430 EXPEDITION TO THE. 



is the interest of his people to remain at peace with us, 

 and would, probably, in case of another war between the 

 United States and England, take part with the former. 

 Those, who know him well, commend his sagacity and 

 judgment, as well as his valour. He is a tall man, being 

 upwards of six feet high; his* countenance would be es- 

 teemed handsome in any country ; his features being re- 

 gular and well-shaped. There is an intelligence that beam^ 

 through his eye, which is not the usual concomitant of In- 

 dian features. His manners are dignified and reserved ; his 

 attitudes are graceful and easy, though they appear to be 

 somewhat studied. When speaking of the Dacotas, we 

 purposely postponed mentioning the frequent vows which 

 they make, and their strict adherence to them, because, 

 one of the best evidences which we have collected on this 

 point, connects itself with the character of Wanotan, and 

 may give a favourable idea of his extreme fortitude in en- 

 during pain. In the summer of 1822 he undertook a jour- 

 ney, from which, apprehending much danger on the part 

 of the Chippewas, he made a vow to the Sun, that, if he 

 returned safe, he would abstain from all food or drink, 

 for the space of four successive days and nights, and that 

 he would distribute among his people all the property 

 which he possessed, including all his lodges, horses, dogs, 

 &c. On his return, which happened without accident, he 

 celebrated the dance of the sun ; this consisted in making 

 three cuts through his skin, one on hi» breast, and one on 

 each of his arms. The skin was cut in the manner of a loop, 

 so as to permit a rope to pass under the strip of skin and 

 flesh which was thus divided from the body. The ropes be- 

 ing passed through, their ends were secured to a tall ver- 

 tical pole, planted at about forty yards from his lodge. He 

 then began to dance round this pole, at the commencement 



