Rocky Mountains. 265 



Pawnee war party, which we so unfortunately encountered 

 near the Konza village, was more solicitous to obtain a 

 draft of this pernicious beverage, than to possess any other 

 article within his view. We, however, persisted in refusing 

 it to him, although he fell upon his knees and laid his hands 

 convulsively upon his breast and stomach, crying out, with 

 a voice and manner of earnest supplication, " whiskey, whis- 

 key." The vice of drunkenness is yet, however, extremely 

 rare in the Pawnee, as well as the Konza nation. But the 

 Omawhaws are much addicted to it, and, with the exception 

 of the chiefs, the indulgence does not, in any very conside- 

 rable measure, degrade them in the estimation of their coun- 

 trymen, who regard it as a delightful frolick ; unless indeed 

 the indulgence is permitted to grow into a habit. 



To this cause, more especially than to any other, is perhaps 

 attributable the depreciation of the influence of Ongpatonga, 

 notwithstanding the efforts of his comparatively superior in- 

 tellectual abilities. 



The greatest offences and insults are overlooked if com- 

 mitted in this state, and even murder is palliated by it. 

 The actions of drunken Indians, are as ridiculous and puerile 

 as those of civilized drunkards ; chiefs, warriors, and com- 

 mon men, roll indiscriminately on the earth together, or 

 dance, caper, laugh, cry, shout, fight, or hug and kiss, and 

 rub each other with their hands, in the most affectionate or 

 stupid manner. If in the vicinity of white people, they ap- 

 point some of their number to remain sober, in order to 

 prevent injury or insult being offered to them. 



The squaws sometimes tie them with cords, in order to 

 preserve the peace, and are thanked for their precaution, 

 when the subjects return to the dignity of reason. 



Squaws, however, will themselves get drunk on certain 

 occasions, and children are frequently intoxicated with liquor 

 given them by the parents. 



Whiskey, which is the only spirituous liquor they are ac- 



vol. i. 34 



