57 



cover roads through it, and places for military posts; and that having 

 already given up all the country to the whites that they could spare, 

 these Black Hills must he left wholly to themselves. Moreover, if 

 none of these things should occur, our passing through their country 

 would give us a knowledge of its character and the proper way to 

 traverse it in the event of another war between themselves and the 

 troops. I was necessarily compelled to admit to myself the truth and 

 force of these objections. 



The Indians whom I first met were the Minikanyes, to the number 

 of forty lodges, near whom, as they were very friendly, we encamped.* 

 They were soon joined by the warriors of a large camp of Unkpapas 

 and Sihasapas, and our position, which was sufficiently unpleasant in 

 the presence of such a numerous party of half-avowed enemies, was 

 rendered doubJy so by a storm of sleet and snow, which lasted two 

 days and nights, and against which we had but little protection. 



A young Indian, who had accompanied us from Fort Laramie, con- 

 sidered the danger to us so imminent that he forsook our camp and 

 joined his friends, the Minikanyes. 



Under these embarrassing circumstances my associates evinced the 

 most resolute bravery and determination to abide the result like true 

 men. 



I consented to wait three days without advancing, in order to meet 

 their great warrior, Bear's Rib, appointed first chief by General 

 Harney's treaty, merely changing our position to one offering 

 greater facilities for defence. At the expiration of the time, Bear's 

 Rib not making his appearance, we broke up camp, and, travelling 

 back on our route about forty miles, struck ofi" to the eastward, through 

 the southern part of these mountains. The point where we turned 

 back is well marked by the Inyan Kara peak, whose position was fixed 

 by us. 



After we had proceeded two days on our journey eastward, we were 

 overtaken by Bear's Rib and one other Indian who accompanied him. 

 He reiterated all that had been said by the other chiefs, and added 

 that he could do nothing to prevent our being destroyed if we 

 attempted to proceed further. I then told him that I believed he 

 was our friend, but that if he could do nothing for us, he bad better 

 return to his people, and leave us to take care of ourselves, as I was 

 determined to proceed as far as Bear butte. After a whole day spent 

 in deliberation, he concluded to accompany us a part of the way, and 

 he said he would then return to his people and use his influence to 

 have us not molested. In return for this, he wished me to say to the 

 President and to the white people that they could not be allowed to 

 come into that country. That if the presents sent were to purchase 

 such a right, they did not want them. All they asked of the white 

 people was, to be lelt to themselves and let alone. That if the presents 

 were sent to induce them not to go to war with the Crows and their 

 other enemies, they did not wish them. War with them was not only 

 a necessity but a pastime. He said General Harney had told them 



* I am much indebted to the influence jf Major TwisB, the Indian agent near Fort 

 Laramie, for his efforts to give the Dakotas a favorable opinion of my expedition, and to 

 secure \is a friendly reception. 



