Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-10-06

49, - - WIS
The Sioux CHIEFs-The Washington
correspondent Of the Journal Of Commerce
has the following. under date of the 2lst -
"The Sioux Chiefs and most Distinguish
ed braves, about twenty-four in number,
have been here for some days, and have been
objects Of great curiosity They are the
most savage Of all the delegations Of the
forest lords who have visited us-haying no
acquaintance with the manners, customs, or
language Of their white neigbbors. Their
manners appear to besimple and inofensive,
and, as they wander about the streets. in
parties of two and three. they stop at the
stores and houses and appear pleased with
any attention or civility. They exhibit ex-
cessive fondness for gittering toys, and for
whatever appertain 10 dress Their head
dresses, although Of simple materials, and
| often varied, would be admirable studies for
the bes, French customers. Their dress con-
sists of moccasins. leggins to the knee. and
a hunting shirt. over all of which is grace
,fully thrown blanket Their thighs are
Perfectly nude--and such things they are as
a sculptor would give to an Apollo.
1 This morning, they held a Council with
THE Secretary Of War. al Church prepared
for the purpose, in the presence Of great
crowd Of spectators. The subject Of the
Council was Treaty for the purchase Of
the Sioux Lands in Wisconsin, and their re-
moval beyond the Mississippi aud the
Government by way Of showing how fairly
such Treaties are made, or can be made. or
dered the Council to be held in public. Up
on 'arge stage sat the lndians--lhe head
men of their tribe---disiinguished in the
Council and the 6eld. Opposite to them
were our head men--of less notoriety in the
feld--viz: Mr. Poinselt. MIR Woodbury.. Mr.
Forsyth. Gen. Macomb. (author of Pontiac,
some scenes Of which must have fitted
across his mind)-Capt Cooper and others.
The calumet was passed around tho circle,
each man taking awhiff, and our war chief
two OF three. MIR Poinselt then rose and
said, in substance, that he was glad 10 meet
his red brethren here that their and out
father had sent for them on important bust
ness that our father wished to see all his
red children comfortable and happy. and
would protect them from all their enemies
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. wisbed
where be could take better care Of them =
and that he would buy their lands and give
them better lands, sc. This was interpre-
ted, in short sentences, to the chiefs. who nm
nounced their understanding of il by an en-
phatic ugh" After short pause. the or
a,or Of the tribe came forward and shook
hands with the Secretary Of War, Mr. Poin
selt, aud, throwing off his blanket. spoke
! very briefly, and with great dignity. ant
apparent selLpossession. in reply. As hi
J speech was interpreted. it was simply this
We have come here. a long and weary jour
ney, from where the sun sets. to see oul
Father
ri We have left our women and children
behind u.s. They grieve much 10 our ab
sence. They have liule food TO eat. W.
are very poor. We do not wish 10 remain
, here long. We viii see our Father ant
hear what he has TO say to US and RETURN
: We are not ready TO part with our land
: We will consult with ouI friends. and Sc
whether we will remove from il, and sell
J to our Father. The Secretary then sal
: that he would be ready to meet them again
I in council, at any time, or to receive an
. communication from them. The two pal
p ties then took leave OF each other and brok
: mp the council. with general shaking
hands"