Down Missouri, approaching Mandan villages — Patrick Gass: August 16, 1806

mained here, waiting an answer from the natives. Some of
these Indians are very kind and obliging; furnishing us with
276 GASS’S JOURNAL OF THE
corn, beans and squashes; but there are others very troubie-
some, and steal whenever they have an opportunity. Yester-
day and to-day, they stole several knives and spoons; and
three powder horns, and two pouches, filled with ammunition.
In the afternoon the chief, called the Big-White concluded
to go down with us, and we agreed to stay until 12 o’clock
to-morrow; that he might have an opportunity to get ready
for his voyage and mission. The Commanding Officers gave
discharges to the man who agreed to return with the hunters
up the river, and the interpreter; who intends settling among
these Indians, and to whom they gave the blacksmith’s tools
supposing they might be useful to the nation. They also
gave a small piece of ordnance to the Grossventres, which
they appeared very fond of.