appreciated here if anywhere.

2d Because many of our people are competent to judge whether
my representations of Dakota customs, life, traditions, and superstitions
are correct or not and at the same time the reading public of the North
west is as intelligent and discriminating as that of any other portion
of our country. If these _Legends_ be appreciated and approved
by our own people who are familiar with the scenery described and more
or less, with the customs, traditions and superstitions of the Dakotas,
and if beyond that these poems shall stand the test of candid criticism
I may give them a wider publication.


H. L. GORDON.

MINNEAPOLIS. June 1, 1881.


[Illustration: VIEW OF THE MISSISSIPPI AT FORT SNELLING]


PRELUDE.

THE MISSISSIPPI.


Onward rolls the Royal River, proudly sweeping to the sea,
Dark and deep and grand, forever wrapt in myth and mystery.
Lo he laughs along the highlands, leaping o'er the granite walls:
Lo he sleeps among the islands, where the loon her lover calls.