PART COMPANY. 153 



we were also invited into several shantees with the same kind in- 

 tention. 



The Pawnee chief (Red Eagle, if my recollection serves me right) 

 was a generous old fellow, aged some sixty years. His benevolence 

 was truly exemplary, as his conduct well attested. My moccasins, be- 

 ing much worn by long usage, exposed to the ground the bottoms of 

 my feet. This was no sooner discovered by the noble-hearted old man, 

 than he pulled off his own (a pair of new ones) and gave them to me ! 



What white man would have done the like ? And this was done 

 by the poor Indian, not from the expectation of reward, but through the 

 promptings of an innate benevolence ! A small tin-cup, taken with me 

 thus far, was the only return in my power to make. 



Leaving the village a little before sundown, we encamped for the 

 night near the houses recently occupied by these Indians, after having 

 travelled seven or eight miles. Their buildings are coniform, and con- 

 structed of earth and timber, very similar to those of the Kansas tribe, 

 described in a previous chapter. 



Several years ago, the Pawnees were a numerous and powerful na- 

 tion, possessing an extensive territory, and occupying five large towns, 

 viz : one upon the Republican branch of the Kansas river, one at the 

 forks of the Platte, one south of the Arkansas near the Cumanche coun- 

 try, one on Loup creek, and one some ninety miles above the mouth of 

 the Platte. These several divisions were known by tlie terms of Pic, 

 Mahah, Republican, Loup, and Grand Pawnees. The Riccarees, speak ng 

 the same language, may also be reckoned a fraction of this tribe. The 

 five villages before named are now reduced to two, i. e, on Loup creek and 

 above the mouth of the Platte. 



The whole number of the Pawnee nation, exclusive of the Riccarees, 

 probably does not exceed six thousand souls. All of the western tribes 

 being at war with them, their numerical strength is continually dimin- 

 ishing. 



Slight advances have been made towards improving the condition of this 

 nation, but, as yet, with little apparent success. A farmer, blacksmith, and 

 schoolmaster are provided them under the patronage of the U. S. Govern- 

 ment, and a missionary is also stationed among them by the American 

 Board of Foreign Missions. 



They raise corn * and other vegetables, but their principal dependence 

 for subsistence is upon the proceeds of hunting. Their general character 

 is stamped with indolence, treachery and cowardice, for which they have 

 become famous, not only among the whites, but also among their rude 

 neighbors, — having thus attained the hatred of both. 



July 3d. This morning we parted company, and each of us undertook 

 to make his way to Council Bluff according to the best of his ability. 

 Being entirely destitute of food, it became us to urge our course with all 

 possible dispatch. 



*I noticed one cornfield, near the village, tliat contained sixty acres or more, and 

 in appearance savored much of civilized agriculture. 



