CHAPTER VI.1
FROM THE PLATTE RIVER TO THE BITTER ROOT VALLEY. 2
The "Flathead Embassies "- Meeting with the forerunners of the tribe-Their enthusiasm- Frank Ermatinger - Parting from the American emigrants-Friendly though disagreeing-Devil's Gate on the Sweetwater - Halt on Green river - Mountain trails and amateur teamsters-More Snake Indians-Features of Bear river-Over the divide to Fort Hall - Meeting with the Flathead escort - Insula and Big Face - Northward to the Deer Lodge valley - Perils of western travel - River crossings and Indian alarms - Interview with the Bannocks.
Fort Hall, Aug. 16, 1841.
T was on the eve of the beautiful festival of the Assumption that we met the vanguard of the Flatheads. We met under the happiest auspices, and our joy was propor tionate. The joy of the savage is not openly manifested - that of our dear neophytes was tranquil; but from the beaming serenity of their looks, and the feeling manner in which they pressed our hands, it was easy to Percéive that, like the joy which has its source in virtue, theirs was heartfelt and profound. What had they not done to obtain a mission of " Black-gowns? " For twenty years they had not ceased to supplicate the Father of Mercies; for twenty years, in compliance with the counsels of some poor Iroquois, who had established themselves in their tribe, they had conformed, as nearly as they could, to our creed and manners, and even
I This chapter consists of Letters V and VI, Letters and Sketches, addressed to the Father Provincial and dated respectively Fort Hall, August 16, 1841, and Big Face's Camp (Beaver Head river), September 1, 1841 ; paralleled by Letters III and IV, Second Voyage, Voyages aux X11.-R., dated as above and without address. The English text is followed in the main.
2 For original chapter omitted here, see p. 1345.