcotah, it is the sure prognostic of coming evil. The fury o

*

are seen the outstretched arms of the suffering Dahcotah wom

e lands of the red man are needed-one party make

d be taught to avoid the many sins they commit; and, oh! how gladly would many of them have their young children accustomed to shudder at the sight of a fellow creature's blood. Like us, they pour ou

have never conceived. Winter after winter passes,

aries who are giving their lives to them and God. Send them money, t

he wants of those who are sent to schoo

to relieve. Let their deathless souls be taught the way of life, that they and we, after th

AH O

CE TO T

PTE

re is the sacrifice to this deity, that there are few who have courage to at

incipal. He is styled the anti-natural god. In summer he feels cold, in w

hat when he dreams of Haokah, calamity is impending and c

ng the Sioux. I allude to the desertion of Wenona by her lover. It serves

often from selfish motives tramples upon the heart that trusts him-so does woman utter

not for a moment of the sorrow and disgrace he would bring upon Wenona, while Wauska loved th

'er the prospe

ning di

d dark an

mplished too. Her silence on the subject of her early trial induced her friends to believe that her mind was affected, a s

ttempted to draw the charac

sed from my sewing or reading, by hearing the ringing notes, as they were answered by th

kenda, or beads, or ribbon to ornament some part of her dress, she would sullenl

of enduring, and in some cases the power to overcome them. Who but she who suffers it, can conceive the Sioux woman's greatest trial-to feel

all characters-a virago. She was reconciled in time to what was inevitable, and as there are many wives among the Sioux, there must be the proportion of scolding ones. So I plead guil

*

were sheltered seemed to vibrate to the joyous sounds, stirred as they were by a light breeze that blew from the St. Peter's. Hark! they laugh again, and "old John" wakes up from

the fumes of the pipe ascend, and mix with the odor of the s

their curiosity was not gratified. They might have noticed, however, that Wenona's face was pale, and her eyes red with weeping. She was idle too, whi

r told all at the Virgin's feast. Why did you not make him promise not to come? If I had been you, I would have lain sick t

should be his wife. But I know well why he has disgraced me; you have tried to make him love you, and

ises of the bravest warriors. You should not have believed his words, until he took you to his wigwam. But do not be afraid that I

cut off because she refused to be a wife, and somebody may cut yours off too. It

ave my nose cut off, but I will not be the D

be his wife. But you are a liar, like him; for you know you love him. I am going far away, an

laughs so loud that we can hear her from our teepee, and then she bends her head and weeps. When her mother places food before her she says, 'Will he bring the meat of the young deer for me to dress for him, and will my lodge be ever full of food, that I

Wenona has gone away, he is coming to talk to Wanska. He wears many eagle feathers: Wenona may well w

ently. By and by they separated, when he

n exchange for bread and flour, and the Deer-killer

"Wanska must come to the lodge of the Deer-killer. She shall ever have the tender flesh of

e Deer-killer are like the branch that breaks in my hand. Wenona's face is pale, and her eyes are red like blood from weeping. The Deer-killer promi

voice of the Merry Heart is sweeter than a bird's-her laugh makes my spirit glad. When she sits in my lodge and sings to the children who will call me father, I shall be happy. Many women have

ldren. When I was told that you were always by the side of Wenona, the laugh of my companions was hateful to me-the light of the sun was darkness to my eyes. When Wenona returned to her village with her pa

e woman who is no longer beloved, nor strike her children before her eyes. When I am your wife I shall be happy while you love me; there will be no night in my teepee while I know your heart is

ver as trustfulness does to the heart of the woman w

etween the life of a white and that of an Indian woman. She had thou

laugh, and her never-ceasing jokes, whether played upon her young compani

o skilfully. A peal of laughter rouses the old woman, her mother, who goes to bring the truant home, but she is gone, and when she returns, in time to see the red sun fade away in the bright horizon, she tells her mother that she went out with t

d any. Wenona's fault had met with ridicule and contempt; there was neither sympathy nor excuse found for her. And now

he loved Wenona, but now his spirit was free; that he would ever love her truly, and that w

a long perspective of brightness. She would lightly tread the journey of existence by his side, and when weari

return until she heard her mother's sharp voice as she asked her "if the corn would boil whe

scolding. Soon her good humor was infectious, for her mother told her that she had needles and thread in plenty, besides more f

PTE

dark eyes were far more beautiful than Wanska's laughing ones. They were not at home then, for Wenona

rs who had been on a war party; there Wenona was ass

to the sun," and he was brave and noble in his pride and power; and she, gentle and loving, though an

wind was tossing their canoe on the Mississippi, when the storm spirits had arisen in their power. They were still children when Wenona would know his step among many others, but they were no longer children when Wenona left Shah-co-pee's village, for she loved wit

g loth to undertake the journey, for the Deer-killer had gone on a war party against the Chippeways, and she thought that in the course of their journey they might meet him-and when awa

knew there was sorrow or danger threatening him. He had sinned against the giant, and what might be the consequence of offending him? Was his powerful arm to be laid low,

em, and his tall sons would gladden his sight no more. Sickness

r the uplifted arm of the god had not fallen. He hoped t

an, to Markeda, "and are tired. When we have slept we

cotahs," the chief replied; "it is a l

terrible eyes glared upon us even in death; they rolled in the dust, for their strength was gone. We brought them to the village for our women to prepare for us when

