Rocky Mountains. 353 



personal fear; I only dread the consequence of improper con- 

 duct, to the women and children; take pity on your women 

 and children, warriors. When he tells you that he is a chief, 

 he speaks truly ; when he says that his soldiers appear like 

 the grass in the spring, in place of those who die, he speaks 

 truly; you, my nation, are like the fly in strength, just so ea- 

 sily can his mighty nation crush you between their fingers. 

 Young men, I have done ; to-morrow I will invite the Ame- 

 rican chief to council, and if any of you wish to speak to 

 him then, you have my consent. Do as I do; I am not asham- 

 ed of what I have done; follow my example." 



He then, in a mild tone and polite manner, informed the 

 agent that he would consult his chiefs, and would return an 

 answer to his speech to-morrow. 



Accordingly, about noon on the 26th, a messenger arrived 

 with information that the chiefs and warriors were ready to 

 receive the agent, and we repaired to the lodge in which the 

 assembly was convened. They formed a circle round the 

 chamber, sitting on grass mats ; the chiefs occupied the back 

 part of the lodge, directly in front of whom we were invited 

 to be seated, on mats spread for our reception. A profound 

 silence ensued, during which the eyes of the assembly were 

 occasionally turned by a glance upon Tarrarecawaho, who at 

 length arose, and after a short harangue, held his pipe to the 

 M<.jor to smoke, signifying that he presented a horse. Sever- 

 al speakers succeeded, who generally presented the pipe in 

 the same manner. After an address from IVi ajor O'Fallon, 

 who concluded by inviting the principal men to our camp, to 

 present them with " a pipe of tobacco," the council dissolved. 



On the expiration of two or three hours, the chiefs and 

 warriors appeared at our camp, and seated themselves on 

 robes and blankets, before our tent, whilst several hundreds 

 of the people encompassed us, keeping however at a respect- 

 ful distance. When the agent had terminated some appro- 

 priate observations, he deposited before Tarrarecawaho, Sha- 



vol. i. 45 



