N^o 4

In the course of this slow progress we performed many little ceremonies[.] At length two Shayans came to meet us from their camp[.] The chief presented them with the pipe[.] After taking three whiffs each they clapped their hands upon their breasts conveying an idea that their hearts were glad[.] By and by the great Chief and a suite of two hundred horsemen appeared – the suite passed to our rear. The Chief who was upon a fine white horse stopped at our Chief stripped himself entirely naked – dressed our Chief in his dress mounted him in his place upon the wh white horse – which he laed by the bridle in one hand holding the sacred pipe; and & singing a slow air. until we & In this manner he we entered the Camp[.]

The strangers I perceived Kept their eyes continually upon me and I found them otherwise extremely attentive[.] The Shayanne Camp consisted of two hundred and twenty leather tents as white as snow – enclosing a circle of many acres and situated upon an elevation near the banks of a beautiful river[.] On my arrival I was conducted by a Chief to his own lodge through the recommendation of the Borgne who was my reputed father[.] This Chief was Kind to me – after giving me to eat of the best that could be procured – he recommended to such of his friends as had furs to carry bring them – and in a moment all my little stock of goods was disposed of to great advantage gone[.] I now paid a visit to Mons^r Jissaume – who was in bad humour[.] He had exposed his great pipe – but nothing was thrown upon it[.] "Your friend the chief 'said he' has harangued all the trade into his lodge, for you, to my prejudice[.]"

The Camp made themselves very agreeable and our party consented to remain six days and these six days passed away very pleasantly[.] In one hunting party to which I was witness no less than two hundred and fifty Buffalos were Killed and left to rot within twenty acres of the Camp – only the tongues

were

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