Original - North Central Michigan College Library

Pasquayah, or Sasca,tchiwaine, and the countryof the Sioux, or Nadowessies, who inhabitthe heads of the Missisipi. On thewest, near the mountains, were the SnakeIndians and Blackfeet, troublesome neighbors,by whose hands numbers of his warriorsfell.The Osinipoilles have many villages composedof from one to two hundred tents each.Few exceed the latter number. They often goto the mountains on war parties, and always onhorseback. When the great chief intends to goto war he sends messengers to the severalvillages directing the warriors to meet him at anappointed place and time. With regard tothe latter, it is described by the moon, as thebeginning, full, or end. In obedience to thesummons they assemble in greater numbers60than can be counted, armed with the bow,sling, and spear, and with quivers full of arrows.They have still another weapon, formedof a stone of about two pounds weight, whichis sewed in leather and made fast to a woodenhandle two feet long. In using it the stone iswhirled round the handle by a warrior sittingon horseback and attacking at full speed.Every stroke which takes effect brings down aman or horse; or, if used in the chase, an ox.To prevent the weapon from slipping out of thehand a string, which is tied to the handle, isalso passed round the wrist of the wearer. The60This was the chief's expression. Author.288