Our men were well pleased at once more having made a hearty meal.

They had generally been in the habit of crowding into the houses of the Indians, to purchase provisions on the best terms they could; for the inhospitality of the country was such, that often, in the extreme of hunger, they were obliged to treat the natives with but little ceremony; but this Twisted Hair had told us was very disagreeable.

Finding that these people are so kind and liberal, we ordered our men to treat them with the greatest respect, and not to throng round their fires, so that they now agree perfectly well together.

After the council the Indians felt no disposition to retire, and our tent was filled with them all night." As the expedition was here in a populous country, among many bands of Indians, it was thought wise to have a powwow with the head men and explain to them what were the intentions of the United States Government.

But, owing to the crooked course which their talk must needs take, it was very difficult to learn if the Indians finally understood what was said.