We have reached the village of Natchez just above New Orleans. It has been a hard winter for them. Many children and adults have died from hunger and illness. The villagers are in desperate need of grain and pork but they have nothing to trade with us. The only kind of bargain they will be able to make is to repay us in the future.

In two days time we should be in New Orleans. The grain and pork prices will have gone up because of the shortages and what we have will make us wealthy. Some men want to push on without giving these villagers any grain or meat.

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As a group you must decide what to do in this situation:

• Help the villagers out and give them the grain and pork they need with the understanding that they will repay you in the future.
• Refuse to trade, unless the villagers give you something in return--land, slaves, goods from their household.
• Leave the village immediately and save the grain and meat for the markets of New Orleans where they will fetch a good price.
• Can you find another solution?

On paper, list all possible positive and negative outcomes of your decision

Log entry 1 February 1, 1752

Log entry 2 February 8, 1752

Log entry 3 February 16, 1752

New Orleans Destination

River Introduction

Background Information

Character Profiles

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96