7 January: In the morning, clear sky, frost, very strong cold wind out of the northwest. At seven thirty, 6°F [−14.4°C]. Despite the recent severe cold spell, the river kept an open place, about 200 paces in length but very narrow, on the other side opposite the fort. At twelve thirty, 12°F [−11.1°C]. Wind northwest, very cold, and strong. Charbonneau and Boileau went with two sleds to the Hidatsas to buy meat. In the afternoon the Yanktonai (Dacota) M1Psíhdjä-Sáhpa. came to us and, after much encouragement, allowed himself to be drawn. Síh-Chidä had convinced him. Soon Mató-Chihä́ (Old Bear) came, too, and promised to have himself drawn. They all left suddenly because Síh-Chidä told them [that] an Indian from Mih-Tutta-Hangkusch had shot a head of game, [and] they wanted to eat some of the meat. In the afternoon it snowed and was less cold. Belhumeur picked me up. I had to help him weigh several metal kettles, because he cannot read, write, or differentiate the numbers on the weights. There is not a single one among all the people in the fort who can read or write. I have to write everything down whenever a note must be made, and when they receive letters, I have to read their secrets to them. In the evening it was warm [and] it snowed just a little. We wrote down words of the Ojibwe and Hidatsa languages. Síh-Chidä slept at our place again. After he undressed he lay down on his back on his spread-out robe and made a speech—a kind of prayer to the Lord of Life—of which we understood some. He said [that], among other [needs], the Lord of Life should send them buffalo so they would not have to starve. He spoke in a fast, low voice without any gesticulations. The night was warm, hazy, and calm.