last to drive them off. I got two of White Buffalo’s braves to trail them for several miles, and they brought back word that Fox Head was very bitter against me. Fearing an attack that night I moved our camp to the south of the regular trail, but the Miamis have not appeared since.

“In consequence of moving from the trail I lost the lay of the land for twenty-four hours, and had to call on White Buffalo to aid me in locating the Kinotah. This he did with great ease, and by high noon the day following we reached the point I have named Ella Dell, and before night were hard at work establishing our trading camp.

“At present our post consists of a strong log cabin built in the shape of a cross, and is located in the angle formed by the Kinotah and a creek I have called Indian Brook, for the Indians use it greatly when in quest of fish. Game is plentiful and I have arranged it so that Tony and Putty can go out and shoot. The Indians are already bringing in their hides and furs, but a good deal of what they have is old and I have given them to understand that I want only that which is new and of the best. I believe that by next year the trade will be a well paying one.

“I am sorely in need of a number of things, and on another sheet have made out a list. If you will buy them at Winchester or Annapolis and pack them well on two horses, White Buffalo has agreed to bring them to me without delay. To the list you can add anything new which you may see and which you think would be attractive for trading purposes.

“Give my best wish and love to all, and tell Dave that I think of him constantly and that I trust all goes well until we meet. Perhaps when White Buffalo makes another trip I will write him personally, but just now my hands are too full, and I am writing this while the others are sleeping.

“Before closing, I must mention that the French are pushing into this territory fast, and that I heard from two of the Indians that they consider this land as belonging to them. I always considered that it belonged to our colonies. As yet I have not met any of the French traders, but have been told that a number of them are located further west, on the Ohio River. Unless this question of whose land it really is, is settled soon, it may bring serious difficulties in the future.”

Dave read the letter with deep interest, not once but several times. Communications of this sort were not common in those days, and each letter received was treasured for a long while afterward. He wished his father had 

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