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Show .TAMES P. BECKWOURTH. 267 streaming fr01n every conceivable part of the bodies of all who were old enough to comprehend their loss. Hundreds of fingers were dismembered; hair, torn from the head, lay in profusion about the paths; wails and moans in every direction assailed the ear, where unrestrained joy had a few hours before prevailed. This fearful mourning lasted until evening of the next day. The morning following I ordered the removal of the village in the direction of the Rose Bud. vV e there built a council-lodge, and all the prophets and Inedicine men in the village were assembled in it on its completion. The national1·ecords were read over, and, after a lengthy ceremony performed by the great men, it was unanimously declared that they had elected me }..,irst Counselor, and that, conjointly with Long Hair, I was head chief of the nation. Which pronunciamiento was recorded. It then devolved upon me to deliver my inaugural address. As nearly as I can recollect, I spoke as follows: "Brothers and warriors! The great A-ra-poo-ash is no more. He has met his fathers and kindred who preceded him to the Spirit Land. He has told all concerning you that yet survive on earth. I-Ie has related your deeds of bravery, which makes the spirits rejoice; he has also told of your disobedience to your chief, which has made them cry and become dark. The Great Spirit becomes angry at you when he sees his heroes mourn. But, although you displeased A-rapoo- ash by disobedience, and made his heart to mourn, he intercedes for you there, that, if you now obey the chiefs you have chosen to lead you, your war-paths may consta.ntly be prosperous; your buffalo and beaVtr shall always abound, and you may become a great and powerful _people. |