and fine, and everything was well arranged to have the best effect upon the minds of the Indians.  As the throng of both resident and foreign bands approached, headed by their chiefs, they were seated in the square.  It was noticed that the chiefs were generally tall and striking-looking persons, of dignified manners, and well and even richly dressed.  One of the chiefs of the home band, called Sassaba, who was generally known by the sobriquet of the Count, appeared in a scarlet uniform, with epaulets and a sword.  The other chiefs observed their native costume, which is, with this tribe, a toga of blue broadcloth, folded and held by one hand on the breast, over a light-figured calico shirt, red cloth leggins and beaded moccasons, a belt or baldric about the waist, sustaining a knife-sheath and pouch, and a frontlet of skin or something of the sort, around the forehead, environed generally with eagles’ feathers.

When the whole were seated, the colonel informed them that I had been sent by their great father the President to reside among them, that respect was due me in that capacity, and that I would now address them.  I had directed a quantity of tobacco to be laid before them; and offered them the pipe with the customary ceremonies.  Being a novice in addresses of this kind, I had sat down early in the morning, in my crowded log hut, and written an address, couched in such a manner, and with such allusions and appeals, as I supposed would be most appropriate.  I was not mistaken, if I could judge by the responses made at the close of each sentence, as it was interpreted.  The whole address was evidently well received, and responded to in a friendly manner, by the ruling chief, a tall, majestic, and graceful person named Shingabawossin, or the Image Stone, and by all who spoke except the Count.  He made use of some intemperate, or ill-timed expressions, which were not interpreted, but which brought out a strong rebuke from Mr. Johnston, who, being familiar with the Indian language, gave vent in their tongue to his quick and high-toned feelings of propriety on the occasion.  Colonel Brady then made some remarks to the chiefs, dictated by the position he occupied as being about to take post, permanently, in their country.  He referred to the treaty of purchase made at these falls two years before by Governor Cass.  He told the Indians that he should not occupy their ancient encamping and burial-ground on the hill, but would select the next best site for his troops.  This announcement was received with great satisfaction, as denoted by a heavy response of approbation on the part of the Indians; and the council closed to the apparent mutual satisfaction of all.  I augured well from all I heard respecting it, as coming from the Indians, and was resolved to follow it up zealously, by cultivating the best understanding with this powerful and hitherto hostile tribe, namely the Chippewas, or, as they call themselves, Od-jib-wae.[16] To this end, as well as for my amusement, I commenced a vocabulary, and resolved to study their language, manners, customs, &c.