N^o 3

They were all on horseback[.] Children at the breast were lashed to the saddle – and all from the age of six could manage a horse. Most of The Women had wooden saddles; most of the men had none. There were great many horses for the Baggage and the whole might form a cavalcade of more than Two thousands which covered a large space and had the appearance of an army. They halted on a rising ground behind the village and formed into a circle[.] The Chief addressed them and before they descended the hill full speed the same as if the devil was after them – and & rode through the villages shewing their dexterity in a thousand ways shapes; the same as in a circus for that of horsemanship. I was astonished to see their agility and address and I do believe the Rocky Mountain Indians are the best riders in the world[.]

All dressed in leather they looked neat and clean clean & handsome neat. They were adorned with a few Christian ornaments articles; more triffles such as beads rings &^c. Their arms consist of bows & arrows, lances – round stones inclosed in leather and slung to a shank in the form of a Whip[.] They use shields occasionally and have a few guns[.]

On The ensuing day, the Mississouri Indians dressed in their best fineries, returned the compliment by a similar exhibition. These from their vicinity to trading Establishments were better provided with necessaries and made a more warlike appearance:– but were inferior in the management of their horses.

In the mean time the Great chief la Borgne, according to promise sent for us in order to introduce M^r La Rocque to the Rocky Mountain chief whose name is Nakesinia or Red Calf. When we offered to shake hands with the great man called the Red Calf he did not understand our meaning and stood motionless until he was informed that shaking hands was the signal of friendship among White men and he immediately stretched forth both his hands to receive ours salutation.

Le Borgne

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