what I had to say; they had closed my mouth; and as we would not
treat except for the settlement of all matters past and future I
could not speak unless they asked me to do so. They conferred among
themselves, and seeing that we were quite firm, the spokesman came
forward and said that they would not close my mouth, after which
they would make their demands. The Commissioners had had a
conference and agreed, as they found there was no hope of a treaty
for a less sum, to offer five dollars per head, a present of ten
dollars, and reserves of farming and other lands not exceeding one
square mile per family of five, or in that proportion, sums within
the limits of our instructions, though I had private advices if
possible not to give the maximum sum named, as the Government had
been under a misapprehension as to amounts given to the bands in
the United States. The Chiefs heard my proposal, and the meeting
adjourned until next day. On the 3rd October the Chiefs again
assembled and made a counter proposition, of which I enclose a
copy, being the demand they have urged since 1869. I also enclose
an estimate I had made of the money value of the demand, amounting
to $125,000 per annum. On behalf of the Commissioners I at once
peremptorily refused the demand. The spokesmen returned to the
Chiefs, who were arranged on benches, the people sitting on the
ground behind them, and on their return they informed me that the
Chiefs, warriors and braves were of one mind, that they would make
a treaty only if we acceded to their demand. I told them if so the
conference was over, that I would return and report that they had
refused to make a reasonable treaty, that hereafter I would treat
with those bands who were willing to treat, but that I would advise
them to return to the council and reconsider their determination
before next morning, when, if not, I should certainly leave. This
brought matters to a crisis. The Chief of the Lac Seul band came