The governor then cut the knot by accepting Victor’s proposition as far as it concerned him, and giving the others the reservation at the mission:—
“My children, Victor has made his proposition. Alexander and Michelle have made theirs. We will make a treaty for them. Both tracts shall be surveyed. If the mission is the best land, Victor shall live there. If the valley is the best land, Victor shall stay here. Alexander and Michelle may stay at the mission....
“I ask Victor to come up and sign the treaty. [He came up and signed.] Now I ask Alexander and Michelle.” [They also then signed.]
Moses, a Flathead chief, on being called on to sign, refused. He stepped forward, and said:—
“My brother is buried here. I did not think you would take the only piece of ground I had. Here are three fellows [the head chiefs]; they say, ‘Get on your horses and go.’ ... Last year, when you were talking about the Blackfeet, you were joking.”
Governor Stevens: “How can Moses say I am not going to the Blackfoot country? I have gone all the way to the Great Father to arrange about the Blackfoot council. What more can I do? A man is coming from the Great Father to meet me. Does he not know that Mr. Burr and another man went to Fort Benton the other day?”
Moses: “You have pulled all my wings off, and then let me down.”
Governor Stevens: “All that we have done is for your benefit. I have said that the Flatheads were brave and honest, and should be protected. Be patient. Everything will come right.”
Moses: “I do not know how it will be straight. A few days ago the Blackfeet stole horses at Salmon River.”
Governor Stevens: “Ask him if he sees the Nez Perce chief, Eagle-from-the-Light; he is going to the Blackfoot council with me.”