Winter Counsel

Journal 2005 01 17
Winter Counsel

The winds of winter blow. The temperature is around zero and the unimpeded winds of the prairie blow through the villages and fort. The men are hunkered down.

The winds of winter were also blowing through the minds of the Mandans. One of the visiting chiefs speaks to the Captains regarding spring plans for war against the Shoshones to gain more horses.

Clark reasons and lectures the chief about how much his planned raid would upset the “Great Father” (President Jefferson). Clark didn’t say it to the chief, but it would also interfere with the Corps plan for acquiring horses from the same Shoshones.

After more discussion the chief says he has enough horses and drops his plan to attack the Shoshones.

Winter is the season that allows for deep thinking and discussion regarding the coming year. The human mind went from war to peace without a shot, or arrow, being fired in the course of this winter.

Are we taking time to let our minds work out its plans in the wisdom of counsel?