Louisiana and Aaron Burr 351 



ness or cruelty on the other, would have been fatal 

 to the expedition ; but they were careful to treat the 

 tribes well and to try to secure their good-will, while 

 at the same time putting- an immediate stop to any 

 insolence or outrage. Several times they were in 

 much jeopardy when they reached the land of the 

 Dakotas and passed among the various ferocious 

 tribes whom they knew, and whom we yet know, as 

 the Sioux. The French traders frequently came up 

 river to the country of the Sioux, who often mal- 

 treated and robbed them. In consequence Lewis 

 and Clark found that the Sioux were inclined to re- 

 gard the whites as people whom they could safely 

 oppress. The resolute bearing of the newcomers 

 soon taught them that they were in error, and after 

 a little hesitation the various tribes in each case be- 

 came friendly. 



With all the Indian tribes the two explorers held 

 councils, and distributed presents, especially medals, 

 among the head chiefs and warriors, informing them 

 of the transfer of the territory from Spain to the 

 United States and warning them that henceforth 

 they must look to the President as their protector, 

 and not to the King, whether of England or of 

 Spain. The Indians all professed much satisfac- 

 tion at the change, which of course they did not 

 in the least understand, and for which they cared 

 nothing. This easy acquiescence gave much ground- 

 less satisfaction to Lewis and Clark, who further, 

 in a spirit of philanthropy, strove to make each 

 tribe swear peace with its neighbors. After some 



