CHAPTER X.* 



Account of the Omawhaws — Their Manners and Customs 

 and religious rites — Historical notices of Blackbird, late 

 principal chief 



A great portion of the information contained in the fol- 

 lowing pages, respecting the Missouri Indians, and particu- 

 larly the Omawhaws, was obtained from Mr. John Dough- 

 erty, deputy Indian agent for the Missouri, who had an ex- 

 cellent opportunity of making himself acquainted with the 

 natives, by residing for a time in the Omawhaw village, and 

 by visiting all the different nations of this river. 



This gentleman with great patience, and in the most oblig- 

 ing manner, answered all the questions which I proposed to 

 him, relating to such points in their manners, habits, 

 opinions and history, as we had no opportunity of observ- 

 ing ourselves. And we have much to regret that it is not 

 in our power to present the reader with a biographical 

 sketch of this amiable and intrepid traveller. 



The permanent Omawhaw village is situate on Omaw- 

 haw creak, within two and an half miles of the Missouri 

 river, and about one hundred miles by water above Engi- 

 neer Cantonment, and seventy by land. It consists of dirt 

 lodges, similar to those of the Konzas already described. 

 Omawhaw creek takes its rise from the bluffs in the rear of 

 the village, and discharges into the river, at the distance of 

 seven miles below. About two miles from the town, it di- 

 lates into a large pond, which is filled with luxuriant aquatic 



* The succeeding chapters, which relate to the manners and customs 

 of the Indians, chiefly the Omawhaws, are from the notes of Mr. Say. 



