Rocky Mountains. 365 



lot of artificial distinctions, and party animosity sometimes 

 occurs, which, in one instance, had nearly produced fatal 

 consequences. The Puncaw Indians, having conceived them- 

 selves injured by the Pawnee Loups, applied to the Grand 

 Pawnees for aid in obtaining redress. r - he latter warmly 

 espoused their cause, and the Grand Chief marched his war- 

 riors towards the Loup village, in avowed hostility. Peta- 

 lesharoo hastily assembled his warriors for defence, and sal- 

 lied out to meet the enemy ; but finding their numerical 

 force to be greatly superior to his own, he saw that the re- 

 sistance which his little band could offer, though it might 

 check their career, would, in all probability, be insufficient 

 to repel them. He therefore rode forward between the par- 

 ties and called aloud on Tarrarecawaho, who then advanced 

 to meet him. The young chief immediately challenged him 

 te a single combat ; let us, said he, thus avoid the copious 

 effusion of kindred blood, which otherwise must flow upon 

 the earth in a general battle. This proposition was peremp- 

 torily refused. Then, said Petalesharoo, I must call you an 

 old squaw, and a coward ; return to your party and select for 

 me the bravest of your men. This being also refused, La- 

 telesha came forward and by amicable negociation, adjusted 

 the point in dispute. This village contains about one hun- 

 dred and forty-five lodges. 



29th. The horses that were smoked yesterday were brought 

 this morning, and we departed on our return by way of the 

 Republican village. When within a mile of the latter we 

 were again halted by a messenger, in order that the warriors 

 might prepare to receive us properly. In about an hour they 

 were seen issuing from the village, with four chiefs in front, 

 who lamented aloud as they came near, in token of penitence 

 for their offences. They proceeded to shake us by the hand, 

 whilst about one hundred and fifty mounted, decorated, and 

 painted warriors, were rushing about us in every direction, 

 whooping, and yelling, and exhibiting such gracefulness and 



