. .I could not think of leaving without showing them that we
could appreciate and reward the kindness they had shown to Burke's
party and particularly to King. . .Passed the first feeder of
Strleczki's Creek, going to the southward, and at a large reach of
water below, found the natives camped. They made a great commotion
when we rode up, but seemed very friendly. I unpacked my blanket,
and took out specimens of the things I intended giving them,--a
tomahawk, a knife, beads, a looking-glass, comb, and flour and
sugar. The tomahawk was the great object of attraction, after that
the knife, but I think the looking-glass surprised them most. On
seeing their faces reflected, some seemed dazzled, others opened
their eyes like saucers, and made a rattling noise with their
tongues expressive of wonder. We had quite a friendly palaver, and
my watch amused them immensely. I made them understand that they
were to bring the whole tribe up next morning to our camp to
receive their presents, and we parted the best of friends.
September 24th.--This morning, about ten o'clock, our black friends
appeared in a long procession, men, women, and children, or, as
they here also call them, piccaninnies; and at a mile distance they
commenced bawling at the top of their voices as usual.
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