Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1849-10-11
BURLINGTON. HAWK-EYE.
A Sioux Visit.

Sioux visit.
On last Saturday our town visited by almost
the entire population composing the two lower
bands of Sioux Indians, (Wabashaw's and Red
Wmg's) on their way to the payment at Fort Smell
ling. They came IN their canoes, fleet OF some
eighty or ninety vessels, laden, besides men, wo-
men and children, with dogs cooking utensils, buff
falo skins forming the covering of their sstepees,
&C. They called halt opposite the lower landing,
and proceeded to moor their fleet along the shore
OF the sand bar opposite, at the foot OF Raspberry
Island. In quick time the squaws had the baggage
unpacked, lodge poles cut and erected, their buiia-
loes thrown over them; and an Indian village, num-
bering five hundred inhabitants. greeted the eye!
The warriors betook themselves to their toilets,
and presently made their appearance in our Streets
stripped and painted for the "Beggng Danee'' This
IS dance performed in front of the doors OF the
citizens and the store houses of merchants and ira
ders; the Indians expecting, by way OF compensa-
ton, barrel of -four pork, or anything in the
way Of provisions that that the person victimized
may choose to give. The dancing was kept up till
dark, when the braves returned TO their quarters
on the island, well paid by our liberal citizens for
the few hours amusement they had afforded them.
The night was clear, family lighted by the mel
low rays OF a new moon. From any position along
the top ofthe high bluff fronting our town, scene
presented itself worthy the eye OF poet or paint
err. We viewed until lost in reverie; and wished
that Cole, Durand or Sonntag were present, to
catch the inspiration Of the moment, and transfer
the landscape and figures to living canvass. Far
away in the distance stretched the lofty hills and
precipitous bluffs that corfine the Father of Waters
within his path, their tops and intervening vallies
crowded with forests of oak, ash and maple, just
beginning to assume the rich hues of autumn. At
feet lay the mighty river itself, its waters mo-
wing plaCidly along, calm as sleeping infant, and
only disturbed, at intervals, by an Indian canoe,
gliding gracefully from the shore, as swift and
straight as one Of their own unerrins arrows
Across the main channel. upon the clean white
sandy beach, rose the hundred tepees Of the Dako-
tas the smoke curling maesticaly from their tops,
casting long grotesque shades in the transparent
waters at their base Along the margin Of the beach
were moored, in order regular as shipping at the
wharf Of CONNIE rcia city, the fleet Of light canoes.
Back of us stood st Paul, with its scores Of white
cottages and neatly finished business houses gleam
ing in the soft moonlight.
We fingered until no sound broke the grand SOL
emnty Of the scene, the sport Of Indian child
rem, as they chased each other in gecsome frolic
ever the smooth camping ground; and the low,plan-
tive tones Of the Dakota lovers flute, serenading his
favorite dark-eyed maid, reposing as sweety, as
contentedly, and as proudly on her rude couch, as
castled lady on her bed of down. 1t was indeed
scene we shall never farget.
sabbath morning. All is hustle and activity in
the camp. The scene is changed from one of COM
paratvely still life to the greatest degree Of ANNA
ton. Pale faces line the bluff, watching the move.
ments Of the active groups on the island, who are
evidently preparing TO leave. In less time than it
would take to narrate the circumstance the lodges
are down, packed and shipped with the rest of the
househ hold goods. All embark; and the feet is NOV
ing Off in regular order up the river. Nothing re-
mains to mark the spot of the deserted village. save
the rude poles Of the tepees. Such is Indian life
-Mianesota Chronicle and Register.