house-; we found seven tents pitched within a small duster of pines,
which adjoined the pound. The largest, which we entered, belonged
to the Chief, who was absent, but came in on learniiig our arrival.
The old man (about sixty) welcomed us with a hearty shake of the
hand, and the customary salutation of “What cheer !” an expression
which they have gained from the traders. As we had been expected,
they had caused the tent to be neatly arranged, fresh grass
was spread on the ground, buffalo robes were placed on the side
opposite the door for us to sit on, and a kettle was on the fire to
boil meat for us.
After a few minutes’ conversation, an invitation was given to the
Chief and his hunters to smoke the calumet with us, as a token
of our friendship: this was loudly announced through the camp, and
ten men from the other tents immediately joined our party. On
their entrance the women and children withdrew, their presence on
such 'occasions being contrary to etiquette. The calumet having
been prepared and lighted by Mr. Prudens’s clerk, was presented to
the Chief, who performed the following ceremony before he commenced
sm o k in g H e first pointed the stem to the south, then to
the west, north, and east, and afterwards to the heavens, the earth,
and the fire, as an offering to the presiding spirits;—he took thréè
whiffs only, and then passed the pipe to his next companion, who
took the same number of whiffs, and so did each person as if went
round. After the calumet had been replenished, the person who
then commenced repeated only the latter part of the éereinony,
pointing the stem to the heaven, the earth, and the fire. Some
spirits, mixed with water, were presented to the old man, who,
before he drank, demanded a feather, which he dipped into the cup
several times, and sprinkled the moisture on the ground, pronouncing
each time a prayer. His first address to the Keetchee Manitou, or
Great Spirit, was, that buffalo might be abundant every where, and
that plenty might come into their pound. He next prayed, that
the other animals , might be numerous, and particularly those which
were valuable for their, furs, and then implored that the party present
might escape the sickness which was at that time prevalent, and be
blessed with constant health. Some other supplications followed,
which ,we. could not get interpreted without interrupting the whole
proceeding; but at every close, the whole Indian party assented by
exclaiming Aha; and when he had finished, the old man drank a
little, and passed the cup around. After these ceremonies each
person smoked at his leisure, and they engaged in a general conversation,
which I regretted not understanding, as it seemed to be
very humorous, exciting frequent bursts of laughter. The younger
men, in particular, appeared to ridicule the abstinence of one of
the party, who neither drank nor smoked. H e bore their jeering
with perfect composure, and assured them, as I was told, they would
be better if they would follow his example. I was happy to learn
from Mr. Prudens, that this man was not only one of the best
hunters, but the most cheerful and contented of the tribe.
Four Stone Indians arrived at this time and were invited into the
tent, but one only accepted the invitation and partook of the fare.
When Mr. Prudens heard the others refuse, he gave immediate
directions that our horses should be narrowly watched, as he suspected
these fellows wished to carry them off. Having learned that
these Crees considered Mr. Back and myself to be war chiefs, possessing
great power, and that they expected we should make some
address to them, I desired them to be kind to the traders, to be
industrious in procuring them provision and furs, and to refrain from
stealing their stores and horses ; and I assured them, that if I heard
of their continuing to behave kindly, I would mention their good
conduct in the strongest terms to their Great Father across the sea,
(by which appellation they designate the King,) whose favourable
consideration they had been taught by the traders to value most
highly