head chief of his people, and with the
other chiefs appeared in considerable pomp and dignity. The wives of the
government officials were eager for admission to this unusual gathering,
but when they arrived there was hardly any space left except next to
the Sioux chiefs, and the white ladies soon crowded this space to
overflowing. One of the Sioux remarked: "I thought this was to be a
council of chiefs and braves, but I see many women among us." Thereupon
the Ojibway arose and spoke in his courtliest manner. "The Ojibway
chiefs will feel highly honored," said he, "if the ladies will consent
to sit on our side."

Another sign of his alertness to gain favor among the whites was seen in
the fact that he took part in the territorial campaigns, a most unusual
thing for an Indian of that day. Being a man of means and influence,
he was listened to with respect by the scattered white settlers in his
vicinity. He would make a political speech through an interpreter, but
would occasionally break loose in his broken English, and wind up with
an invitation to drink in the following words: "Chentimen, you Pemicans
(Republicans), come out and drink!"

From 1855 to 1864 Hole-in-the-Day was a well-known figure in Minnesota,
and scarcely less so in Washington, for he visited the capital quite
often on tribal affairs. As I have said before, he was an unusually
handsome man, and was not unresponsive to flattery and the attentions
of women. At the time of this incident he was perhaps thirty-five years
old, but looked younger. He had called upon the President and was on his
way back to his hotel, when he happened to pass the Treasury building
just as the clerks were leaving for the day. He was immediately
surrounded by an inquisitive throng. Among them was a handsome young
woman who asked through the interpreter if the chief would consent to
an interview about his people, to aid her in a paper she had promised to
prepare.

Hole-in-the-Day replied: "If the beautiful lady is willing to risk
calling on the chief at his hotel, her request will be granted." The
lady went, and the result was so sudden and strong an attachment that
both forgot all racial biases and differences of language and custom.
She followed him as far as Minneapolis, and there the chief advised her
to remain, for he feared the jealousy of some of his many wives. She
died there, soon after giving birth to a son, who was brought up by a
family named Woodbury; and some fifte