At four
we camped for the night. We found a pretty clump of poplars and there
pitched our tents for a good repose. I had just commenced to make a
bannock for our tea, when Pritchard ran in and told me that the police
were outside and for me to go to them at once. I sincerely believe
that it was at that moment we ran the greatest of all our risks. The
police had taken us for a band of Indians, and were on the point of
shooting at us when I came out and arrested the act When they found
who we were, they came in, placed their guns aside, and gave us some
corned beef and "hard tack," a species of biscuit. These were luxuries
to us, while out tea and bannock were a treat to them. We all had tea
together, and then we went with them to the open prairie, where we
travelled for about two hours Next morning we moved into Fort Pitt. It
was a glad sight to see the three steamboats, and both sailors,
soldiers, and civilians gave me a grand reception.
It was upon Friday morning that we got into Fort Pitt, and we remained
their until Sunday. On Friday night the military band came down two
miles to play for us. It was quite an agreeable change from the
"tom-tom" of the Indians. Next day we went to see the soldiers drill.
If I am not mistaken there were over 500 men there Sunday, we left per
boat, for Battleford, and got in that night. We had a pleasant trip on
the steamer "The Marquis.
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