SIOUX INDIANS. 



83 



reserve, while some of them pointed their guns 

 close to his body. He then mingled with the 

 party, and we conducted them to the Colony 

 Fort, as is customary when Indians are supposed 

 to visit with peaceable and friendly intentions. 



As soon as they had entered the Fort they 

 placed two sentinels at the gate, one with a 

 bow and arrows, and the other with a gun. 

 There was something like military discipline 

 among them, which they had probably learned 

 during the late American war, in which 

 they were engaged by the English ; many of 

 them were of a remarkably fine stature, and 

 well-proportioned, but more formed for agility 

 than strength. Their countenances were 

 stamped with a fierce and barbarous expression, 

 and being all armed with either long knives, 

 tomahawks, guns, or bows, they soon encircled 

 and formed a guard for the Chief of their party. 

 After a short time, they became very restless, 

 and searched every corner and outhouse of the 

 Fort, under the suspicion that some treacherous 

 attack might be made upon them. A few of 

 them then crossed over to the Company's Post, 

 and no idea was entertained but that they would 

 conduct themselves peaceably. Liquor was 

 given them at both posts ; and as I was standing 

 within the stockades of that of the Company, at 



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