murder the squaws, children,
and old men, who may be left unprotected when the war-parties are out.
In fact, they are honourable and noble foes, sincere and trustworthy
friends. In many points they have the uses of ancient chivalry among
them, so much so as to induce me to surmise that they may have brought
them over with them when they first took possession of the territory.

Every warrior has his nephew, who is selected as his page; he performs
the duty of a squire, in ancient knight errantry, takes charge of his
horse, arms, and accoutrements; and he remains in this office until he
is old enough to gain his own spurs. Hawking is also a favourite
amusement, and the chiefs ride out with the falcon, or small eagle, on
their wrist or shoulder.

Even in their warfare, you often may imagine that you were among the
knights of ancient days. An Arrapahoe and a Shoshone warrior armed with
a buckler and their long lances, will single out and challenge each
other; they run a tilt, and as each has warded off the blow, and passed
unhurt, they will courteously turn back and salute each other, as an
acknowledgment of their enemy's bravery and skill. When these
challenges take place, or indeed in any single combat without challenge,
none of these Indians will take advantage of possessing a superior
weapon. If one has a rifle and knows that his opponent has not, he will
throw his rifle down, and only use the same weapon as his adversary.

I will now relate some few traits of character, which will prove the
nobility of these Indians. [See note 1.]

Every year during the season dedicated to the performing of the
religious ceremonies, premiums are given by the holy men and elders of
the tribe to those among the young men who have the most distinguished
themselves. The best warrior receives feather of the black eagle; the
most successful hunter obtains robe of buffalo-skin, painted inside, and
representing some of his most daring exploits; the most virtuous has for
his share coronet made either of gold or silver; and these premiums an
suspended in their wigwams, as marks of honour, and handed down to their
posterity. In fact, they become a kind of ecusson which ennobles a
family.

Once during the distribution of these much-coveted prizes, a young man
of twenty-two was called by the chiefs to receive the premium of virtue.
The Indian advanced towards his chiefs when an elder of the tribe
rising, addressed the whole audience.