N^o 3

that I would follow their example and spare nothing when necessity required it[.] The Chief was displeased at my denial and he threatened to send me back[.] The other Young men became troublesome also asking for vermillion and other articles[.] At last I put the Chief in mind that he had promised my father the Borgne to protect me;– and I received no more illusage nor disturbance from the party[.]

The second day our escort began to diminish – six of the Chiefs Young men disappeared – they lagged gradually behind and returned to the villages[.] We continued our route for four days through extensive plains without meeting any […] occurence worthy of remark. The country was in a manner covered with wild wild animals of every description[.] We crossed three rivers viz – Clear Water River, Heart River and Ball River[.] It was only on the banks of these that appeared any Kind of trees – and these consisted only of a few scattered poplars.

The fifth night being within a short distance of the Shayanne Camp we made the necessary preparations for entering it next morning.

The Rattle Snake and M^r Jissaume filled their ceremonious pipes and after placing them upon green branches a deep silence ensued which the Chief broke by singing a lamentable song[.] When he had finished all the others uttered a heavy murmur by way of thanks giving[.] Then a Young man took the pipe and went through the ordinary ceremonies and made a long speech in favour of the Chief – setting forth all his exploits with in the brightest colours – and then he implored the protection of all living animals[.] After the Young man had finished Mons. Jissaume was called upon to perform his part – which he declined; and he looked very awkward,– & I felt for the poor man[.]

Seeing

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