252 
JOURNAL. 
arrived near to our old friends the .Grossventres and 
Mandans ; and fixed our eneatn pment in a cen- 
tral position, so as to be most -convenient to the dif- 
ferent villages. The inhabitants of all the villages 
appeared very glad to see us, and sent us presents of 
eorn, beans and squashes. 
* Friday \5th. We had a fine clear pleasant morn- 
ing, and continued here all day, to ascertain whether 
any of the chiefs would go dov^^n with us or not 
They had to hold councils am®ng themselves, and we; 
had to wait for their answers. The two hunters we 
left up the river came down, staid with us here, and 
got one of our party to join in partnership with them, 
and to return up the livers Missouri and Jaune t© 
hunt. 
Saturday \(dth. There was a fine cool day ; and we 
yet remained liere, waiting an answer from the na- 
tives. Some of these Indians are very kind and oblig- 
ing ; furnishing us with corn, beans and squashes ; 
but there are others very troublesome, and steal 
whenever they have an opportunity. Yesterday and 
to-day, they stole several knives and spoons ; and 
three powder horns, and two pouehes, filled witJi 
ammunition. 
In the afternoon the cbief, called the Big-White, 
concluded to go down with us, and wc agreed to stay 
until 12 o'clock to-morrow ; that he might hate an 
opportunity to get ready for his voyage and mission. 
The Commanding Officers gave discharges to the 
man who agreed to return with the hunters up the 
river, and the interpreter ; who intends settling 
among these Indians, and to whom they gave the 
blacksmith's tools ; supposing they might be usefiil 
to the nation. They also gave a small piece of ord- 
nance to the Grossventers, which they appeared very 
fond of. 
Sunday \7tJi. There were some flying clouds this 
morning, and the weather was cold for the season. 
