But to return to business. On my arrival I found some free men to whom I had given Credit goods on credit the preceeding winter. They made a good hunt upon the upper parts of the of the Mississouri – they paid their debts and traded many furs which they had over and above. The Indians were equally successful; so that my stock in trade was soon expended to advantage[.] But an appointment with with a man sent from The Fort to deal with the Panees detained me for a longer period than I had expected[.]

In this interval a band of the Shayans arrived at the villages with offers of Peace[.] They were received with demonstrations of friendship; and handsomely entertained for many days. At their departure they were informed that a Young man of their nation taken prisoner in war some Years before would be given be given up to his father whenever he should come for him appear […][.] Soon after the father came accompanied by Several young men. They brought a message from their Chief to a Young warrior of the Enasas tribe whom he had noticed in battle inviting him in the warmest terms to pay him a visit[.] This Young man who was also a great war chief was willing to accept of the invitation but his being friends were afraid of treachery & opposed his departure […] acceptance acceptance[.] They had many councils which however were of no avail – the Young warrior fearing his renoun acquired renoun should would suffer by a refusal was already resolved to give the a fresh proof of his undaunted courage to the savage world – and he prepared for his departure[.]

I Lodged remained in the Borgnes Lodge[.] It was there all strangers came first – and all the wise men of the nation assembled on great occasions[.] I therefore had a good opportunity to learn whatever was going on[.] Strangers who were not in the habit of meeting White people looked at me with curiosity[.] Some were afraid to come near me – others were troublesome and wished to Know if I was in all […] every respect all the same as Indians[.] I used to question them about their country – their manner of living & of trading &^c[.]

I

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