Page:Route Across the Rocky Mountains with a Description of Oregon and California.djvu/134

Rh Fork. On the 3d of August we approached the spot, where Mr. Adams was remaining, in charge of a large quantity of Buffalo robes, the cargo of one of the boats which had failed in descending the River. He was awaiting the arrival of wagons from Mr. Bisonette, to convey them to the States. As soon as we came in sight of Mr. Adams, we saw a village of Sioux coming, at the same time, from another direction. They arrived a few minutes before us, and were engaged in pitching their lodges when we came up. When we were yet half a mile off, we found two young Indians, sitting beside the road, who rose up, and gave us their hands in token of friendship; and then making signs to us to proceed, they led the way, to where their village was encamping, beside Mr. Adams.

We had been discovered by them from the hills on the South, out of which they came; and the two young men had been dispatched by their Chief, to ascertain our character, and to conduct us, if friends, of which they of course had little doubt, to the village.

Without dismounting, we delivered to Mr. Adams, a letter from Mr. Bisonette; enquired whether we would probably fall in with any of the Sioux below, and whether with the Pawnees; and what, in his opinion, would be their disposition towards us, in case we should. We smoked with the Chief, and after a few minutes conversation with Mr. Adams, from which we could determine nothing satisfactorily, we again turned into the trail, and continued down the river.

The Indians treated us with great civility. They did not crowd around, when we stopped, to pilfer and beg, as Indians generally do about a small party.

When we passed by their encampment, as we were leaving, the women and children, with some of the young men, came out and stood by the side of the road; and the Chief, and a few of the old men, walked with us three or four hundred yards, in hopes of receiving presents; yet without being importunate. We gave them a little tobacco, and a few other trifles, excusing ourselves for the smallness of our gifts, by telling them that we had traveled very far, and were then poor. They appeared satisfied, gave us their hands and returned.

We encamped a few miles below, and remained about three hours, but none of them came near us. Knowing the disposition of the people we were among, and their uncertainty, we deemed it prudent, however, to make the distance between us greater, before the next morning. But they