298 Expedition to the 



ticularly the squaws, who are the principal actors, more than 

 almost any other of their enjoyments. 



Indeed, it is to the squaws, that many of these exertions 

 are attributable, as those, whose husbands have not been suc- 

 cessful in war, frequently murmur, saying, " you have had me 

 for a wife, a long time, and have never yet gratified me with 

 the scalp dance." 



Those squaws, whose husbands or relatives have been kill- 

 ed during the excursions of the party, take no part in this 

 blissful dance, but rub themselves with clay, and lament. 



This dance is repeated every night for two or three weeks, 

 after which it is renewed occasionally for a twelvemonth. 

 The scalps are often cut into slips, that many of the dancers 

 may be accommodated with them; but this was never done 

 with an intention to deceive, respecting the actual number 

 of the enemy killed. After the termination of this ceremo- 

 ny, the scalps are either thrown away, or are used to decor- 

 ate the leggings of the warrior, or to suspend from his me- 

 dicine bag, or from the bridle of his horse. 



Soon after the return of the party, the principal warriors, 

 are invited to feasts by different villagers, where they re- 

 count the events that have transpired during their absence. 

 They narrate the mode of approaching the enemy, the onset, 

 the battle, all the little particulars of which are detailed ; but 

 they seem to dwell with particular pleasure on the conduct 

 of individuals of the enemy, as it appeared immediately be- 

 fore they received the death blow; if there was any move- 

 ment of the body, or emotion exhibited upon the countenance 

 of the victim, that betrayed a want of firmness, or fear of 

 death, at that awful juncture, the account excites much 

 laughter in the audience. If the disabled individual was so 

 imbecile, as to shrink from a blow of the tomahawk or war- 

 club, he is ridiculed as a coward. If he is said to have cried 

 for quarters, or begged for mercy, or to have held up the 

 palm of his hand towards the victor to appease his ven- 



