449, INDIAN TRIBES OF WASHINGTON TERRITORY. 
give the Pend d’Oreilles the name of liars and triflers; that they had always borne a good name, 
and were ashamed to have mean things said of them now: therefore, the horses must be taken 
back by their great chief and five principal men of the tribe; accordingly, they came boldly to 
the fort and delivered up the horses without asking any reward, but, on the contrary, express- 
ing much sorrow and shame that they had been taken. 
Thus these six Indians proved themselves not only honest, but brave in the highest degree, 
coming, as they did, five days’ and nights’ march into an enemy’s country simply to do an act 
of justice to strangers. They remained here two days, and on departing were accompanied 
by Mr. Clarke and myself fifteen or twenty miles on their journey. During their stay here 
a number of Piegan warriors about the fort became very troublesome to the strangers; so much 
so, that we were compelled to detail a strong guard for their protection. 
Suitable presents were given them from the Indian goods left with me. No event of great 
importance has occurred among the Indians since your departure. 
The ‘Little Dog’s” camp was attacked not long since by a party of Crees and Assiniboins, 
and himself and another were wounded. He has, however, determined not to revenge it, but to 
wait until the council is held. 
I am sorry to inform you that many of the Indians do not abide by their promises to remain 
at peace this winter. About five hundred, principally Piegans, have passed this post, on their 
way to war, since October 1st; about one hundred were induced to turn back. Jn the same 
time eight hundred or a thousand warriors must have passed above and below the fort, on 
their way to the Flatheads, Snakes, and Crows, as I have, from time to time, heard of large 
parties of Bloods, Blackfeet, and Gros Ventres, on the march; and parties are constantly going 
from the different bands. 
Several of the chiefs have taken a very decided stand for peace, and keep the warriors of their 
own bands at home. Others say, “this is the last winter we can go to war; next summer the 
white soldiers will stop us; therefore, let us steal this winter all the horses we can.” 
It is becoming a serious question in my mind whether these Indians will desist from their 
predatory incursions until a sufficient military force is stationed in the country to check every 
attempt at sending out war parties. No military force, however, is needed to protect white 
men in this country. ; 
Good interpreters for the government are very difficult to procure, because such can get 
higher wages from the traders than the government pays. The only man I can at present 
recommend is a Mr. Bird. He is a half-breed, English and Blackfoot; is an elderly man, 
respectable and intelligent, and the best interpreter in the country. He may not wish the situa- 
tion of interpreter at the agency, but can no doubt be engaged for a council. 
In my intercourse with these Indians I have been especially careful to have them understand 
that I made them no promises. 
Trusting that we may see you at an early day in spring, I am, very respectfully and truly, 
yours, 
JAMES DOTY. 
Governor I. I. Srrvens, 
Washington Territory. 
Fort Benton, December 29, 1853. 
Sir: In compliance with the request contained in your letter of October 3, 1853, I have 
the honor to submit the following report, which is necessarily incomplete and brief, owing 
to the limited time for acquiring extended and accurate information upon the points treated of. 
The numbers Ist, 2d, 3d, &c., refer to the like numbered inquiries in your instructions 
from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, under date of May 9, 1853, and to which you 
directed my attention. 
