[41] When the trade of the Missouri was opened the Assiniboin were the poorest of all nations, and have remained so to this day. “If you meet him while on the warpath, do not steal his horse or rob him of his property. If others steal his horses, bring them back; if any of the fort property is damaged, pay for it. I have done so. I was told to hunt, make robes, trade the skins for blankets, arms, and ammunition. All this I have continued to do from my youth to the present time. My part has been fulfilled. Yet you see me before you still a poor man. I stand nearly alone in the village, like an aged tree whose tops are dead. The bones of my friends and relatives are piled around the fort or scattered over the plains. All the good, all the wise, all the handsome, all the brave were rubbed out by the smallpox. Young men are growing, but they are not like those of the old stock. “The road to the fort gates has been swept free of grass by the feet of my people in coming to trade. Each year we have loaded your boats with the skins of our animals, and I now bring a few more. The 10 robes laid before you are a present, for which I desire nothing. I wish to make your heart glad and to have my name remembered on the large books.[42] I know very well you are a chief and will have pity on me. Let me feel something soft over my shoulders.[43] Bestow some glittering mark on my back,[44] cover my bare head[45] and let something gay[46] appear there, that my young men may know that I am respected at the fort. [42] It is customary to keep a list of men who behave well and make large trades. [43] A blanket is wanted. [44] Hint for a chief’s coat. [45] Hat desired. [46] Feathers desired.