These two Indians proved to be spies or scouts of a large war party encamped about a league off, and numbering two hundred and eighty lodges, or about six hundred warriors, of three different tribes of Sioux; the Yangtons Ahna, the Tetons Bois-brule, and the Tetons Min-na-kine-azzo.  They expected daily to be reinforced by two other tribes, and had been waiting eleven days for the arrival of Mr. Hunt’s party, with a determination to oppose their progress up the river; being resolved to prevent all trade of the white men with their enemies the Arickaras, Mandans, and Minatarees.  The Indian who had galloped off on horseback had gone to give notice of the approach of the party, so that they might now look out for some fierce scenes with those piratical savages, of whom they had received so many formidable accounts.

The party braced up their spirits to the encounter, and reembarking, pulled resolutely up the stream.  An island for some time intervened between them and the opposite side of the river; but on clearing the upper end, they came in full view of the hostile shore.  There was a ridge of hills down which the savages were pouring in great numbers, some on horseback, and some on foot.  Reconnoitering them with the aid of glasses, they perceived that they were all in warlike array, painted and decorated for battle.  Their weapons were bows and arrows, and a few short carbines, and most of them had round shields.  Altogether they had a wild and gallant appearance, and, taking possession of a point which commanded the river, ranged themselves along the bank as if prepared to dispute their passage.

At sight of this formidable front of war, Mr. Hunt and his companions held counsel together.  It was plain that the rumors they had heard were correct, and the Sioux were determined to oppose their progress by force of arms.  To attempt to elude them and continue along the river was out of the question.  The strength of the mid-current was too violent to be withstood, and the boats were obliged to ascend along the river banks.  These banks were often high and perpendicular, affording the savages frequent stations, from whence, safe themselves, and almost unseen, they might shower down their missiles upon the boats below, and retreat at will, without danger from pursuit.  Nothing apparently remained, therefore, but to fight or turn back.  The Sioux far outnumbered them, it is true, but their own party was about sixty strong, well armed and supplied with ammunition; and, beside their guns and rifles, they had a swivel and two howitzers mounted in the boats.  Should they succeed in breaking this Indian force by one vigorous assault, it was likely they would be deterred from making any future attack of consequence.  The fighting alternative was, therefore, instantly adopted, and the boats pulled to shore nearly opposite to the hostile force.  Here the arms were all examined and put in order.  The swivel and howitzers were then loaded with powder and discharged, to let the