450 TRIBES OF THE UPPER MISSOURI [ETH. ann. 46 



raise and lead a war party, provided he can get followers. He then 

 comes under the head of partisan or captain of the expedition, his 

 powers in this capacity only lasting during the excursion and termi- 

 nating on his return to camp and resuming his civil place and duties. 

 The powers of war and civil chief are united in the same, also those 

 of warrior and hunter, soldier and hunter, soldier and partisan, chief 

 and partisan. The leading chief could also and often does guide the 

 whole band to war; in fact in the event of any general turnout, he 

 must be the head. Any man, however, in whom the young men 

 have confidence to follow, may raise and lead a war party, if war 

 is going on and the time suits the chiefs and soldiers in council 

 assembled. But as the chiefs and soldiers are the most experienced 

 in this occupation, and are better acquainted with their enemies' 

 country, they are generally chosen as leaders in these expeditions. 

 Yet from among the warrior class, occasionally a young partisan 

 arises who is neither chief nor soldier, but whose character for brav- 

 ery, caution, and all the necessary talents is established. There is 

 no specified age when a young man may rightfully express his opin- 

 ion. This depends on his success in war, his general good behavior, 

 activity in hunting, etc. When he becomes remarkable for these 

 things he is noticed by the soldiers, invited to feasts, to councils, 

 where being of sufficient consequence bis opinion is asked and is 

 given. We have known men not over 22 to 24 years of age being 

 called upon to speak in council, and others to arrive at extreme old 

 age without ever opening their lips there. An Indian soon sees and 

 feels his standing with the others, and acts accordingly: to do other- 

 wise, or force his presence and opinions prematurely, would only 

 incur ridicule, contempt, and disgrace. 



Power of the Priests ix Council. — The power of priests is con- 

 joined with that of doctors, sorcerers, and prophets, to which is oc- 

 casionally added that of councillors, as they are sometimes shrewd 

 old men and somewhat feared on account of their supposed super- 

 natural powers; but they do not influence councils in any great de- 

 gree, seldom attending at all. Whatever influence they have on 

 public questions must be exercised in council, and not as a separate 

 body. They do not constitute a body and only rank as councillors 

 when their former exploits have been of a nature to entitle them to 

 that position, and their age is not too far advanced. Being generally 

 very old, their opinions in council are not much regarded. Their 

 forte is at the bed of the sick or in other operations where something 

 is to be gained. In making war or peace they would have little to 

 say, in a cession of lands still less, and in conducting war parties noth- 

 ing at all. The old Gauche mentioned before, although a divining 

 man, was a warrior, not old at that time, and feared because he had 

 the power over their lives by the use of poisons which he made no 



