Rocky Mountains. 311 



this part of Red river are agricultural and half-civilized, like 

 the Cherokees. 



On the 1st of July, a messenger arrived at the encamp- 

 ment of the party, near the Coashatay village, giving infor- 

 mation of the near approach of the Cado chief, with forty 

 yoang men and warriors of his village. About noon they 

 made their appearance on the opposite bank of the river, and 

 kept up for a few minutes an irregular firing by way of 

 salute. This was returned both from the camp and the vil- 

 lage in a manner highly gratifying to the Cado party. The 

 customary ceremonies used in meeting Indians being past 

 an exchange of complimentary speeches followed. 



The Cado chief expressed great uneasiness on account of 

 the Spaniards who were encamped near his village. Their 

 commandant had been to see him, had taken him by the hand, 

 and asked him if he loved the Americans; he answered, he 

 did not know what to say, but if the Spaniards wished to 

 fight the Americans, they might go down to Natchitoches, 

 and fight them there, but they should not shed blood in his 

 territories. He said he was pleased with what he had heard 

 respecting the designs of the exploring party, he wished them 

 to go on and see all his country, and all his neighbours. 

 " You have far to go, and will meet with many difficulties, 

 but I wish you to go on. My friends, the Pawnees, will be 

 glad to see you, and will take you by the hand. If you meet 

 with any of the Huzaas [Osages'] and kill them, I will dance 

 for a month. If they kill any of your party, I will go with 

 my young men and warriors, and we will be avenged for 

 you." The soldiers belonging to the expedition having para- 

 ded in open order and single file, the forty young Cadoes 

 commenced on the right of the line, and marching towards 

 the left, shook each man by the hand in the most earnest 

 manner. When their leader had reached the other extremity 

 of the line, they instantly placed themselves in a corrt^spond- 

 ing line about three paces distant, and their partizan or prin- 

 cipal warrior, delivered a short address to the sergeant. 



