That the Indians of America are decreasing in numbers is very well known, but many are dwindling away, perhaps, at a more rapid pace than is generally suspected. The number of the Osages, it is confidently believed, has diminished fifty per cent. within the last ten years: the once powerful tribe of Missouries is now reduced to a mere remnant; while the Mandans, as a nation, have become entirely extinct: and others have shared or bid fair soon to share the same fate. This has resulted partially from the ravages of the small-pox and other diseases, yet as much no doubt from the baneful effects of intoxicating liquors. On this account, their diminution has generally been less in proportion as they are more remote from the whites. But the 'red man' has suffered from his intercourse with the whites not in this respect alone. The incentives to luxury and avarice continually presented by them, have had a very pernicious influence. Formerly the savages were contented with the indispensables of life--generally sober, just and charitable; but now they will sacrifice their comfort--risk their lives, and commit the most atrocious outrages to gratify their vanity and lusts--to bedeck themselves with gewgaws and finery. CHAPTER XXIX {XIII} THE FRONTIER INDIANS Causes of Removal West -- Annuities, etc. -- Dissatisfaction of the Indians -- Their Melioration by the Change -- Superiority of their present Location -- Lands granted to them -- Improvements, Agriculture, etc. -- Their Slaves -- Manufactures -- Style of Living, Dress, etc. -- Literary Opportunities and Improvements -- Choctaw Academy -- Harpies and Frauds -- Games -- Systems of Government -- Polygamy -- Ancient Laws and Customs -- Intemperance -- Preventive Measures -- A Choctaw Enactment -- Marriage and Funeral Customs of the Choctaws -- The Creeks -- Their Summary Executions -- Mourning -- Indian Titles -- The Northern Tribes -- Census of the Frontier Nations. For the purpose of a somewhat more discriminating notice of the Indian tribes beyond our western border--for it is to those I intend my remarks, in these pages, to be strictly confined--I will distinguish them, according to the prevailing classification of the West, as 'Frontier' or 'Border Indians,' which title includes those occupying that district lying west of and immediately adjoining Arkansas and Missouri, and known as the _Indian Territory_; and the 'Wild Tribes' or 'Prairie Indians,' by which are meant those who are found west of the others, and who range those immense {254} plains from the borders of the Indian Territory to the Rocky Mountains. Of these I will speak in their order.