They proved to be the deputation of Nez Perce Indians (meaning pierced nosed Indians) which had been sent from their nation over on the Columbia to the White Fathers of the east, to learn of the White Man's Book and the Great Spirit of the White People.

Bonneville remarked they were far from their native habitat, and while they had previously met the wagons of Sublette they were greatly impressed with "wigwams on wheels," and the "long horned buffalo."

On the 24th, as the caravan was slowly traversing the Hunting Meadows, the scouts which Captain Bonneville always kept on ahead, came galloping back with the cry of "Indians."

Preparations were made for an attack, as the Indians were reported to be Crows, and believed to be warlike and crafty. Suddenly out of the adjoining hills there burst, with all the wildness and suddenness of a mountain storm, sixty warriors in battle array, painted and bedecked in all the colors and trappings of aborigines, and they thundered down upon the party, with many a wild and dexterous evolution.

"Their mode of approach, to one not acquainted with the tactics and ceremonies of the rude chivalry of the wilderness, had an air of direct hostility. They came galloping forward in a body, as if about to make a furious charge, and when close at hand opened to the right and left and wheeled in wide circles around the travelers, whooping and yelling like maniacs.

"This done their mock fury settled into a calm, and the chief, approaching the captain, who had remained warily drawn up, though informed of the pacific nature of the maneuver, extended to him the hand of friendship. The pipe of peace was smoked and now all was good fellowship.