NARRATIVE OF 1853. 65 
Thus ended the apprehensions of the command concerning Indians, and was the first and last 
difficulty of the kind which occurred in camp on the trip. 
RED RIVER HUNTERS. 
July 16.—Awaited the coming up of the back parties, and during the morning Tinkham 
arrived and was received with nine cheers, being followed soon after by the rest of the rear 
guard. About 2 p. m. the whole Red river train came in sight, and, as they approached, fired 
a succession of volleys of firearms as a salute, which we returned with three rounds from the 
howitzer. The train consisted of 824 carts, about 1,200 animals, and 1,300 persons, men, 
women, and children, the whole presenting a very fine appearance. 
They encamped near by, and the close yard which they formed presented quite a contrast 
to the open camp adopted by us. They make a circular or square yard of the carts, placed side 
by side with the hubs adjoining, presenting a barrier impassable either to man or beast. The 
tents or lodges were arranged within, at a distance of about twenty feet from the carts, and 
were of a conical shape, built of poles covered with skins, with an opening at the top for the 
passage of smoke and for ventilation. "They were 104 in number, being occupied generally by 
two families, averaging about ten persons to the lodge. Skins were spread over the tops of 
the carts. and underneath many of the train found comfortable lodging places, (see accompany- 
ing sketch.) 
The animals were allowed to run loose during the day to feed, but were duvet into the 
corral at dark. Thirty-six of the men are posted as sentinels, remaining on guard all night. 
We have but twelve guards, three reliefs, not more than four men being on guard at one time. 
As our camps were only about two hundred yards apart, there was much visiting between 
them. I was struck with the good conduct and hospitable kindness of these people. A small 
band of Prairie Chippewa Indians, who accompanied this party, visited our camp during the 
evening, and entertained us with one of their national dances. 
I was much pleased with Governor Wilkie, who is the head of the ی‎ He is a man 
of about sixty years of age, of fine appearance and pleasant manners. This party are residents 
of Pembina and its vicinity. When at home they are engaged in agriculture, raising wheat, 
corn, potatoés, and barley. The land yields about twenty-five bushels of wheat to the acre, 
their farms averaging about 15 acreseach. They are industrious and frugal in their habits, are 
mostly of the Romish persuasion, leading a virtuous and pious life. They are generally accom- 
panied by their priests, and attend strictly to their devotions, having exercises every Sabbath, 
on which they day they neither march nor hunt. 
Their municipal government is of a parochial character, being divided into five parishes, 
each one being presided over by an officer called the captain of the parish. These captains 
of the parish retain their authority while in the settlement. On departing for the hunt they 
select a man from the whole number, who is styled governor of the hunt, who takes charge 
of the party, regulates its movement, acts as referee in all cases where any differences arise 
between the members in regard to game or other matters, and takes command i in case of diffi- 
culty with the Indians. 
In the early part of the year, till the middle of June, these people work at agriculture, when 
they set out on their first hunt, leaving some thirty at the settlements in charge of their farms, 
9s 
