a mile
below the first village of the Mandans. In the morning we had a willow
low ground on the south and highland on the north, which occasionally
varied in the course of the day. There is but little wood on this part
of the river, which is here subdivided into many channels and obstructed
by sandbars. As soon as we arrived a crowd of men, women, and children
came down to see us. Captain Lewis returned with the principal chiefs to
the village, while the others remained with us during the evening; the
object which seemed to surprise them most, was a cornmill fixed to the
boat which we had occasion to use, and delighted them by the ease with
which it reduced the grain to powder. Among others who visited us was
the son of the grand chief of the Mandans, who had his two little
fingers cut off at the second joints. On inquiring into this accident,
we found that it was customary to express grief for the death of
relations by some corporeal suffering, and that the usual mode was to
lose two joints of the little fingers, or sometimes the other fingers.
The wind blew very cold in the evening from the southwest. Two of the
party are affected with rheumatic complaints.

CHAPTER V.

Council held with the Mandans--A prairie on fire, and a singular
instance of preservation--Peace established between the Mandans and
Ricaras--The party encamp for the winter--Indian mode of catching
goats--Beautiful appearance of northern lights--Friendly character
of the Indians--Some account of the Mandans--The Ahnahaways and the
Minnetarees--The party acquire the confidence of the Mandans by
taking part in their controversy with the Sioux--Religion of the
Mandans, and their singular conception of the term medicine--Their
tradition--The sufferings of the party from the severity of the
season--Indian game of billiards described--Character of the
Missouri, of the surrounding country, and of the rivers, creeks,
islands, &c.

Saturday, October 27. At an early hour we proceeded and anchored off the
village. Captain Clarke went on shore, and after smoking a pipe with the
chiefs, was desired to remain and eat with them. He declined on account
of his being unwell; but his refusal gave great offence to the Indians,
who considered it disrespectful not to eat when invited, till the cause
was explained to their satisfaction. We sent them some tobacco, and then