18th.  Ten separate parties of Indians, numbering ninety-four souls, presented themselves at the office this day, in addition to the above, from various parts of the interior, and were heard on the subject of their wants and wishes. 19th.  Guelle Plat repeated his visit with his followers, and made a speech, in which he took a view of his intercourse with the English and Americans.  He had passed his youth in the plains west of Red River, and was first drawn into an intercourse with the British agents at Fort William (L.  S.), where he received a medal from the late Wm. McGilvray.  This medal was taken by Lieut.  Pike, on visiting Leech Lake, in 1806.  He has visited the agency at St. Peter’s, but complains that his path to that post has been marked with blood.  He was present during the attack made upon the Chippewa camp by the Sioux, near Fort Snelling, in the summer of 1827.  Is not satisfied with the adjustment of this affair, but is inclined to peace, and has recommended it to his young men.  They can never, however, he says, count upon the good-will of the enemy, and are obliged to live in a constant state of preparation for war.  They go out to hunt as if they were going on a war party.  They often meet the Sioux and smoke with them, but they cannot confide in them.

Speaking of the authority exercised over their country for the purpose of trade, he said:  “The Americans are not our masters; the English are not our masters; the country is ours.”  He wished that traders should be allowed to visit them who would sell their goods cheaper, and said that more than one trader at each trading post was desired by him and his people.

He modestly disclaimed authority over his band; said he was no chief.  The Indians sometimes followed his advice; but they oftener followed their own will.  He said Indians were fond of change, and were always in hopes of finding things better in another place.  He believed it would be better if they would not rove so much.  He had ever acted on this principle, and recommended it.  He had never visited this place before, but now that he had come this far, it was his wish to go to Michilimackinac, of which he had heard much, and desired to see it.  He was in hopes his journey would prove of some service to him, &c.  He solicited a rifle and a hat.

The Breche, alias Catawabeta (Broken Tooth), entered the office with one or two followers, in company with the preceding.  Seeing the office crowded, he said he would defer speaking till another day.  This venerable chief is the patriarch of the region around Sandy Lake, on the Upper Mississippi.  He made his first visit to me a few days after the landing of the troops at this post, in 1822.  In turning to some minutes of that date, I find he pronounced himself “the friend and advocate of peace,” and he referred to facts to prove that his practice had been in accordance with his professions.  He discountenanced the idea of the Indians taking