OMAHA AND PONKA LETTERS. 69 
NOTES. 
This letter was dictated by Ma™tcu-na®ba when all thought him dying, 
He was surrounded by the chiefs and his kindred when the author 
recorded his words. yig¢a*xe-wa¢atai was probably intended for the 
Dakota, Tulimaga-wiéayutapi (Tuqmaxa-witcayutapi), a person who 
has not been identified. The name probably means, Honey Eater. 
Part of the letter was addressed to the chief, Red Cloud, and the clos- 
ing sentences to the Yankton Wiyakoi". 
68, 1. Pahangadicti nikaci"ga ega® wi? ti¢é ha, wiga"bai pi ki. This 
sentence puzzled L. and F. as well as the author; but G. has explained 
it, after transposing “ega™” and “ wi",” supplying wabag¢eze, a letter, 
and changing “pi” to “ag¢i,” I have returned. 
TRANSLATION. 
Though I am very ill I send you a Jetter by some one. Often in the 
past, when I returned home after visiting you, a letter would come 
from you, just like a person (to ask for presents for the Yanktons). I 
have all the things about which you formerly asked questions. (Hx- 
planatory sentence adiressed to the writer: Well, I refer to some things 
concerning which he sent hither to ask questions.) I will tell you when 
I see you face to face. I.am ill, but I do not know at all whether I 
shall live or die. But as the others wish to see you, they shall reach 
you (as they are not ill?). ‘These venerable men shall get to see you, 
but my child, Icta-basude, shall be the first (or leader). I wish that 
we might talk together, but I hope that you will stop (awhile?) at the 
Yankton village (Agency ?); and there they (the other Omaha chiefs) 
may reach you. O Red Cloud, when you reach Washington, ask that 
my petition be granted as a personal favor to you. I wish to talk to 
him about several matters. When the Omahas reach the Yankton vil- 
lage, tell them what you will give tome. When you come (on your way 
hither) to the Yankton lodges, send mea letter quickly. I wish to hear 
from*you. In that case he(?) may reach you. 
(To Wiyakoi?:)—O sister’s son, I am very ill to-day. If I recover, 
I shall (go to) see you, and if I d6 not recover, 1 shall not (go to) see you. 
GAHIGE TO BATTISTE DEROIN, OTO AGENCY, NEBR. FEBRUARY 14, 
1880. 
Waqi”ha ¢a® sididi ti ha. Sidddi tf té b¢ize ékita"haqtei 
Paper the yester- came . Yester- came the Itook just at that time 
ob. day day it 
is fe nN eA = vit a) = ‘ & © ‘ ae 7 . f ae / « fi 4 4 "<« 
nikagahi waxai. Ca™ edadda”™ fu¢a ¢itgé. Ar¢a™naxaf éea™ 
chief they made Well, what news there is You (pl.) asked me as 
them. none. a question 
, . rs , en/ , , - . , , . 
uwib¢ai. Ca" nikaci”’ga amd wayig¢ita’i dea" waqe waxai 3 
I tell it to Well, the people the pl. they work for as white they act 
you (pl.) sub. themselves people 
