INDIAN CAROUSAL.—BURNING PRAIRIE. 
21 
every house. The first we entered was full of men and women, so absorbed in their own occu¬ 
pations that for some time we were apparently unnoticed. Several were brandishing bottles of 
whiskey, occasionally applying them to their lips, and singing the Indian “hl-ho-ln-e-o,” beat¬ 
ing with hand and foot to keep time with a sort of flute that one was playing, while the women, 
with hunches of bells upon their ankles, were dancing to the music. All were in a state of 
drunken excitement, and never was witnessed a scene more wild and infernal. They at length 
surrounded us, presenting their bottles with shouts, yells, and a profusion of unintelligible 
words. At another house, intoxication was exhibited in a different but still more disagreeable 
phase. There were a party of gamblers, excited to madness over whiskey and cards. One 
cursed us in round English, and bade us begone. We thought proper to take no notice of this, 
but asked for the chief. The question sobered him somewhat, and he told us that the object of 
our search had gone to our late camp. Driving back to the camp-ground, we found Black 
Beaver, with Dr. Bigelow, awaiting us. He informed us that a party of Creeks had arrived the 
previous night with a barrel of whiskey, which was the cause of the disorder we had witnessed. 
Learning our wants, he immediately furnished animals and a guide, and we saw the little party 
safely started on its way to the fort. Mr. Gaines was provided with a revolver, that he might 
have the wherewith to defend himself if necessary. We were sorry to take leave of him, for 
his gentlemanly deportment and amiability had won strong hold upon our regard. Dr. Bige¬ 
low and myself followed the train. Overtaking it, we travelled over a fine undulating prairie 
for about eighteen miles, and encamped upon a rivulet, a tributary of the Canadian. 
One of the party being ahead to-day, looking for water, discovered two Indians setting fire to 
the prairie. When they saw him, one hid himself in the grass. The other allowed himself to 
be approached, and, in reply to a question, made signs that there was no water beyond. They 
were probably Ivichais, who live on the opposite side of the Canadian, at Chouteau’s old trading- 
post. That tribe is neither numerous nor warlike; but taking advantage of their position, they 
form a sort of connecting-link between the wild Indians and the semi-civilized. They cultivate 
the soil, hunt, and are supposed to have no objection to plunder, whenever a favorable oppor¬ 
tunity presents itself. The fire which had been kindled threatened camp, and we were obliged 
to burn a wide space around us for protection. At night its appearance was sublime. Huge 
waves of flame, with a roaring sound like that of the ocean, were rolling over the rank grass, 
and rushing onward with fearful rapidity. In camping upon the dry prairie, it requires con¬ 
stant vigilance to avoid the catastrophe of a conflagration. Many a party has, by carelessness 
in this respect, been reduced to a destitute condition. 
Water was passed, to-day, in pools, at four different places. At the head of a creek, near 
camp, there is a fine spring. The water disappears a few hundred yards below. We encamped 
early, fearing that it might not be found for a long distance beyond. The route has been favor¬ 
able, with a pleasant view extending for many miles on either side. The ravines were wooded, 
and patches of timber were scattered at irregular intervals along the route, forming detached 
portions of the Cross Timbers. We have pursued the trail of Capt. Marcy, which follows the 
almost inappreciable ridge that divides the waters of Red river from those of the Canadian. 
The comet seen last night has been again observed. Its motion has been towards the east. 
It appears to-night much less distinct; but this effect is possibly due to the smoky atmosphere. 
Three stars have been observed in connexion with it, and observations made also for latitude 
and time. 
August 23 —Camgo 23.—The water in the creek at the last camp was apparently undiminished, 
notwithstanding the great quantity consumed by the train. At 6| a. m. the mules were driven 
from the rich grama, where they had been feeding ; harnessed up, and by half-past seven the 
train was in motion. Turning from our general westward course, we proceeded northerly 
towards a distant grove, which may be Capt. Simpson’s land-mark for the Kichai village at 
Chouteau’s. After travelling ten miles over a smooth prairie, Ave encamped. Water occurs at 
various places to the right and left of the route. Springs are frequent. The one at camp issues 
