continually harped upon the same chord, that they desired to defend
and to save us from the half-breeds. So far they got everything they
asked for, and even to the last of the cattle, my husband refused
nothing. We felt no dread of death at their hands, yet we knew that
they were excited and we could hot say what they might do if provoked.
We now believed that the story of the half-breeds was to deceive us
and throw us off our guard--and yet we did not suspect that they
meditated the foul deeds that darkened the morning of the second of
April, and that have left it a day unfortunately, but too memorable,
in the annals of Frog Lake history.

When I now look back over the events, I feel that we all took a proper
course, yet the most unfortunate one for those that are gone. We could
have no idea of the murderous intentions on the part of the Indians.
Some people living in our civilized country may remark, that it was
strange we did not notice the peculiar conduct of the Indians. But
those people know nothing either of the Indian character or habits. So
far from their manner seeming strange, or extraordinary, I might say,
that I have seen them dozens of times act more foolishly, ask more
silly questions and want more rediculous things--even appear more
excited. Only for the war-paint and what Big Bear had told us, we
would have had our fears completely lulled by the seemingly open and
friendly manner. I have heard it remarked that it is a wonder we did
not leave before the second of April and go to Fort Pitt; I repeat,
nothing at all appeared to us a sign of alarm, and even if we dreaded
the tragic scenes, my husband would not have gone. His post was at
home; he had no fear that the Indians would hurt him; he had always
treated them well and they often acknowledged it; he was an employee
of the Government and had a trust in hand; he would never have run
away and left the Government horses, cattle, stores, provisions,