N^o 1

In the course of our first Expedition to the Mississouri having seen several Rocky Mountain Indians we made enquiries regarding the State of their Country, the Trade &^c[.] We learnt that Beavers were as numerous in their Rivers as Buffaloes and other large animals were in their Plains or meadows which account was confirmed by an old Voyager lately from that quarter[.]

In consequence of this information M^r Chaboillez formed the Plan of establishing a trade with the Natives and M^r LaRocque was appointed to carry that plan into execution[.] I was ordered to accompany the Expedition as far as the Mandanes. On the 3^rd of June all was ready – and we took our departure[.] The party consisted of M^r LaRocque, M^r Lafrance, two Voyagers and myself provided with thirteen horses[.] Soon after falling in with a large band of Asseneboines we experienced some difficulty to get clear of them with our property in safety[.] The was the Same Band that pillaged the Hudson's Bay party the foregoing Fall[.] The Chief who was a rogue – we satisfied underhand and we escaped unhurt we

were

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