[Clark, January 10, 1806]

Friday the 10th of January 1806

I derected Serjt. Gass to Continue with the Salt makers untill Shannon

return from hunting, and then himself and Shannon to return to the

Fort, I Set out at Sunrise with the party waded the Clat Sop river

which I found to be 85 Steps across and 3 feet deep, on the opposite

Side a Kil a mox Indian Came to and offered to Sell Some roots of which

I did not want, he had a robe made of 2 large Sea otter Skins which I

offered to purchase, but he would not part with them, we returned by

nearly the Same rout which I had Come out, at four miles, I met Gibson

& Shannon each with a load of meat, they informed me that they had

killed Elk about 2 miles off, I directed 3 men to go with the hunters

and help them pack the meat to the place they were makeing Salt, and

return to the fort with Serjt. Gass, the balance of the party took the

load of the 3 men, after crossing the 2d Creek frasure informed me that

he had lost his big knife, here we Dined, I put frasurs load on my

guide who is yet with me, and Sent him back in Serch of his knife with

directions to join the other men who were out packing meat & return to

the fort all together. I arrived at the Canoes about Sunset, the tides

was Comeing in I thought it a favourable time to go on to the fort at

which place we arrived at 10 oClock P M, found Several inidians of the

Cath'-lah-mah nation the great Chief Shahhar-wah cop who reside not far

above us on the South Side of the Columbia River, this is the first

time I have Seen the Chief, he was hunting when we passed his village

on our way to this place, we gave him a medal of the Smallest Size, he

presented me with a basquet of Wappato, in return for which I gave him

a fish hook of a large Size and Some wire, those people Speak the Same

language with the Chinnooks and Clatsops, whome they all resemble in

Dress, Custom, manners &c. they brought Some Dried Salmon, Wappato,

Dogs, and mats made of rushes & flags to barter; their Dogs and part of

their wappato they disposed of, and remained in their Camp near the

fort all night.

In my absence the hunters from the fort killed only two Elk which is

yet out in the woods. Capt. Lewis examined our Small Stock of

merchendize found Some of it wet and Dried it by the fire. Our

merchindize is reduced to a mear handfull, and our Comfort, dureing our

return next year, much depends on it, it is therefore almost

unnecessary to add that it is much reduced The nativs in this

neighbourhood are excessively fond of Smokeing tobacco. in the act of

Smokeing they appear to Swallow it as they draw it from the pipe, and

for maney draughts together you will not perceive the Smoke they take

from the pipe, in the Same manner they inhale it in their longs untill

they become Surcharged with the vapour when they puff it out to a great

distance through their norstils and mouth; I have no doubt that tobacco

Smoked in this manner becomes much more intoxicating, and that they do

possess themselves of all its virtues to the fullest extent; they

frequently give us Sounding proofs of its createing a dismorallity of

order in the abdomen, nor are those light matters thought indelicate in

either Sex, but all take the liberty of obeying the dicktates of nature

without reserve. Those people do not appear to know the use of

Speritious licquors, they never haveing once asked us for it; I prosume

therefore that the traders who visit them have never indulged them with

the use of it; of whatever Cause this may proceed, it is a verry

fortunate occurrence, as well for the nativs themselves, as for the

quiet and Safty of those whites who visit them. George Drewyer visited

this traps in my absence and caught a Beaver & a otter; the beaver was

large and fat, and Capt. L. has feested Sumptiously on it yesterday;

this we Consider as a great prize, it being a full grown beaver was

well Supplyed with the materials for makeing bate with which to Catch

others. this bate when properly prepared will entice the beaver to

visit it as far as he can Smell it, and this I think may be Safely

Stated at 1/2 a mile, their Sence of Smelling being verry accute. To

prepare beaver bate, the Caster or bark Stone is taken as the base,

this is generally pressed out of the bladder like bag which Contains

it, into a phiol of 4 ounces with a wide mouth; if you have them you

will put from 4 to 6 Stone in a phial of that Capacity, to this you

will add half a nutmeg, a Dozen or 15 grains of Cloves and 30 grains of

Sinimon finely pulverised, Stur them well together, and then add as

much ardent Sperits to the Composition as will reduce it to the

Consistancey of mustard prepared for the table, when thus prepared it

resembles mustard precisely to all appearance. When you cannot precure

a phial a bottle made of horn or a light earthern vessel will answer,

in all Cases it must be excluded from the air or it will Soon lose its

Virtue; it is fit for use imediately it is prepared but becoms much

Stronger and better in 4 or 5 days and will keep for months provided it

be purfectly Secluded from the air. when Cloves are not to be had use

double the quantity of allspice, and when no Spices can be obtained use

the bark of the root of the Sausafras; when Sperits cannot be had use

oil Stone of the beaver adding mearly a Sufficent quantity to moisten

the other materials, or reduce it to a Stiff paste. it appears to me

that the principal use of the Spices is only to give a variety to the

Scent of the bark Stone and if So the mace vineller, and other Sweet

Smelling Spices might be employd with equal advantage. The Male Beaver

has Six stones, two which Contanes a Substance much like finely

pulverised bark of a pale yellow Colour and not unlike tanner's ooz in

Smell, these are Called the bark Stones or castors; two others, which

like the bark stone resemble Small blatters, contain a pure oil of a

Strong rank disagreable Smell, and not unlike train Oil, these are

Called the Oil Stones, and two others of Generation. The bark stones

are about 2 inches in length, the others Somewhat Smaller, all are of a

long Oval form, and lye in a bunch together between the skin and the

root of the tail beneath or behind the fundiment with which they are

Closely Connected and Seam to Communicate, the pride of the female lye

on the inner Side much like those of the hog they have no further parts

of Generation that I can proceive, and therefore believe that like the

birds they Coperate with the extremity of the gut. The female have from

2 to 4 young ones at a birth and bring forth once a year only which

usially happins about the Latter end of May and beginning of June. at

this Stage She is Said to drive the Mail from the lodge, who would

otherwise distroy the young

[Lewis, January 11, 1806]

Sunday January 11th 1806.

Sent a party early this morning for the Elk which was killed on the

9th. they returned with it in the evening; Drewyer and Collins also

returned without having killed anything. this morning the Sergt. of the

guard reported the absence of our Indian Canoe, on enquiry we found

that those who came in it last evening had been negligent in securing

her and the tide in the course of the night had taken her off; we sent

a party down to the bay in surch of her, they returned unsuccessfull,

the party also who went up the river and Creek in quest of the meat

were ordered to lookout for her but were equally unsuccessfull; we

ordered a party to resume their resurches for her early tomorrow; this

will be a very considerable loss to us if we do not recover her; she is

so light that four men can carry her on their sholders a mile or more

without resting; and will carry three men and from 12 to 15 hundred

lbs. the Cuthlahmahs left us this evening on their way to the Catsops,

to whom they purpose bartering their wappetoe for the blubber and oil

of the whale, which the latter purchased for beads &c. from the

Killamucks; in this manner there is a trade continually carryed on by

the natives of the river each trading some article or other with their

neighbours above and below them; and thus articles which are vended by

the whites at the entrance of this river, find their way to the most

distant nations enhabiting it's waters.

