122 JASON LEE
three others from a little different direction approaching and we now began to think sure enough that they were Pawnees. We finished our milk in [time] to mount and pursue our course before they were near enough to discern whether they were red or white. We resolved we would not run but move on as usual and we soon saw they were of our own party pursuing us to [find] out who we were. Here we see clearly the hand of Providence in bringing us in a way that we knew not of for the Com. was but a mile or two in our [rear] and their march was so crooked that they thought it would have been nearly impossible for us to have followed them if we had returned where we left them.
How mysterious are the ways of Providence and how thankful ought we to be for all His mercies. O, Lord God, write laws of gratitude on our hearts and may we love Thee with our whole souls. Amen and Amen.
Tuesday 13. Last night did not stake the horses. About 1 o'clock they took fright and nearly all ran with all speed with their hobbles on. The guard and others pursued them and soon came back with two-thirds of them but ours were nearly all gone still. I went out about a m. and a half found 9 of the Capt's. The others were all found four in. from Camp in the morning except two of the Captain's.
Three of the Otto [Otoe] Indians came into camp this morning were very friendly but we strongly suspect that they stole the horses that were lost.
Wednesday, May 14. Encamped on a branch of the Blue a large Brook clear good water.
Capt. Thing took a lunar observation and found we were 97 7' West from Greenwich London.
We decamp about j/2 past 7 o'clock stop about 2 hours at noon and camp about y 2 past 6. Make nearly 50 m. per day which is as much as the horses can endure for they are heavily loaded and the grass for two or three days has been poor.
Thurs. 15. Encamped on the Blue. Mr. Walker 1 caught
i Courtney M. Walker.
