BOURGEOIS - Toronto Public Library

304 F. A. I.AROCQ,UE
certain conditions, which agreeing to, Charbonneau promised
me he would come next morning.
28th. The Black Cat went to dine with the Americans with two
other chiefs, upon an invitation from Captain Lewis, who had
also invited me, but, expecting Charbonneau, I declined going.
29th. Still very bad weather which, as I thought, prevented Char-
bonneau from coming. In the evening the weather cleared,
The "Lewis
& Clarke" went to see what was the reason he did not come,-was very
expedition.
politely received by Captains Lewis and Clarke and passed the
night with them. Just as I arrived, they were despatching a
man for me, having heard that I intended giving flags and
medals to the Indians, which they forbid me from giving in
the name of the United States, saying that the Government
looked upon those things as the sacred emblems of the attach·
ment of the Indians to their country. As I had neither flags nor
medals, I ran no risk of disobeying those orders, of which I
assured them.
They next called Charbonneau and gave him leave to come
with me, but strictly enjoined not to utter a word to the
Indians which might in any way be to the prejudice .of the
United States, or of any of its citizens, although 1 should order
him to do so, "which," said they, turning to me, "we are
very far from thinking you would."
Their party consists of 40 odd men besides themselves, and
are sent by Government for the purpose of exploring the North
W est countries to the Pacific Ocean, so as to settle the boundary
line between the British and the American territories; likewise
to make it known to the Indians on the Missouri and
adjacent country, that they are under the Government of the
Big Knives, who will protect them and supply them with all
their wants, as long as they shall behave as dutiful children
of the Great Father, the President of the United States, &e.,