OCR Text |
Show to defend it in case of an attack (only nine men as there was none at Fort Bridger I concluded to place the property inside of this fort leaving two of my men in charge and proceed with the balance on horses to Fort Supply. Before leaving, however, I was informed that the Indians on hearing by some means or other that a Government Agent would be at Fort Supply that day have left and had camped on a small stream known as Smith's Fork a tributary of Green River about eight miles east of the Fort, I afterwards concluded to venture into the Indian camp before going to the Fort having procurred at Fort Bridger the very best Sho-sho-nie Interpreter that could be found. When within the sight of the Indian camp I was met by a half breed splendidly attired in Indian costume who spoke very good English and who gave the camp a sign that something unusual was at hand by galloping his horse round making a circle three times, then bringing him suddenly to a halt. He spoke in a very cortious (sic) manner and informed me the chief was at his lodge. I was met by the chief Ta-bos-in douetsey who was informed by the Interpreter that I was an Agent of the Government of the United States, he extended his hand in a friendly manner and bid me entrance to his camp. I learned that this was only a small portion of Wash-a-keck's band numbering one hundred warriors with their squaws and children and who had been located near Fort Supply during the Summer and fall. I made known to him that I had been informed chat a misunderstanding existed between his band and the inhabitants of Fort Supply and requested him to accompany me to the fort where we could hold a council and settle the matter satisfactory to both parties. He expressed his willingness to comply with my request and immediately left his camp being attended by thirty of his warriors armed with bows and arrows as a guard. On arriving at the Fort I found all the men under arms (being only fifteen) supposing the Indians were about to attack the fort, and presuming that myself and guard were Mountaineers who |