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McKenzie, Charles. Journal of the Second, Third and Fourth Expeditions to the Missouri, 1805, 1806 with the Supplement to the Second Expedition. An electronic transcription. MFTP #0010 No 2 I always found them Willing to give me information upon every subject[.] We became familiar and I was invited to visit their country[.] I was desirous of yielding to their wishes – but the Indians of the village opposed my views – to gain my point I told them that I would leave the greatest part of my goods in Charge of Mr Caldwell. "It is not the goods but Yourself we regard 'said they' – If You are Killed the Chief of the White people will never send another trader here[.]" then offered me Robes – I would not take any from them. The great Chief asked me what was the use of Beaver and expressed his astonishment at the great passion White people testified for the skin of that little animal – "You have every thing that is good in Your country, continued he, Yes I replied but we have no beaver – and the chief of the White people will be displeased with me unless I go to the Shayann Country – he Knows every thing and he will be angry at you my father for detaining me[.] If that is the truth my son said the Borgne You may go tomorrow morning but should be Killed as I fear you will – tell Your chief not to blame me[.]" He then got up with great composure – went for his sacred pipe which he lighted[.] After passing through the usual ceremony of pointing to the Elements he pointed it to the Fort and began to harangue the Chief of the White people[.] My equal said he, do not be offended at me for telling my Son to stay here and to avoid bad men[.] I have served the White people often and I have served them well I have given them many beaver skins – this thou Knowest and thou knowest the goodness of my heart – for my son says that thou Knowest every thing[.] Then turning round to me thou sayest my son that the chief of the White people Knows every thing – but how can he know every thing [37] L E G E N D : |
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