were taken away. At the expiration of the period fixed we took our departure[.] Several Shayans accompanied us in order to invite the Mississouri Indians particularly the Borgne – for whom they they had thea the skin of a white Buffaloe[.] We got home the third day – and found my friend M^r Caldwell greatly concerned about our safety – our absence happening to be longer than they had was expected.

After many councils the Borgne and a few of his Young men accompanied the Shayans[.] and We turned our thoughts upon home – and began to prepare for our Departure[.] In a few days I was surprized to hear my name repeated at the door of the tent by a voice which seemed familiar to my ear[.] Dressed as I was in the Indian Costume I flew to the door and to my great astonishment found M^r Ch^s Chaboillez, M^r Alexander Henry and M^r Allen MacDonell with three voyageurs of their voyageurs standing before me[.] The first salutation of these gentlemen was a reproof for my dress – which I found more comf convenient – let the Idea of savage be taken away and that my dress was more suitable than any other to my present situation[.] With that dress I could pass and repass as often as I pleased through the villages unmolested whereas a Christian dress would subject me to the continual gaze of the Indians and even ridicule of the Natives[.]

I immediately announced the eminence distinction quality of the strangers to the standers by – the great news flew like lightening through the villages and in a moment all the men women and children that could crawl thronged to see the White Chiefs whom they were so often taught to admire at a distance[.] The Indians seemed not free of disappointment – they looked at the strangers with unconcern but invited them to their Lodges and we dispersed[.]

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