DETENTION AT URES. 453 
- cans had passed through their villages, which, from 
their account, I believed to be the engineers of the 
Boundary Commission. One of them had several notes 
from Americans who had passed through their country, 
certifying to their friendly disposition, and requestiug 
kind treatment for them in return. 
December 21st. My Indian friends were at my quar- 
ters by eight o’clock, accompanied by several of their 
companions, three of whom, claimed to be “capitans,” 
or chiefs. Whether they were or not, I cannot say, 
but believe they styled themselves such, in order that 
they might with more propriety claim some presents 
from me, and particularly some recommendations. 
These certificates they prize very highly, on account of 
the favors they procure from emigrating parties pass- 
ing through their country. I gave testimonials to the 
three who called themselves chiefs, stating that they 
were friends of the Americans, and requesting my coun- 
trymen to treat them kindly and deal fairly with them. 
I attached to each note a large red seal and a piece 
of red ribbon, which decorations pleased them much. 
These acquisitions were carefully enveloped in several 
wrappers, and then put into a deer-skin pouch, which 
was fastened around their waists. Having completed 
my vocabulary, I presented them all with some bread, 
and also several yards of heavy cotton cloth, which they 
expressed a desire to have above every thing else. 
They gave me their names as, She-pan-wa-ma-ki, Hum- 
su-il-lya, and Che-ma-dul-ka-keo. ; 
The pleasing news arrived by courier that Tanori, 
the Opate chief, who went in pursuit of the Apaches 
before mentioned, had given them battle this morning 
