Harmon's journal. 



79 



for us, during the season ; and moose, elk, &c. are 

 considerably numerous in this vicinity. We hope, 

 therefore, that we shall not want for the means of 

 subsistence. Buffaloes have now returned several 

 days' march from this place, into the spacious 

 prairies ; but this is no serious loss to us, since, if 

 they were near they would be but indifferent food, 

 as at this season of the year, they are always lean, 

 and consequently, rank and tough. 



Wednesday, 10. It is currently reportqd and 

 believed, that the Rapid Indians are forming a 

 war-party, in order to come against the Indians 

 of this quarter, whom they consider, and I think 

 with sufficient reason, as their enemies. Should 

 they come this way, they will as probably fall 

 upon us as upon the Natives themselves ; for 

 they say, that we furnish the Crees and Assiniboins 

 with what fire arms they want, while they get 

 but few. I have, therefore, thought it expedient 

 to direct our people, to build block-houses over 

 the fort gates, and to put the bastions in order, 

 that we may be prepared to defend ourselves, in 

 case of an attack. 1 



Sunday, 14. This afternoon, a number of the 

 Natives danced in the fort. Their dance was 

 conducted in the following manner. Two stakes 

 were driven into the ground, about twenty feet 

 apart; and as one person beat the drum, the oth- 



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