Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1832-11-29

la0 agreed 70 SU my NpetatQns were Of
course. completely at stand. FINALLY had
IN interview with nunnbrr Ofthem, and as
ured them that I was but man IKE them
my art had No HeedIcine or nnys-
erv about il. but could be learned by any Of
hem IL they would practice e rs long as I
had-that nv intentions towards them were
Of the most friendly kind-and that in the
country where lived, brnve men never allow
ed their squaws TO frighten them with their
foolish whims, stories, &c.: they all immrdi--
ately arose, shook me by the hand, and dress
I'd themselves COR their pictures. There was
no difficulty after that about sitting, M were
ready to sit-the squaws we're silent--and
my painting room continued resort for them,
where they, waited with iunpatience to see the
completion Of each picture, that they could
laugh, sing new song, BIC. &c. I was then
often taken by the arm by the Chiefs and led
to their lodge, where feastwas prepared for
me in their heaa style. In this manner was
taken from one lodge to another, aud treated
in the most cordial manner. There is an UNI
versal dispositions 10 the Indian character TO
admire curious works of art, and particularly
for paintings for which they seem 10 have
the greatest passion: il is not, therefore, 10
be wondered ut that they were astonished at
an operation SO novel and unthOught of by
them, and that I should Tor once ia myelifr,
have been considered great mar and great
painter.
These people are singular 10 their manner
of treating their dead |; they are all lodged on
scaffolds at little distance from their village.
after having been enveloped in macy folds OF
skins and closely laced with cords from head
TO foot. These scalfolds are built simply with
four posts and pales across, just high enough
L. - FL. - 81 hnmA I'm fhpcn
the body thus enclosed is laid and remains TO
decay. They often place tho most costly sa-
criices, of the richest clothes, robes, dresses,
Sc. over them. which are held sacred by the
living, and are left to decay with the body.
They generally fasten a wooden dish 10 the
scaffnld that the deceased may be able TO
drink when he Is thirsty; and the squaws
who are nearly related to the deceased regu-
larry carry meat and water, and place them
on the scaffOid that they may not suffer from
hunger or thirst. Whenever the scaffOld de-
Gays, and h6bones Tall, the relatives take the
skull, which Is perfectly bleached. and carry
it to place a little distance from the scaffold,
where the skulls are collected, and arranged
on the ground ia the form Of circle. 10 a
very great number. In this curious arrange
nent the greatest precision has been observ-
ed in placing them in circle, and at equal dis
Iances, with their faces all looking into the
centre. The squaws who recognize here the
skulls of their husbands, their children, &c.
regularly pay to them their 1evotions. They
ire often to be seen Ilying 6at upon their
aces, embracing these Misunderstanding tears
,pon them-talking 70 them, and offering
hem something to eat. Each one Of them
8 rested on bunch Uf wild sage, which is al-,I
Ways removed and renewed as soon as it wits
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