During the expedition’s winter at Fort Mandan, Le Borgne maintained a complex relationship with the captains. He was initially suspicious and sometimes hostile, but was eventually won over — particularly after witnessing demonstrations of the expedition’s weapons and trade goods.

Le Borgne’s power on the upper Missouri was significant: he could influence trade and diplomacy across a wide region. The captains recognized him as the most formidable Native leader they encountered during the winter at the Mandan villages.

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