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.