[Clark, January 11, 1806]

Saturday 11th of January 1806

Sent a party early this morning for the Elk which was killed on the 9th

they returned with it in the evining; This morning the Serjt. of the

guard reported that our Indian Canoe had gone a Drift, on enquiry we

found that those who Came in it last evening had been negligent in

Secureing her, and the tide in Corse of the night had taken her off; we

Sent a party down to the bay in Serch of her, they returned

unsecksessfull, the party who went up the river and Creek after meat

were derected to look out for her but were equally unsecksessfull; this

will be a verry considerable loss to us if we do not recover her, She

is so light that 4 men Can Carry her on their Sholders a mile or more

without resting, and will Carry four men and from 10 to 12 hundred

pounds. The Cath IA mahs left us this evening on their way to the

Clatsops, to whome they perpose bartering their wappato for the blubber

& Oil of the whale, which the latter purchased for Beeds &c. from the

Kil a mox; in this manner there is a trade Continually Carried on by

the nativs of the river each tradeing Some articles or other with their

neighbours above and below them, and those articles which are Vended by

the whites at their enterance of this river, find their way to the most

distant nations inhabiting its waters.

[Lewis, January 12, 1806]

Monday January 12th 1806.

The men who were sent in surch of the canoe returned without being able

to find her, we therefore give her over as lost. This morning sent out

Drewyer and one man to hunt, they returned in the evening, Drewyer

having killed seven Elk; I scarcely know how we should subsist were it

not for the exertions of this excellet hunter. At 2 P.M. the ballance

of the party who had been left by Capt. C. arrived; about the same time

the two hunters also arrived who had been dispatched by Capt C. for the

purpose of hunting on the 9th inst.; they had killed nothing. We have

heretofore usually divided the meat when first killed among the four

messes into which we have divided our party leaving to each the care of

preserving and the discretion of using it, but we find that they make

such prodigal use of it when they hapen to have a tolerable stock on

hand that we have determined to adapt a different system with our

present stock of seven Elk; this is to jerk it & issue it to them in

small quantities.

[Clark, January 12, 1806]

Sunday the 12th January 1806

This morning Sent out Drewyer and one man to hunt, they returned in the

evening Drewyer haveing killed 7 Elk; I scercely know how we Should

Subsist, I beleive but badly if it was not for the exertions of this

excellent hunter; maney others also exert themselves, but not being

accquainted with the best method of finding and killing the elk and no

other wild animals is to be found in this quarter, they are

unsucksessfull in their exertions. at 2 P. M Serjt. Gass and the men I

left to assist the Salt makers in Carrying in their meat arrived also

the hunters which I directed to hunt in the point, they killed

nothing-. We have heretofore devided the meat when first killed among

the four messes, into which we have divided our party, leaveing to each

the Care of preserving and distribution of useing it; but we find that

they make such prodigal use of it when they happen to have a tolerable

Stock on hand, that we are determined to adapt a Different System with

our present stock of Seven Elk; this is to jurk it and issue it to them

in Small quantities

[Lewis, January 13, 1806]

Tuesday January 13th 1806.

This morning I took all the men who could be spared from the Fort and

set out in quest of the flesh of the seven Elk that were killed

yesterday, we found it in good order being untouched by the wolves, of

which indeed there are but few in this country; at 1 P.M. we returned

having gotten all the meat to the fort. this evening we exhausted the

last of our candles, but fortunately had taken the precaution to bring

with us moulds and wick, by means of which and some Elk's tallow in our

possession we do not yet consider ourselves destitute of this necessary

article; the Elk we have killed have a very small portion of tallow.

The traders usually arrive in this quarter, as has been before

observed, in the month of April, and remain untill October; when here

they lay at anchor in a bay within Cape Disappointment on the N. side

of the river; here they are visited by the natives in their canoes who

run along side and barter their comodities with them, their being no

houses or fortification on shore for that purpose. the nations who

repare thither are fist, those of the sea coast S. E. of the entrance

of the river, who reside in the order in which their names are

mentioned, begining at the entrance of the river (viz) The Clatsop,

Killamuck, Ne-cost, Nat-ti, Nat-chies, Tarl-che, E-slitch, You-cone and

So-see. secondly those inhabiting the N. W. coast begining at the

entrance of the river and mentioned in the same order; the Chinnook and

Chiltch the latter very numerous; and thirdly the Cath-lah-mah, and

Skil-lutes, the latter numerous and inhabiting the river from a few

miles above the marshey Islands, where the Cuth-lahmahs cease, to the

grand rappids. These last may be esteemed the principal carryers or

intermediate traders betwen the whites and the Indians of the Sea

Coast, and the E-ne-shurs, the E-chee-lutes, and the Chil-luckkit-te

quaws, who inhabit the river above, to the grand falls inclusive, and

who prepare most of the pounded fish which is brought to market. The

bay in which this trade is carryed on is spacious and commodious, and

perfectly secure from all except the S. and S. E. winds, these however

are the most prevalent and strong winds in the Winter season. fresh

water and wood are very convenient and excellent timber for refiting

and reparing vessels.

[Clark, January 13, 1806]

Monday 13th January 1806

Capt. Lewis took all the men which Could be Speared from the Fort and

Set out in quest of the flesh of the Seven Elk which were killed

yesterday they found the meat all Secure untouched by the Wolves, of

which indeed there are but fiew in this Countrey; at 1 P.M. the party

returned with the 2d and Last load of meat to the fort. this evening we

finished all last of our Candles, we brought with us, but fortunately

had taken the precaution to bring with us moulds and wick, by means of

which and Some Elk tallow in our possession we do not think our Selves

distitute of this necessary article, the Elk which have been killed

have a verry Small portion of tallow. The Traders usially arrive in

this quarter, in the month of april, and remain until October; when

here they lay at anchor in a Bay within Cape Disapointment on the N.

Side of the river; here they are visited by the nativs in their Canoes

who run along Side and barter their Comodities with them, their being

no houses or fortification on Shore for that purpose.

The nations who repare thither ar first those of the Sea Coast S. E & N

W of the enterance of the river, who reside in the order in which their

names are mentioned to the S E. the Clat Sops, Kil-a-mox, and those to

the N W. the Chin nooks, and Chiltch; and Secondly the Cath-lah-mah,

War-ki-a-cum, and Skil-lutes, the latter noumerous and inhabiting those

last may be considered or intermedeate traders between the whites and

nations on the Sea Coast, and the E-ne-churs, the E-chee-lutes, and the

Chil-luck-kitte-quaws, who inhabit the river up to the great falls

inclusive, and who prepare most of the pounded fish which is brought to

Market.

The Bay in which the trade is Carried on is Spacious and Commodious,

and perfectly Secure from all except the S. & S E Winds and those blow

but Seldom the most prevalent & Strong winds are from the S W & N W in

the Winter Season. fish water and wood are very Convenient and

excellent timber for refitting and repareing vessels.-.

[Lewis, January 14, 1806]

Wednesday January 14th 1806.

This morning the Sergt. of the Guard reported the absence of one of the

large perogues, it had broken the chord by which it was attatched and

the tide had taken it off; we sent a party immediately in surch of her,

they returned in about 3 hours having fortunately found her. we now

directed three of the perogues to be drawn up out of reach of the tide

and the fourth to be mored in the small branch just above the landing

and confined with a strong rope of Elk-skin. had we lost this perogue

also we should have been obliged to make three small ones, which with

the few tools we have now left would be a serious undertaking. a

fatiegue of 6 men employed in jerking the Elk beaf.

