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Show something wrong, by which, they would lay themselves liable to attack and abuse by the other Indian tribes, through whose country they would have to pass. In order to assure them of their security, and to satisfy them that their great Father was sincere in his professions of friendship; and that his object was to do them good instead of injuring, I proposed to send to Laramie for an escort of soldeirs to accompany them. This seemed to inspire them with confidence, and I^immediately started an express to Laramie, consisting of two men, My son Alex. W. Holeman, and Mr. Jas. Furguson. That night the chiefs and braves held a council, and consulted their Medicine, as they t term it-the result of which was, that they dtermined to send with me a de-t putation of their principal men, leaving the balance to protect their village. After making the necessary preparations for the comfort and protection of their families, we left the village on the 28 accompanied by about 80 of their leading men, authorised to act for the tribe, and reached Fort st Laramie on the 1 of September, all in good health and spirits, and well pleased with the treatment they had received. As it was the first effort which had been made by the government to establish friendly relations with the Indians in this territory, I felt it incumbent on me to pursue such a course as would not only be satisfactory, but which would inspire them with confidence and respect in the future. And if I may be permitted to judge from their conduct and the manifestations of entire satisfaction on their whole route, and also, on their return to their village. I am compelled to believe that their trip will result in much good both to the government and to the Indians. Although the Snake Indians have not been among those who have committed such depradations on |
