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Show 352 THE MANDANS----INTELLECTUAL FACULTIES OF THE INDIANS. instead of writing; for instance, the figures on their robes, the drawing of Mato-Tope (Plate XXII.), and the subjoined Indian letter from a Mandan to a fur trader : %. The following is the explanation of the hieroglyphic figures contained in it: The cross signifies, " I will barter, or trade." Three animals are drawn on the right hand of the cross : one is a buffalo ; the two others, a weasel (Mustela Canadensis), and an otter. The writer offers, in exchange for the skins of these animals (probably meaning that of a white buffalo), the articles which he has drawn on the left side of the cross. He has, in the first place, depicted a beaver very plainly, behind which there is a gun ; to the left of the beaver are thirty strokes, each ten separated by a longer line ; this means, I will give thirty beaver skins and a gun for the skins of the three animals on the right hand of the cross. Many of them dispute, with great earnestness, on more elevated subjects ; thus, they inquired our ideas of the various heavenly bodies, and of the origin of the universe, as they, themselves, declare their own silly traditions to be insufficient. Some, indeed, thought our ideas on these subjects much more silly than their own. They laughed outright, when we affirmed that the earth was round, and revolved about the sun. Others, however, would not reject our views, and were of opinion that, as the Whites could do so much which was incomprehensible to them, it was possible they might be right on this point also. In all works that treat of these remarkable people, we find recorded very energetic and well-digested speeches of their chiefs. They frequently use very appropriate figures, and often said bitter truths to their white oppressors. Dr. Morse quotes some such phrases, used at the conclusion of treaties of peace, or declarations of war, which express much in a few words. Thus, in declarations of war : " The blood of our wives and children smokes on the ground ! The bones of our warriors and old men are uncovered, and whiten the earth ! The tomahawk is raised!" And on the conclusion of peace : "The bones of our warriors are buried! the tomahawk is buried! the blood of our women and children is covered ! The path which leads to them must be kept clean ; no weeds may grow there. The chain which binds us together must not become rusty." |