he might come with me in the autumn for the discovery of the Mandans, who were formerly called Ouachipouanne, according to the Monsony, Courtchouatte, Crees, Mandans: these are the names of the nation.
Seeing on the 10th of the month that he had not arrived, and everything being in good order, as well at the fort as for my departure, I left on the 11th, as I have already stated, hoping that he would join me soon to come with me. I arrived at Fort Marpas (Maurepas)[1] on the 22nd, where I had the arms examined, published your orders concerning the said post, gave a copy of it to Mr. Larivière, clerk to these gentlemen, and selected five of his men to come with me. As I had agreed, I left nine men with Mr. de Larivière. I went to the fork of the Asiliboiles (Assiniboine)[2] on the 24th, where I found ten Cree huts and two war chiefs, who expected me, with a quantity of meat, having been notified that I was coming. They begged me to agree to remain, to have the pleasure of seeing us and of giving us something to eat. I agreed, being happy to speak to them. I sent for the two chiefs to my tent. I knew that they went every year to the English; it had been reported to me that there was one who had received a belt from the English to play a bad trick on the French. I told the one who had been accused, everything that had been said of him. I had the honor of writing to you last year from Michilimakinak: of the rumors current on the subject. He answered: My father, I know there are many envious men who speak against me; I have not been to the English for more than six years. I sent, indeed, during the last years that the French abandoned us, and it was necessary to have our wants supplied. Ask those who have been on my account, who are here, if they heard of any such accusation. I can assure thee the Englishman is quiet and does not speak of the French. They are
