NOtes+on+Blackfeet+BLC

Eight Blackfeet warriors encountered Meriwether Lewis In july 1806. After their initial fears of the armed strangers had subsided, the Indians decided to camp with the Americans. During this first day and night, Lewis explained the United States’ intent to bring about a comprehensive peace between all the Indian tribes of the west. He went on to add that the Shoshones and Nez Perces – mortal enemies of the Blackfeet – had already agreed to this peace, and would be receiving guns and supplies because of it.

[|Lewis and his contingent met with eight Blackfeet on the 1806 trip east. They shared a camp and Lewis described the American intentions for the area. He spoke of trading with all the tribes on an equal basis. This threat to Blackfeet power and livelihood led the warriors to action next morning. Lewis awoke to the sounds of a skirmish and was told by his men that the Blackfeet party was trying to steal their guns and horses. Two of the warriors were killed in the ensuing fight. The effects of the encounter were disastrous. Despite several narrow escapes, the expedition had managed to avoid bloodshed to that point. Unfortunately their first and only fatal conflict was with one of the most powerful tribes in the new territory]

[|On party's return to the Missouri River they met eight Blackfeet Indians. The Indians camped with Lewis's party on Two Medicine River. During the night a fight ensued and two Blackfeet Indians were killed.]

[|According to most history books, on the return trip in 1806 Lewis, Drouillard and the Field brothers also encountered eight members of the Blackfeet Tribe (Pikuni) and made camp for the night. During this first day and night, Lewis explained the United States’ intent to bring about a comprehensive peace between all the Indian tribes of the west. He went on to add that the Shoshones and Nez Perces – mortal enemies of the Blackfeet – had already agreed to this peace and would be receiving guns and supplies because of it. To the Blackfeet, American plans represented a direct threat. As far as the Indians were concerned, giving guns to their adversaries only could result in a weakening of Blackfeet power. That night, the Blackfeet attempted to steal the expedition’s guns. Their plans went awry and in the chaos that ensued Lewis and Reuben Field each killed a Blackfeet warrior. The surviving Blackfeet returned to their tribe and communicated what they had learned of America’s goals for the region. From that point forward, the Blackfeet regarded the Americans with hostility and acted toward them similarly.]