Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-02-14
POR THE STAR.
THE MINNESOTA INDIANS.

IHORU 81 hon come along, &c.
[PoR THE STAR.
THE MINNESOTA INDIANS.
Eatract fiom the Journal ofa ka6y Tourist
hr0mgh Minnesota TERRITORY. during til
spring. summer, and autumn Of 1853:
Pike Island has been for the last few
nights, the scene of savage rejoicing
Tak-no -ah-ta- -doo- -tak-"Little Grow, -
with his band are there encamped on thei
way to their new homes. Its Sunday
the sound Of the yesper bell at Mendot:
has ceased, wild music is heard, the
Sioux dance and sing round the scalp O
Chippewa. The night was cold, the stars
shone brightly; We entered an Indiar
canoe, and gl:ded down the Minnesota; we
approached the shore and landed: my
heart tiuttered with excitement; graspeC
the hand of Lieut.. NJ, and we stood ir
the midst of the red faces. The maiden:
have retired, fatigued from the exertions
Of the Scalp dance. The noise of tn,
Indian drum and the "He, he, he," hav,
commenced: the braves form half circl,
round a tipsee; the warriors dance, anf
hollow, and howl, figures passed with
uncouth head dresses; tiickering lights
displayed the painted savages: we en-
countered looks that seemed to say, .why
do the pale faces come among us at such
a time; they recognised the long knives; the
great Captain is seen; words of friendship
passed: their tipsee doors are thrown
aside; we were bid to enter; we seated
ourselves around the fire: the light fell on
Little Crows great warrior: without dress
or ornament; he was smoking: his hand
grasped the pale face squaw: he laughed q
merry laugh: his teeth were dazzling white.
Our talk was part in English, part in
Sioux. BY accident Lieut.. NJ. upset his
kin-nik-kin-nick; he gave frown, uttering
"J,cke," meaning that is bad. A piece Of
silver was slipped in his hand: he smiled a
kind smile, patting Lieut.. NJ. on his
shoulder with washte haste-good, good
The tipsee filled with squaws; curiosity
brought them in: nod from several
told me they knew me. They looked
with wonder at the manner | han
died their battle weapons; they are
held sacred alone to the touch of thin
men. His evening meal was cooking in a
pot hung over the fire: he invited US to
eat, which was declined; then departed,
shaking hands with as many of the braves
and squaws as time would allow. Out.
side We found the braves still dancing;
their he, he, keeping time with their move
ments. One of the Indians conducted us
to the spot where the scalp was; to pro.
tect it from the dirt, it was covered with
a deer skin; this he removed ard the still
fresh scalp of their enemy was exultingly
commented upon, by the blood loving
Sioux. My heart sickened at the excite
ment and delight of a squaw as she
pointed to the spot where the ball had
entered the head, and an ear taken oft.
Suspicion of a feeling of disgust being
betrayed would have made them my enc.
mics. l laughed heartless laugh, and
requested to be shown the brave that had
performed so wonderful an exploit a
wigwam door was raised, she pointed
to the hero his face betrayed suffering:
his arm was in sling; for in this death
struggle he was wounded. His reward
1.-The eagles feather, may now deck biz
brow"
Lieut.. NJ. procuring guide, we visited
several tipees. Passing one brilliantly
illuminated, we heard the sacred rattle anC
chanting in loud voice. The entranc,
was guarded by a squaw lying on tht
ground wrapped in her blanket. l asked
if might 60 in; she replied in English
"No; the Medicine man is there" His
incantations and ceremonies over tn,
sick, are not to be intruded upon. l at
temped to peep through the holes
Immediately an Indian would plact
his hand over it. Finding mysel
closely watched, 1 gave up all idea O
getting peep into those mysteries, ant
followed the guide. For moment,
was awe stricken. The officers had lef
me supposing l was in tAir trail. Her
I was, late at night, in this wild scene
No white face near. Two or three In
dians, with buffalo horns on their heads
thrust their faces close to mine, and thel
whispered to each other. After one q
these gazes, such as an Indian alone cal
give, l heard them say who was, and
replied '.Ho"-yes. They then pointe
to where the officers wsre. By this tim
l heard Lieut.. n. calling my name, whic
was a great relief, as | must confess
felt anything but pleasant. We hurrie,
on to pay our respects to Little Crow
Lieut.. NJ. entered his lodge, and hear
Little Crows How do We do" greet hir
here; he tells him he has two long sword
and pale faced squaw with him. Il
invited US in. Little Crow was in bed
that is, he was lying ON the ground, di
vested ofevery badge ofchiefship, wrappe
in his blanket. When he discovered
was l, his eye frightened up, and he ez
tended both his hands, and was very gla
to see me. Lieut.. NJ. asked him If
knew me. -" Ho, bo'-yes, yes, he r.
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