The Order of Red Men takes pride in preserving "the history, the customs, and the virtues of the original American people, -a people conceded by the early travellers and writers to have been intelligent, brave, and free, loyal in its friendships, generous in its hospitalities, and with many traits of character worthy of emulation..." "The primary objects of our Order are to promote among men the exercise and practice of the true principles of benevolence and charity, the care and protection of the widows and orphans of its members, and the cultivation of friendly relations with those who have entered its circle. The democratic influences which attended its birth, the idea that all men are equal, are the tenets of the Order; and what a man is, not what he possesses, constitutes his claim for recognition among the brotherhood. Friendship, fraternity, and hospitality are exemplified as cardinal virtues, and nowhere are hearts brought closer together than around the council fires of the Red Men...Our Order is a brotherhood of individuals whose personal characteristics are not sacrificed, but whose common interests are maintained and strengthened as the members harmonize around our council fires." Chapters include: Outline of Subject; Primitive Red Men, Their Characteristics and Customs; Patriotic Societies at and prior to 1776; Societies of Red Men from 1812 to 1834; Organization of the Improved Order of Red Men at Baltimore, Md.; The Great Council of the United States: its Origin, Powers, and Laws (1847 to date of publication); State Great Councils; Biographies of Prominent Members; Digest of the Decisions, Laws, Rulings, etc., of the Great Council of the United States; Legislation, Constitutions, etc.; Degree of Pocahontas; Chieftains' League; The Degrees of the Order; and, Nomenclature of the Order and Calendar. Numerous illustrations enhance the text. A subject, place and every-name index makes access to information easy for the researcher.