IKKATABA. 271 



heaps, then charged through the smoke, and completely 

 routed. 



Soon afterwards the Mojaves made a treaty of peace with 

 the whites, which, as I said before, has been ever since faith- 

 fully observed. 



During the construction of Fort Mojave, the officer 

 commanding the troops, seeing Irrataba's intelligence and 

 good sense, and the influence he possessed with his people, 

 was inspired with the bright idea that if that chief could 

 only be induced to go to Washington, ostensibly to have 

 an interview with the great white chief to ratify the treaty, 

 he would bring thence a report, which would so impress 

 the Indians, that thereafter they would consider it useless 

 to contend against whites; and such report, getting^ spread 

 to neighbouring tribes, would induce them also to keep the 

 peace. So the Indian bureau being communicated with, 

 and signifying their approval of the idea, the proper 

 arrangements were made, and Irrataba taken to Washing- 

 ton, presented, and in due time brought back to his 

 country. He returned brimful and running over with tales 

 of wonder. The effect, however, was not exactly what had 

 been expected and hoped. Irrataba called his sachems 

 together and narrated his late experiences. He told them 

 what strange sights and what multitudes of people he had 

 seen. His speech was received with a dead silence, and 

 his wise men dispersed. Then they held a secret council 

 together. After long deliberation they came unanimously 

 to the conclusion it was all lies ! The difficulty then pre- 

 sented itself: How was it that their well-beloved and 

 respected chief, whose word hitherto had been truth and 