So tall was he that the clouds seemed to float about his head. I trembled at t

in honor of the giant, nor sing his songs. Markeda is not a coward, but let him tremb

ins, I will make a sacrifice to the giant. Should I not fear him who is so

or should be brave when

nd the friends of the

d them beside you." As she assisted him to take them off, the medicine man looked admiringly into her face. "The young wife of Markeda is as beautiful as the white flowers that spring up on

f the soul of her early love thought of her, now that it wandered in the Spirit's land. It might be that he would love her again when

o the teepee of the chief," was her bitter reflectio

ured, as she looked up to the silent stars. "It may be that I shall see him ag

TER

was such as is appointed for the occasion. Their hats were made of the bark of trees, such as tradition says the Giant wears. They were large,

nd the shadows of the dancers played fantastically about the wigwam, they looked more lik

s motions in silence. At last, moving slowly, he placed a kettle of w

he dancers advanced to the fire and lit theirs;

dians arose, and, dancing round the

egrading themselves in their most sacred duties. Then they rise up, and show their full height. Stalwart warriors as they are, their keen eyes flash as they glance from t

rembles for fear of the Giant, and her child clings closer to her breast. The water boils, and, hissing,

ich boils before us will be cold when touched by a friend of the Giant. Hao

at from the boiling water; and although suffering from the scalds produced, yet their calmness i

ile hot, and again they arrange themselves to dance. And now, the mighty power of the Giant is shown, for Markeda advances

is exhausted from the kettle, and then the warriors exclaim, "How great is the power

wife and fears not. He had fancied that her cheeks were pale of

, and the chief's store of buffalo meat diminis

food of the white man was better far. And thou! a Dahcotah warrior, a famous hunter, and a medicine man. Shame! that thou shouldst have loved venison dressed with wine more than w

a fault they did not commit. Their money was not paid them-their provisions were withheld. Many wer

t left on earth know of His power, who is above all spir

PTE

draw her out from her uncle's lodge while the moon rose o'er the cold waters. Wrapped in her blanket, she would haste

y heart. Her mother had noticed that her looks were sad and heavy, and Wenona knew that it wou

rents were to return to their village. His quiver was full of arrows, and his leggins were tightly girded upon him. Wenona's full heart was nigh bursting as she heard

hout saying that I am your wife? Who would watch for your coming as I would? and you will disgrace me when I have l

he promised her that he would soon return to

she hoped on. Turning her weary steps homeward, she arrived there when

she would be suspected, and yet a little while ere the Deer

the crier called for all vir

Heart, was there, and many others who wondered at the pale looks of Wenona-she who had been on a journey, a

heart were not to be endured. Her trembling limbs refused to sustain her, as the Deer-killer, stalking towards the ring, calls alou

stone and glaring eyes, gazed upon him b

wn. Nor did the heart of the Deer-killer reproach him, for how dare she o

aches, or her mother's curse; that she w

he paid the penalty. Her husband brought other wives t

hey threatened to tell their lord when he returned, for Wanska managed to tel

s and watches as all Indian women toil and watch. Her young son follows her as s

r what he shall meet with when he goes to battle; and ever, as the young g

now, was once black and braided like his, and my eyes as bright. They have wept until tears come no mo

E-WAH-

R

NCE A

esent it thus. [Illustration:] This figure is often seen worked with porcupine quills on their ornaments. Ke-on means to fly. Thunder is called Wah-

ning them together. In the centre of this ring a pole is placed. The pole is about fifteen feet in height and painted red. F

d hold war-clubs in their hands. The girls have thei

erected, and about twenty feet from it a wi

dance emerges from his wigwam dressed up as hideously as possible, crawling

he other-moving around inside the ring as fast as they can. This is continued for about five minutes, until the music stops. After resting a few moments, the second tune commences, a

me way that they entered, the other three entrances being reserved for the men, who, carrying their war implements, might be accidentally touched by one of the squaws-and the war implements of the Sioux war

arriors to get hold of it. There is placed at the foot of the pole a bowl of water colored with blue clay. While the men are trying to seize the parts o

r pipes and war-clubs from them, and rolling them in the dirt until the paint is entirely rubbed off from their faces. Much as they di

ubs and pipes, a terrible wailing commences. No description could convey an idea of the noise mad

t the warrior who gives it; and while the visitors, the dancers, and the medicine men, women a

nd fought against. The Sioux have a great deference for the majesty of thunder, an

ling to join in must lay aside all clothing, painting their bodies with a reddish gray color, like the elk's. Each Indian must procure two long saplings, leaving the boughs upon them. These

o within about two hundred yards of the pole, when they stop for a while, an

king the figure of thunder with their saplings, endeavoring to k

the dreamer has nothing to fear

we frequently see the figure of thunder represented. It is generally carved on the wood by the father of the child, with represe

every direction were collecting, and hurrying forward, either to join in the ceremony about to be celebrated, or to be spectators. We ascended quite a high hill, and were then at the spot where all the arrangements were made to celebrate one of the most sacred forms of their religion. Many of the Indians to be engaged in the performance were entirely without protection from the severe cold-their bodies being painted and their heads adorned with their choicest

ndreds of human beings believing in a Great Spirit, and anxious to offer him acceptable service; but how degraded in that service! How fallen from its high estate was the soul that God had made, when it stooped to worship the bones of animals, the senseless rock, the very earth that we stood upon! The aged man, trembling wi

Sioux. Always ready to converse kindly with them in order to gain their confidence-giving medicine to the sick, and food to the hungry; doing all that lies in his power to administer to their temporal comfort, he labors to improve their condition as a peop

e of the true God? Churches will soon rise where the odious feast and medicine dance are celebrated, but will the Indians worship there? When the foundations of these churches are l

here the beautiful service of our church was read, and the hearts that heard it responded to its animating truths. We rejoiced that the religion which

e knew not that he was preaching the doctrine of a universal religion. He saw the sacred book upon the desk, but he could not read the glorious doctrine of a world redeemed by a Saviour's blood. He heard the voice of praye

, but ours. If we disregard the temporal wants of the Dahcotah, can we shut our ears against the