15. "A Gathering of Men" From Chap. 47, Camp Leavenworth, 1830        

That evening the Leavenworth officers invited me and a dozen or so principal Pawnee warriors to join them in the mess-room for a catfish and grouse dinner. Walking toward that building with the crowd, I had no idea what to expect. These Indians probably had experienced less contact with whites than had any other tribe in America. Major Dougherty confirmed this in a whisper. "Some of them have never been in a white settlement, never seen a table or chair or knife or fork. But you watch. Without asking a question or appearing to observe others, they won't be guilty of one breach of decorum."

"I meant to ask you, what was it you said to them today, before you lowered your head?"            

"I said, 'If you should meet with the Kansas, I don't wish you to attack them. But if they attack you, I don't want you to hold down your heads.'"     

The Pawnees entered the room with ease and dignity, sat down comfortably and dined. After dinner they partook of cigars and wine with a natural grace that made me ashamed of my astonishment.