On the 6th of February we accompanied Mr. Prudens on a visit to a Cree encampment and a buffalo pound about six miles from the house; we found seven tents pitched within a small cluster of pines which adjoined the pound.  The largest, which we entered, belonged to the chief who was absent but came in on learning our arrival.  The old man (about sixty) welcomed us with a hearty shake of the hand and the customary salutation of “What cheer!” an expression which they have gained from the traders.  As we had been expected they had caused the tent to be neatly arranged, fresh grass was spread on the ground, buffalo robes were placed on the side opposite the door for us to sit on, and a kettle was on the fire to boil meat for us.

After a few minutes’ conversation an invitation was given to the chief and his hunters to smoke the calumet with us as a token of our friendship:  this was loudly announced through the camp and ten men from the other tents immediately joined our party.  On their entrance the women and children withdrew, their presence on such occasions being contrary to etiquette.  The calumet having been prepared and lighted by Mr. Prudens’ clerk was presented to the chief who performed the following ceremony before he commenced smoking:  He first pointed the stem to the south, then to the west, north, and east, and afterwards to the heavens, the earth and the fire, as an offering to the presiding spirits; he took three whiffs only and then passed the pipe to his next companion who took the same number of whiffs and so did each person as it went round.  After the calumet had been replenished the person who then commenced repeated only the latter part of the ceremony, pointing the stem to the heavens, the earth and the fire.  Some spirits mixed with water were presented to the old man who before he drank demanded a feather which he dipped into the cup several times and sprinkled the moisture on the ground, pronouncing each time a prayer.  His first address to the Keetchee Manitou, or Great Spirit, was that buffalo might be abundant everywhere and that plenty might come into their pound.  He next prayed that the other animals might be numerous and particularly those which were valuable for their furs, and then implored that the party present might escape the sickness which was at that time prevalent and be blessed with constant health.  Some other supplications followed which we could not get interpreted without interrupting the whole proceeding; but at every close the whole Indian party assented by exclaiming Aha; and when he had finished the old man drank a little and passed the cup round.  After these ceremonies each person smoked at his leisure and they engaged in a general conversation which I regretted not understanding as it seemed to be very humorous, exciting frequent bursts of laughter.  The younger men in particular appeared to ridicule the abstinence of one of the party who neither drank nor smoked.  He bore their jeering with perfect composure and assured them, as I was told, they would be better if they would follow his example.  I was happy to learn from Mr. Prudens that this man was not only one of the best hunters but the most cheerful and contented of the tribe.