This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Tfaw2 Surnames: Classification: lookup Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.iowa.counties.fremont/7414.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Yes, I know exactly what you mean. In my research I found this: Publications of the Nebraska Historical Society, Volume XXI, Lincoln, 1930 page 192 of Major Albert Green's First Annual Report as The Otoe Agent (1869-72): "It is a matter of regret to the writer that he has not preserved the tales of ancient Indian warfare related by the old men of the tribe; tales that were vouched for, in some cases, by their showing old smoke-dried and time-hardened scalps attached to their century-old medicine bags. All such stories, of course, pictured the Otoe as victors, but whether they were all true is very uncertain--doubtless some of them really were, but story-telling contests were sometimes held, when a reward was given to the fabricator of the most thrilling story. Such contests always drew a crowd." NB: It is clear to me that Major Green was confusing the two separate gatherings. Obviously he witnessed what Major Long did in the "Striking the Post" gathering but by the 1870's it just didn't strike the post (which I believe was the Eagle Staff) anymore, or he didn't mention it. I do not believe that the stories the old Otoe men told to Major Green were fabricated. Why would they tell stories of their failures? They would only tell stories of their victories. I am sure that if any of the stories were getting stretched someone would have stood up and said so, just as in Major Long's account. As far as Major Long's account of the Striking the post and of Little Soldier's antics, I think that this ceremony had taken place many times before amongst the tribe and the reason why the warriors won't testify to their strengths at this time was because they knew that they didn't have any stories better than the Chief Ietan and that they knew Little Soldier would jump up and put them all to shame as it were. --TG Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.