University of Virginia Library

In the Indian trade, he who is entrusted with an outfit
is called a clerk, whether he can write or read, or not.

Brigade of canoes. In the northwest a large
number of canoes is called a brigade.

Lyed corn and grease. Lyed corn is maize,
boiled in strong lye to get the hulls off. A quart of lyed
corn and a gill of tallow, or grease of any kind, is the daily
ration of the engagés.

I was at my fort. In the Indian country every
trading house is called a fort.

I have hold on your heart. One of the few
figurative expressions the Indians use, meaning `I love you.'

His face painted black. A black face signifies
grief, or an intention of revenge.

Drew his blanket over his head. An Indian
considers it essential to his reputation to be at all times ready
to die. Endurance, in his opinion, is more honorable than
resistance.