Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1823-07-01

roof. These, whom they move, are
rolled together, and are very light and
portable. The floors are formed With
bark, temporarily used for the purpose,
and o~verspresd with bear skins. Their
persons and accoutrements are disgust.
ipgly dirty, but many of them, on spe.
cial occasions, appear in brilliant colors
and clean garments. The instances are
few whore we have witnessed at any
family freside more harmony, peace,
and freedom. from the ills of this
world, than prevailed with these Sons
of Nature They were at this time
perfectly sober, and c%ontentment rest
ed on every countenance. Not an an
gry look was seey', or q tone of voice
| heard which indicated the least dissatis.
| faction. Some Of the men were clean
ing their guns and putting in prepare
| ton their fanciful decorations for a
war dance, while others walked with a
stately and measured step through the
! camp, combining the of the
warrior with the gravity of a statesman.
The squaws were making mocassins,
providing their simple repast, or kind.
ly aiding the employments OF their bus
bands, while the children were sportive-
ly~ shooting their arrows, or playfuily
Jumping and frolickiDg on the bank
Some Of the women have a mildness,
harmony of voice, and softness of man
ner, heyend what the lower orders of
civilization exhibit. None Of them,
however, have horid compilations,
handsome forms. Or beautiful features ;
probably in Consequence of the laoo.
rious nature of their domestic dntIes.
For custom among these, as among all
other unclvihzed people, ungenerous-
ly compels the females TO transport
b%urthens, ca ry the children dress the
skins, paddle the canoes, and perform
almost every fatigue duty except that
of the chase. Some of the meR have
fine persons, being tall, erect, and sym-
metrically formed. Their manners,
when sober, are reserved and unaffect.
ed ; their walk more deliberate, state
ly. and graceful than ours; and their
carriage perfectly easy and natural.
They possess great equaaimity and
nonchalance with respect to passing e.
vents, and never, unless intoxicated,
indulge in petulance, curiosity, OF sur
prise.-They apparently took No no.
tice of the numerous visitors at their
camp, except sometimes TO throw on
thsm a natural and independent look,
iudicatiE;; neither hauteur or q con-
seriousness Of inferiority.
During the day they gave an exhibit.
ton of their War-dance at several pla-
ces in town This exercise is one of
peculiar joy and festivity, as it cele.
brates their triumph over their enc.
mics, and gratifes the passion Of re.
venge, which is probably the strongest
that actuates their ferocious bosoms.
On this occasion they use heir gayest
attire, sailing to their aid the diversI.
fed plumage of the fea'hered race,
fancifully arranged and variously OF.
namented. Their faces exhibit a most
g otesque and terrific appearance. by
being painted in every variety of color
and manner thus prepared, they col
lect in a group; a musician beats upon
a hoarse sounding dunn. and two or
three shake gourds filled with pebbles,
while the others shout loud and hoarse.
ly jump up down. and use every Judi,
crous gesture and uncouth attitude, and
make every horrid grimace which can
add to their frigbtful appearance, or
heigbtea the exhibition of their savage
joy. :,
These Indians were the Sacs and
Foxes Of the Mississippi, on their way
home.
A late writer condenses in a few
lines q whole volume Of practical ad.
vice:
"Fill up your time SO fully with use
full em~ployments as to leave little lei'
sure for pursuits Of a doubtful charac.
,er. Endeator further to acquire such
a strong sense Of duty, such a taste for
contempla ions of a higher order. aud
such we'll arranged habits Of sacred ssu-
dy and devotion, IS may supeesede the
,emptation to devote to idle, If not ius
furious amusemen, moments which
nav be so much more protitably given
$500. .>o.arn of sp,oDipn unUe