112 Expedition to the 



them notice of the approach of a military force, of sufficient 

 strength to chastise their insolence, and advising them to 

 seize the present opportunity of averting the vengeance 

 they deserved, by proper concessions, and by their future 

 good behaviour, to conciliate those, whose friendship they 

 would have so much occasion to desire. 



The replies of the chiefs were simple and short, expres- 

 sive of their conviction of the justice of the complaints 

 made against them, and of their acquiescence in the terms 

 of reconciliation proposed by the agent. There were pre- 

 sent at this council, one hundred and sixty-one Konzas, in- 

 cluding chiefs and warriors, and thirteen Osages. The 

 most distinguished men were Na-he-da-ba, or Long Neck, 

 one of the principal chiefs. Ka-he-ga-wa-ta-ning-ga, Little 

 Chief, second in rank. Shon-ga-ne-ga, who had been one 

 of the principal chiefs, but had resigned his authority in 

 favor of Ka-he-ga-wa-ta-ning-ga. Wa-ha-che-ra, Big Knife, a 

 partizan or leader of war parties. Wom-pa-wa-ra, He xvho 

 scares all men, more commonly known to the whites as 

 Plume Blanche, or White Plume, a man rising rapidly in 

 importance, and apparently destined to become the leader 

 of the nation. In addition to the Indians, the officers of the 

 garrison, and a few gentlemen were present at the. council. 

 The ceremonies were commenced by a discharge of ord- 

 nance from the steam boat ; the flags were hoisted in their 

 appropriate places, a council flag being placed near the chair 

 occupied by the agent. The Indians appeared gratified at 

 the displays made on the occasion, but their attention was 

 more particularly aroused by the exhibition of a few rockets 

 and shells, fired for their entertainment. At our departure, 

 which, on account of the Indians, was delayed until the 25th 

 of August, man}' of them were present, and manifested some 

 surprise at witnessing the operations of the steam boat.. 



It was thought adviseable to make some addition to our 

 force at Isle au Vache, as we should soon be in advance of 



