208 



Harmon's journal. 



have ever struck during a residence of eleven 

 years, in this savage country. 



The following circumstances attended this 

 transaction. The name of the Indian, who was 

 chastised, was Quas. He had a friend, who was 

 a worthless fellow, to whom he wished me to ad- 

 vance goods on credit, which I declined doing for 

 two reasons. The first was, that I did not be- 

 lieve that the Indian would ever pay me for 

 them. The other was, that Quas wished to make 

 the Indians believe, that he had a great deal of 

 influence over us, which would be prejudicial to 

 our interest, if he should effect it. He tried every 

 method, which he could devise, to persuade me to 

 advance the goods, but to no purpose ; for I per- 

 ceived what was his object. He then told me, 

 that he saw no other difference between me and 

 himself, but this only : ' you,' said he, 6 know how 

 to read and write ; but I do not. Do not I man- 

 age my affairs as well, as you do yours ? You 

 keep your fort in order, and make your slaves,' 

 meaning my men, ' obey you. You send a great 

 way off for goods, and you are rich and want for 

 nothing. But do not I manage my affairs as well 

 as you do yours ? When did you ever hear that 

 Quas was in danger of starving ? When it is the 

 proper season to hunt the beaver, I kill them ; 

 and of their flesh I make feasts for my relations. 



