’Mid the clustering curls on that low, pale brow,
And breath’d on the cheek of stainless snow;
But the dark eye was closed—the maiden ne’er stirred—
Her spirit had passed with that gentle word.
INDIAN CHILDREN.
The Indians have been frequently represented as almost devoid of natural affection, or indeed of feeling altogether; but this is a mistake, which probably arises from the great command over their feelings which they are in the habit of exercising, particularly when in the presence of strangers. Those persons who have had the best opportunities of knowing the real character of the Indians have remarked, amongst many other good traits, the great affection that they have for their children, and the respect which young people pay, not only to their own parents, but to all elderly people.
The children, both boys and girls, appear to be particularly under the care of their mother; she teaches them how to make leggins, moccasins, and many other things that have already been described; and if she be a good mother, as many of these poor squaws are, she is particular in keeping her daughters continually employed, so that they may have the reputation of being industrious girls, which is a recommendation to the young men to marry them.
Corporal punishment is very seldom resorted to for the correction of children; but if they commit any fault, it is common for the mother to blacken their faces and send them out of the lodge: when this is done, they are not allowed to eat till it is washed off, and sometimes they are kept a whole day in this situation, as a punishment for their misconduct.