200 



tion. On the 24th, the snow fell about a foot 

 deep. We proceeded in a northerly direction, 

 and encamped, at night, on a small stream, and 

 continued to the 30th, owing to the fleet and rain. 

 On the 30th, we continued our course, in the 

 same direction, through a plain country, in a well 

 beaten path, and on the 4th of April, came to a 

 branch of the Still-water river, where we en- 

 camped to hunt. On the 8th, caught several 

 beaver, otter, and white rabits, which were very 

 numerous. On the 12th, we arrived at the river, 

 we had ascended in July, called Road river, and 

 on the 13th, came to the Salt springs, where we 

 procured a small quantity more of salt. On the 

 18th, proceeded to the mouth of Catteau, or 

 Knife river, where we arrived on the 24th of 

 April. On the 25th, a great feast was made with 

 the usual ceremonies. 



We left the upper Gross-Ventres village, on the 

 4th of May, in company with a large number of 

 Indians for the trading post on the Assinniboin 

 river, distant about one hundred miles, and on the 

 11th, arrived at the station. I had formed a de- 

 termination to leave the Indians at this place, but 

 was prevented by the Sioux Indians, who were 

 with us. The Sioux Indian, who was a relation 

 to the chief, was offered a musket, knife, and 

 hatchet, if he would let me go, but he refused, 

 declaring that I must go with him to his uncle. 

 The traders not being willing to offend the In- 

 dians, I was obliged to remain with them. On 



