A word to conclude the romantic incident of Loretto and his Indian
bride. A few months subsequent to the event just related, the young
Mexican settled his accounts with the Rocky Mountain Company, and
obtained his discharge. He then left his comrades and set off to rejoin
his wife and child among her people; and we understand that, at the time
we are writing these pages, he resides at a trading-house established of
late by the American Fur Company in the Blackfoot country, where he acts
as an interpreter, and has his Indian girl with him.
12.
A winter camp in the wilderness--Medley of trappers,
hunters, and Indians--Scarcity of game--New arrangements in
the camp--Detachments sent to a distance--Carelessness of
the Indians when encamped--Sickness among the Indians--
Excellent character of the Nez-Perces--The Captain's effort
as a pacificator--A Nez-Perce's argument in favor of war--
Robberies, by the Black feet--Long suffering of the Nez-
Perces--A hunter's Elysium among the mountains--More
robberies--The Captain preaches up a crusade--The effect
upon his hearers.
FOR the greater part of the month of November Captain Bonneville
remained in his temporary post on Salmon River. He was now in the full
enjoyment of his wishes; leading a hunter's life in the heart of the
wilderness, with all its wild populace around him. Beside his own
people, motley in character and costume--creole, Kentuckian, Indian,
half-breed, hired trapper, and free trapper--he was surrounded by
encampments of Nez Perces and Flatheads, with their droves of horses
covering the hills and plains.
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