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(p. 201-203)
"As we were informed that external appearances made lasting
impressions on the Indians, we prepared for the interview by decorating
ourselves in uniform, and suspending a medal round each of
our necks. Our tents had been previously pitched, and over one of
them a silken union flag was hoisted. Soon after noon, on July 30th,
several Indian canoes were seen advancing in a regular line, and on
their approach, the chief was discovered in the headmost, which was
paddled by two men. On landing at the fort, the chief assumed a
very grave aspect, and walked up to Mr. Wentzel with a measured
and dignified step, looking neither to the right nor to the left, at
the persons who had assembled on the beach to witness his debarkation,
but preserving the same immoveability of countenance until he
reached the hall, and was introduced to the officers. When he had
smoked his pipe, drank a small portion of spirits and water himself,
and issued a glass to each of his companions, who had seated themselves
on the floor, he commenced his harangue, by mentioning the
circumstances that led to his agreeing to accompany the expedition,
an engagement which he was quite prepared to fulfil. He was
rejoiced, he said to see such great chiefs on his lands, his tribe were
poor, but they loved white men who had been their benefactors; and
he hoped that our visit would be productive of much good to them.
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