THE BLACKGOWNS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XI, Issue 21, 14 September 1883, Page 27

THE BLACKGOWNS.

IN 1840 I visited the blackfoot Indians, who, though they are a very warlike tribe, received me with a kind welcome. On this occasion I gave them a crucifix, merely explaining to them who Christ is, and how He died on the Cross for them, to bring them to heaven with Himself. Again I paid them a visit in 1855, when I was still more warmly received and welcomed — in fact, with every mark of affection. This greatly surprised me, and I was going to aßk the cause of it, when I was invited to a council of all the warriors of the tribe. I went, and soon found myself in the presence of their great men and of the chieftain himself, who wore on his breast the crucifix I had given Mm years before. When I was seated, you may guess my surprise and delight when he began his harangue to me by begging me to send them "blackgowns " to teach them the way to heaven. " Blackgown," said he, " we know that what you teach is true." And when I aeked what had brought this conviction to their minds, he told the following fact :— , " Three snows ago," blackgown, said he, " I and my warriors thirty in all, went on the war path against the Grow Indians, our enemies ; and we entered their territory. We knew that the moment we entered their land we were beset with dangers, and therefore we took every precaution to prevent onr track being discovered. Besides, when we camped for the night, we built up a kind of fortress of dead wood to protect us in case of a surprise from their shots and arrows. " Spite of all our care, the Crow Indians discovered our trail, and during the dead of nigbt surrounded us with a body -very much, larger than ours, and then raised their wild war cry. We, who were within the enclosure, giving ourselves up for lost, began to sing our death song, when I bethought myself of the crucifix which you, blackgown, gave me, and of the words you said. I saw tlhere rras no hope but in it. Then I addressed my fellow- warriors, and I said to them : ' Trust in Him who died on the cross for us.' " And, taking the crucifix, I held it aloft in my hands, and I prayed to the great spirit to save us. I then kissed the crucifix and placed it on my head and rubbed it over my arms and breast, and gave it to my companions. They all did the same. I took the crucifix in my hand, and held it before me, and told them all to follow. I burst through the palisades right into the midst of the enemy, followed by all. Shots and arrows flaw about us from every direction ; yet, blackgown, owing to the power of Him whom we invoked, we passed through unscathed, not even one of us being hurt. " Prom that moment we all longed to see the blackgown again." Blackgowns went, and received 1,200 of this tribe into the Church. — Father De Smet's own account as given to Father Kelly, S.J.