Use the passage to answer the question.

From the Journal of John Ordway

November 30, 1804

"He Informed us that a party of the Sauix nation had atcked a party of the Mandans. they killed 1 man on each Side Several more wounded, but the Souix Robbed the party of Manden of their horses 5 or 6 this being done lately our officers thought it best to offer the Mandens Some assistance if they were disposed to fight the Souix."

Which of the following is the most likely reason the Corps of Discovery took the position recounted in the passage?

A.
The Sioux traded with the Corps, while the Mandan did not.

B.
The Mandan had peaceful relations with the Corps, while the Sioux did not.

C.
The Sioux had trained warriors, while the Mandan did not.

D.
The Mandan had 5–6 horses, while the Sioux did not.