ACCOUNT OP THE INDIANS. 



341 



pleases. All the Indians on the east side of the 

 rocky mountain, think it very indecent for a 

 father or mother in law, to speak to, or look in 

 the face of a son or daughter in law ; and they 

 never do either unless they are very much in- 

 toxicated. The reason which they give for this 

 custom, when questioned on the subject is, the 

 peculiar intercourse which this person has had 

 with their child. 



When two young persons of different sexes, 

 have an affection for each other, and wish to be 

 connected in marriage, to which the parents of 

 the girl will not consent, they frequently leave 

 the tents of their parents, and go and join some 

 distant band of Indians. They are, however, of- 

 ten pursued, by the parents of the young woman ; 

 and should he overtake them, he will bring his 

 daughter back, and keep a strict watch over her 

 conduct, to prevent all intercourse between her 

 and her suitor. All neighbouring tribes frequently 

 intermarry. 



Chastity in young women, is considered as a 

 virtue, by the Indians, generally, on the east side 

 of the Rocky Mountain ; and many mothers, 

 among some tribes are so particular, that they 

 never allow their daughters, who have arrived at 

 a certain age, to go from home alone, but always 

 send some person with them, as a protector. 



