N^o 3

These Indians are extremely attached to their children – and when they lose any of them they despair and are Wretched become inconsolable; they throw away all their property, cut off joints of their fingers, and commit a thousand other extravagances[.]

[O]n the hand other hand they are cruel enemies and will go any it lengths for revenge[.] Still there are instances of generosity even to an enemy discovered among them[.] The following in particular deserves to be mentioned.

In the fall of 1804 a party of Enasas went towards the Rocky Mountains to look out for horses which they were determined to take wherever they should be found the same as if they were their own. After travelling about for several days in extensive plains without success they resolved upon crossing the first range of Mountains. After passing the first range – they discovered in a valley a small Camp of the flat Head or snake Indians consisting of four or five lodges – and which under the cover of night they approached and laid remained for what they in ambush waiting for an opportunity to attack. The opportunity soon offered. All At day light the men of the Camp moving when mounted their horses and rode off for the chace[.] Our The warriors seizeding the advantageous moment of their absence flew upon the women and children and & destroyed with out mercy all those who fell within their […] reach – and then carried away the property and carried away all their […] property they could find[.] Looking out for the horses among the neighbouring rocks they discovered in a small cave at a distance a woman making her escape with two small children – whom they pursued them […] but upon coming near – the chief was seized with compassion – the woman charmed him – she was beautiful – he saved her life – and for her sake he also saved the lives of her two children –; made them all three his captives and carried them away to the Mississouri[.]

The absent hunters on their return to the Camp finding the cruel ravages of the enemy they in their absence were distracted[.] The husband of the captive who did the first person not finding his wife or children among the slain went to look for them among the rocks[.] He called his

wife

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