dknig] THE ASSINIBOIN 525 



Fame 



The principal avenue of fame is the pursuit of war. Other things 

 tend to aid the individual and to render him respectable, as expert- 

 ness in hunting, powers of prophecy, necromancy, and a name for 

 wisdom, that is, the knowledge of governing, advising, making wise 

 speeches, etc., but all these rather follow than precede the elevation 

 of the man. Success in war is the first step; the others increase the 

 importance of this. Acquiring a good many horses and women, by 

 and means whatever, brings an individual into notice and makes him 

 of importance, as thereby he can distribute many favors that a 

 poorer yet braver man can not. Wealth in this finds him friends 

 as it does on other occasions everywhere. But when rank is boasted, 

 or chieftainship aimed at. bravery and success in war with capacity 

 to lead are the principal requisites, without which all the other qual- 

 ifications would be of no avail. We are acquainted with no Indian 

 who has arisen to distinction without success in war being the 

 principal cause of his advancement. 



Stoicism 



The stoicism exhibited by all these nations appears to be partly 

 a natural disposition and partly a bias of their minds produced by 

 their peculiar mode of life. This display of feeling is only seen 

 when the circumstance requires it. It is considered a mark of manli- 

 ness to treat important subjects, transactions, and conversations with 

 deliberation and decorum. Lighter matters are discoursed upon 

 with appropriate levity. Their constant wants, shifts, and precarious 

 positions induce a thoughtful manner. The knowledge of each 

 other's duplicity and the many ways used to circumvent and deceive 

 to gain each his own ends produces caution. The uncertainty of 

 their lives, liability to be revenged upon, and treacherous conduct 

 generates suspicion. Being subject to severe reverses, extremes of 

 want and danger, etc., a recklessness of life follows. Besides being 

 the victims of superstitious dread, a morbidness of mind is acquired. 

 But even all these would not without some natural peculiar disposi- 

 tion of mind account for their want of excitement and taciturnity and 

 cover a hidden deep and dark design. Even when most expected, no 

 trace of passion would be perceived by a stranger, but among them- 

 selves, or those who are well acquainted with their ways, their eye, 

 countenance, smile, and every movement are as true an index to the 

 workings of their mind as are observable among civilized persons in 

 the most violent bursts of passion. 



