90 EXPEDITION TO THE 



blanket, which was secured round his waist by a belt, and 

 hung not ungracefully from his shoulders ; generally con- 

 cealing his right arm, which is rendered useless and some- 

 what withered, from a wound received during the late war, 

 when he attacked with a small party of Indians, the force 

 that Avas advancing to the relief of Fort Wayne. His face 

 was carefully painted with vermillion round his left eye. 

 Four feathers, coloured without taste, hung behind him 

 secured to a string, which was tied to a lock of his hair. In 

 our second interview with him, he wore a red and white 

 feather in his head, that was covered with other orna- 

 ments equally deficient in taste. Mr. Seymour took a 

 likeness of him, which was considered a very striking one, 

 by all w^ho knew Metea. (Plate III.) 



The chief was accompanied by his brother, who is much 

 younger and resembles him, but whose features indicate a 

 more amiable and interesting disposition. We observed, 

 that during the interview, the latter treated Metea with 

 much respect, always preparing and lighting his pipe, and 

 never interfering in the conversation, unless when addressed 

 by the chief. On entering the room where the gentlemen 

 of the party were, Metea shook hands with the agent, but 

 took no notice of the rest of the company, until General 

 Tipton had explained to him, through his interpreter, the 

 nature of the expedition ; the objects of his great father, the 

 President, in sending it among the Indians ; and the infor- 

 mation which would be expected from him ; he informed 

 him likewise that his time and trouble would be suitably 

 rewarded. The chief then arose from his seat, shook hands 

 with all who were present, told them that he would very 

 willingly reply to all their questions, but that according to 

 usage, he was bound to repeat to his nation all the questions 

 that would be asked, and the replies which he would make; 



