prairie wolves, in a circle, watching their leader

First published November 1851:

Receiving the brimming pewter, and turning to the harpooneers, he ordered them to produce their weapons. Then ranging them before him near the capstan, with their harpoons in their hands, while his three mates stood at his side with their lances, and the rest of the ship's company formed a circle round the group; he stood for an instant searchingly eyeing every man of his crew. But those wild eyes met his, as the bloodshot eyes of the prairie wolves meet the eye of their leader, ere he rushes on at their head in the trail of the bison; but, alas! only to fall into the hidden snare of the Indian.--Moby-Dick, The Quarter-Deck

First published December 1851:

And did you not know that wolves howl in concert? Did you never see them under the pale moon sit in circle watching their leader as bipeds do? --Scenes Beyond the Western Border; and Scenes and Adventures in the Army