Page:Joutel's journal of La Salle's last voyage, 1684-7 (IA joutelsjournalof00jout).pdf/98

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still we advanc'd. We arriv'd at the Camp of the Savages, which stood upon an Eminence, and consisted of about Fifty Cottages made of rush Mats, and others of dry'd Skins, and built with long Poles, bow'd round at the Top, like great Ovens, and most of the Savages sitting about, as if they were upon the Watch.

We were still advancing into the Village, when he heard a Cannon Shot, the Noise whereof struck such a Dread among the Savages, that they all fell flat upon the Ground; but Monsieur de la Sale and we were too sensible it was a Signal that our Ship was aground, which was confirm'd by seeing them furl their Sails; However we were gone too far to return; our Men must be had, and to that Purpose, we must proceed to the Hut of the Commander in Chief.

As soon as we arrived there, Monsr. de la Sale was introduc'd; many of the Indian Women came in, they were very deform'd and all naked, excepting a Skin girt about them, which hung down to their Knees. They would have led us to their Cottages, but Monsr. de la Sale had order'd us not to part, and to observe whether the Indians did not draw together, so that we kept together, standing upon our Guard, and I was always with him.

They brought us some Pieces of Beef, both fresh and dry'd in the Air and Smoke, and Pieces of Porpois, which they cut with a Sort of Knife, made of Stone, setting one Foot upon it, and holding with one Hand, whilst they cut with the other. We saw nothing of Iron among them. They had given our Men, that came with them, to eat, and Monsr. de la Sale being extraordinary uneasy, we soon took Leave of them to return. At our going out, we observ'd about forty Canoes, some of them like those Monsr. de la Sale had seen on the Missisipi, which made him conclude he was not far from it.

We soon arrived at our Camp, and found the Misfortune, Monsr. de la Sale had apprehended, was but too