THE GEORGE CATLIN INDIAN GALLERY. 43 



when on a war expedition against the Comanches. He, with his party, wore about 

 to surprise their cainp on a very dark night, when a black dog, by his continued 

 barking, kept them at bay. After several ineffectual attempts, being repelled by 

 the dog, Techong-ta-saba became exasperated, and fired an arrow at random, hitting 

 him in the head and causing instant death. By this name he is familiarly known 

 to the officers of the Army and white traders in that section of country. 



In the latter part of the summer of 1843, a party of fifteen Pawnees went on a trad- 

 ing expedition among the Comanches: having been prosperous in their enterprise, 

 Mid feeling themselves secure from the attack of enemies. On their route homeward 

 they were induced to barter most of their guns, ammunition, and a few of their 

 horses, of which the Comanches stood much in need. They then took their departure 

 homeward. At the Witchata village they halted for a few days to recruit. An 

 Osage sojourning with the Witchatas, seeing the large amount of skins in the pos- 

 session of the Pawnees and learning their defenseless situation, immediately mounted 

 his horse, proceeded homeward, and informed Black Dog of the facts. Knowing the 

 trail the Pawnees would take on their route, he immediately started with a war party 

 for the point they were expected to pass on the headwaters of Canadian River, 

 whore they lay in wait for them. Several days elapsed, during which time they sent 

 out runners in every direction to give notice" of the approach of the Pawnees. They 

 were at last espied, wending their way leisurely along, unconscious of their close 

 proximity to their deadliest enemies, their horses laden with the fruits of months of 

 fatigue and hardship, destined for the white trader in exchange for guns, ammuni- 

 tion, and blankets. The Osages were in active {^reparation for the attack. They 

 secreted themselves and awaited the approach of the Pawnees, when they suddenly 

 fell upon and massacred the whole party, securing all their peltries, horses, &c. They 

 departed for their towns in savage exultation at the death of their enemies, happy 

 undoubtedly in the belief that they had done their people good service and enriched 

 themselves without toil. — J. M. Stanley, 1843. 



32. Tal-lee, ; an Osage warrior of distinction ; with his shield, bow, 



and quiver. Painted 1834. 

 (Plate No. 153, page 42, vol. 2. Catlin's Eight Years.) 

 Amongst the many brave and distinguished warriors of the tribe, one of the most 

 noted and respected is Td,l-lee (plate 153), painted at full length, with his lance in his 

 hand, his shield on his arm, and his bow and quiver slung upon his back. 



In this portrait there is a fair specimen of the Osage figure and dress, as well as of 

 the facial outline, and shape and character of the head, and mode of dressing and 

 ornamenting it with helmet crest, and the eagle's quill. — 1834, Geo. Catlin, page 42, 

 vol. 2, Catlin's Eight Years. 



33. Wa-ho-beck-ee, ; a brave; said to be the handsomest man in the 



nation ; with a profusion of wampum on his neck, and a fan in his hand 

 made of the eagle's tail. (No plate. ) 



34. Mun-ne-pus-kee, He who is not afraid. ^ 



35. Ko-a-tunk-a, the Big Crow. \ Group. 



36. Nah-com-ee-shee, Man of the Bed. ) 



Three distinguished young warriors, who desired to be painted on one canvas. 

 Painted in 1834. 



(See Plates 154, 155, and 156, page 43, vol. 2, Catlin's Eight Years.) 



These portraits set forth fairly the modes of dress and ornaments of the young men 

 of the tribe, from the tops of their heads to the soles of their feet. The only dress 

 they wear in warm weather is the breech-cloth, leggings, and moccasins of dressed 

 skins, and garters worn immediately below the knee, ornamented profusely with beads 

 and wampum. 



