Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-02-12
Indians at a Soiree,

The deputatlon of Indians, which has recent
ly visited Washington, were entertained at
soiree on Wednesday night of last week at the
house of Hugh Cambell, in Girard street. A
correspondent of the Philadelphia Bulletin gives
lively description of tn cir appearance and de-
meanor. The deputation, it will be recollec-
ted, consists of delegates from various tribes,
who range the wilds in the far west, beyond
the most distant settlements of The whites, bor-
dered by the Rocky Mountains at the head
waters of the Red River and Kansas. Among
them are Iowas, Chiennes, Sioux and Arapa-
noes. The writer says:
"The Indians had evidently made an effort,
aud very successful one, TO array themselves
in high toilet. They were in accordance with
their ultra fanciful tastes, decked with all that
paint, feathers, beads, earrings, bracelets, and
bear-claws could do for them. Entering the
parlors about seven O'Clock, the four squaws
were seated on a rich crimson sofa, and the rest
of the party un other sofas and chairs placed
around the front of the apartment. A young
lady of the hosts family seated herself at the
piano and played dances, at which the white
juveniles engaged. After this prelude, which
the Indians, however much pleased, looked up
en- as if unmoved, they thought the time was
come for them to do something towards help
ing on the entertainment, and now commenced
one of the widest and most exciting scenes ev-
er beheld-a treat never to be forgotten by
those present. Whilst all the rest of the In
dians remained seated, about six of the princi-
pal chiefs, including the Arapanoes, commenc-
ad kind of wild, monotonous chant, closing
several times with their peculiar whooping
chorus. Then one Of their number began strik-
ing kind of drum, shaped something like a
tambourine, and in succession five or six rose
and went through dance, keeping time in the
most admirable manner with the single taps
of the drum. assisted by the wild whistle of a
rude lIlle fageolet, which one of them held
10 his mouth. They brough: their feet 10
the floor as though belonging 10 tut one man,
and though the dance seemed monstrous, il
was SO animated as to make every part Of
their frames 9uiver, and produce on The
white spectators high degree of sympathet-
ic excitement, manifested by hearty signuls
of appreciation.
Several dances were thus successfully per-
formed with The same contagious effect, and
at the end of each, chief remained on the
floor who related in his native Language, ac-
conpanied with wild and significant gestic-
laton, and exhibiting Of the favorte loma-
hawk, some of his warlke achievements,
technically styled coups, each heroic feat be-
ing signalized by single tap on the drum to
denote lis unquestionabe truth. The theme
OF all their stories was the destruction OF
their enemies, the principal aim of savage
lie One related how, a certain time and
place, he had killed three of The Crow tribe.
Another told of having destroyed five Paw
nees. A third and greater hero than them
all, stated that on one occasion he had killed
and scalped eleven Of his enemies. seven
men and four womcn-an awful savage this,
to make a cool confession in the face Of civ.
ilized ladies! At the close of each speech.
the orator sat down, and the Interpreter pro.
ceeded solemnly 10 announce its substance.
II was amusing TO see the bashfulness dis
played BY one Of the young braves when il
came round to his turn to stand up and tell