42 OSAGES. 



One admirable trait in tlieir character is, however, worthy of re- 

 mark, viz. their aversion to ardent spirits. Such is their abhor- 

 rence of the ''fire-water," as they term it, that they cannot be 

 ipduced to drink it. This may be thought strange, but it is never- 

 theless true. It is generally supposed that all Indians are passion- 

 ately fond of it, those particularly who are brought more immediately 

 into contact with the whites. We note this fact as an exception to 

 the general rule. 



They possess a great passion for thieving, which they gratify upon 

 every occasion ; and, like the Spartans, they deem it one oT the at- 

 tributes of a great man to pilfer from his neighbour or friend. and 

 avoid detection. Any thing placed in their possession they will take 

 the best care of and defend with their lives. When called upon, 

 it will be restored ; but the next instant they will steal it, if they can 

 do so without being detected. 



Among the collection will be found a portrait of one of the prin- 

 cipal chiefs, and some of his warriors. 



We regret to say that we have not portraits of their women, but 

 shall endeavour to procure them at some future period. 



63. 



TECHONG-TA-SABA, or BLACK DOG. 



(Painted 1843.; 



Principal Chief of the Osages. A man six feet six inches in 

 height, and well proportioned, weighing some two hundred and fifty 

 pounds, and rather inclined to corpulency. He is blind of one eye. 

 He is celebrated more for his feats in war than as a counsellor ; his 

 opinions are, however, sought in all matters of importance appertain- 

 ing to the welfare of his people. The name Black Dog was given 

 to him from a circumstance which happened some years since, when 

 on a war expedition against the Comanches. He, with his party, 

 were about to surprise their camp on a very dark night, when a black 

 dog, by his continued barking, kept them at bay. After several in- 

 effectual attempts, being repelled by the dog, Techong-ta-saba became 

 exasperated, and fired an arrow at random, hitting him in the head 

 and causing instant death. By this name he is familiarly known to 

 the ofiicers of the army and white traders in that section of country. 



In the latter part of the summer of 1843, a party of fifteen Pawnees 

 v/ent on a trading expedition among the Comanches : having been 



