les, and amounting to two hundred and fifty men. Beyond
these a band of Assiniboins of four hundred and fifty men, and called
the Big Devils, wander on the heads of Milk, Porcupine, and Martha's
rivers; while still farther to the north are seen two bands of the same
nation, one of five hundred and the other of two hundred, roving on the
Saskaskawan. Those Assiniboins are recognised by a similarity of
language, and by tradition as descendents or seceders from the Sioux;
though often at war are still acknowledged as relations. The Sioux
themselves, though scattered, meet annually on the Jacques, those on the
Missouri trading with those on the Mississippi.

CHAPTER VI.

The party increase in the favour of the Mandans--Description of a
buffaloe dance--Medicine dance--The fortitude with which the
Indians bear the severity of the season--Distress of the party for
want of provisions--The great importance of the blacksmith in
procuring it--Depredations of the Sioux--The homage paid to the
medicine stone--Summary act of justice among the Minnetarees--The
process by which the Mandans and Ricaras make beads--Character of
the Missouri, of the surrounding country, and of the rivers,
creeks, islands, &c.

Friday, 28th. The wind continued high last night, the frost severe, and
the snow drifting in great quantities through the plains.

Saturday, 29th. There was a frost fell last night nearly one quarter of
an inch in depth, which continued to fall till the sun had gained some
height: the mercury at sunrise stood at 9 degrees below 0: there were a
number of Indians at the fort in the course of the day.

Sunday, 30th. The weather was cold, and the thermometer 20 degrees below
0. We killed one deer, and yesterday one of the men shot a wolf. The
Indians brought corn, beans, and squashes, which they very readily gave
for getting their axes and kettles mended. In their general conduct
during these visits they are honest, but will occasionally pilfer any
small article.

Monday, 31. During the night there was a high wind which covered the ice
with hillocks of mixed sand and snow: the day was however fine, and the
Indians came in great numbers for the purpose of having their utensils
repaired.

Tuesday, January 1, 1805. The new year was welcomed by two shot from the
swivel and a round of small arms. The weather was cloudy but moderate;
the mercury which