Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1849-09-20

the cloud to come nearer, that he might
draw down its contents upon the heads of
the corn6elds of the Mandans In this wise
he stood, waving his shield over his head,
: stamping his foot and frowning as he drew
his bow and threatened the heavens, COM
handing il to rain; his bow was bent, and
the arrow, drawn to its head, was sent to
the cloud as he exclaimed, "My friends, it
is done Wak-a-dah-ha-hee's arrow has ell
tered that black cloud, and the Mandans
will be wet with the water of the skies "
His predictions we're true in a few moments
the cloud was over the village, and the rain
fell in torrents. He stood for some time
time welding his weapons and presenting
his shield to the sky, while he boosted of his
power and efficacy of his nedicine to those
who had been about him, but were now
driven to the shelter of their wigwams. He
at length finished his vaunts and his threats,
and descended from his high place lin which
he had been perfectly drcnched) prepared
to receive the honors and the homage that
were due to one so potent in his mysteries
and to receive the style and title of "medi-
cine-man." This is one of a hundred DIFF
ferent modes in which man in Indian
countries acquires the honorable appela-
ton.
This man had "made it rain" and, of
course, was TO receive more than usual hon
ors, as he had done much more than ordl-
nary men could do. All eyes were upon
him, and all were ready to admit that he
was skilled in the magic art; and being so
nearly allied to the Great or Evil Spirit.
that he must needs be a man of great and
powerful influence in the nation and well
entitled to the style Of doctor or medicine
man.
Readers, there are two facts relative to
these strange transactions which are nfall-
bly, true, and should needs be made known.
The first is, that when the Mandans UNDER
take to make it rain, they never fail to sue
coed, for their ceremonies never stop until
rain begins to fall. The second is equally
true, and that is, that he who has once
made 1t rain" never attempts it again
his medicine is undoubted and on future
occasions of the kind he stands aloof who
has oace done it in presence of the whole
village, giving an opportunity to other young
men who are ambitious to signalze them
selves in the same way.
During the memorable night of which
have just spoken, the steamboat remained
by the side of the Mandan village, and the
rain that had commenced falling continued
to pour down its torrents until midnight
black thunder roared, and livid lightning
flashed, until the heavens appeared to be lit
up in one unceasing aud appalling glare
In this frightful moment of CONSERVATION, a
flash of lightning buried itself in one of the
carth-covered lodges of the Mandans, and
killed beautiful girl. Here was food and
fuel fresh for their superstitions; and
night Of vast tumult and excitement ensued.
The dreams of the new-made medicine-man
were troubled, and he had dreadful appre-
tensions for the coming day; for he knew
that was the subject to the irrevocable de-
cree of the chief and the doctors, who can
vass every strange and unaccountable event
with close and superstitious scrutiny, and
let their vengeance fall without mercy upon
its immediate cause.
He looked upon his well-earned fame as
likely to be withheld from him; and also
considered that his life might, perhaps, be
demanded as the forfeit for this girls death,
which would certainly be charged upon
him. He looked upon himself as culpable,
and supposed the accident to have been oc-
casioned by his criminal desertion of his
post when the steamboat was approaching
the village. Morning came, and he soon
learned from some of his friends the opn-
ions of the wise men, and also the nature
of the tribunal that was preparing for him
he sent to the prairie for his three horses,
which were brought in, and he mounted
the medicine lodge, around which, in a few
moments, the villagers were all assembled.
My friends" said he, 81 see you all
around me, and l am before you; my
medicine you see is great 1T is too great.
l am young, and l was too fast; l knew
not when to stop. The wigwam Of NAH
Ssh is laid low, and many are the eyes
that weep for Ko-ka (the Antelope;) WAX
a-dah-ha-hee gives three horses to gladden.
the hearts Of those who weep for Ko-ka -
his medicine was great-his arrow pierced
the black cloud, and the lightning came,
|, and the thunder-boat also Who says the
, medicine of Observation-Disclosures is not strong 7
AT the end of this sentence an unanimous
shout OF appreciation ran through the crowd,
and the "Iiair of the White Buffalo" des-
) cended amongst them, where he was greet
ed by shakes of the hand; and amongst
whom he now lives and thrives under the
: familiar and honorable appellation Of the
, Big Double Medicine"
) From al private journal of the Mexican Campaign
Cherubusco the day after the