184 Expedition to the 



hundred and twenty miles. The country over which he 

 travelled was almost entirely destitute of woodland ; the 

 surface generally cut by numerous ravines ; the soil for the 

 most part sandy, but in some instances enriched by a black 

 loam. He returned to camp on the 23d, his companion 

 having purchased of the Indians one hundred, and thirty 

 beaver skins, besides raccoon and deer skins. 



10th. By a recent occurrence, the late treaty of peace 

 between the Otoes and Konzas was, on the eve of being 

 infracted. The Otoes, who were encamped for hunting near 

 the mouth of the Platte, had four horses stolen from them 

 about two weeks since, and subsequently ten more. These 

 robberies were immediately attributed to the Konzas, and a 

 war party prepared themselves to march and retaliate upon 

 that nation. Hashea however prevented them from going, 

 saying that their father (Major O'Fallon) had been instru- 

 mental in reconciling them to a peace with the Konzas, and 

 it would be highly improper for them to strike a blow, 

 without asking his opinion upon the subject. It seems more 

 probable that the horses have been taken either by the Sauks 

 or Ioways. The latter appears to be a faithless people ; they 

 obtained a considerable quantity of goods on credit, last fall, 

 from the Missouri Fur ComDanv. and now, we are informed, 

 instead of returning to discharge their debts, they are on 

 their way down the river to barter their beaver at Fort 

 Osage. It is said they will inhabit their old village, on the 

 river Des Moines, the ensuing season. 



12th. Many Indians visited us yesterday and to-day, 

 some of whom brought jerked deer meat, mockasins, &c. 

 to exchange for their favourite drink, and for trinkets. 

 But as we have none of the latter, and as the former is 

 interdicted from them by our laws, we are not authorized to 

 make any purchases. That they do contrive to get whis- 

 key elsewhere, perhaps of the traders, we have abun- 

 dant proof. Yesterday a squaw got drunk, and made 



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