[32] The buffalo robes worn by the Osages, as well as by some other Missouri tribes, are variously ornamented and painted with devices. Some of these refer to war, some to marriage, some to medicine or mystery; these last are generally worn at councils, on which occasions a chief who has some important subject to propose, frequently adds to the paint on his face some streaks corresponding to the devices on his buffalo robe.
[33] In the performance of the war–dance among the Indians of the Missouri, the tread of the dancers is guided by a monotonous chaunt, sung by some of the Medicine–men, and accompanied by the beat of a small drum of the rudest construction, and most barren dismal tone. It is generally nothing more than a dried skin, stretched upon a wooden frame hollowed out with a knife by the squaws.
[34] The Indian names for the rivers now called “Konsas” and “Osage,” both of which fall into the Missouri.
[35] Anglicè, Long–knives, or Americans.
[36] Mahéga here alludes to that unfortunate era in the history of the Lenapé, so pathetically described by Heckelwader, when they permitted themselves to be persuaded by the whites to abandon all their warlike weapons and pursuits, and following those of agriculture, to leave the affairs of war entirely to the northern tribes, who guaranteed their safety. The consequence was such as might have been expected, they were treated with contumely and injustice; and being compelled at length to resume those arms to which they had been for sometime unaccustomed, they suffered repeated defeats and disasters from the “six nations,” and adjoining tribes.
[37] The Mississippi is so called by the Osages.
[38] After their first meeting, in which Reginald had saved the life of War–Eagle, the latter had adopted his new friend, not only as a brother, but as a member of that portion of his tribe who were called Unâmi, and of which the turtle was the medicine, or sacred symbol; after the ratification of such a covenant of brotherhood, each party is, according to Indian custom, solemnly bound to defend the other, on all occasions, at the risk of his own life.
[39] The Sioux, or Dahcotahs, are so designated by the Missouri tribes.
[40] Wampum, a corruption of the word “wampampea,” small shells strung together, and used by the Indians for barter among themselves; a belt of wampum is the emblem of peace, as the hatchet, or tomahawk, is that of war.
[41] The North Star is often alluded to by the Indian tribes, under this and other similar denominations.