The Arickaras are divided into several bands, each bearing the name of some animal or bird, as the buffalo, the bear, the dog, the pheasant.

The present party consisted of four of these bands, one of which was the dog, the most esteemed in war, being composed of young men under thirty, and noted for prowess.

It is engaged in the most desperate occasions.
The bands marched in separate bodies under their several leaders.

The warriors on foot came first, in platoons of ten or twelve abreast; then the horsemen.

Each band bore as an ensign a spear or bow decorated with beads, porcupine quills, and painted feathers.