Petit Jean by William B. Jones

Author:William B. Jones
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Plum Street Publishers, Inc.

The Arkansas Post

SEPTEMBER 1732

After turning into the mouth of the Arkansas River, the convoy passed the Quapaw villages of Osotouy, Tourima, and Kappa. Marguerite saw round, bark-covered houses and long lodges with curved roofs; these were thatched with cypress bark, grass, and river cane. Quapaw men, women, and children rushed forward, shouting greetings, as the expedition approached the Arkansas Post on the northern bank of the river.

The party made landfall on a narrow shoreline at the base of a cliff. André and Wasá led the others up a slope. The royal standard of France waved in the humid, mosquito-filled air.

Marguerite saw about twenty French men and women—hunters and habitants—and many more Quapaws who had gathered on a flat, grassy area. Beyond them were four buildings made of vertical posts and bark roofs.

A few Marines in outpost gear stood at attention while an officer in a powdered wig awaited Chauvet’s approach. With a sweeping bow and a flourish of his gold-trimmed tricorn, he said, “Welcome, Chevalier. I am Pierre Petit de Coulange, Commandant for the King.”

Following an exchange of courtesies, Coulange introduced an Indian standing beside him: “This is Taná, chief of the Quapaws of the Three Villages and Wasá’s father.”

André bowed and ordered two crates to be brought forward, saying: “His Majesty’s gifts for the ‘downstream people.’” Marines supervised the distribution of muskets, knives, hatchets, coats, shirts, hats, beads, and other items. Several Quapaws swept up André, Joseph, and Petit Jean and carried them ceremoniously on their shoulders.

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