Thus all paraded about, in vainglorious style, more delighted with the feathers in their hats than with the money in their pockets; and considering themselves fully equal to the boastful "men of the north." While thus recruiting the number of rank and file, Mr.Hunt was joined by a person whom he had invited, by letter, to engage as a partner in the expedition.

This was Mr.Ramsay Crooks, a young man, a native of Scotland, who had served under the Northwest Company, and been engaged in trading expeditions upon his individual account, among the tribes of the Missouri.

Mr.Hunt knew him personally, and had conceived a high and merited opinion of his judgment, enterprise, and integrity; he was rejoiced, therefore, when the latter consented to accompany him.

Mr.
Crooks, however, drew from experience a picture of the dangers to which they would be subjected, and urged the importance of going with a considerable force.

In ascending the upper Missouri they would have to pass through the country of the Sioux Indians, who had manifested repeated hostility to the white traders, and rendered their expeditions extremely perilous; firing upon them from the river banks as they passed beneath in their boats, and attacking them in their encampments.