Howdy, On the lighter side, we join author/49er Reuben Cole SHAW on the Northern Trail around June 25th, 1849: "During the noon halt we were visited by three SIOUX hunters - the first Indians seen on our march. They had been on a hunting expedition along the Loup River, and, having met with very indifferent success, were returning to their camp with a very small quantity of dried venison, which they carried on their riding ponies. They eagerly accepted an invitation to take dinner with us, and became very friendly, seeming pleased to learn that the GENERAL[our no-name guide:-)] was able to converse with them in their own tongue. They were fairly good-looking Indians, though their clothing was extremely abbreviated. "It was ascertained that the chief...had, at some previous time, visited Council Bluffs, and the General suggested that possibly, for a consideration, they might be induced to take LETTERS for us to some trading-post on the Missouri, and there left to take chances of reaching their destination by whatever conveyance might be found. The proposition was favorably received by most of the company, the Indians promising to deliver the letters to some trader at Council Bluffs, or at a place then called CHOUTEAU's Landing[Kansas City?]. "The General entertained but little doubt as the favorable outcome of the project, and many of our party availed themselves of the opportunity of writing to their friends in the East, while others had no faith in the venture,but in time learned that an excellent chance had been frittered away. "It was suggested that the letters, when completed, should be made up in a package, and that the General negotiate with the Indians for carrying them; but the Chief ...objected to such an arrangement. He looked upon the matter as a retail business, and proposed to strike the best possible bargain with each letter-writer SEPARATELY:-) "While he did not seem to be anxious for money...and at the final settlement quite a quantity of second-hand clothing, notions, tobacco and jewelry changed hands, and the Indians generally got whatever they fancied. Nothing less than a calico shirt, of the pattern like I was then wearing, appeared to them to be the proper value for carrying my letter. The Indians got the shirt, and several months later I had the satisfaction of knowing that my wife RECEIVED the letter. "Our leading Indian, when dressed in a blue claico shirt, with a wide navy collar; a pair of antiquated pants, which were about 10 inches too short for his long legs; new and bright-colored suspenders, which he insisted on crossing in front:-)); a red ribbon for a necktie, with bare head and naked feet, looked the prince of dudes. The other two Indians were not so elaborately dressed, but, comparing their outfit with the rainment in which they were introduced to us, they made a very good appearance. "The letters were finally made up in a package and directed to BOSTON, with a note attached requesting any one into whose hands it might fall to forward it eastward at the first convenient opportunity, and it was the middle of the afternoon when the three proud Sioux Indians set out on the FIRST mail route ever established in what is now the great State of Nebraska. "The fact that the letters reached their destination proved that the trio of hunters (through full-blood Sioux Indians) were faithful to their trust, while in what way or by whom our letters, after leaving the hands of the Indians, were forwarded to the St.Louis postoffice will probably never be known." Sorta fun:-), Bob Norris in Dallas <BNorris166aol.com>