From the best estimate we were enabled to make as we dscended the

Columbia we conceived that the natives inhabiting that noble stream,

for some miles above the great falls to the grand rappids inclusive

annually prepare about 30,000 lbs. of pounded sammon for market. but

whether this fish is an article of commerce with the whites or is

exclusively sold to and consumed by the natives of the sea Coast, we

are at a loss to determine. the first of those positions I am disposed

to credit most, but, still I must confess that I cannot imagine what

the white merchant's object can be in purchasing this fish, or where

they dispose of it. and on the other hand the Indians in this

neighbourhood as well as the Skillutes have an abundance of dryed

sammon which they take in the creeks and inlets, and I have never seen

any of this pounded fish in their lodges, which I pesume would have

been the case if they purchased this pounded fish for their own

consumption. the Indians who prepared this dryed and pounded fish,

informed us that it was to trade with the whites, and shewed us many

articles of European manufacture which they obtained for it. it is true

they obtain those articles principally for their fish but they trade

with the Skillutes for them and not immediately with the whites; the

intermediate merchants and carryers, the Skillutes, may possibly

consume a part of this fish themselves and dispose of the ballance of

it the natives of the sea coast, and from them obtain such articles as

they again trade with the whites.

[Clark, January 14, 1806]

Tuesday 14th January 1806

This morning the Serjt. of the guard reported the absence of one of our

Canoes it had broken the Cord by which it was attached and the tide had

taken her off; we Sent a party imediately in Serch of her, they

returned in about 3 hours haveing fortunately found her. we now derect

that 3 of the canoes be drawed up out of reach of the tide and the 4th

to be tied with a long Strong Cord of Elk Skins, ready for use. had we

lost this large Canoe we Should have been obliged to make 3 other Small

ones, which with the fiew tools we have now left would be a Serious

undertakeing. a fatiege of Six men employd in jurking the Elk beef.

From the best estermate we were enabled to make as we decended the

Columbia we Conceived that the nativs inhabiting that noble Stream

(from the enterance of Lewis's river to the neighbourhood of the falls

the nativs Consume all the fish they Catch either for food or fuel)

From Tow ar ne hi ooks River or a fiew mils above the Great falls to

the grand rapids inclusive anually prepare about 30,000 lbs of pounded

fish (Chiefly Salmon) for market, but whether this fish is an article

of Commerce with their neighbours or is exclusively Sold to, and

Consumed by the nativs of the Sea coast, we are at a loss to determine

the latter of those positions I am dispose to credit most, as I cannot

imagine what the white merchents objet Could be in purchaseing fish, or

where they Could dispose of it. on the other hand the Indians in this

neighbourhood as well as the Skillutes and those above have an

abundance of Dryed Salmon which they take in the Creeks and inlets.

they are excessively fond of the pounded fish haveing frequently asked

us for Some of it-. the Indians who prepared this pounded fish made

Signs that they traded it with people below them for Beeds and trinkets

&c and Showed us maney articles of European manufacture which they

obtained for it; The Skillutes and Indians about the great rapids are

the intermediate merchants and Carryers, and no doubt Consume a part of

this fish themselves and dispose of the ballance of it to the nativs of

the Sea coast, and from this obtain Such articles as they again trade

with the whites.

The persons who usially visit the enterence of this river for the

purpose of traffic or hunting, I believe is either English or

Americans; the Indians inform us that they Speak the Same language with

our Selves, and gave us proofs of their varacity by repeating maney

words of English, Sun of a pitch &c. whether those traders are from

Nootka Sound, from Some other late establishment on this Coast, or

imediately from the U States or Great Brittain, I am at a loss to

determine, nor Can the Indians inform us. the Indians whome I have

asked in what direction the traders go when they depart from hence,

allways point to the S. W. from which it is prosumeable that Nootka

cannot be their distination, and from Indian information a majority of

those traders annually visit them about the beginning of April and

remain Some time and either remain or revisit them in the fall of which

I cannot properly understand, from this Circumstance they Cannot Come

directly from the U States or Great Brittain, the distance being to

great for them to go and return in the ballance of a year. I am

Sometimes induced to believe that there is Some other Establishment on

the Coast of America South of this place of which little is but yet

known to the world, or it may be perhaps on Some Island in the Pacific

Ocian between the Continant of America & Asia to the S. W. of us. This

traffic on the part of the whites Consist in vending, guns, principally

old British or American Musquets, powder, balls and Shote, brass tea

kettles, Blankets from two to three points, Scarlet and blue Cloth

(Coarse), plates and Strips of Sheet Copper and brass, large brass wire

Knives Beeds &Tobacco with fishing hooks, buttons and Some other Small

articles; also a considerable quantity of Salors Clothes, as hats,

Coats, Trouses and Shirts. for those they receive in return from the

nativs Dressed and undressed Elk Skins, Skins of the Sea otter, Common

Otter, beaver, common fox, Speck, and tiger Cat, also Some Salmon dried

or pounded and a kind of buisket, which the nativs make of roots called

by them Shappelell. The nativs are extravigantly fond of the most

Common Cheap Blue and white beeds, of moderate Size, or Such that from

50 to 70 will way one pennyweight, the blue is usially prefured to the

white; those beeds Constitute the principal Circulating medium with all

the Indian tribes on this river; for those beeds they will dispose of

any article they possess-. the beeds are Strung on Straps of a fathom

in length & in that manner Sold by the breth or yard-.

[Lewis, January 15, 1806]

Thursday January 15th 1806.

Had a large coat completed out of the skins of the Tiger Cat and those

also of a small animal about the size of a squirrel not known to me;

these skins I procured from the Indians who had previously dressed them

and formed them into robes; it took seven of these robes to complete

the coat. we had determined to send out two hunting parties today but

it rained so incessantly that we posponed it. no occurrence worthy of

relation took place today.

The implyments used by the Chinnooks Clatsops Cuthlahmahs &c in hunting

are the gun the bow & arrow, deadfalls, pitts, snares, and spears or

gigs; their guns are usually of an inferior quality being oald refuse

American & brittish Musquits which have been repared for this trade.

