372 Expedition to the 



em Indians, the motions or signs used to express ideas, ijc !|^,<3B 

 ing, with some slight variations, the same amongst all of ^ " 

 them. Nearly allied to the language of signs, is a species of 

 written language which they make use of, consisting of a few 

 jBymbolical representations, and of course, very limited and 

 defective. 



The figures they make use of have but a faint resemblance 

 to the object described, and are rudely imprinted upon trees, 

 cliffs, 8tc. by means of paints, charcoal, and sometimes by 

 carving with a knife or other edged tool, and are significant 

 of some movement, achievement, or design of the Indians. 

 A variety of figures of this description are to be seen 

 upon the cliflPs, rocks, and trees, in places held sacred, and 

 frequently resorted to by the Indians, but of their import, 

 little is known. Many of these symbols are made by the 

 magicians, or men of Medicine, and are probably of sacred 

 or devotional import. 



Much intrigue, cunning, and artifice, are blended with the 

 policy of the Indians, and judging from the usual practice, it 

 is a favorite, and well approved maxim with them, that 

 " the end sanctifies the means-" In an interview with stran- 

 gers, it appears to be their first object, to ascertain their 

 motives, and the objects of their visit, and after regarding 

 them for some time without a show of curiosity, a variety 

 of interrogatories are proposed, in order tq satisfy themselves 

 upon these points. This they appear to do with the view 

 also of scrutinizing into the character and disposition of their 

 guests. In the course of the conversation they become 

 more and more familiar and impertinent, till at length, their 

 familiarity is succeeded by contempt and insult. Thus, 

 from the coldest reserve, they are in a short time, impelled 

 by curiosity, and a propensity to abuse, where they are not 

 in some measure compelled to respect, to the commission of 

 outrages, e\en Vv^ithout the slightest provocation. This kind 

 of treatment, however, is easily obviated at the commence- 

 ment of an interview, by resisting every advance made by 

 the Indians towards familiarity, and by uniformly opposing 

 firmness and reserve to the liberties they are disposed to 

 take. 



These attributes of the Indian character manifest them- 

 selves not only in the well known sratagems they adopt in 

 warfare, but in the management of their domestic concerns, 

 in which rivalships of one kind or other are engendered; par- 

 ties are formed, and pretenders arise, claiming privileges that 



