Page:Route Across the Rocky Mountains with a Description of Oregon and California.djvu/156

 be crossed, a few day's travel beyond the summit of the Rocky Mountains. From Green River to the settlements in Oregon, fifty men will make a company sufficiently strong, to avoid or repel all danger.

The character of the Indians will be learned from our preceding remarks. The manner in which they are treated, will, of course, make a great difference in their disposition towards those who chance to meet with them. They should never be trusted, nor should they, if it can be avoided, be allowed to have the advantage in any particular. And while every thing that would be calculated to give them offence, should be carefully avoided by those who wish to go in peace, they should at the same time, be constantly held at a distance. The emigrant should refrain from all familiarity himself, and discourage it in them. In trading with them he should make use of few words; never attempt to deceive, and be prompt to the letter, in fulfilling every promise. Few presents should be given them, and those few should appear to be given, rather as an expression of friendship, than to conciliate their favor. Under all circumstances, the least expression of fear should be sternly avoided. From the late difficulties with the Shoshonee Diggers, and with the Walawalas—to which we have referred—these tribes will not likely be well disposed towards emigrants. Previously, those who have gone into Oregon, have become, after traveling thus far, impatient and careless; have separated into very small companies, and poorly armed, have hastened on, regarding nothing but the termination of the journey. What these have been compelled to submit to and endure, should be a warning to others. Companies passing through these tribes should consist of not less than thirty, well armed men.