there are some very good peices among them, but they are invariably in

bad order; they apear not to have been long enouh accustomed to fire

arms to understand the management of them. they have no rifles. Their

guns and amunition they reserve for the Elk, deer and bear, of the two

last however there are but few in their neighbourhood. they keep their

powder in small japaned tin flasks which they obtain with their

amunition from the traders; when they happen to have no ball or shot,

they substitute gravel or peices of potmettal, and are insensible of

the damage done thereby to their guns. The bow and arrow is the most

common instrument among them, every man being furnished with them

whether he has a gun or not; this instrument is imployed

indiscriminately in hunting every species of anamal on which they

subsist. Their bows are extreamly neat and very elastic, they are about

two and a half feet in length, and two inches in width in the center,

thence tapering graduly to the extremities where they are half an inch

wide they are very flat and thin, formed of the heart of the arbor vita

or white cedar, the back of the bow being thickly covered with sinews

of the Elk laid on with a gleue which they make from the sturgeon; the

string is made of sinues of the Elk also. the arrow is formed of two

parts usually tho sometime entire; those formed of two parts are

unequally divided that part on which the feathers are placed occupyes

four fifths of it's length and is formed of light white pine reather

larger than a swan's quill, in the lower extremity of this is a

circular mortice secured by sinues roled arround it; this mortice

receives the one end of the 2nd part which is of a smaller size than

the first and about five inches long, in the end of this the barb is

fixed and confined with sinue, this barb is either stone, iron or

copper, if metal in this form forming at it's point a greater angle

than those of any other Indians I have observed. the shorter part of

the arrow is of hearder wood as are also the whole of the arrow when it

is of one piece only. as these people live in a country abounding in

ponds lakes &c and frequently hunt in their canoes and shoot at fowl

and other anamals where the arrow missing its object would be lost in

the water they are constructed in the manner just discribed in order to

make them float should they fall in the water, and consequently can

again he recovered by the hunter; the quiver is usually the skin of a

young bear or that of a wolf invariably open at the side in stead of

the end as the quivers of other Indians generally are; this

construction appears to answer better for the canoe than if they were

open at the end only. maney of the Elk we have killed since we have

been here, have been wounded with these arrows, the short piece with

the barb remaining in the animal and grown up in the flesh.--the

deadfalls and snares are employed in taking the wolf the raccoon and

fox of which there are a few only. the spear or gig is used to take the

sea otter, the common otter, spuck, and beaver. their gig consists of

two points or barbs and are the same in their construction as those

discribed before as being common among the Indians on the upper part of

this river. their pits are employed in taking the Elk, and of course

are large and deep, some of them a cube of 12 or 14 feet. these are

usually placed by the side of a large fallen tree which as well as the

pit lye across the toads frequented by the Elk. these pitts are

disguised with the slender boughs of trees and moss; the unwary Elk in

passing the tree precipitates himself into the pitt which is

sufficiently deep to prevent his escape, and is thus taken.

[Clark, January 15, 1806]

Friday 15th of January 1806

Capt. Lewis had a large Coat finished made of the Skins of the tiger

Cat, and those of the Small animal about the Size of Small Cat not

known to me; those Skins were precured from the Indians who had

previously dressed them and formed them into robes; it took Seven of

those robes to Complete the Coat. no occurrence worthey of remark took

place. rained hard all day. The imployments used by the Chinnooks

Clatsops, Cath lah mahs Kil a mox &c. in hunting are the gun the bow &

arrow, dead falls, Pitts, Snares, and Spears or gigs; their guns are

usially of an inferior quallity being old refuse american or brittish

muskets which have been repared for this trade there are Some verry

good pieces among them, but they are invariably in bad order they

appear not to be long enough acquainted with fire arms to understand

the management of them. They have no rifles. Their guns and amunition

they reserve for the Elk, Deer, and Bear, of the two last however there

are but fiew in their neighbourhoods. they keep their powder in Small

japaned tin flasks which they obtain with their amunition from the

traders; when they happen to have no Ball or Shot they Substitute

Gravel and are insenceable of the dammage done thereby to their Guns.

The Bow and arrow is the most common instrement among them, every man

being furnished with them whether he has a gun or not, this instrement

is imployed indiscreminately in hunting every Species of animal on

which they Subsist, Their bows are extreemly meet neat and very

elastic, they are about two feet Six inches long and two inches wide in

the Center, thence tapering gradually to the extremities, where they ar

3/4 of an Inch wide, they are very flat and thin, formed of the heart

of the arbor vita or white Cedar, the back of the Bow being thickly

Covered with Sinues of the Elk laid on with a Gleue which they make

from the Sturgeon; the String is made of the Sinues of the Elk also,

the arrow is formed of two parts usually tho Sometimes entire; those

formed of 2 parts are uneaquilly devided, the part on which the

feathers are placed occupie 4/5 of it's length and is formed of light

white pine rather larger than a Swans quill, in the lower extremity of

this is a Circular mortice Secured by Sinues raped around it; this

mortice recives the one end of the 2d part which is of Smaller Size

than the first and about five inches long, in the end of this the barb

is fixed and Confined with Sinues, the berb is either Iron Copper or

Stone--in this form forming at its point a greater angle than those of

any other Indians I have observed. The Shorter part of the arrow is of

harder wood, as are also the whole of the arrow where it is of one

piece only. as these people live in a Countrey abounding in Ponds lakes

&c. and frequently hunt in their Canoes and Shoot at fowls and other

animals where the arrow missing its object would be lost in the water

they are constructed in the Manner just discribed in order to make them

flote Should they fall in the water, and Consequently Can again be

recovered by the hunter; the quiver is useally the Skin of a young bear

or that of a wolf invariably open at the Side in Sted of the end, as

the quiver of other Indians generally are, this Construction appears to

answer better for the Canoe, than if they were open at the end only.

maney of the Elk which our hunters have killd. Sence we have been here

have been wounded with those arrows, the Short piece with the barbe

remaining in the Animal and grown up in the flesh.--the Deadfalls &

Snares are employd in takeing the Wolf, the racoon and fox of which

there are a fiew. the Spear or gig is used to take the Sea otter,

Spuck, & Beaver. The gig consists of two points or birbs and are the

Same in their Construction as those which are Common among the Indians

on the upper part of this river and before discribed. Their pitts are

employed in takeing the Elk, and of Course are large and Deep, Some of

them a Cube of 12 or 14 feet, those ar commonly placed by the Side of a

large fallen tree which as well as the pitt lie across the roads

frequented by the Elk, these pitts are disguised with the Slender bows

of trees & moss; the unwarry Elk in passing the tree precipates himself

into the Pitt which is Sufficiently deep to prevent his escape.-

[Lewis, January 16, 1806]

Friday January 16th 1806.

This evening we finished curing the meat. no occurrence worthy of

relation took place today. we have plenty of Elk beef for the present

and a little salt, our houses dry and comfortable, and having made up

our minds to remain until the 1st of April, every one appears content

with his situation and his fare. it is true that we could even travel

now on our return as far as the timbered country reaches, or to the

falls of the river; but further it would be madness for us to attempt

to proceede untill April, as the indians inform us that the snows lye

knee deep in the plains of Columbia during the winter, and in these

plains we could scarcely get as much fuel of any kind as would cook our

provision as we descended the river; and even were we happyly over

these plains and again in the woody country at the foot of the Rocky

Mountains we could not possibly pass that immence barrier of mountains

on which the snows ly in winter to the debth in many places of 20 feet;

in short the Indians inform us that they are impracticable untill about

the 1st of June, at which time even there is an abundance of snow but a

scanty subsistence may be obtained for the horses.--we should not

therefore forward ourselves on our homeward journey by reaching the

rocky mountains early than the 1st of June, which we can easily effect

by seting out from hence on the 1st of April.

The Clatsops Chinnooks &c. in fishing employ the common streight net,

the scooping or diping net with a long handle, the gig, and the hook

and line. the common net is of different lengths and debths usually

employed in taking the sammon, Carr and trout in the inlets among the

marshey grounds and the mouths of deep creeks. the skiming or scooping

net to take small fish in the spring and summer season; the gig and

hook are employed indiscriminately at all seasons in taking such fish

as they can procure by their means. their nets and fishing lines are

made of the silk-grass or white cedar bark; and their hooks are

generally of European manufactary, tho before the whites visited them

they made hooks of bone and other substances formed in the following

manner A C, and C. B. are two small pieces of bone about the size of a

strong twine, these are flattened and leveled off of their extremities

near C. where they are firmly attatched together with sinues and

covered with rosin. C A. is reduced to a sharp point at A where it is

also bent in a little; C B. is attatched to the line, for about half

it's length at the upper extremity B. the whole forming two sides of an

accute angled triangle.

