Finders Keepers?

This story of theft demonstrates Lewis' frustrations with the actions of some tribal members as well as the way he chooses to react to them, both in anger and with apparent pity.

On April 21st, 1806, Meriwether Lewis wrote:

...we had not arrived at the top of a hill over which the road leads opposite the village before Charbono's horse threw his load, and taking fright at the saddle and robe which still adhered, ran at full speed down the hill, near the village he disengaged himself from the saddle and robe, an indian hid the robe in his lodge. I sent our guide and one man who was with me in the rear to assist Charbono in retaking his horse which having done they returned to the village on the track of the horse in surch of the lost articles they found the saddle but could see nothing of the robe the indians denyed having seen it; they then continued on the track of the horse to the place from whence he had set out with the same success. being now confident that the indians had taken it I sent the indian woman on to request Capt. C. to halt the party and send back some of the men to my assistance being determined either to make the indians deliver the robe or birn their houses. they have vexed me in such a manner by such repeated acts of villany that I am quite disposed to treat them with every severyty, their defenseless state pleads forgivness so far as rispects their lives... (Lewis, from Moulton V.7, 155-6)

Clark’s View of the Nez Perces | Stolen Firewood | Gifts from a Chief
Without Knocking | Finders Keepers? | Honorable People