74

The Natives of this Post consider themselves composed of three distinct Tribes, and assume the Names of Red Knives, Filthy Lake, and Grand River Indians and the People of the big or long arrows. The former are few in number (about 15 married men) at this Post, and only claim the term of Natives in consideration of their having frequented this Post since its Establishment about the Year 1800. Their name is derived from the Country they originally inhabited or resorted to, the Copper Mine River, from whence they procured copper to make knives &^c[.] This Tribe, I imagine, is a branch of the Chipewyeans. The same language, manners, and Customs with little variation, are common to both. Regarding their increase or decrease, I imagine, the balance preponderates little to either side of the Question.

[74]