at this moment were awaiting us in the vicinity of Fort Rice.
During these four days, I administered baptism to thirtynine Indian babies.
In the evening of the 5th a terrible hurricane, accompanied by continuous lightnings, turning night into day, and a roll of heavy thunder like the discharge of a thousand cannon, burst over our camp. One would have thought the last day was at hand. On this occasion, two lovely verses in Flemish presented themselves to my memory:
De velden dreunden door een dorren donderslag, Nooit zag de wereld een vervaerlyker dag.
The fields rang with a heavy thunderclap; The world never saw a more fearful day.
The hurricane lasted several hours. A large number of
tepees were blown down. Wagons were taken off in haste
by the wind. The violence of the gusts came near carrying away my tent; it took three strong men to hold it upright. The play ended with a deluge of rain and hail, which flooded all the country.
June 6th and 7th. Baptism of two children. Arrival of Generals Sully and Parker, envoys extraordinary of the Government to take special information in regard to the complaints of the Indians against the whites, and the injustices of which they have continually been victims. They are both distinguished generals of the American army,
equally noted for their bravery and their probity. We had a long conversation concerning the objects of our respective missions, and it is resolved that I shall accompany them as
far as beyond the Yellowstone. We will unite our efforts to bring the tribes back to peace.
June 8th. Baptism of two small children. A grand council was called by the two generals. All the chiefs and
braves attended. At the request of the American officers, I made a little preliminary address to the Indians, to draw