To refuse to accept the calumet, as between two different tribes, is equivalent to a declaration of war, and on the other hand, to accept it is always, among the savages, a sign of good harmony, fraternity and mutual charity, ready to aid one another in case of need.
It is quite probable that I shall return, about the beginning of May, among my dear children of the plains.
I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the profoundest respect and the most. sincere esteem,
Monsieur le Ministre, etc.
Reverend Father:6
I shall here give you the remarks and observations I have made, and the information I have gathered, during this last journey, concerning some customs and practices of the savages.
In speaking of the animals, I inquired of seven Flatheads, who were present, how many buffalo they had killed between them in their last hunt? The number amounted to 189 -one alone had killed fifty-nine. One of the Flatheads told me of three remarkable coups which had distinguished him in that chase. He pursued a cow, armed merely with a stone, and killed her by striking her while running, between the horns; he afterward killed a second with his knife; and finished his exploits by spearing and strangling a large bull. The young warriors frequently exercise themselves in this manner, to show their agility, dex
terity and strength. He who spoke looked like a Hercules. They then (a rare favor, for they are not boasters) kindly showed me the scars left by the balls and arrows of the Blackfeet in their different encounters. One of them bore
6 Letter to a Father of the Society of Jesus, dated St. Mary's, December 30, 1841. Published as Letter X, Voyages aux MontagnesRocheuses and Letter XI, Letters and Sketches. The latter text, which is apparently translated from the French, is here followed.