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When any members of the national council thought it expedient to have a special council, or to have the council earlier than usual, they made their views known to the U ku, who generally yielded to their requests. On convening the national council, the U ku raised the national standard at the council house. This consisted of a long pole, painted white,

having a bird painted or carved near the top, and on the top, a white cloth four or five yards in length, ornamented with red spots like stars. But when they had no cloth the national flag was made of deer skin dressed and painted white and ornamented as above.

The standard being raised, the U ku then dispatched his messenger to the nearest town, where the notice was taken by another messenger: and so on through the nation.
In case any of the counsellors perceived, or thought they perceived danger from enemies, they immediately dispatched their messengers to the U ku with a piece of tobacco

painted red. On receiving this the U ku immediately called the A ska yu gu ste ga (great warrior, chief Captain, or high priest for the wars) and his suit?. If they said their was no danger, the U ku did not smoke the tobacco, but returned by the same messengers, and when the people saw it, it was to them a token of safety and their fears were calmed.

But in case danger was apprehended, the U ku, & his attendants, and the chief warrior and his suit? united in smoking the tobacco. The U ku then raised the national

flag, and dispatched his messenger to convene the national council. Being assembled and determined on war, the council had the national flag of a deep red colour. They also painted their own flesh, as also their bows, war clubs & other weapons of the same colours.

 Four phisicians were then selected, one for each company; as the army was always divided into four companies,  tra ya gu ste ga, or the chief warrior and his company made up of the most valiant went forward. Then an officer, called U ta hi su ti,  bud? the second company, and another, named Ska li lo ski, commanded the third and Wa hi u the

fourth. In battle the physicians always stayed back out of sight, as it was thought that more would be wounded if they were present.

The great warrior carried the war trumpet and sounded for battle.  He ? selected a man to carry the drum, who marched in the centre. H? one to carry the war