hunting party bringing in dried
buffalo and deer meat, and sometimes Sioux scalps, when they are found
trespassing on our hunting grounds. At other times they are met by a
party of Sioux too strong for them and are driven in. If the Sioux have
killed the Sacs last, they expect to be retaliated upon and will fly
before them, and so with us. Each party knows that the other has a
right to retaliate, which induces those who have killed last to give way
before their enemy, as neither wishes to strike, except to avenge the
death of relatives. All our wars are instigated by the relations of
those killed, or by aggressions on our hunting grounds. The party from
the lead mines brings lead, and the others dried fish, and mats for our
lodges. Presents are now made by each party, the first giving to the
others dried buffalo and deer, and they in return presenting them lead,
dried fish and mats. This is a happy season of the year, having plenty
of provisions, such as beans, squashes and other produce; with our dried
meat and fish, we continue to make feasts and visit each other until
our corn is ripe. Some lodge in the village a feast daily to the Great
Spirit. I cannot explain this so that the white people will understand
me, as we have no regular standard among us.

Every one makes his feast as he thinks best, to please the Great Spirit,
who has the care of all beings created. Others believe in two Spirits,
one good and one bad, and make feasts for the Bad Spirit, to keep him
quiet. They think that if they can make peace with him, the Good Spirit
will not hurt them. For my part I am of the opinion, that so far as we
have reason, we have a right to use it in determining what is right
or wrong, and we should always pursue that path which we believe to be
right, believing that "whatsoever is, is right." If the Great and Good
Spirit wished us to believe and do as the whites, he could easily change
our opinions, so that we could see, and think, and act as they do. We
are nothing compared to his power, and we feel and know it. We have men
among us, like the whites, who pretend to know the right path, but will
not consent to show it without pay. I have no faith in their paths, but
believe that every man must make his own path.

When our corn is getting ripe, our young people watch with anxiety for
the signal to pull roasting ears, as none dare touch them until the
proper time. When the corn is fit for use another great ceremony takes
pl