Note 335 — Chapter XXVI · OBSERVATIONS ON THE TRIBE OF THE MANITARIES, OR GROS VENTRES

Consult Matthews, Hidatsa, pp. 33, 34, on the origin of these names. The Minitaree tradition relates that when they reached the east bank of the Missouri, the latter inquired who they were. Not understanding, the newly-arrived tribe supposed they were asked what was wished, to which they replied "minitari"—to cross the water. Thereupon the Mandan gave the new-comers this name. See also Original Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, v, p. 348.—Ed.