Wentzel, Willard Ferdinand. Fifteen letters from Wentzel at Mackenzie River to Roderick Mackenzie, 1807-1824. An electronic transcription. MFTP #0012

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of having a Cap decorated with feathers before and behind, sometimes Bears Claws sewed to a Piece of leather, served the purpose of a Cap[.] [F]rom their Chin down to their thighs they wore a mat made of the willow Switches, it covers the whole front and is to guard against Arrows, it is so closely matt'd that it is rendered Arrow proof[.] [B]esides this they carry a Shield on their left Arm – this is a Board about ten Inches Broad half an Inch thick & one and a half feet Long With this they Par arrows & Stones[.] This is their complete Dress For War[.]

The General Character of Each Tribe}

The General character of that Part of the Tribe who inhabit the Forks, may be comprised in these few words, Mild in Temper, Hospitable & compassionate to Strangers, industrious, obedient & Sociable Indians[.] Take away that unnatural Custom of destroying their infants & the disagreeable Practice Sucking little Boys P__'s & they may considered the best natured & most Peacable Set of People Perhaps in all America[.] Those of this Place tho not a Separate tribe but a distinct body only are quite the reverse – they are Envious, Crafty, Indolent and Gluttonous – yet have the good Qualities of being with a courteous generosity a free hearted People to Strangers and Never commence disputes with either whites or among themselves[.] Thus overlooking their Bad Qualities which are not Cruel or Barbarous in themselves, since they committed thru ignorance, They well deserve this simple epithet of being A Good People[.]

The Productions of the Country are furrs of the different species of Animals, which are the Beaver, otter, Lynx, wolfereem, martin &, mink, and Bears[.] The Amt

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L E G E N D :
 in red , modifications made by the editor(s).
 in lavender , modifications made by the assumed author(s).

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