BUSHNELL] THE CHOCTAW OF BAYOU LACOMB, LOUISIANA 25 



the pain a piece of cotton or similar substance, about the size of a 



small pea, which is burned in that position. It is said that many of 



the older Choctaw bore numerous scars as a result of the frequent 



use of this treatment. 



For broken bones in the arms or legs splints and bandages are 



employed, the injured member remaining wrapped until the bone 



unites. 



Crimes and Punishments 



Until a very few years ago no Choctaw could be brought legally 

 before a court in Louisiana to answer for any crime, even murder, 

 provided such crime was perpetrated against another member of the 

 tribe. 



Murder was the one great crime recognized by the Choctaw, and 

 the life of the murderer was invariably claimed by the friends or rela- 

 tives of the victim. It is said that murderers seldom attempted to 

 escape, holding it a duty to their families to receive the punishment 

 of death. To attempt to escape was regarded as a cowardly act, 

 which reflected on every member of the family. If, however, a mur- 

 derer did succeed in escaping, another member of the family usually 

 was required to die in his stead. 



The following account of a native execution, the last to occur 

 according to tribal custom, was related by the two women at Bayou 

 Lacomb. This event occurred some thirty years ago at a place not 

 far from Abita Springs: 



One night two men who were really friends, not enemies, were dancing and drink- 

 ing with many others, when they suddenly began quarreling and fighting; finally one 

 was killed by the other. The following day, after the murderer had recovered from 

 the effects of the whisky, he realized what he had done, and knowing he would have 

 to die, he went to the relatives of the murdered man and told them he was ready to 

 meet his doom, but asked that he be allowed to remain with them about two weeks 

 longer, as he did not want to miss a dance to be held within that time. To this they 

 consented, and during the following days he was given many small presents, as pieces 

 of ribbon, beads, and tobacco. He was treated by eveiyone, by old and young alike, 

 with the greatest respect and kindness; all endeavored to make his last days enjoy- 

 able. At last came the event on account of which his life had been prolonged, and 

 for three days and nights all sang and danced. The next day, just at noon, when the 

 sun was directly overhead, was the time fixed for the execution. Shortly before that 

 time his friends and relatives gathered at his house, where he joined them. All then 

 proceeded to the cemetery, for the execution was to take place on the edge of the 

 grave that he himself had helped to dig, in a spot he had selected. The murderer 

 stood erect at one end of the grave, and with his own hands parted his shirt over his 

 heart. Four of his male friends stood near with their hands on his shoulders and legs, 

 to keep his body erect after death. His female relatives were on each side, and all 

 were singing loudly. Soon he announced that he was ready. A relative of the mur- 

 dered man advanced and pressing the muzzle of a rifle against the murderer's chest, 

 fired. 



As provided for, the body was held in an upright i^osition and immediately a piece 

 of cloth was inserted into the wound to stop the flow of blood. Late that afternoon 

 the remains were placed in the grave, which was filled with earth without ceremony. 



