Page:A Topographical Description of the State of Ohio, Indiana Territory, and Louisiana.djvu/195

185 daughter to be his bed-fellow, during his stay. If a girl proves with child, it has no influence to prevent her marriage, and the child is adopted by her husband, and brought up as his own. Their hospitality probably exceeds that of any other people. They share the last mouth full of provisions chearfully [sic], with the greatest stranger, and strive to make him as happy and contented as possible.

Our party now prepared to set out for the summer and fall hunt, and it was determined to go to the River Jaun or Yellow Stone, and to the Rocky mountain. All things being prepared to set off, the 2d of July was assigned, as is usual among these people, for a day of feasting. The feast was prepared, and the ceremonies conducted in the same manner, as at the Rus village, which has been described. After the smoking rite was finished, the head chief of the village addressed us. He commended us to the care of the Great Spirit, and all the good subordinate spirits, wishing us a bright sun and clear sky, that we might overcome any enemy we might meet; that the evil spirits would not spread sickness among us, and that all of us, in due season, should return to the village, loaded with meat and skins. The day was closed with feasting and dancing.

On the 3d of July, the party assembled to the number of forty-three men, women and children; nineteen of whom were men, besides Mr. Pardo and myself. We were provided with thirty-six 16*