64 NARRATIVE OF 1853. 
like the pattering of rain, while the inside is perfectly black with them. Their constant hum- 
ming drove the men out into the open air, and rendered it almost impossible to sleep. 
July 15.—At daybreak Broadwell went back to Lander’s camp, and I despatched Osgood 
and Kendall to a high hill to reconnoitre and look for a new camp. The guides and hunters 
were also sent on to the Shyenne to ascertain the distance, and if not too far we would go to 
it. Being very unwell I laid by all the morning, and the delay of the train was employed in 
shoeing the animals, equalizing loads, and arranging them in such a manner as to give about 
900 pounds to each wagon, and so distributed in bulk that a portion of each wagon could be 
appropriated to the conveyance of wood and the meat killed each day. 
I feel encouraged in regard to the astronomical observations by the industry of Mr. Stevens, 
and his confidence in his own success. 
The men are much interested in the labors of Dr. Suckley, the naturalist. It is amusing to 
see each one making his contribution of snakes, reptiles, birds, bugs, &c. 
Near noon Osgood and his party returned, having been to the Shyenne, where they found no 
wood, poor grass, and swarms of mosquitos. Soon after the guides returned, announcing that 
they had seen a party of Sioux of 1,000 lodges, not more than nine miles in advance of us. Bouti- 
neau’s manner was full of fear, and his public announcement spread alarm through the whole 
camp. I at once gave orders to make ready, with the intention of visiting their camp; and 
calling Boutineau to my tent, asked him whether they were not the Red river hunting party, 
He assured me indignantly that ‘the knew half-breeds from Indians, and that they were 
certainly Sioux.’’ 
I suggested that they might be friendly Sioux, who, being engaged in the hunt and hearing of 
our approach, were coming forward to meet us, to receive the usual presents and gratify their 
curiosity. He still insisted that they were hostile Sioux, and saw in their presence the explana- 
tion of the cause of the absence of the missing party. We were, in his opinion, to be sur- 
rounded and cut off. 
After dinner, as the alarm was spreading throughout the command, the arms were inspected 
and ammunition distributed, and orders given to have the train in readiness to move at once. 
I sent Boutineau, Le Frambois, and Menoc to the top of a high ridge as a lookout, while a flag 
was prepared to be sent forward if necessary. 
Word soon came that the country was alive with Indians, who were fast surrounding us; and 
I sent scouts to hills on the right and left, having the lake to protect our rear. Mounting my 
horse I rode to the hill in front, and saw two horsemen rapidly approaching. Our flag-bearers 
rode forward to meet them, and soon discovered that they were two of the Red river hunters, 
and that their camp was three miles beyond the Shyenne. Having discerned our party, they 
came to invite us to visit them, and express their kindly feelings for us. 
The train, which, before this, was in motion, arranged in a double line with the pack and 
loose animals between, proceeded two miles, where there was better water, and encamped. | 
The agreeable disappointment established a fine feeling throughout camp; and half an hour 
after Boulieau and Lindner arrived in camp with news of Tinkham’s safety, which was received 
with three cheers. 
The men to-day showed a good spirit, and, although there was naturally some anxiety, they 
obeyed every order with alacrity. 
