368 Expedition to the 



derstancl. Indeed many of the individuals, of these different 

 nations, seemed to be ignorant of each other's language, for 

 when they met, they would communicate by means of signs, 

 with now and then an oral interjection, and would thus main- 

 tain a conversation apparently without the least difficulty or 

 misapprehension. 



These nations are at war with all the Missouri Indians, as 

 far down as the Osages, who are also included amongst their 

 enemies, and it was rumoured that hostilities had recently 

 commenced between them and the Shiennes, upon the river 

 of the same name. 



Their implements of war, consist of the bow and arrow, 

 the lance, war-club, and shield. They usually fight on horse- 

 back, and as horsemen, display great skill and activity. 



Their habitations are leather lodges, which serve them 

 as tents on their march, and dwellings at the places of their 

 encampment. 



Widely diffused as these Indians are and never embodied, 

 it is impracticable even to conjecture their numliers, with any 

 degree of probable accuracy. They roam, not only through- 

 out the section above specified, but extensively, within the 

 range of the Rcjcky Mountains. 



The foregoing remarks concerning the Indians of this part 

 of the countr}', have been made, for the most part, agreeably 

 to the suggestions of Mr. Say, whose attention was particu- 

 larly directed to researches of this nature. But having been 

 robbed of his notes upon the customs, manners, traditions, &c. 

 of the western Indians, by the men, who deserted from captain 

 Bell's party, he could give no farther account of them, than 

 what his recollection could supply. Of the Konzas, Otoes, 

 Pawnees, and other Indians near the Council Bluff, his notes 

 are considerably extensive, but the vessel on board of which 

 they with other articles, were shipped from New Orleans, 

 -having been obstructed in her passage up the Delaware by 

 ice, we have not yet received them. 



IX. — Observatiotis embracing' several traits of character com- 

 mon to the Indians of the xvesterti country. 



An accurate and extensive knowledge, of the numerous 

 tribes and nations of Indians living within the United States 

 territory, can only be attained by a long residence with 

 them. Thev are seldom communicative, except upon sub- 

 jects intimately connected with their personal experience or 

 present interests, and welfare, in regard to matters of an ab- 



