[William Clayton Journal] The night has been very stormy, there being strong wind, rain and very cold. We made an early start and by noon arrived at the mission station. We found the Pawnees busy gathering corn, probably near a thousand of men, women and children. They soon began to come to the wagons and their chiefs made inquiries by signs about the Chirrarots or Sioux. Some of the brethren gave them to understand that the Sioux were within 5 days of them. The chief immediately gave the word to the rest and in half an hour the squaws had loaded their corn on ponies and mules and then began to march towards the river. They show great fear of the Sioux. They were very anxious to have us camp with them tonight but we kept moving on. One of the wagons was upset crossing a ravine. Several of the brethren traded for corn. At 3 o'clock we arrived and turned out the teams on Beaver River having traveled 17 1/4 miles. Soon after we arrived some of the Indians came up having followed with corn to trade. They have conducted themselves peaceably so far, but they are not to be trusted. In consequence of their following us, it was the feeling of most of the brethren to go on a few miles after dark. At 1/4 to 4 we started on and travelled til half past 8 being 6 1/2 miles, then camped beside the Lakes. Evening very fine and pleasant. We have travelled 23 3/4 miles today . . .
[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
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