Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-11-26
BLOOD ON THE CALUMET.
BY EDWARD MINTURN.

Il RsCG1 VI AOtlidtutlN DNhNNNt SNSiSi
wild and picturesque in its character are
not very frequently found in Iowa-in-
deed it is rather the farmers paradise, a
land fitted for the realities more than the
dreams of life. Yet in the leafy groves,
high bluffs and deep ravines about COun-
ell BIuffs-its streams and wooded knobs
there IS enough romantic beauty to salts
fy any one who has not seen the wild
grandeur of the Yosemite, the fearful
chasms of the Colorado, or the wilds Of
the ow-crowned Sierras of the far, far
West.
Years ago, there was great pow
WOW of pale-faces and red men near where
the city of Council Bluffs now stands in
it, beauty and many graces. Great
chiefs from the Oma a, Pawnee and
Sioux were there-the less war like Pot
tawatamies were represented; indeed,
almost all the contiguous tribes, except
alone the treacherous Cheyennes, were
there. OF the litter no known agent
was present, though they had received
presents and messengers with the others
AEu pTuI1iSeI 10 uc tHSiCs
Gen. Harvey, the dread of the red
men. the king of the pale faced war
chiefs, strobe to and fro about the coun-
Gil grounds, his red face flushed with ex
element, his eyes flashing as be g;ancrd
from wa- chief to war chief, with look
that told that he had rather fight than
talk, and that these parties were not of
his willing or getting up.
CamPed around glittering with beads,
calicOes and ribbons, were the squaws of
the chiefs and warriors, not daring 10
approach the circle of their laws, but
among themselves keeping up that chat
teIing which with ali races seem to be a
part of woman nature.
The hour of the council drew near
the government officers in their most
SNOWY uniforms were seen gathering to-
ward the great circle conferred by the
council tire-the chiefs in paint, feathers
and blankets, approached, aud finally To
the rapid drum beat, all came together.
II was a gallant SIGHT. Full twenty
officers in their handsome uniforms. seat
ed on camp stools. with their interper
tors close at hand, full one hundred chiefs
and warriors in all their finery upon the
ground. SO seated in circle that each
could sec the others face. or hear ano,h
ers words when he rose To speak.
The great calumet or pipe of peace
was brought and fiIlel by white haired
prophet of the Omahas. 1t had hugh
bowl made from the red stone of the far
north; It's long stem was ornamented
with doves tsathers-it was never used
on q less occasion than this.
Going to the sacred council fire which
with due ceremony had been lighted, the
white haired prophet took up bright
coal and placed il on the tobacco and
kinniknnck; then. with the stem TO his
lips, he drew a Whit of smoke aRd sent
1t circling up toward the heavens
This was the invOcatiye Offering to
the Great Spirit.
Next, drawing a Whit for each point
of the compass, north, south, east, west,
he propitiated the spirits of the wind.
Then advancing to Gen. Harvey he
handed him the pipe and said:
Crest War King of the Pale Faces
Son of the Great Father in Washington
let the Peace pipe from your lips 60
90 round the circle and come back 10
me empty"
The general took Whit from the pipe
and passed it to the next in rank, and
thus it went from man TO man until it
once more reached the white haired
prophet.
His face darkened as ne looked at the
pipe.
+" Brothers." he cried, 1--WE are met
here to make peace. But there is bad
blood here. Some one means evil
There is blood upon the pipe"
And holding it aloft he pointed to a
: dark stain, almost black, upon Tho bright
red bowl.
Who is the traitor? Is he an Oma.
ha? If SO let him speak! Is he Chey
enne with Pawnee blanket upon him g.
No one spoke. The old man paused
and seemed to reflect what next to do OF
say, for be had been selected to lead the
council.
The General, long used to Indian
ways. preserved digniiled composure,
spoke not a word, nor did he give any
sign,
"The pipe must round again." said
the prophet.
And even as he spoke the dark spot
vanished from it. He noticed this but
said not word. The pipe was refilled
ard with the ceremony lighted again.
Once mo.e from the Generals lips ii
passed on, this time being followed by
the keen eye of the prophet of The oma
has.
1t had almost Swept tho circle, when
with sharp cry the prophet sprang for
ward. grepched the pipe from the hands
of the warrior who held it, with one
hand and with the other tore the blanket
from his stalwaTt form.
.. Behold" he shouted. HHere is the