system of morals; and in a very solemn manner, enjoined its observance.  So strong was the impression made upon the principal men of the Ojibbeways, that a time was appointed and a lodge prepared for the public espousal of these doctrines.  When the Indians were assembled in the new lodge, “we saw something,” says Mr. Tanner, “carefully concealed under a blanket, in figure and dimensions bearing some resemblance to a man.  This was accompanied by two young men, who, it was understood, attended constantly upon it, made its bed at night, as for a man, and slept near it.  But while we remained, no one went near to it, or raised the blanket which was spread over its unknown contents.  Four strings of mouldy and discolored beads were all the visible insignia of this important mission.

“After a long harangue, in which the prominent features of the new revelation were stated, and urged upon the attention of all, the four strings of beads, which we were told were made of the flesh of the Prophet, were carried with, much solemnity, to each man in the lodge, and he was expected to take hold of each string at the top, and draw them gently through his hand:  This was called shaking hands with the Prophet, and was considered as solemnly engaging to obey his injunctions, and accept of his mission as from the Supreme.  All the Indians who touched the beads had previously killed their dogs; they gave up their medicine bags, and showed a disposition to comply with all that should be required of them.”

The excitement among the Ojibbeways continued for some time; they assembled in groups, their faces wearing an aspect of gloom and anxiety, while the active sunk into indolence, and the spirit of the bravest warriors was subdued.  The influence of the Prophet, says Mr. Tanner, “was very sensibly and painfully felt by the remotest Ojibbeways of whom I had any knowledge:  but it was not the common impression among them, that his doctrines had any tendency to unite them in the accomplishment of any human purpose.  For two or three years drunkenness was much less frequent than formerly; war was less thought of; and the entire aspect of things among them was changed by the influence of this mission.  But in time these new impressions were obliterated; medicine-bags, flints and steels, the use of which had been forbidden, were brought into use; dogs were reared, women and children beaten as before; and the Shawanoe Prophet was despised.”

With the beginning of the year 1808, great numbers of Indians came down from the lakes, on a visit to the Prophet, where they remained until their means of subsistence were exhausted.  The governor of Indiana, with the prudence and humanity which marked his administration, directed the agent at fort Wayne, to supply them with provisions from the public stores at that place.  This was done, and from his intercourse with them he came to the conclusion that they had no hostile designs against the United States.  About