the
chief had a large leathern tent spread for us, and desired that we
would make it our home so long as we remained at his village. We removed
there, and having made a fire, and cooked our supper of horseflesh
and roots, collected all the distinguished men present, and spent
the evening in making known who we were, what were the objects of
our journey, and in answering their inquiries. To each of the chiefs
Tunnachemootoolt and Hohastillpilp we gave a small medal, explaining
their use and importance as honorary distinctions both among the whites
and the red men. 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. Here is the journal's account of the way in which the
powwow was conducted:--

"We collected the chiefs and warriors, and having drawn a map of
the relative situation of our country on a mat with a piece of coal,
detailed the nature and power of the American nation, its desire to
preserve harmony between all its red brethren, and its intention of
establishing trading-houses for their relief and support. It was not
without difficulty, nor till after nearly half the day was spent, that
we were able to convey all this information to the Chopunnish, much of
which might have been lost or distorted in its circuitous route through
a variety of languages; for in the first place, we spoke in English
to one of our men, who translated it into French to Chaboneau; he
interpreted it to his wife in the Minnetaree language;