Indian women, for the use of the white
women of our party. Mr. Riggs's larger one, near by, was used by the
men. The tents were all the round kind, used by Indians, with poles
projecting from the top, and an opening left for the smoke of our little
fire in the center, for the cool evenings made a fire very desirable.
The opening for a door is a little more than three feet high.

The wife of the native pastor, Mrs. Phelps, had an abundant and
appetizing supper ready for us. Our white ladies could but express their
admiration for the composure and quiet dignity with which this Indian
woman, who could not speak or understand English, entertertained, from
Saturday until Monday, about thirty-five white people and natives at her
table, and in a house of one room. She was a Martha we might emulate in
this, for though careful for the needs and comfort of all, even the
group of Indian women and children, whom she fed sitting on the floor in
one corner of the room, while her table was surrounded by her most
honored guests, she never seemed troubled and anxious, and received
offered help quietly, never letting her extra duties keep her from the
meetings. Before we spread our blanket beds in the tent, the women
brought us dry grass to make them more comfortable, and we were all
invited into the house each evening for worship before retiring.

On Sunday morning early we gathered in the neat little white chapel,
made bright with numerous bouquets of wild flowers from the prairie. The
grave of Elizabeth Winyan, that noble Indian woman whose life was spent
in earnest missionary work among her own people, is near by, and the
church is a fitting memorial. The Indians came from far and near, and
filled the church till some had to sit on the floor for lack of seats,
but this they did not mind, for, judging by the long hair and Dakota
dress, we know many were but little used to the customs of civilized
life.

The dedicatory prayer was offered by Doctor Riggs, and then followed the
examination of two candidates for the ministry--Edwin Phelps, the son of
Elizabeth Winyan, and her nephew, Elias Gilbert. The services and
examinations were all in the Dakota language, but the intense interest
and earnestness of the audience, as well as of those taking part, made
them very impressive, even to those who hearing could not understand.

After a short intermission for dinner the council convened, and Dr.
Riggs, acting as interpreter, so all might u