night – but confidence was lost in the Camp; a general quarrel was apprehended and all hands remained on the watch and under arms until the morning[.] Next day you could hear nothing but harangue after harangue in every corner of the Camp[.] However a select party from the different tribes was formed and a large Lodge or Shade was erected for the purpose of receiving and of performing the ceremony of adoption[.] The Floor of this Shade was strewed not only With weeds and flowers of every Kind but also with Bulls heads and mens human skulls[.] When the select party had taken their seats among these ordin ordinary singular ornaments the Shayans sent in the intended son dancing the grand Calumet and entirely naked[.] The Borgne received him with open arms as a Kind father, cloathed him in fineries; and then he displayed his great pipe loaded with presents – but his friends were slow with their presents to cover it – and the Shayans were still more slow – with their returns[.] Perceiving the mutual mistrust which was gaining ground on both sides – the select men went and harangued their respective friends into order but their harangues were of no avail[.] What said the friends of the Borgne – shall we disarm ourselves – give our guns and ammunition to the Shayans who are our enemies and at this moment ready to cut our throats – the Shayans are perfidious – twelve Rocky Mountain Indians sent to them last spring as Ambassadors to treat of Peace they destroyed and will they spare us if we put ourselves in their power? Let the Shayans keep their horses and we shall keep our guns – we wish for their friendship we are not to be terrified with their threats – we are not women. The Shayans who were within hearing hearkening gave the war whoop and instantly the whole camp was in confusion[.]

The

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