[78] The Kutanas, or Kutnehas, live beyond the sources of Maria River, on the other side of the Rocky Mountains, and form a tribe, few in number, of which we shall have occasion to speak in the sequel. Dr. Morse (Loc. cit. page [34]) calls them Coutouns. Several other tribes of Indian nations—for instance, the Ripids (ibid. page [34]), have never been mentioned to me.—Maximilian.
[79] See our volume xxiv. For different accounts of this embassy and the subsequent treaty, see James Stuart, "Adventure on the Upper Missouri," in Montana Historical Society Contributions, i, pp. 80-85; Bradley, "Affairs at Fort Benton (Culbertson's Journal)," ibid., iii, pp. 201-203; also Larpenteur's Journal, i, pp. 109-115.—Ed.
[80] I must here observe that Lewis and Clarke's large special map is very correct for the country about Fort Mc Kenzie.—Maximilian.
[81] Teton River—not named for the Sioux tribe of that designation, but from the French word signifying "breast," so called from three neighboring mountain peaks—was designated by Lewis and Clark first Rose then Tansy River. It is the largest affluent of Maria's, rising in the main range of the Rockies in two branches, flowing due east until very near the Missouri; then turning abruptly north-east, and discharging into Maria's. The narrows where the Teton approaches so near the Missouri was known to the voyageurs as "Cracon du Nez."—Ed.
[82] This new fort was not built until after the abandonment of Fort Mc Kenzie (see note 75, ante, p. [87]), when Culbertson founded Fort Lewis, which was in turn soon deserted for Fort Benton.—Ed.
[83] The Siksekai signifies, in their language, Blackfoot, and all the other nations have translated the name into their languages.—Maximilian.
[84] The name of Blood Indians is said to have the following origin. Before the Blackfeet divided into separate bands, they were encamped in the neighbourhood of five or six tents of the Kutonas or the Sarcees, I believe of the former. The Siksekai and the Kahna desired to kill the Kutonas; and though the Piekanns declared against it, a part of those Indians attacked the few huts during the night, killed all the inmates, took the scalps, stained their faces and hands with the blood, and then returned. Disputes ensued in consequence of this cruel action; the Indians separated from each other, and the murderers received the name which they have ever since retained. They have always manifested a more sanguinary and predatory character than the others, of whom the Piekanns have always been remarked as the most moderate and humane of their nation.—Maximilian.
[85] Referring probably to the Blackfoot band of Sioux. See our volume xxii, p. 326, note 287.—Ed.
[86] For the Nez Percés see Franchère's Narrative, in our volume vi, p. 340, note 145; for the Kutenai, our volume vii, p. 211, note 73.—Ed.
[87] Pierre Louis Antoine Cordier, a French geologist of repute. In 1819 he was called to the professorship of that science in the museum of natural history at Paris. Under Louis Philippe, Professor Cordier was a councillor and peer of France.—Ed.