Rocky Mountains, 11 9 



assigned to them, and completely and most densely filled the 

 spacious apartment, with the exception only of a small space 

 opposite to the entrance, where the party seated themselves'on 

 the beds, still protected from the pressure of the crowd by 

 the chiefs, who took their seats on the ground immediately 

 before them. After the ceremony of smoking with the lat- 

 ter, the object which the party had in view in passing 

 through their territories was explained to them, and seemed 

 to be perfectly satisfactory. At the lodge of the principal 

 chief, they were regaled with jerked bison meat, and boiled 

 corn, and were afterwards invited to six feasts in immediate 

 succession. Chaboneau and the old Frenchman, who had 

 been despatched from Fort Osage, to summon the Konzas 

 to meet the agent at Isle au Vache, had arrived some days 

 previous; but the nation being at that time absent on a hunt- 

 ing excursion, the interpreters, after reaching the village, had 

 proceeded immediately into the plains in pursuit of them. 

 At the time of the arrival of our detachment, the village 

 was in confusion, the hunters having lately returned, and 

 being then engaged in preparations for the journey to Isle au 

 Vache. Two runners mere despatched to give notice to 

 major OFallon, that his summons had been received; and 

 at the same time the chiefs and principal warriors departed 

 for the place appointed. Before his departure, the principal 

 chief was careful to appoint a fit person to attend Mr. Say's 

 party, and arrangements were made to promote their com- 

 fort and convenience, while they should remain at the vil- 

 lage. 



Many reports had been circulated among the Konzas, 

 respecting the invitation to council their chiefs had received. 

 They were conscious of having recently offended, by firing 

 on major O 1, Fallon, and by insulting and plundering several 

 soldiers of captain Martin's command. For these offences 

 they had been in some measure punished at the time, major 

 OFallon having returned their fire from his boat, and not en- 

 tirely without effect, as was supposed ; several also had been 



