The Indians never chastise their children, especially the boys;
thinking that it would damp their spirits, check their love of
independence, and cool their martial ardour, which they wish above all
things to encourage. “Reason,” say they, “will guide our children, when
they come to the use of it; and before that, their faults cannot be
very great.” They avoid compulsory measures, and allow the boys to act
with uncontrolled freedom; but endeavour, by example, instruction, and
advice, to train them to diligence and skill in hunting; to animate
them with patience, courage, and fortitude in war; and to inspire them
with contempt of danger, pain, and death,—qualities of the highest
order in the estimation of an Indian.
By gentleness and persuasion they endeavour to imbue the minds of
their children with virtuous sentiments, according to their notions of
virtue. The aged chiefs are zealous in this patriotic labour, and the
squaws give their cordial co-operation.
Ishuchenau, an old Kanza warrior, often admonished the group of young
auditors who gathered around him, of their faults, and exhorted them
never to tell a lie, and never to steal, except from an enemy, whom
it is just to injure in every possible way. “When you become men,”
said he, “be brave and cunning in war, and defend your hunting grounds
against all encroachments: never suffer your squaws and little ones to
want; protect them and strangers from insult. On no occasion betray a
friend; be revenged on your enemies; drink not the poisonous strong
water of the white people, for it is sent by the bad spirit to destroy
the Indians. Fear not death; none but cowards fear to die. Obey and
venerate old people, particularly your parents. Fear and propitiate
the bad spirit, that he may do you no harm: love and adore the Good
Spirit, who made us all, who supplies our hunting grounds, and keeps
all alive.” After recounting his achievements, he was wont to add,
“Like a decayed prairie tree, I stand alone:—the friends of my youth,
the companions of my sports, my toils, and my dangers, rest their
heads on the bosom of our mother. My sun is fast descending behind the
western hills, and I feel it will soon be night with me.” Then with
hands and eyes lifted towards heaven, he thanked the Great Spirit for
having spared him so long, to show the young men the true path to glory
and fame.
Their opinions, in many instances, are false, and lead to corresponding
errors in conduct. In some tribes, the young person is taught to pray,
with various superstitious observances, that he may be a great hunter,
horse-stealer, and warrior; so that thus the fountain of virtue is
polluted.
The Indians are entirely unacquainted with letters; but they have a
kind of picture writing, which they practise on the inside of the bark
of trees, or on skins prepared for the purpose, and by which they can
communicate the knowledge of many facts to each other.
The Indian names are descriptive of the real or supposed qualities of
the person to whom they belong: they often change them in the course
of their lives. The young warrior is ambitious of acquiring a new
name; and stealing a horse, scalping an enemy, or killing a bear, is
an achievement which entitles him to choose one for himself, and the
nation confirms it.