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Alexandria Gazette & Advertiser
Alexandria, Virginia
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Review of Major Long's second expedition narrative to St. Peter's River source, prepared by Professor Keating, covering physical sciences and Indian life. Anecdote: Sauk chief Wennebea defines a good man as mild, affable, hospitable, sharing gifts, non-quarrelsome when drunk, and able to support multiple wives.
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LONG'S EXPEDITION.
We have read with pleasure, a considerable part of the narrative of Maj. Long's second expedition--that to the source of St. Peter's River. It will consist of two octavo volumes, and be soon issued by Messrs. Carey & Lea. It has been prepared by Professor Keating, of the University, who accompanied the expedition as a mineralogist & geologist. The work abounds in such observations in physical science, as appertained to the journey and its objects, and contains the most curious and copious details concerning Indian life and character.
Wishing to ascertain what ideas the Sauk Indians had of moral excellence, one of the exploring party asked their chief, Wennebea, what, in their opinion, constituted a good man. He replied immediately--
"In order to entitle him to this appellation, an Indian ought to be mild in his manners, affable to all, and particularly so to his squaw. His hospitality ought to be boundless; his cabin, as well as all he can procure, should be at the disposal of any who visits him. Should he receive presents, he ought to divide them among the young men of his tribe, reserving no share for himself."
But what he chiefly considered as characteristics of a good man was, to be mild and not quarrelsome when intoxicated. "A good man," he added, "should have as many wives as he can support."
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Source Of St. Peter's River
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Narrative of Maj. Long's expedition to St. Peter's River source, prepared by Prof. Keating, includes scientific observations and details on Indian life. Exploring party asks Sauk chief Wennebea about a good man; he describes mild manners, boundless hospitality, sharing presents, non-quarrelsomeness when intoxicated, and supporting multiple wives.