[Clark, January 16, 1806]

Saturday 16th January 1806

This evening we finished cureing the meat. no occurrence worthey of

relation took place to day. we have a plenty of Elk beef for the

present and a little Salt, our houses dry and Comfortable, haveing made

up our minds to Stay untill the 1st of April every one appears

contented with his Situation, and his fair. it is true we Could travel

even now on our return as far as the timbered Country reaches, or to

the falls of the river, but further it would be madness for us to

attempt to proceed untill april, as the indians inform us that the

Snows lyes knee deep in the Columbian Plains dureing the winter, and in

those planes we could not git as much wood as would Cook our provisions

untill the drift wood comes down in the Spring and lodges on the Shore

&c. and even were we happily over those plains and in the woodey

countrey at the foot of the rockey mountains, we could not possibly

pass that emence bearier of mountains on which the Snow lyes in winter

to the debth in maney placs of 20 feet; in Short the Indians tell us

they impassable untill about the 1s of June, at which time even then is

an abundance of snow but a Scanty Subsistance may be had for the

horses--we Should not foward our homeward journey any by reaching the

Rocky mountains earlier than the 1st of June which we can effect by

Setting out from hence by the 1st of April

The Clatsops, Chinnooks &c. in fishing employ the Common Streight net,

the Scooping or dipping net with a long handle, the gig, and the hook

and line. the Common nets are of different lengths and debths usually

employd in takeing the Salmon, Carr and trout in the inlets among the

marshey grounds and the mouths of deep Creeks,--the Skiming or scooping

nets to take Smaller fish in the Spring and Summer Season; the gig and

hook are employed indiscreminately at all Seasons in takeing Such fish

as they Can precure by these means. their nets and fishing lines are

made of the Silk Grass or white Cedar bark; and their hooks are

generally of European manufactory, tho before the whites visited them

they made their Hooks of bone and other Substances formed in the

following manner A C and B C are two Small pieces of bone about the

Size of a Strong twine, these are flattened & beaveled off to their

extremites at C, where they are firmley attached together and Covered

with rozin C A is reduced to a Sharp point at A where it is also bent

in a little; C B is attached to the line, at the upper extremity B. the

whole forming two Sides of an accute angled triangle. the line has a

loop at D which it is anexed to a longer line and taken off at

pleasure. Those Hooks are yet common among the nativs on the upper

parts of the Columbia river for to Catch fish in Deep places.

[Lewis, January 17, 1806]

Saturday January 17th 1806

This morning we were visited by Comowool and 7 of the Clatsops our

nearest neighbours, who left us again in the evening. They brought with

them some roots and buries for sale, of which however they disposed of

but very few as they asked for them such prices as our stock in trade

would not license us in giving. the Chief Comowool gave us some roots

and buries for which we gave him in return a mockerson awl and some

thread; the latter he wished for the purpose of making a skiming net.

one of the party was dressed in three very eligant Sea Otter skins

which we much wanted; for these we offered him many articles but he

would not dispose of them for any other consideration but blue beads,

of these we had only six fathoms left, which being 4 less than his

price for each skin he would not exchange nor would a knife or an

equivalent in beads of any other colour answer his purposes, these

coarse blue beads are their favorite merchandiz, and are called by them

tia Commashuck or Chiefs beads. the best wampum is not so much esteemed

by them as the most inferior beads. Sent Coalter out to hunt this

morning, he shortly after returned with a deer, venison is a rarity

with us we have had none for some weeks. Drewyer also set out on a

hunting excertion and took one man with him. he intends both to hunt

the Elk and trap the beaver.

The Culinary articles of the Indians in our neighbourhood consist of

wooden bowls or throughs, baskets, wooden spoons and woden scures or

spits. Their wooden bowls and troughs are of different forms and sizes,

and most generally dug out of a solid piece; they are ither round or

simi globular, in the form of a canoe, cubic, and cubic at top

terminating in a globe at bottom; these are extreemly well executed and

many of them neatly carved the larger vessels with hand-holes to them;

in these vessels they boil their fish or flesh by means of hot stones

which they immerce in the water with the article to be boiled. they

also render the oil of fish or other anamals in the same manner. their

baskets are formed of cedar bark and beargrass so closely interwoven

with the fingers that they are watertight without the aid of gum or

rosin; some of these are highly ornamented with strans of beargrass

which they dye of several colours and interweave in a great variety of

figures; this serves them the double perpose of holding their water or

wearing on their heads; and are of different capacites from that of the

smallest cup to five or six gallons; they are generally of a conic form

or reather the segment of a cone of which the smaller end forms the

base or bottom of the basket. these they make very expediciously and

dispose off for a mear trifle. it is for the construction of these

baskets that the beargrass becomes an article of traffic among the

natives this grass grows only on their high mountains near the snowey

region; the blade is about 3/8 of an inch wide and 2 feet long smoth

pliant and strong; the young blades which are white from not being

exposed to the sun or air, are those most commonly employed,

particularly in their neatest work. Their spoons are not remarkable nor

abundant, they are generally large and the bole brawd. their meat is

roasted with a sharp scure, one end of which is incerted in the meat

with the other is set erect in the ground. the spit for roasting fish

has it's upper extremity split, and between it's limbs the center of

the fish is inscerted with it's head downwards and the tale and

extremities of the scure secured with a string, the sides of the fish,

which was in the first instance split on the back, are expanded by

means of small splinters of wood which extend crosswise the fish. a

small mat of rushes or flags is the usual plate or dish on which their

fish, flesh, roots or burries are served. they make a number of bags

and baskets not watertight of cedar bark, silk-grass, rushes, flags and

common coarse sedge. in these they secure their dryed fish, rooots,

buries, &c.

[Clark, January 17, 1806]

Sunday 17th January 1806

This morning we were visited by Comowool and 7 of the Clatsops our

nearest neighbours, who left us again in the evening. They brought with

them Some roots and beries for Sale, of which however they disposed of

very fiew as they asked for them Such prices as our Stock in trade

would not licence us in giveing. The Chief Comowool gave us Some roots

and berries, for which we gave him in return a mockerson awl and Some

thread; the latter he wished for the purpose of makeing a Skiming Net.

one of the party was dressed in three verry elegant Sea otter Skins

which we much wanted; for these we offered him maney articles but he

would not dispose of them for aney other Consideration but Blue beeds,

of those we had only Six fathoms left, which being 4 less than his

price for each Skin he would not exchange nor would a Knife or any

other equivolent in beeds of aney other Colour answer his purpose;

these Coarse blue beeds are their favourite merchandize and are Called

by them Tia com ma shuck or Chief beeds, the best Wampom is not as much

esteemed by them as the most indifferent beeds. Sent Colter out to hunt

he Shortly after returned with a Deer, Venison is a rarity with us we

have had none for Some weeks. Drewyer Set out on a hunting expedition

one man went with him. he intends to hunt the Elk and trap the beaver.

