n the chiefs, and the veteran warriors, who in many a
bloody foray had won renown, took their seats around him. Silently and
with the dignity becoming great men, they assumed their positions. The
young men, who had not yet signalized themselves, and who were ever
eager to go upon the war-path, that they might return with their
trophies of gory scalps, to receive the applause of the nation as
braves, came next.

In respect to the war spirit, which is one of the most direful traits
of our fallen race, there is but little difference between the
civilized and uncivilized man. I was once breakfasting with one of the
most distinguished officers of a European army. To my question whether
the officers generally wished for peace or war, he replied:

"War, of course. In times of peace promotion comes slowly. But upon the
battle field promotions are very rapidly made."

The young warriors counted about fifteen hundred. Outside of their
circle, the women and the children were clustered. It was estimated
that the whole population of the village amounted to about three
thousand.

The Illinois Indians were at war with the Miamis, among whom Father
Marquette had passed the winter. The Illinois chiefs had obtained of
the traders a few guns. Immediately upon Marquette reaching their
village, they hastened to entreat of him powder and ball, that they
might fit out an expedition against their foes. Father Marquette rose
at the council, and after presenting the chiefs with some valuable
gifts, in token of the sincerity of his desire to be their friend and
do them good, addressed them in substance as follows:

"I have not brought you any powder or balls. I do not wish you to fight
your brethren the Miamis. You are all the children of the same Father.
You should love one another. I have come to tell you of God, and to
teach you to pray. God, the Great Spirit, came to the world, and became
a man, whose name was Jesus. He died upon the cross to atone for the
sins of all men. And now, if you will cease to sin; if you will love
your Father, the Great Spirit, pray to Him and do everything in your
power to please Him, He will bless you, and when you die will take you
to dwell with Him and will make you happy forever."

Such was, in general, the address of Father Marquette. Such was ever,
in substance, his teaching. Jesus the Christ, and Him crucified, was
his constant theme. Two or three days were spent in similar exercises.
The Indians crow