Western Courier

From the Natchez Advocate.

The council or Talk began on Thursday last, in Dr. Laurie's church, in Washington, between the Hon. J. R. Poinsett, Secretary of War, on the part of the United States, and the delegation of the Sioux tribe of Indians, amounting in number to twenty-six, on the part of that nation, was resumed on Saturday, at the same place. The Calumet of Peace being first smoked by the Secretary, and the respective delegates, the Secretary stated, that he had again, on behalf of their great father met them, and hoped to receive their answer to his proposition made to them in a council on a day previous.

A number of the chiefs responded, by short but earnest speeches they urged that they had given the subject much consideration -one of them said he had reflected on it all day and all night-that sleep was driven from his eyes -that he had thought much upon the matter : that the chiefs and braves here assembled had travelled a long way to meet their great father - that they hoped he would be just to them -that their lands were valuable-- that on talking among themselves they had concluded if their great Father would give them $1,600,000 for their land, they would sell and execute the papers necessary; that they could not for less -that their nation was numerous, and that a smaller sum would give each a very little portion-that their great father's people was a mighty people, extending from the rising to the mid day sun--their people from the mid day to the setting sun-that they were rich-that, as was shown by those who were present, they had good clothing, while their nation were poor they were naked-that they had nothing but skins to wear.

The Secretary replied that in offering $1,000,000, as directed by the great father, he was governed by liberal feelings toward them-that he knew they were poor, and that his wish was, by the sum proposed, to provide for their comforts thereafter - that that amount would provide them with black-smiths tools, and clothing like that of their white brethren -that it would enable them to become like them, a powerful and happy nation --that their great father was not like a trader that he did not offer one price in end to give another--that he was just and intended to give them value for their lands-that he now offered them double the price he had given the Chippewas for their land--and that he could not give more.

They replied they knew the Chippewas land-that it was not so valuable as theirs-that their rivers their great father's big boats could navigate--that the Chippewa lands were covered with great swamps-that they thought their land worth what they asked, and they could not take less -that in coming so far to see their great father they thought he would give them whatever they asked- that though they were poor, they could yet take care of themselves-- they could support their nation by the chase-- that they knew this great nation was a just nation -that would act right towards them-that their people fear received kindness from them in their own land, and they hoped they would do what they had to do with them- that they had heard the talk which their father gave them with pleasure, and they hoped they would be permitted to return and make glad the hearts of their people-and that they should carry home to them the money in their hands-that they could not yet consent to take the price offered, and must take further time to think and talk on the matter.

The Council was attended on Saturday by a large concourse of people--gentlemen and ladies. All seemed gratified.- The manner of the Sioux in speaking, is vehement and pathetic-their speeches short, and much to the point. They were fluent--very abundant in gesture, and it appeared natural, forcible, and appropriate. Their language, judging by the length of time occupied by the interpreter compared with their respective harangues, is more diffuse than our own. Their whole demeanor seemed marked with great gravity, approaching, we think, to gloom. Each speaker rose suddenly, and before he began, as also when he closed, shook hands with those with whom they were holding the council or talk, beginning with the Secretary of War.