N^o 3

hundred rounds of ammunition for each, a hundred Bushels of Indian Corn, a certain quantity of Mercantile articles such as Kettles, axes, Cloaths &^c[.] The Corbeaux in Return brought two hundred and fifty horses, large parcels of Buffaloe Robes, Leather Leggins, Shirts &^c &^c[.] This exchange of Trading civilities took place dancing[.] When the dancing was over, the presents were distributed among the Individuals in Proportion to the value of the articles respectively furnished[.] This dance therefore is a rule of Traffic[.] The Mandane Villages exchanged similar civilities with the same Tribe[.] It is incredible the great quantity of Merchandize which the Mississouri Indians have accumulated by intercourse with Indians that visit them from the vicinity of commercial Establishments[.]

I traded a few things with the corbeaux. Their beaver skins were badly dressed and split upon the back, in place of on the belly – A sign that they were not much acquainted with the importance of that favourite article of commerce[.] Afraid to ask too small a price the seemed averse from dealing with me – for they would have a white man pay four times the value of a thing, or often let him

go

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