The Culianary articles of the Indians in our neighbourhood Consists of

wooden bowls or troughs, Baskets, Shell and wooden Spoons and wooden

Scures or Spits, their wooden Bowles and troughs are of different forms

and Sizes, and most generally dug out of Solid piecies; they are either

round, Square or in the form of a canoe; those are extreemly well

executed and maney of them neetly covered, the larger vessels with

handholes to them; in these vessels they boil their fish or flesh by

means of hot Stones which they immerce in the water with the articles

to be boiled. They also render the Oil of the fish, or other animals in

the Same manner. Their baskets are formed of Cedar bark and bargrass So

closely interwoven withe hands or fingers that they are watertight

without the aid of gum or rozin; Some of those are highly ornimented

with the Straps of bargrass which they dye of Several Colours and

interweave in a great variety of figures; this Serves a double purpose

of holding the Water or wareing on their heads; and are of different

Capacities, from that of a Smallest Cup to five or Six gallons, they

are generally of a Conic form or reather the Segment of a Cone of which

the Smaller end forms the base or bottom of the basket. these they make

verry expediciously and dispose of for a mear trifle. it is for the

Construction of those baskets that Bargrass becoms an article of

traffic among the nativs of the Columbia. this grass grows only on

their mountains near the Snowey region; the blade is about 3/8 of an

inch wide and 2 feet long Smothe plient & Strong; the young blades

which are white from not being exposed to the Sun or air, are those

which are most Commonly employ'd, particularly in their neatest work.

Their wooden Spoons are not remarkable nor abundant, they are large &

the bowls broad. their meat is roasted with a Sharp Scure, one end of

which is incerted in the meat while the other is Set erect in the

ground. The Spit for roasting fish has its upper extremity Split, and

between its limbs the Center of the fish is incerted with its head

downwards, and the tale and the extremities of the Scure Secured with a

String, the Side of the fish, which was in the first instance Split in

the back, are expanded by means of Small Splinters of wood which extend

Crosswise the fish. a Small mat of rushes or flags is the usual plate,

or Dish on which their fish, flesh, roots & berries are Served. they

make a number of Bags and Baskets not water tight of Cedar bark Silk

Grass, rushes, flags, and common Gorse Sedge-. in those they Secure

their dried fish, roots berries &.-

[Lewis, January 18, 1806]

Sunday January 18th 1806.

Two of the Clatsops who were here yesterday returned today for a dog

they had left; they remained with us a few hours and departed. no

further occurrence worthy of relation took place. the men are still

much engaged in dressing skins in order to cloath themselves and

prepare for our homeward journey. The Clatsops Chinnooks &c construct

their houses of timber altogether. they are from 14 to 20 feet wide and

from 20 to 60 feet in length, and acommodate one or more families

sometimes three or four families reside in the same room. thes houses

are also divided by a partition of boards, but this happens only in the

largest houses as the rooms are always large compared with the number

of inhabitants. these houses are constructed in the following manner;

two or more posts of split timber agreeably to the number of divisions

or partitions are furst provided, these are sunk in the ground at one

end and rise perpendicularly to the hight of 14 or 18 feet, the tops of

them are hollowed in such manner as to receive the ends of a round beam

of timber which reaches from one to the other, most commonly the whole

length of the building, and forming the upper part of the roof; two

other sets of posts and poles are now placed at proper distances on

either side of the first, formed in a similar manner and parrallel to

it; these last rise to the intended hight of the eves, which is usually

about 5 feet. smaller sticks of timber are now provided and are placed

by pares in the form of rafters, resting on, and reaching from the

lower to the upper horizontal beam, to both of which they are attatched

at either end with the cedar bark; two or three ranges of small poles

are now placed horizontally on these rafters on each side of the roof

and are secured likewise with strings of the Cedar bark. the ends sides

and partitions are then formed with one range of wide boards of abut

two inches thick, which are sunk in the ground a small distance at

their lower ends and stand erect with their upper ends Taping on the

outside of the eve poles and end rafters to which they are secured by

an outer pole lying parallel with the eve poles and rafters being

secured to them by chords of cedar bark which pass through wholes made

in the boards at certain distances for that purpose; the rough roof is

then covered with a double range of thin boards, and an aperture of 2

by 3 feet left in the center of the roof to permit the smoke to pass.

these houses are sometimes sunk to the debth of 4 or 5 feet in which

cace the eve of the house comes nearly to the surface of the earth. in

the center of each room a space of six by eight feet square is sunk

about twelve inches lower than the floor having it's sides secured with

four sticks of squar timber, in this space they make their fire, their

fuel being generally pine bark. mats are spread arround the fire on all

sides, on these they set in the day and frequently sleep at night. on

the inner side of the hose on two sides and sometimes on three, there

is a range of upright peices about 4 feet removed from the wall; these

are also sunk in the ground at their lower ends, and secured at top to

the rafters, from these other peices ar extended horizontally to the

wall and are secured in the usual method by bark to the upright peices

which support the eve poles. on these short horizontal pieces of which

there are sometimes two ranges one above the other, boards are laid,

which either form ther beads, or shelves on which to put their goods

and chattles of almost every discription. their uncured fish is hung on

sticks in the smoke of their fires as is also the flesh of the Elk when

they happen to be fortunate enough to procure it which is but seldom.

[Clark, January 18, 1806]

Monday 18th January 1806

Two of the Clatsops that were here yesterday returned to day for a Dog

they had left; they remained with us a fiew hours and departed. no

further accounts worthey of relation took place. the men are much

engaged dressing Skins in order to Cloath themselves and prepare for

the homeward journey.

The Clatsops Chinnooks &c. construct their Houses of timber altogether.

they are from 14 to 20 feet wide, and from 20 to 60 feet in length, and

accomodate one or more families Sometimes three or four families reside

in the Same room. this house is also devided by petitions of Boards,

but this happens only in the largest houses, as the rooms are always

large Compared with the number of inhabitents. those houses are

Constructed in the following manner; two or more posts of Split timber

agreeably to the number of devisions or partitions are first provided,

these are Sunk in the ground at one end and raised pirpindicular to the

hight of 12 or 14 feet, the top of them are hollowed So as to recive

the end of a round beem of timber which reaches from one to the other

or the entire length of the house; and forming the ridge pole; two

other Sets of posts and poles are then placed at proper distancies on

either Side of the first, formed in a Similar manner and parrelal to

it; those last rise to the intended hight of the eves, which is usially

about 5 feet,--Smaller Sticks of timber is then previded and are placed

by pears in the form of rafters, resting on, and reaching from the

lower to the upper horizontial beam, to both of which they are atached

at either end with the Cedar bark; two or 3 ranges of Small poles are

then placed Horizontially on these rafters on each Side of the roof &

are Secured likewise with Cedar bark. the ends, Sides, and partitions

are then formed, with one range of wide boards of about 2 inches thick,

which are Sunk in the ground a Small distance at their lower ends &

Stands erect with their upper ends lapping on the out Side of the eve

poles and end rafters to which they are Secured by a outer pole lyeing

parrelal with the eve pole and rafters being Secured to them by Cords

of Cedar bark which pass through wholes made in the bods at Certain

distances for that purpose; the rough roof is then Covered with a

double range of thin boards, and an aperture of 2 by 3 feet left in the

Center of the roof to admit the Smoke to pass. These houses are

commonly Sunk to the debth of 4 or 5 feet in which Case the eve of the

house comes nearly to the Surface of the earth. in the Center of each

room a Space of from 6 by 8 feet is Sunk about 12 inches lower than the

Hoar haveing its Sides Secured by four thick boards or Squar pieces of

timber, in this Space they make their fire, their fuel being generally

dry pine Split Small which they perform with a peice of an Elks horn

Sharpened at one end drove into the wood with a Stone. mats are Spred

around the fire on all Sides, on these they Sit in the day and

frequently Sleep at night. on the inner Side of the house on two Sides

and Sometimes on three, there is a range of upright pieces about 4 feet

removed from the wall; these are also Sunk in the ground at their lower

end, and Secured at top to the rafters, from those, other pieces are

extended horozontially to the wall and are Secured in the usial manner

with bark to the upright pieces which Support the eve pole. on these

Short horizontial peics of which there are Sometimes two ranges one

above the other, boards are laid, which either form their beads, or

Shelves on which to put their goods and Chattles, of almost every

discription. their uncured fish is hung on Sticks in the Smoke of their

fires as is also the flesh of the Elk when they happen to be fortunate

enough to precure it which is but Seldom

[Lewis, January 19, 1806]

Monday January 19th 1806.

