Note 58 — HISTORICAL INTERPRETATIONS

No doubt with the memory of the fate of Albert Stamp’s attempted “moon” among the Caddo, Taylor exhibited considerable modesty when this flattering offer was made. “I appreciate that offer,” he said, “but I’m just Alfred Taylor, that’s all I am, and I never did run a meeting, and I would rather you’d get somebody else from down home who runs meetings to do it for you.” Several weeks later my informant said he didn’t think Taylor would accept, though he might drum or build the fire “like a servant”—“He’s afraid the Caddos will think he is pushing himself ahead too much, but he has even drummed for Enoch Hoag; he just don’t like to jump ahead of everybody too much away from home.” This abnegation is all the greater when it is understood that the Osage are accustomed to make handsome money gifts on such occasions.