The New York herald., 1851-11-04
The Treaty with the Western Indians

THE LASP DAY THE GREAT COUNCIL.
A correspondent Of the st. Louis Rfpubican, wri-
ting from the treaty ground near Fort Laramie, and
giving description OF the Proceedings OF the coun-
When order had been restored, all the Indians,
seated after their peculiar notions about rank
and precedence among themselves, Colonel Mitchell
addressed them through the interpreter after which
the ceremony Of smoking commenced. A large red
stone pipe, with stem about three feet long, color
ed ana ornamented with hair, beads, &C., after the
most approved style of the Indians, was filed with
tobacco and ktnne kinank. When lighted, ~ was
passed by the interpreter OF the Sioux to Colonel
Mitchell, and ,hen to Major Fitzpatrick. After they
had smoked, it was passed successfully round to
each Sioux, commencing in the east. Many of the
principal men, Oh taking the pipe, point il to the
four points OF the compass, then up to the Great
Spirit. and down to the Bad Another ceremony
was observed by nearly every one. When the In
dian took the pipe, the interpreter taking the oser
end, be would extend his right hand to the bowl,
and draw IL back along the stem TO his breast.
Some Of them would repeat this action several
times. 1t is understood to be the most solemn and
sacred attestation of truth th,y can give.
When the Sioux were through, the pipe was re-
filed, and in like manner handed first TO the Com
missionerf, and then round to each tribe successive
ly, by the interpreter Of the tribe This ceremony
occupied considerable time; but throughout seemed
to be regarded with deep interest by the Indians.
Until the explanation given by Colonel Mitchell of
the interest and force Of this ceremony, had not
regarded it In its proper aspect, nor given to 1t its
due influence.
During the process of smoking, Mrs Elliott, the
lady Of Lieutenant w. Il. Elliott, Of the Mounted
Rifles, came in, and was received by the Commits
sioners, and assigned a seat within the arbor.
Mrs. l.. was the only white lady in the encamp-
ment, and her presence created agreeable sensa-
tion throug hout the assemblage. Colonel Mitchell,
receiving her, remarked to the Indians, "That In
her presence the white men gave them an evidence
Of their peaceful intentions, AMI thus confidence in
their power to punish any wrongs. Her presence,
too, was also evidence OF the confidence that
was reposed in their honesty and good intentions"
cffxp ltftla soc,l
CURED, that, for q moment, created thrill Of feel
ing among the crowd, at least the white portion
Of il not familiar with such scenes A Cheyenne
squaw, leading q horse, with boy, about ten or
twelve years old, mounted upon him, made her way
into the entrance OF the council arbor, and CON-
menced her chaunt. The interruption was sudden,
ard, for q few minutes, not understood; but soon
stopped by the Cheyenne chiefs. The purpose was
this Some years pre- viorsly, Of the Shoshonies,
n snake chief, who was then in the council, had
killed her husband, leaving this boy, then an in
and horse to the Shoshone, by which, according to
their customs, the boy becomes the adopted son Of
the Shoshone, and entitled to all the rights and
privileges Of that tribe. The Snake chief had no
ngbt by their CUSTOMS TO refuse receiving the gft,
ard upon its reception, became bound 20 treat the
boy in every respect as his own child. These laws
Of custom, which prevail among themselves, are
most faithfully observed. The time and occasion
was not appropriate for the squas' purpose, aud
she had TO defer her presentation until another
time
wbsn the smoking had been gore through With,
Col Mitchell Addressed the ladians. His express
siops were short, in simple language. such as they
could readily uLdtrs'aLd, IN many cases adopting
various ioIms, and employ ing their hyperbolf-
cal mode ofthovght. Between sentences he paused
to that the rpretes understood hn correct
ly, ana TO allow time for them 10 Communicate IL
TO their resi- ecive tribes As many OF the Indians
underttond the dialect Of otter tribes tho inter-
prefers Announced their Interpretation in a loud
voice, that all might bear. and mistakes in convey
ing the correct meaning be corrected Whenever
the Indian understands, or thinks be understands,
what has been said to him, he signifies 1t by gut
tUrsl exclamation, chow"
At the conclusion, Terra Blue, Sioux chief, an
old and venerable man, dressed in a blue blanket
ccat, came Up, shook hands with the Commissioner
and all others, selected his interpreter, and then
addressed Col Mitchell as follows -
"Grand Father, am very glad I have seen you
i bavo heard you were coming, ever since the
grass began TO grow, and now you are here. have
not Two hsarts-my ears have been open to all you
tod US IL seems TO me good. lbeleve our Great
Father is good; but will 60 home aud talk to my
people about tive will tbitk Of It."
WshataU Uh, an Arrickarse chief, after shaking
hands al around, universal custom, and selecting
his interTretsr, addressed Col Mitchell -
Grand Father, your talk ia very good. My
ears a.d the cars Of my people have not been the
ground, they have been open, and we feel good in
eur 2: hearts at What you have told US. The ground
way Of from the Missouri river We come hungry, |
Tor We are very poor and could find no buffalo; but
We found friends, and they gave rs something to |
eat. ibis made our hearts glad. We are poor
and live far away, but We will do the best 10
Iatisfy our Great Father. We hope he viii send
us more buffalo"
Wash-sh. wee hs, a shoshonie. next spoke -
"Grsnd Father, have come great distance to
ee you and hear you. threw my family. too,
wsy, TO csme and listen, and am glad and nv
eopIe are glad thst We have come. Our hearts
re full; ell our hearts ere full Of your words We
III talk them over again"