This morning sent out two parties of hunters, consisting of Collins and

Willard whom we sent down the bay towards point Adams, and Labuish and

Shannon whom we sent up Fort River; the fist by land and the latter by

water. we were visited today by two Clatsop men and a woman who brought

for sale some Sea Otter skins of which we purchased one, giving in

exchange the remainder of our blue beads consisting of 6 fathoms and

about the same quantity of small white beads and a knife. we also

purchased a small quantity of train oil for a pair of Brass armbands

and a hat for some fishinghooks. these hats are of their own

manufactory and are composed of Cedar bark and bear grass interwoven

with the fingers and ornimented with various colours and figures, they

are nearly waterproof, light, and I am convinced are much more durable

than either chip or straw. These hats form a small article of traffic

with the Clatsops and Chinnooks who dispose of them to the whites. the

form of the hat is that which was in vogue in the Ued States and great

Britain in the years 1800 & 1801 with a high crown reather larger at

the top than where it joins the brim; the brim narrow or about 2 or

21/2 inches.

Several families of these people usually reside together in the same

room; they appear to be the father & mother and their sons with their

son's wives and children; their provision seems to be in common and the

greatest harmoney appears to exist among them. The old man is not

always rispected as the head of the family, that duty most commonly

devolves on one of the young men. They have seldom more than one wife,

yet the plurality of wives is not denyed them by their customs. These

families when ascociated form nations or bands of nations each

acknoledging the authority of it's own chieftain who dose not appear to

be heriditary, nor his power to extend further than a mear repremand

for any improper act of an individual; the creation of a chief depends

upon the upright deportment of the individual & his ability and

disposition to render service to the community; and his authority or

the deference paid him is in exact equilibrio with the popularity or

voluntary esteem he has acquired among the individuals of his band or

nation. Their laws like those of all uncivilized Indians consist of a

set of customs which have grown out of their local situations. not

being able to speak their language we have not been able to inform

ourselves of the existence of any peculiar customs among them.

[Clark, January 19, 1806]

Tuesday 19th of January 1806

This morning Sent out two parties of hunters, one party towards Point

adams and the other party up Ne tel River by water. we were visited to

day by two Clatsop men and a woman who brought for Sale Some Sea otter

Skins of which we purchased one gave in exchange the remainder of our

blue heeds Consisting of 6 fathoms, and the Same quantity of Small

white beids and a knife. we also purchased a Small quantity of train

oil for a par of Brass arm bands, and a hat for Som fishinghooks. these

hats are of their own manufactory and are Composed of Cedar bark and

bear grass interwoven with the fingers and ornimented with various

Colours and figures, they are nearly water proof, light, and I am

Convinced are much more dureable than either Chip or Straw,--These hats

form a article of traffic with Clatsops an Chinnooks who dispose of

them to the whites, the form of the Hats is that which was in voge in

the U States and Great Britain in 1800 & 1801 with a high Crown rather

larger at the top than where it joins the brim, the brim narrow about 2

or 21/2 inches.

Several families of those people usially reside together in the Same

room; they appear to be the father mother with their Sons and their

Sons wives and children; their provisions appears to be in common and

the greatest harmoney appears to exist among them. the old man is not

always respected as the head of the family that duty generally devolves

on one of the young men. They have Sildom more than• one wife, yet

plurality of wives are not denyed them by their Customs. those families

when associated form bands of nations each acknowledgeing the authority

of its own Chieftains, who does not appear to be herititary, or has

power to extend further than a mear repremand for any improper

deportment of the indevidual; the Creation of a Chief depends upon the

upright Conduct of the individual his abiltity and disposition to

render Service to the Comunity, and his authority and the defference

paid him is in extent equilibrio with the popolarity or volintary

esteem he has acquired among the individuals of his band, or nation.

Their Laws like all uncivilized Indians Consist of a Set of customs

which has grown out of their local Situations. not being able to Speak

their language we have not been able to inform ourselves of the

existance of any peculiar Customs among them.

[Lewis, January 20, 1806]

Tuesday January 20th 1806.

Visited this morning by three Clatsops who remained with us all day;

the object of their visit is mearly to smoke the pipe. on the morning

of the eighteenth we issued 6 lbs. of jirked Elk pr. man, this evening

the Sergt. repoted that it was all exhausted; the six lbs. have

therefore lasted two days and a half only. at this rate our seven Elk

will last us only 3 days longer, yet no one seems much concerned about

the state of the stores; so much for habit. we have latterly so

frequently had our stock of provisions reduced to a minimum and

sometimes taken a small touch of fasting that three days full allowance

excites no concern. In those cases our skill as hunters afford us some

consolation, for if there is any game of any discription in our

neighbourhood we can track it up and kill it. most of the party have

become very expert with the rifle. The Indians who visited us today

understood us sufficiently to inform us that the whites did not barter

for the pounded fish; that it was purchased and consumed by the

Clatsops, Chinnooks, Cathlahmah's and Skillutes. The native roots which

furnish a considerable proportion of the subsistence of the indians in

our neighbourhood are those of a species of Thistle, fern and rush; the

Liquorice, and a small celindric root the top of which I have not yet

seen, this last resembles the sweet pittatoe very much in it's flavor

and consistency.

[Clark, January 20, 1806]

Wednesday 20th January 1806

Visited this morning by three Clapsots who remained with us all day;

the object of their visit is mearly to Smoke the pipe. on the morning

of the 18 inst. we issued 6 wt. of jurked meat pr. man, this evening

the Serjt. reports that is all exhosted; the 6 w. have therefore lasted

2 days and a half only. at this rate our Seven Elk will only last us 3

days longer, yet no one appears much concerned about the State of the

Stores; So much for habet. we have latterly so frequently had our Stock

of provisions reduced to a minimum and Sometimes taken a Small tuck of

fasting that 3 days full allowance exites no concern. In those Cases

our Skill as hunters affords us Some Consolation, for if there is any

game of any discription in our neighbourhood we can track it up and

kill it. most of the party have become very expert with the rifle. The

Indians who visit us to day understood us Sufficiently to inform us

that the white who visit them did not barter for the pounded fish; that

it was purchased and Consumed by the Clatsops, Chin nooks, Cath lah

mahs and Skil lutes, and Kil a moxs.

The native roots which furnish a considerable proportion of the

Subsistance of the indians in our neighbourhoodd are those of a Species

of Thistle, fern, and rush; the Licquorice, and a Small celindric root

the top of which I have not yet Seen, this last resembles the Sweet

potato verry much in its flavour and Consistency.

[Lewis, January 21, 1806]

Wednesday January 21st 1806.

Two of the hunters Shannon & Labuish returned having killed three Elk.

