Lewis: February 8, 1805
Fair, warm weather with a southeast wind. Lewis was visited by Black Cat, principal chief of the upper Mandan village of Rooptarhe, whom Lewis regarded as the most intelligent and trustworthy Native leader he had encountered in the region and a potential ally for U.S. interests. Black Cat brought a bow as a gift, explaining cold weather had prevented him from finishing a promised shield. Gifts were exchanged with the chief and his wife. Black Cat dined with Lewis, mentioned his people were short on meat, and departed in the evening.
8th February Friday 1805. This morning was fair wind S. E. the weather
still warm and pleasent- visited by the black-Cat the principal chief of
the Roop-tar-he, or upper mandane vilage. this man possesses more
integrety, firmness, inteligence and perspicuety of mind than any indian I
have met with in this quarter, and I think with a little management he may
be made a usefull agent in furthering the views of our government. The
black Cat presented me with a bow and apologized for not having completed
the shield he had promised alledging that the weather had been too could
to permit his making it, I gave him som small shot 6 fishing-hooks and 2
yards of ribbon his squaw also presented me with 2 pair of mockersons for
which in return I gave a small lookingglass and a couples of nedles. the
chief dined with me and left me in the evening. he informed me that his
people suffered very much for the article of meat, and that he had not
himself tasted any for several days.
Read this entry in modern English AI-translated
8th February, Friday 1805. This morning was fair, wind from the southeast, the weather still warm and pleasant. We were visited by Black Cat, the principal chief of the Roop-tar-he, or upper Mandan village. This man possesses more integrity, firmness, intelligence, and clarity of mind than any Indian I have met with in this quarter, and I think with a little management he may be made a useful agent in furthering the views of our government.
Black Cat presented me with a bow and apologized for not having completed the shield he had promised, saying that the weather had been too cold to permit his making it. I gave him some small shot, 6 fishing hooks, and 2 yards of ribbon. His squaw also presented me with 2 pairs of moccasins, for which in return I gave a small looking glass and a couple of needles. The chief dined with me and left me in the evening. He informed me that his people suffered very much for the article of meat, and that he had not himself tasted any for several days.
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