I found an article that contained Captain Meriwether Lewis's speech given to a band of Otoe during the council of Camp Calumet Bluff on August 4, 1804.
He addressed them as CHILDREN. This means that he views them as CHILDREN.
A child that must be told what to do with a subtle implication of being subjected to punishment if said child go against what he or she is told to do.
He sees them as children that need to be instructed and must be treated as though they are not capable of making their own decision.