INDIAN NATIONS, Sec.—BOOK L 
77 
MANDANS, OR GROS VENTRES, 
The remnants of a number of villages, according to their 
account, seventeen. They claim only the small portion of coun¬ 
try which they actually occupy; in this, resembling the Arikaras. 
They still consist of seven villages, five of Gros Ventres, and two 
of Mandans, in the distance of about fifteen miles. They are 
generally on good terms with each other, but at present there 
exists considerable dissentions, and even open rupture. There 
is not the least affinity in their languages, but the Gros Ventre 
is spoken by all the Mandans. According to the tradition of 
these last, who were originally of the Crow nation, owing to a 
quarrel between two chiefs, over the carcase of abuffaloe which 
they had slain, a separation took place of the followers of each. 
CHIENNES 
Are a wandering nation, on the heads of the Chienne river. 
Trade with the Arikaras—speak a different language from any 
nation I know. Their complexion very fair. They trade also 
with the Spaniards, and have a great number of horses, See. 
Sioux TRIBES. 
On an ancient map I have seen them named Naddouwessi- 
aux; the Noddouwessces of Carver, are probably a band of Si¬ 
oux—Are nearly all wandering tribes, and may be considered as 
divided into four nations, the Sioux, Teton, Assineboin and 
Black-feet. 
YANKTONS, 
Wander in an agreeable country, a considerable portion 
of which is woodland—trade on the St. Peters, and on the Mis¬ 
souri at the riviere a Jaque. Their trade is not valuable, chiefly 
buffaloe robes and deer skins : they are the most friendly and 
peaceable of the Sioux bands. 
YANK-TONS OF THE NORTH. 
On Red river of lake Winipec, and trade with the British 
establishments. 
WAII-PA-TONE. 
On the N. W. side of the river St. Peters, to the mouth of the 
Chippoway river. 
