I sincerely hope that you may overcome them all and have a happy meeting with your friends who must naturally be very anxious for your welfare.
I am sorry to inform you that I am still in bed but have some hopes of improving when the fine weather sets in. I do not suffer as I did some time ago.
We have seen a great number of Blackfeet and Surcees since I last wrote, but nothing of Bird or Munro. I am very doubtful whether we shall see them, from what the Assiniboin who saw them last say about them.
I have delivered your two horses and three mules with your little property to Lambert as per accompanying account. There are a few loose articles which Lambert may perhaps make use of which he promises to account for, and there were some articles that I retained to be deducted from your account with the company, a copy of which I shall transmit to you by the first conveyance.
I regret much not having the pleasure of seeing you before you took your final departure from us, but I must beg you accept of my most profound esteem and may the Almighty God, whom you serve, forever protect and preserve you, is the sincere wish of dear sir,
Your humble and affectionate friend,
J. E. HARRIOTE.
P. S.- The mule you left at Bow river was found by the Blackfeet and purchased from them by Lambert with some difficulty; they were very loath to give her up.
J. E. H.
Rocky Mountain House, March 30, 1846.
The Reverend PERE DE SMET:
My Dear Sir.- The arrival of Vellenuer yesterday put me in possession of your kind favor of 13th March. I was extremely happy to learn that you had recovered from your indisposition, but am still anxious that you will have some difficulty in accomplishing the voyage you have undertaken.
En Route. Trading ground between the South Branch, going up, September a, 1846.
PIERRE DE SMET
My Dear Sir.- I pray sincerely to God that these few lines may find you in the land of the living in the full enjoyment of health and happiness.