The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-09-13
THE STORY OF A SCOUT.

THE STORY OF A SCOUT.
Tho Sioux Indinns--How Many There Aro
--Incidents.
A correspondent, with the army, says
made visit to the pack train in search
of an interview with the half-breed
Kanaka scout, Grouard; and, though
nine O'Clock in the morning, was sur
prsed, until learned he had been out
all night, to find him still sleeping and
his breakfast untasted. Determined not
to lose the opportunity, amused my
self by wandering about the train until
he should be presentable and communi-
cative, and was much interested in OBJ
serving tho intelligence Of the pack
mules. AS there are five different
trains, OF seventy-fye animals each, the
particular one to which they belong is
designated by peculiar clipping of
the name and tail; and ut the twinkling
of tho led mares bell, not only does
each mulo repair promptly to tho prop
or train, but, with much precision and
only occasional mistakes, he places him
self in front of and facing his own
aparajo.
Grouard was feeling much refreshed
with his mornings nap and meal when
rejoined him, and the following con-
versation ensued:
"Frank, what do you think Of the
efficacy of artillery against the Sioux2"
Well, do not know much about
that branch Of the service. In my
opinion, however, frequent opportuni-
ties may occur where the possession of
even n single piece would be advantage
GUS. The Indians arc very much afraid
of cannon of any description. In the
old days when G. F. Smith, Phil. Kear-
ney and Reno were occupied by govern
mcnt troops, it was notorious that those
freight trains which conspicuously dis
played a howitzer were never attacked"
"You lived SO long with the Indians
that You must be able to very closely ap-
proximate to their strength2''
eff the entire Sioux nation were to en-
gage in this war, am quite sure Sitting
Bull could muAter ten or twelve thou
sand warriors. AS il is, think he and
Crazy Horse have not less than half that
number. The latter, you know, is said
to have been killed in the Custer mas
sacrc."
"Thosc are very euphonious titles
were their possessors equally hand
some 20
"Well, no; Sitting Bull is a swarthy,
short aud thick set, muscular and power
full, but ugly Indian. He is about forty
five yeals old, and of fierce and sensual
nature. He has cast away three dozen
squaws, and still owns four. Crazy
Horse, on the contrary, was considered
the handsomest buck in the village. He
was slender but athletic, and possessed
small and regular features. His de-
meanor was quiet and modest. The
former directs affairs but in fight the
young warriors always looked for his
more popular lieutenant. His death
Will be deeply regretted"
"Thls is very interesting, Frank, but
tell me-can Sioux marry, and with
out tho intervention of some form of
divorce desert his wives, ad i6ituna 2"
Among the Crows hosts hospitali-
ty to his guest extends even to the tenn
porary possession of his wives and
daughters, but most of the Sioux girls
are virtuoIs. With the Minneconjoux
tho marriage relation is held in very
light esteem. 1t IS falsely supposed that
the event is heralded by considerable
form. Occasionally the proposal is
made by an elder of the suitor's family,
in the shape of a gift of ponies. If &C
ceptable: the biide, accompanied by IN
exactly equal rumber as dowry, a
complete buckskin wardrobe, embroid-
cred by her own dusky fingers for her
fntrre lord, and attended by the old
women OF her lodge, carrying smoking
pots Of stewcd dog, set out for her
lover'h home, where they indulge in
grand least, the groom remaining away,
hut lettering in the vicinity until the
festivities arc concluded and the garru-
lous guests have departed. This is their
only ceremony. If his suit is not favor
ably received, the ponies, which have
been picketed near the lodge pending
consideration, arc returned. Squaws
are rever bought except by whites and
halfbreeds. The most common method
is by elopement, mutual consent being
all that is requisite, and, in any case,
the wife is dismissed at her husbands
pleasure, going back to her own people,
and probably marrying again. They
are exceedingly jealous, and
81 But the mothers-in-law, Frank
think of forty of them What do
they
"Oh. the Sioux mothers-in-law and
SOILS in law always avoid each others
presence, and, indeed, never exchange
glances if it can be prevented. Modesty
forbids their further acquaintance, and
they avert their faces, abashed, when
they accidentally meet
An aboriginal ACalia Such ciyili-
cation is of higher order than ours ~
exclaimed gruff voice behind us.