September 25, 1804
Three Chiefs, Black Buffalo, Bad Fellow and Buffalo Medicine,
came aboard. The Indians were curious to start with, but soon
became raucous and began causing trouble. They went ashore and
Bad Fellow became insulting and stated that Lewis and Clark
had not given them enough gifts. The situation led to both groups
drawing their weapons. Clark tried to diffuse the situation
and eventually turned and headed back to the boats. Black Buffalo,
Buffalo Medicine and two warriors waded into the river and asked
to go aboard, which they were allowed to do.
September
26, 1804
The expedition had set off early, however they pulled over and
anchored, by a bank that was lined with Indians, as the Chiefs
had asked if the women and children could look at the boat.
The mood appeared to have changed as the Chiefs seemed keen
to set aside their earlier confrontation and be friendly. That
evening Lewis and Clark were guests of the Indians as they smoked
a pipe of peace and ate with them. The meal finished with music
and dancing performed by the Indians.
The same thing happened the following night and during the day
the Indian Chiefs continued to board the boat. They also continued
to press for gifts. It soon became apparent that these were
all tactics to stop the expedition from progressing. Eventually
the Indians left the boat and the expedition carried on.
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