In one respect their religion partakes of the pacific
doctrines of the Quakers. They hold that the Great Spirit is displeased
with all nations who wantonly engage in war; they abstain, therefore,
from all aggressive hostilities. But though thus unoffending in their
policy, they are called upon continually to wage defensive warfare;
especially with the Blackfeet; with whom, in the course of their hunting
expeditions, they come in frequent collision and have desperate battles.
Their conduct as warriors is without fear or reproach, and they can
never be driven to abandon their hunting grounds.
Like most savages they are firm believers in dreams, and in the power
and efficacy of charms and amulets, or medicines as they term them. Some
of their braves, also, who have had numerous hairbreadth 'scapes, like
the old Nez Perce chief in the battle of Pierre's Hole, are believed
to wear a charmed life, and to be bullet-proof. Of these gifted beings
marvelous anecdotes are related, which are most potently believed
by their fellow savages, and sometimes almost credited by the white
hunters.
11.
Rival trapping parties--Manoeuvring--A desperate game--
Vanderburgh and the Blackfeet--Deserted camp fire--A dark
defile--An Indian ambush--A fierce melee--Fatal
consequences--Fitzpatrick and Bridger--Trappers precautions
--Meeting with the Blackfeet--More fighting--Anecdote of a
young--Mexican and an Indian girl.
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