302 Expedition to the 



proper distance they despatched a detachment to take ambush 

 on the opposite side of the village, then kindled a fire, at 

 which they lighted the grass torches, and rushing into the 

 village succeeded in setting many of the lodges on fire, by 

 fixing the torches to them. Such was the fury of the unex- 

 pected attack, that the Oto warriors were driven from the 

 village, but falling into the ambuscade, they fought their way 

 back to their lodges, with much slaughter. A heavy fall of 

 rain now commenced, which rescued the remaining Otos 

 from entire destruction. The conflagration was quickly ex- 

 tinguished, the guns and bow strings of the invaders became 

 useless, and the Otos sallying out with fresh weapons, forc- 

 ed them to a precipitate retreat. The loss was severe on 

 both sides, but the Omawhaws succeeded in carrying off 

 almost all the horses of the enemy, besides a number of 

 prisoners, furniture, &c. The war continued between these 

 two nations, until the pacification, which was accomplished 

 through the agency of Lewis and Clark, and has continu- 

 ed to the present day. 



Reverting to the period of the government of Washingguh- 

 sahba, we are informed that the Padoucas once approached 

 the nation, and stole a number of horses, when this chief 

 assembled his warriors, and pursued them ; observing the 

 tracks of their feet in the soft earth, he discharged his gun 

 repeatedly into them, declaring that thereby he would crip- 

 ple the fugitives so entirely that it would be easy to over- 

 take and destroy them. Accordingly he did overtake them, 

 and, agreeably to the Indian account, they were unable to 

 defend themselves, and were all destroyed but two or three, 

 who escaped, and failed not to inform their people of the 

 wonderful medicine of the victor. 



The last martial expedition of Washingguhsahba terminated 

 disastrously for his nation. He led his warriors against the 

 Konzas, halted them near the village of that people, and 

 singly rode round the village, repeatedly discharging his gun 



