goods to the amount of $60,000. What they thus receive for their furs, robes, etc., would be ample for their support,” says Hatton, “were it not that they have to give such exorbitant prices for what they purchase from the whites.”
In the winter and spring of 1850 all these tribes were visited by an agent of the Government. He reported them as “friendly disposed,” but very impatient to come to some understanding about the right of way. “This is what the Indians want, and what they are anxious about; having been told long since, and so often repeated by travellers passing (who care little about the consequences of promises so they slip through safely and unmolested themselves), that their ‘Great Father’ would soon reward them liberally for the right of way, the destruction of timber, game, etc., as well as for any kindness shown Americans passing through their country.”
In the summer of 1851 this much desired treaty was made, Seven of the prairie and mountain tribes gathered in great force at Fort Laramie, The report of this council contains some interesting and noticeable points.
“We were eighteen days encamped together, during which time the Indians conducted themselves in a manner that excited the admiration and surprise of every one. The different tribes, although hereditary enemies, interchanged daily visits, both in their individual and national capacities; smoked and feasted together; exchanged presents; adopted each other's children, according to their own customs; and did all that was held sacred or solemn in the eyes of these Indians to prove the sincerity of their peaceful and friendly intentions, both among themselves and with the citizens of the United States lawfully residing among them or passing through the country.”
By this treaty the Indians formally conceded to the United States the right to establish roads, military or otherwise, throughout the Indian country, “so far as they claim or exercise ownership over it.”
