Report of the interview at Fort Ellice between the Indian Commissioners and certain Saulteaux Indians not present at Qu'Appelle, and not included in Treaty Number Two, the Chief being Way-wa-se-ca-pow, or "the Man proud of standing upright:"
Lieut.-Governor Morris said he had been here before, and since that time he had met the Crees and Saulteaux nations, and had made a treaty with them. The Indians there were from Fort Pelly and as far distant as the Cypress Hills. He wished to know the number of the Saulteaux to be found in this locality.
The Chief said there were about thirty tents who were not at Qu'Appelle, and ten who were there.
LIEUT.-GOV. MORRIS--"The Commissioners here are representing the Queen. I made a treaty with the Saulteaux last year at the Lake of the Woods. They were not a little handful; but there were 4,000 of them--and now we have made a treaty with the Crees and Saulteaux at Qu'Appelle. There is not much need to say much--it is good for the Indians to make treaties with the Queen--good for them and their wives and children. Game is getting scarce and the Queen is willing to help her children. Now we are ready to give you what we gave the Saulteaux at the Lake of the Woods and the Saulteaux and Crees at Qu'Appelle. It will be for you to say whether you will accept it or not." His Honor then explained the treaty to them.
"What we offer will be for your good, as it will help you, and not prevent you from hunting.
"We are not traders. I have told you all we can do and all we will do. It is for you to say whether you will accept my hand or not. I cannot wait long. I think you are not wiser than your brothers. Our ears are open, you can speak to us."
LONG CLAWS--"My father--I shake hands with you, I shake hands with the Queen."
SHAPONETUNG'S FIRST SON--"I find what was done at Qu'Appelle was good, does it take in all my children?"
LIEUT.-GOV. MORRIS--"Yes."
SHAPONETUNG'S FIRST SON--"I thank you for coming and bringing what is good for our children."