their own property in favour of the Indians and would have done the same with Yours but I knew they were bad white men[.] They were dealing with bad women, and I have secured Your property[.]" I thanked the chief – Then expresses a wish to cross in order to take steps for the punishment of these bad white men[.] "No, said the Chief, that will cause difficulties – for the Indians are bound to protect all Strangers[.]" Seeing I could not do justice to my feelings without creating disturbance I had all my property, assisted by Indians, transported to the upper Villages[.] Two days after I returned, saw my men, tried to persuade them from their design – but they would not yield[.] I was therefore obliged to leave them, and to hire a free-man in their place[.] This was in the month of February – and the first fair weather we took our leave of the Mississourie[.] We had Ten Horses loaded with returns, including provisions[.] The first day we travelled until dark in hopes of falling in with a good spot of grass for our horses – but the Plains having been burnt in the fall and covered with Buffaloes all winter the whole country was as bare as the palm of the

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