158 Expedition to the 



different positions upon the face, breast and back. The face 

 of others was coloured, one half black, and one half white, 

 or red and white, &c. j many coloured their hair with red 

 clay ; but the eye-lids, and base of the ears, were generally 

 tinged with vermillion. At the conclusion of the ceremony, 

 whiskey, which they always expect on similar occasions, was 

 produced, and a small portion was given to each. The 

 principal chiefs of the different nations, who had remained 

 passive spectators of the scene, now directed their people to 

 return to their camp. The word of the chiefs was obeyed, 

 excepting by a few of the Ioways, who appeared to be de- 

 termined to keep their places notwithstanding the reiterated 

 command of the chiefs. letan now sprang towards them, 

 with an expression of much ferocity in his countenance, and 

 it is probable a tragic scene would have been displayed 

 had not the chiefs requested him to use gentle means, and 

 thus he succeeded, after which the chiefs withdrew. 



October 4th. At ten o'clock, the hour appointed for the 

 council, the Indians, headed by their chiefs, arrived ; and 

 after shaking us all by the hand took their seats. There were 

 about one hundred Ottoes, seventy Missouries, and fifty or 

 sixty Ioways. They arranged themselves, agreeably to their 

 tribes, on puncheon benches, which had been prepared for 

 them, and which described a semicircle, on the chord of 

 which sat the whites, with Major OFallon and his interpre- 

 ters in the centre. Sentinels walked to and fro behind the 

 benches ; and a handsome standard waved before the assem- 

 bly. The council was opened by a few rounds from the 

 howitzers. A profound silence reigned for a few minutes, 

 when Major O Fallon arose, and in a very animated and en- 

 ergetic manner addressed his Indian auditors. Suitable re- 

 plies were given by Shonga-tonga, the Crenier and others, 

 with all the extravagant gesticulation which is one of the 

 prominent features of Indian oratory. 



At the termination of the council, presents were made of 

 blankets, kettles, strouding, tobacco, guns, powder and ball, 



