PIMO VILLAGES. 255 
and his tribe—setting forth that he was the head chief, 
that his people were friendly to the Americans, and 
reqaesting all should respect them and treat them 
kindly. The earliest of these, was from Colonel St. 
George Cooke. This chief was about 50 years of age, 
with a fine, amiable expression of countenance, and a 
quiet and dignified manner. He was greatly beloved 
by his people, who showed him more deference than 
I had ever seen extended by Indians to their supe- 
rlors. 
I told this chief who we were, and the object of 
our visit. He readily comprehended my meaning, and 
referred to the surveying parties under Mr. Gray and 
Lieutenant -Whipple, which had been operating here 
during the winter. I told him that, having completed 
the work, we were now on our return to the United 
States; and that having heard of his kind treatment 
of the Americans who had passed through the villages 
of his people on their way to California, I wished to 
see all the chiefs of his tribe and present to them a few 
articles, as a token of the respect which the American 
sovernment entertained for them. I added, that I 
would be ready to receive them the following morning. 
July 9th. The day had scarcely dawned when I was 
awoke by a chattering of strange voices around my 
tent; on putting out my head, I found to my surprise, 
that, although it was but 4 o'clock, the Pimo chiefs 
were already on the spot. This was a little too early 
for business, and besides, I was not prepared for the 
proposed conference. It would have been impolite 
to send them back; so I requested them to wait until I 
had taken my breakfast, which would be in about three 
