Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-06-10

the history of this or that bear, or hawk, or
other magnificent warrior. The beau bach
elor of the navy, dancing attendance upon
half dozen pretty girls at once, and asking a
question for eachfrom as many Indians; but,
no interpreter being present receiving either
a grunt, q nod a stare, or a grin for reply.
The Frenchman, the Englishman, the Rus
sian, the Prussian, the Austrian, the Italian,
the Spaniard, the Turk, and the South Amer
lean were all there, and each in his own way,
with his lady friends, seeking for diversion or
information in this strange and confused col
lection Of people. At one time, Mrs. Grant
and several of her lady companions were
making vain efforts to have talk with the
Indians without the aid of an interpreter, but
it was failure.
While all this mixing up of the nations was
in full progress Gen. Parker gave the signal,
and in a few moments the Indians were all
seated on their side of the house. Again the
signal was given the pale-faced assemblage
gave way, and our red brothers stalked out OF
the East room into the Green, Blue, and Red
rooms, and thence into the Presidential State
dining room.
Here was another surprise as well as re-
freshng sight The state-dining table was
handsomely decorated with gold and silver
ornaments, dishes, glasses. flowers, boquets,
&c, and was fairly groaning under the fruits
berries, ices, creams, confections, and wines
Side-tables also displayed all the delicacies of
the season, and it was evident that the Presl-
dent, with his amiable wife, had conceived
strawberry and fruit festival for the savages,
and the more civilized representatives OF for
eign nations.
In the meantime the Indians had been ar
ranged round the main table, while the Presi-
dent and Mrs. Grant, with their party, pro-
ceeded to help the Indians to the good things
Astounding Whereabouts.
The ladies of the foreign Ministers were as
attentive in this as were our own. Secretary
Boutwell, helped Red Dog to strawberries and
cake while Judge Hoar and Secretary Robe
son paid every attention to the four squaws,
cutting cake, handing them nick nacks, etc
One of these squaws tosk from the President
a bon-bon and a French kiss and taking
her pocketbook from her bosom, placed them
in it, and returned her pocketbook to its hid
ng-place, amid roars of laughter, In which
the President joined as heartily as the rest.
1t was particularly remarked that Red
Cloud and Spotted Tail ate very freely of
strawberries cherries, cakes, bananas, ETC.,
and that while Red Cloud and his band in
dulged in wine several times, Spotted Tail and
his three braves only partook of ''tire-water
once Very soon the cooling creams became
general, and the chiefs of our nation with
their foreign friends INDUCED in plates OF
cream and berries, or bewitching orange ice,
as well as the Indians.
After the feast was over the Indians were
marched back to the East Room, seated on
sofas, and they were soon followed by the
President and his guests, and they commenced
a regular promenading up and down in front
of the Indians, now and then stopping, chat
ting with this or that particular Indian or
squaw. Each Indian was presented with
small boquet by Misses Nellie and Jessie
Grant and a number of their juvenile compan-
ions. Afterward the other guests were pre-
scented with boquets.
The President inquired of Spotted Tail If
he had any children, and he answered that he
had eleven. The President then requested
the interpreter to inform him that he would
take one of his boys and have him educated
and taken care of by our Government. Spot
ted Tail said he would think about it. Spotted
Tail has a son about 16 years of age on the
war path, and it is said he has already taken
some scalps. The President informed Red
Cloud that he would see him in day or two
after the festival. The Indians all expressed
themselves to the interpreter as having big
pleased" and like much great
father, so much good eat, and much good
squaws."
About % o'clock the signal was given, the
Indians were on their feet in a second, shook
every body by the hand, marched out to their
carriages, and were driven to their hotel.