THE MISSOURI RIVER JOURNALS 



15 



head-dress and other trifles — as he was pleased to call 

 them; all of which will prove more or less interesting 

 and curious to you when they reach Minniesland. He 

 presented Squires with a good hunting shirt and a few 

 other things, and to all of us, presented moccasins. We 

 collected a few round cacti ; ^ and I saw several birds that 

 looked much the worse for the cold and wet weather we 

 have had these last few days. Our boat has been thronged 

 with Indians ever since we have tied to the shore ; and it 

 is with considerable difficulty and care that we can stop 

 them from intruding into our rooms when we are there. 

 We found many portions of skulls lying on the ground, 

 which, perhaps, did at one period form the circles of them 

 spoken of by Catlin. All around the village is filthy be- 

 yond description. Our captain tells us that no matter 

 what weather we may have to-morrow, he will start at 

 daylight, even if he can only go across the river, to get 

 rid of these wolfish-looking vagabonds of Indians. I sin- 

 cerely hope that we may have a fair day and a long run, 

 so that the air around us may once more be pure and 

 fresh from the hand of Nature. After the Riccarees had 

 taken possession of this Mandan Village, the remains of 

 that once powerful tribe removed about three miles up the 

 river, and there have now fifteen or twenty huts, contain- 

 ing, of course, only that number of families. During the 

 worst periods of the epidemic which swept over this vil- 

 lage with such fury, many became maniacs, rushed to the 

 Missouri, leaped into its turbid waters, and were seen no 

 more. Mr. Primeau, wife, and children, as well as another 

 half-breed, have gone to the fort, and are to remain there 

 till further orders. The fort is in a poor condition, roofs 

 leaking, etc. Whilst at the fort this afternoon, I was 

 greatly surprised to see a tall, athletic Indian thrashing 



* No doubt the Mammillaria vivipara, a small globose species, quite 

 different from tlie commou Opuntta or prickly pear of the Missouri region. 

 •~E, C> ■ : - ; 'C 



..ill 



li 



