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Struck the post. Previous to the departure of a
war party, a post is set up, on which the warriors strike
alternately, and sing the deeds they have done, or mean to
do. It is often done too, in profound peace. The post is not
indispensable, and they often perform the ceremony without
taking the trouble to plant it, but it is nevertheless called
`striking the post.'

He had lighted his match, &c. This is explained
in note (4) to The Captive.

It is the duty of an Indian wife, when her husband
returns from the chase, to take off his moccasins and leggins;
to dry, and mend them if they require it.

Usually, when an Indian kills a deer, or other animal,
he leaves it on the ground, and sends the women to bring it
home. He considers any labor beneath the dignity of his
sex.

Which he had stolen, &c. Horse stealing is
considered honorable by all the prairie Indians. In their
lodges it is matter of pride and boast.

The earthen utensil. Before the aborigines
became acquainted with the whites, they boiled their food in
pots of earthen ware. Such are still used by the more
remote Dahcotahs, and the tribes on the Upper Missouri.

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I wear ten feathers, &c. For every enemy
slain or struck in battle, the Dahcotahs wear a feather of the
war eagle. The full dress of a Siou is a history of his life;
every part expressing some action or relation.

Kodah. This is a singular connection. An Indian
considers the blood relatives of his Kodah his own. Thus,
his father and brethren are in the same relation to his Kodah;
and so on to the remotest degree of consanguinity. Kodah
frequently exchange wives, temporarily or permanently, at
their option; and it excites no scandal.