ear-rings from his ears; in short, he presented to his god every part of his dress that was valuable. During this he frequently smote his breast with great violence, threw his arms about, and appeared to be much agitated. All this while he continued his adorations, and at length concluded them with fervent petitions that the Great Spirit would constantly afford us his protection on our travels, giving us a bright sun, a blue sky, and clear, untroubled waters; nor would he leave the place till we had smoked together with my pipe in honor of the Great Spirit.
“I was greatly surprised at beholding an instance of such elevated devotion in so young an Indian. * * * Indeed, the whole conduct of this young prince at once charmed and amazed me. During the few days we were together his attention seemed to be totally employed in yielding me every assistance in his power, and even in so short a time he gave me innumerable proofs of the most generous and disinterested friendship, so that on our return I parted from him with the greatest reluctance.”
In 1866 the report from the Winnebagoes is that they are “improving;” manifest “a good degree of industry;” that the health of the tribe is generally poor, but “as good as can be expected when we remember their exposures and sufferings during the last three years.” The tribe has “diminished some four or five hundred since they left Minnesota.” One hundred soldiers have returned, “who have served with credit to themselves and to their tribe in the defence of their country.” No school has yet been established on the agency, and this is said to be “their greatest want.”
The superintendent writes: “The appropriations under the late treaty have all been made, and the work of fitting up the reservation is progressing. It affords me the highest personal satisfaction to assure the Department that this deeply-wronged and much-abused tribe will soon be in all respects comfortable
