Page:A Brief History of South Dakota.djvu/51

Rh them go as they had been in the first place. A long line of the warriors sat down upon the cable which held the boats to the shore, and it was only with threats and coaxing and bribery that they were finally induced to let the party proceed. Black Buffalo accompanied them, intending to go to the Rees with them, but when up in the neighborhood of the Cheyenne River, the boat in which he was riding struck a log and came very near overturning. This mishap greatly alarmed the old chief, who demanded that he be placed upon the shore. His demand was granted and he returned to his people.

At the mouth of the Cheyenne the party found a trading post operated by John Valle, a St. Louis trader, who told them that he had passed the last winter three hundred leagues up the Cheyenne River near the Black Hills.

On October 8 the party reached the Ree villages at Grand River. There they found several French traders—Pierre Garreau, who had then resided with the Rees for fourteen years, Mr. Gravelines, and a Mr. Tabeau. Several councils were held, and the usual presents given. Supposing that it would be as agreeable to the Rees as to the other Indians, the white men offered them whisky, but they indignantly refused it, saying that "they were surprised that their Father would present them a liquor which would make them fools." The explorers remained with the Rees two days and seem to have had a most enjoyable time.

On the 13th, having proceeded up the river, they passed the mouth of Spring Creek, in what is now Campbell