DIARY 249
The Indian wigwams are constructed of willow bushes with the large end in the ground and fastened together at the top and covered with long grass which very much resembles straw and answers the same purpose. Their form nearly that of a hay stack and some of them 15 ft. in diameter. And to me who have been so long accustomed to a somewhat similar habitation they appear quite comfortable for summer for which they are only designed. One of our horses being old was unable to stand the hardships of the journey and though he has not been saddled since we left the Fort we were obliged to leave him. I regret that the grass was very poor but the Indians will soon find him and how he will fare with them I cannot divine but before another spring his labours will doubtless have terminated. O that like the faithful beast man might answer the end for which he was created.
Wednes. Aug. 13, 1834. While we were at breakfast an Indian stole one of Capt. McCay's horses and got off with it undiscovered. It was discovered that the horse was stolen an hour and a half after and one of the Indians belonging [to] camp took a good running horse and pursued the thief alone. The thief when he discovered that he was pursued left the horse and run and the other brought him back. To steal a horse from a company of 30 in open daylight I think rather a bold push. Marched over 20 mi. and came to camp rather weary but am much stronger than I was a few days since. Capt. McCay who has buried one native companion last night took another to wife. It is customary among the Indians here for the uncles of the girl to barter her with the [man] who makes application if they approve of the match for mer- chandise. But on this occasion the Capt. who had previously gained the consent of the fair Lady sent for her uncles smoked with them and then sent for the girl and asked her in their presence if she was willing to go with him she assented he then told them that this was the way the whites did that they gained the consent of the lady and then the relatives gave their consent and did not sell their females like their
