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out of order; should follow Ayer_MS_689_VL04_FL002_00010_o2.jpg 30 Page 9
safe. The diamond emitted a sparkling lustre, but on those who would not return, if they went, it shone not. These of course were dismissed & sent home. New fires was then made, and put into the ark for the wars. (This was made of clay, like other Indian earthen ware, having a cover or lid; & was about one foot in length. That ark which was
always kept in the holy place, was some larger. --) This ark, together with the Diamond & some other sacred things, were put into a deer skin and carried by the priest or his assistant priest, and must be touched by no other. The red part and the fawn skin were also taken. This new fire in the ark was used during the whole expedition.
The first day of their ma..? they fasted, as they did also, more or less during the seven first days, and on the seventh night they kept a vigil, when, by various ceremonies, they were fully purified & equipped for the war. Some were selected to attend to the camps, get water &c. Those shared equally in the spoils, though they did not go to the battles.. When they encamped, the priest & head warriors slept in the centre, & the common soldiers in a circle about them. Their weapons were a battle axe, and bows & arrows. [strikeout: The]] On the end of the arrow was fastened a sharp flint stone, which was sometimes poisoned. Their shields were made of a very tough kind of wood, of an oval form, & their breast plate, or armour was of the thickest part of buffalo hide. With regard of the manner and time of attacking the enemy, the priest gave direction. In order to this, he placed the ark, the red post covered with the fawn skin on which lay the diamond before him, as in the council house, and during his prayer fixed his eyes on the ark. Having approached near the enemy, all halted. The priest first advanced, and addressed the warriors, exhorting them not to be afraid, but trust in God, assuring Them that if God pleased, he could bring them all back in safety. Then the head warrior advanced, and addressed his men as follows, viz If any of you have left a young woman whom you have intended to marry, and are troubled about her, now return. If any of you have left a wife, and are fearful that