BUSHNELL] VILLAGES WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI 105 
which stood on the right bank of the Arkansas River, just southwest 
of Fort Gibson, in the present Muskogee County, Oklahoma. The 
settlement “about fifty miles from Union” may have been on the 
Verdigris, near the center of the present Rogers County, Oklahoma. 
An interesting description of a deserted camp of the Osage was 
prepared by Irving, as it appeared, standing near the banks of the 
Arkansas, October 11, 1832. On that day, so he wrote: “ We came 
in sight of the Arkansas. It presented a broad and rapid stream, 
bordered by a beach of fine sand, overgrown with willows and 
cotton-wood trees. Beyond the river, the eye wandered over a beau- 
tiful champaign country, of flowery plains and sloping uplands .. . 
Not far from the river, on an open eminence, we passed through the 
recently deserted camping place of an Osage war party. The frames 
of their tents or wigwams remained, consisting of poles bent into an 
arch, with each end stuck into the ground; these are intertwined — 
with twigs and branches, and covered with bark and skins. Those 
experienced in Indian lore, can ascertain the tribe, and whether on 
a hunting or warlike expedition, by the shape and disposition of the 
wigwams. Beatte pointed out to us, in the present skeleton camp, 
the wigwam in which the chiefs had held their consultations round 
the council fire; and an open area, well trampled down, on which 
the grand war-dance had been performed.” (Irving, W., (1), pp. 
38-39.) The frames probably resembled the example shown in 
plate 32, a. 
This mention of a dance by Irving suggests the description of a 
ceremony witnessed at the village of the Little Osage during the 
same year. The account of a “war-dance” was prepared July 25, 
1832: “ Much of the ceremony consisted in a sort of dancing march 
round the streets of the village between their lodges . . . In their 
marching round the settlement, the warriors were followed by a 
band of musicians, some drumming on a piece of deer skin, stretched 
over the head of a keg, and others singing their wild songs. Among 
the retinue I observed a great many youths, who appeared to be 
young disciples, catching the spirit of their seniors and fathers. 
- Another group followed, who appeared to be mourners, crying for 
vengeance on their enemies, to reward them for the death of some 
relative.” (Colton, (1), pp. 299-800.) 
A brief but interesting sketch of the manners and ways of life of 
the Osage of a century ago is to be found in Morse’s work already 
quoted. Although the notes were prepared to apply to several 
neighboring tribes, they referred primarily to the tribe now being 
discussed. First speaking of their gardens: “They raise annually 
small crops of corn, beans, and pumpkins, these they cultivate en- 
tirely with the hoe, in the simplest manner. Their crops are usually 
