The 14th, the Rain ceasing, we travell’d over another spacious Plain, where there is a Multitude of Beeves and Wild Fowl. We saw several Tracks, leading every Way, made by the Bullocks, of which we saw several Herds, some moving on hastily, and others running out-right, which made us suppose they were drove by the Natives. In short, having halted to help up one of our Horses that was fallen, we saw an Indian following them very close. Monsieur de la Sale caus’d a Horse to be immediately unloaded, which a Man mounting, rode after, overtook and brought the Indian.
When the Savage saw himself among us, he concluded he was a lost Man, he quak’d for Fear, and not without Reason, for most of our Men had resolv’d to kill him; Monsieur de la Sale oppos’d it, alledging, that we were but a small Number, that very few were left behind at the Habitation, and therefore we ought not to render our selves odious to the Natives, but to use them kindly, that we might have Peace; an infallible Maxim, the Practice of which might have been fortunate to him, had he follow’d it sooner.
He therefore caus’d a Fire to be made, gave him to Eat and Smoke, and afterwards a Bit of Roll-Tabacco, and some other Trifles. Monsieur de la Sale gave him to understand, that he came not to hurt any Man, but to settle Peace in all Places, and so dismissed him. The Indian recover’d himself a little of his Fright; but being still dubious, what his Fate might be, he at first walk’d away gently, still looking about him, and when at a good Distance, made off as fast as he could. We held on our Way, and soon after saw another Indian running after the Bullocks. Monsieur de la Sale caus’d him to be taken, brought to us, and treated as the first had been.
We had not gone far before we spy’d a Company of Natives coming towards us, on our left, but we held on our Way, till they were over against us, when Monsieur de la Sale caus’d us to halt. The Savages seeing us halt, stood still also, which Monsieur de la Sale perceiving, he laid his Firelock on the Ground, and advanc’d towards them, making signs to him that Commanded them, who was a handsome Man, to draw near. That Indian came forward, and was follow’d by the rest, all of them Caressing us after their Manner, which we return’d the best we were able, and then made them Smoak.
Natives entertain’d.Next Monsieur de la Sale gave them to understand, that we were going towards the Cenis, that we desir’d to be at Peace with them all, and that we would return to our own Country, whence we would bring them all they had Occasion for. Then we distributed among them some Bits of Roll-Tabacco, some Strings of Beads and Knives, which they seem’d to be pleas’d with, and all this was done by Signs. Then every Man went his own Way: We advanc’d half a League farther, to get into a Wood, where Monsieur de la Sale had encamp’d when he went that Way before; we cut down Trees to secure our Post, and lay there that Night.
Before our Intrenchment was finish’d, we discover’d, first one Indian, then two, and afterwards three, coming one after another; which giving Monsieur de la Sale some Jealousy, he caus’d us to handle our Arms, with Orders to stand upon our Guard, for fear of being surpriz’d, and went towards them. They signify’d to him, that their People had told them, we did not hurt any Body, which was very well, and that they were come to see us. They were entertain’d as the others had been, and then Signs were made them to withdraw, because Night drew on, and having observ’d, that they took Notice of our fortifying our selves, we kept a good Guard all the Night, without any Disturbance.
The Fifteenth, we march’d on, intending to find out a Ford, in the River call’d of the Princess, where Monsieur de la Sale had pass’d before; but missing of it, and the River being swollen, we were oblig’d to go up higher, sometimes crossing curious[80] Meadows, and sometimes Woods of tall Trees[81] of several Sorts, but all Young of the same Thickness and strait, looking as if they had been planted by a Line. A fine Country.The River running through the midst of those curious shady Groves,[82] which were also water’d by several little Brooks of very clear and good Water, afforded a most delightful Landskip.
Thick Woods.We also met with some Woods so thick, that it was requisite to hew a Passage for the Horses. Towards the Evening we kill’d a Bullock, and went to incamp in a little Coppice, with our usual Precautions.
The 16th, we continued our Journey, still following the River upwards, and from Time to Time meeting the same Sort of Pasture Grounds[83] and the Obstacles of Woods, where we were fain to cut our Way through, which fatigued us very much; but the Plenty of wild Fowl,Wild Fowl. and particularly of Turkeys, whereof we killed many, was an Ease to our Sufferings, and Help to bear our Toil with more Satisfaction.
The 17th, was a very toilsome Day’s Journey, by Reason of the Woods and Rivulets we were to cross; after which we came to a little Hill,An Indian Village abandon’d. on which there were 2 or 300 Cottages of the Natives. Those Huts were like large Ovens, consisting of long Poles stuck in the Earth in a Circle, and joyning above to make the Dome or round Top.[84] They had been a Dwelling of the Natives, who being gone, had carry’d away the Hides that cover’d them, and the Mats which are us’d to hang the Insides, and to make their beds of.