442 INDIAN TRIBES OF WASHINGTON TERRITORY. 



give the Pend cl 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 &quot;Little Dog s&quot; 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. In 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, &quot; 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.&quot; 



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. STEVENS, 



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 1st, 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. 



