All the Traders who were in oppossition to me failing of success returned to the Red River and like me in the sole possession of the Mississouri Trade[.] I now divided my assortment into small parcels and made several Posts which I put unto placed under the charge of some of my men for the purpose of carrying on the kindness to business with the natives to the best advantages – and matters generally speaking did not fall far short of my expectations[.]

When I was on the eve of my departure for Home The Black Cat one of the Chiefs, and with whom my men lodged in the Mandane village sent me word by an Indian to call at his Lodge as soon as possible – Which which this I did immediately after[.] I had asked him the nature cause of which should this such peremptory invitation[.] My Son replied he, Your men these people do not mean to return with thee – they have disposed of their own property in favor of the Indians and would have taken thy property likewise for the bad women but I Knew they were bad White people men and have secured […] thy property that was theirs but thine own[.] I applauded the Chief for his generous conduct then expressed a wish to cross over to the residence of my the bad White men to take them prisoners and w[…] to have them punished[.] No Said the chief That will bring on a quarrel between me and the Indians in whose Lodges they are – for the Indians are bound to protect such strangers[.] Seeing I could not do justice to myself affairs without causing disturbances I had all my property with the assistance of an Indian transported to the upper villages[.] Two days after I went down with Morrison to my deserted residence[.] When I entered the Lodge they seemed some what surprised[.] I was I tried to persuade them to return to their duty but I tried in vain – they would not yield obedience[.] I therefore was therefore obliged to leave

them

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