The book of woodcraft and Indian lore - Survival-training.info

The Spartans of the West 29pose of making him calm, fearless and efl&cient in everypossible stress or situation.Father Lafitau said of the Eastern Indians, in 1724:"They are high-minded and proud; possess a courage equal toevery trial; an intrepid valor; the most heroic constancy undertorments, and an equanimity which neither misfortune norreverses can shake." (Moeurs des Sauv. Amer.)"An Indian meets death, when it approaches him in his hut,with the same resolution he has often faced him in the field.His indifference relative to this important article, which is thesource of so many apprehensions to almost every other nation,is truly admirable. When his fate is pronounced by the physician,and it remains no longer uncertain, he harangues thoseabout him with the greatest composure." (Carver's "TravelsAmong the Sioux," 1766-9; p. 261.)"The greatest insult that can be offered to an Indian, is, todoubt his courage." (J. D. Hunter, "Captivity"; 1798-1816;P- " 30I-)These savages are possessed with many heroic qualities, andbear every species of misfortune with a degree of fortitude whichhas not been outdone by any of the ancient heroes either ofGreece or of Rome." (Carver's "Travels Among the Sioux,"1766-9; pp. 221-2.)None of us are likely to question the Redman's prowess whenwe remember for example that Black Hawk with 40 warriorsutterly routed 270 American riflemen in 1832, Chief Joseph in 1877with inferior weapons beat the American soldiers over and overagain with half their number, and in 1 878 Dull Knife with 69 warriorsfought and defied 2000 American troops for over four months.THRIFT AND PROVIDENCEEvery Indian village in the old days had its granaries ofcorn, its stores of dried beans, berries, and pumpkin-strips,dried buffalo tongues, pemmican and deer'sas well as itsmeat. To this day all the Fisher Indians of the north andwest dry great quantities of fish, as well as berries, for thefamine months that are surely coming.Many of the modern Indians, armed with rifles, have