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 7

The great Lodge was pulled to the ground – the adopted son threw off his fineries[.] The women began to pack up their alls[.] The men ran for their horses – and each as soon as ready rode away[.] Our party assembled upon an elevation behind the Camp where they expected and waited an attack[.] Here the chiefs were busy animating the Young men – who were binding their bowes and brandishing their batt war axes anxious for battle[.]

The Chief who was on foot came to Mr Chaboillez saying "my Equal compeer lend me your horse that I may go and speak to those dogs and learn whether they are for peace or for war[.]" I then inquired of him if he wished to fight[.] No my son said he we do not wish to fight we have too many women and children with us – but if we are attacked we must defend ourselves as like men[.] When he had mounted he invited all those who were men not afraid to follow him – and all the men went and we formed upon the brow of a hill within Parler of the Shayans who were arranged under arms – our chief addressed them. "Shayan 'Said he' I thought you had Known me before now[.] You invited me to Your Camp[.] and I came mounted with an open heart and brought peace with me[.] But you see me go home return on foot and with my heart full of anger[.] I do not mean to praise myself, nor will I reproach You; I wish simply to Know whether you prefer war to peace. Speak Shayans[.]"

"We know you well 'replied the Shayans'; and we did not invite you in anger[.] The discord you see has originated with ourselves[.] When that discord is over we shall talk to you[.] Go home in peace take Your time and fear not the Shayans[.]" At this the two parties turn wheeled about; and and turned their backs upon one another[.] and and Thus ended a serious quarrel – which gave us no small degree of figh

fright

[47]

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 in red , modifications made by the editor(s).
 in lavender , modifications made by the assumed author(s).

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