170 EXPEDITION TO THE, 



was, and without which no woman could expect to be 

 taken as a wife by a warrior. Many of the young females 

 are, however, seduced into intrigues which they are oblig- 

 ed to keep secret, if they have any respect for their cha- 

 racter ; to conceal their crime they do not hesitate to have 

 recourse to abortions. It is not true of the Chippewas that 

 men visit the cabins of those whom they wish to marry, 

 and commence their intercourse by nocturnal assignations ; 

 the young men will frequently resort to this, but never 

 when they wish to take a woman as a wife ; they know 

 that such a step would injure her reputation. When a mere 

 passing intrigue is their object, they usually carry it on at 

 night. Incest is not unknown to them, but it is held in 

 great abhorrence. Barrenness is held disreputable in wo- 

 men, as it is considered as being brought on by inconti- 

 nence or wilful abortions. Chippewa women do not bathe 

 in cold water after parturition ; in this they differ from the 

 Dacotas, and we are induced to believe that bathing in that 

 situation has never been practised by any of the Algon- 

 quin nations. The character of a good woman rests mere- 

 ly in the observance of chastity, of obedience to her hus- 

 band, and of affection to her children. In case she becomes 

 a widow she ought to exhibit her grief by remaining un- 

 married for the space of a year, abstaining from all inter- 

 course with men during that time, partaking in no plea- 

 sures, wearing no ornaments or bright colours, but cloth- 

 ing herself in ragged dress. It is considered an essential 

 duty of a good man to supply his wife with the best dresses 

 that he can afford. The respect for father and mother is 

 greater than that entertained for grandfathers, &c. ; in this 

 particular the opinion of the Chippewas differs from that 

 of the Sauks. The relation of fraternity is strongly mark- 

 ed; a man is held to be bound to marrv the widow of his 



