Whilst in their native wilds, I observed little immorality amongst the Indians; in the settlements, however, when debased by intoxication, they are, no doubt, depraved and loose in their ideas. But it must be recorded that, on the entry of the Indians into the settlements of the Rio Negro, at a subsequent period, most of the young women and girls were left with the toldos in Valchita, outside the Travesia, to be out of the way of temptations. There are many Tehuelche youths now growing up who have the greatest abhorrence of liquor; and I hope that in time this abstinence will spread further among them, for they possess no intoxicants of their own, and the rum is an import from the Christians, the ill effects of which they are well able to discern.
One word of advice to the future traveller may conclude this imperfect sketch. Never show distrust of the Indians; be as free with your goods and chattels as they are to each other. Don't ever want anything done for you; always catch and saddle your own horse. Don't give yourself airs of superiority, as they do not understand it--unless you can prove yourself better in some distinct way. Always be first, as you are not likely to be encumbered by a wife or gear, in crossing rivers, or any other difficulties; they will learn by degrees to respect you; in a word, as you treat them so they will treat you.
Casimiro's Household. -- Carge-kaik. -- Quintuhual's Son. -- Woolkein. -- Partridges. -- Meeting with the Araucanians. -- The Cacique Quintuhual. -- Esgel-kaik. -- Araucanian Belles. -- Communication with Chupat Colony. -- Diplaik. -- Calficura's Declaration of War. -- Tehuelches learn Fishing. -- My Indian Relatives. -- Woodland Rambles. -- An Indian Paradise. -- The Upper Chupat. -- Cushamon. -- Losing Horses. -- Official Functions. -- Message from Las Manzanas. -- Blessing the Liquor. -- Casimiro Intoxicated. -- Foyel's Encampment. -- Great Parlemento. -- Foyel's Ideas. -- Gatchen-kaik. -- Arrival at Geylum.
On January 21 the word was given to march, and all the united forces of the Tehuelches, numbering 200 men, with the usual allowance of women and children, prepared to advance to join the Araucanos. Ten toldos, forming Crimè's party, lingered behind, in consequence of the continued sickness of this caciquillo, who, however, sent word that he would follow in our rear.