Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 26.djvu/58

48 @ go away contented but informed them that Furrs only for the future would be taken in excxhange for Goods. Septr. 19 after passing the whole night in gambling with the Kootanaes, they went away early in the Morning— They appear to be a handsome hardy race of People @ look something like the Muskagoes of Lac Winipeg. Septr. 17 Bercier whom I had again sent off to hasten the coming of the Indians with their Furrs arrived, he said they were so ill that no hopes could be entertained of their coming under 8 or 9 days hence. I was therefore necessitated to send off Mr. F. McDonald, @ 2 Men to trade 5 Horses for the Portage. I sent with him 150 Bals / @ Powder for this Purpose with Beads &c. to trade dressed Leather. Sepr. 22 in the evening they arrived @ informed me that the Kootanaes would not trade any Horses, altho they had far more than they could make use of. in hopes of getting a high Price for them at the House, they have been so much accustomed to high Prices for Horses, that we can procure none at moderate rates, but fortunately we set no Value on them @ necessity alone, compels us to get a few for the Portage, the Kootanaes will therefore be much disappointed if they expect to trade any Horses here, even at a low Price.

Mr. F. McDonald also informed me of a Quarrel that took place the other day, between the Kootanaes @ Peagans in which several Horses were Killed; but they understand so little of the Indian Tongue that nothing could be learned from them on that head, for certainly, nor from what Cause the Quarrel arose. The 150 Balls sent were lost along the Road, this is adding Misfortune to Vexation. I have however, with some difficulty got Horses for the Portage @ every thing else ready @ hope all will go well, @ with this Hope, thanking God for his past Favours, @ praying for his continued Protection I close this Narrative.

D. Thompson.