the most hospitable manner, and on the seventh a general
council was held.
The speeches of the chiefs are interesting at this date as specimens of savage oratory, as well as showing their atti tude towards the Americans.
In the absence of Ellis, who was gone on a buffalo hunt, Joseph acted as head man. Governor Abernethy s letter being presented to them, and the seal broken, it was handed to an interpreter to be read. Joseph said :
Now I show my heart. When I left home I took the book (the gospels in the Nez Perc6 language) in my hand, and brought it with me. It is my light. I heard the Americans were coming on to kill me; still I held my book before me and came on. I have heard the words of your chief. I speak for all the Cayuses present, and for my people. I do not want my children engaged in this war, although my brother is wounded. 21 You speak of the murderers. I shall not meddle with them. I bow my head. This much T speak.
Jacob, 22 who was wont to play upon the superstitions of his people to gain influence among them, next spoke. He said: "It is the law of this country that the murderer shall die. That law I keep in my heart, because I believe it is the law of God the first law." He also said he had heard the Americans were coming to kill all his people, but was not turned back by the report. He was thankful for the assurances contained in the governor s letter, that only the guilty should suffer.
James, a Catholic Nez Percé, expressed pleasure at the escape of Mr. Spalding, and said that he was sure all the chiefs present desired peace.
lied Wolf related that on hearing of the massacre he had gone to Waiilatpu to learn the truth, and had been told by Tauitowe that the young men had committed the murders, but that not all the chiefs were in the conspiracy.
21 His half-brother, Five Crows, Joseph s mother being a Cayuse.
92 It is related by the missionaries that Jacob, having obtained a large picture of the devil, used to threaten his people with the appearance of Satan, and carry out his threat by concealing himself and suddenly thrusting forth the frightful