Ordered a party to go in quest of the meat early tomorrow morning and

the hunters to return and continue the chase. the Indians left us about

12 O'Clk. The root of the thistle, called by the natives shan-ne-tahque

is a perpendicular fusiform and possesses from two to four radicles; is

from 9 to 15 Inces in length and about the size a mans thumb; the rhind

somewhat rough and of a brown colour; the consistence when first taken

from the earth is white and nearly as crisp as a carrot; when prepared

for uce by the same process before discribed of the white bulb or

pashshequo quawmash, it becomes black, and is more shugary than any

fuit or root that I have met with in uce among the natives; the sweet

is precisely that of the sugar in flavor; this root is sometimes eaten

also when first taken from the ground without any preperation; but in

this way is vastly in-ferior. it delights most in a deep rich dry lome

which has a good mixture of sand. the stem of this plant is simple

ascending celindric and hisped. the root leaves yet possess their

virdure and are about half grown of a plale green. the cauline leaf as

well as the stem of the last season are now dead, but in rispect to

it's form &c. it is simple, crenate, & oblong, reather more obtuse at

it's apex than at the base or insertion; it's margin armed with

prickles while it's disks are hairy, it's insertion decurrent and

position declining. the flower is also dry and mutilad. the pericarp

seems much like that of the common thistle. it rises to the hight of

from 3 to 4 feet.-

[Clark, January 21, 1806]

Thursday 21st of January 1806

Two of the hunters Shannon & Labieche returned haveing killed three

Elk, ordered a party to go in quest of the meat early tomorrow morning

and the hunters to return and continue the chase-. the Indians left us

about 12 oClock.

The root of the thistle called by the nativs Chan-ne-tak-que is

pirpendicular and possesses from two to 4 radicles; is from 9 to 15

inches in length and is Commonly about the Size of a mans thum the

rhine Somewhat rough and of a brown Colour; the Consistence when first

taken from the earth is white and nearly as Crisp as a Carrot, when

prepared for use by the Same process before discribed of the white bulb

or gash she quo, qua-mosh, it becomes black and is more Sugary than any

root I have met with among the nativs; the Sweet is prosisely that of

the Sugar in flavor, this root is Sometimes eaten when first taken from

the ground without any preperation, in this way it is well tasted but

soon weathers and becoms hard and insipped. it delights most in a deep

rich moist lome which has a good mixture of Sand--The Stems of this

plant is Simple ascending celindric and hisped. the root leaves, posses

their virdue and are about half grown of a deep Green. the Cauline leaf

as well as the Stem of the last Season are now dead, but in respect to

it's form &c. it is Simple Crenated and oblong, rather more obtuce at

it's apex than the base or insertion, it's margin armed with prickles

while it's disks are hairy, its insertion decurrent and position

declineing. the flower is also dry and mutilated the pericarp seems

much like that of the Common thistle it rises to the hight of from 3 to

4 feet.

[Lewis, January 22, 1806]

Thursday January 22nd 1806.

The party sent for the meat this morning returned with it in the

Evening; it was in very inferior order, in short the animals were poor.

Reubin Fields also remained with the other hunters Shannon & Labuish

our late supply of salt is out. we have not yet heared a sentence from

the other two parties of hunter's who are below us towards Point Adams

and the Praries.

There are three species of fern in this neighbourhood the root one of

which the natves eat; this grows very abundant in the open uplands and

praries where the latter are not sandy and consist of deep loose rich

black lome. the root is horizontal sometimes a little deverging or

obliquely descending, frequently dividing itself as it procedes into

two equal branches and shooting up a number of stems; it lies about 4

Inces beneath the surface of the earth. the root is celindric, with few

or no radicles and from the size of a goose quill to that of a man's

finger; the center of the root is divided into two equal parts by a

strong flat & white ligament like a piece of thin tape on either side

of this there is a white substance which when the root is roasted in

the embers is much like wheat dough and not very unlike it in flavour,

though it has also a pungency which becomes more visible after you have

chewed it some little time; this pungency was disagreeable to me, but

the natives eat it very voraciously and I have no doubt but it is a

very nutricious food. the bark of the root is black, somewhat rough,

thin and brittle, it easily seperates in flakes from the part which is

eaten as dose also the internal liggament. this root perennil. in rich

lands this plant rises to the hight of from 4 to five feet. the stem is

smooth celindric, slightly groved on one side erect about half it's

hight on the 2 first branches thence reclining backwards from the

grooved side; it puts forth it's branches which are in reallyty long

footstalks by pares from one side only and near the edges of the

groove, these larger footstalks are also grooved cilindric and

gradually tapering towards the extremity, puting forth alternate

footstalks on either side of the grove near it's edge; these lesser

footstalks the same in form as the first put forth from forty to fifty

alternate pinate leaves which are sessile, horizontal, multipartite for

half their length from the point of insertion and terminating in a long

shaped apex, and are also revolute with the upper disk smoth and the

lower slightly cottanny. these alternate leaves after proceeding half

the length of the footstalk cease to be partite and assume the tongue

like form altogether. this plant produces no flower or fruit whatever,

is of a fine green colour in summer and a beautiful) plant. the top is

annual and is of course dead at present.-

[Clark, January 22, 1806]

Friday 22nd January 1806

The party Sent for the meat this morning returned with it in the

evening; it was in verry inferior order, in Short the animals were

pore. Rieuben Field Shannon and Labiech remained in the woods to hunt.

our late Supply of Salt is out. we have not heard a word of the other

hunters who are below us towards point adams and the Praries. Some rain

this day at intervales

There are three Species of fern in this neighbourhood the root one of

which the nativs eate; that of which the nativs eate produce no flowers

whatever or fruit of a fine green Colour and the top is annual, and in

Course dead at present.

I observe no difference between the licorice of this Countrey and that

Common to maney parts of the United States where it is sometimes

Cultivated in our gardins-. this plant delights in a deep lose Sandy

Soil; here it grows verry abundant and large; the nativs roste it in

the embers and pound it Slightly with a Small Stick in order to make it

Seperate more readily from the Strong liggaments which forms the center

of the root; this they discard and chew and Swallow the ballance of the

root; this last is filled with a number of thin membrencies like

network, too tough to be masticated and which I find it necessary also

to discard. This root when roasted possesses an agreeable flavour not

unlike the Sweet potato. The root of the thistle (described yesterday)

after undergoing the process of Sweting or bakeing in a kiln is

Sometimes eaten with the train oil also, at other times pounded fine

and mixed with Cold water, untill reduced to the Consistancy of Gruel;

in this way I think it verry agreeable. but the most valuable of all

their roots is foreign to this neighbourhood I mean the Wappetoe.

The Wappetoe, or bulb of the Sagitifolia or common arrow head, which

grows in great abundance in the marshey grounds of that butifull and

fertile vally on the Columbia commenceing just above the quick Sand

River and extending downwards for about 70 miles. this bulb forms a

principal article of trafic between the inhabitents of the vally and

those of their neighbourhood or Sea coast.

[Lewis, January 23, 1806]

Friday January 23rd 1806.

This morning dispatched Howard and Warner to the Camp of the Saltmakes

for a supply of salt. The men of the garison are still busily employed

in dressing Elk's skins for cloathing, they find great difficulty for

the want of branes; we have not soap to supply the deficiency, nor can

we procure ashes to make the lye; none of the pines which we use for

fuel affords any ashes; extrawdinary as it may seem, the greene wood is

consoomed without leaving the residium of a particle of ashes.

The root of the rush used by the natives is a sollid bulb about one

inch in length and usually as thick as a man's thumb, of an ovate form

depressed on two or more sides, covered with a thin smothe black rind.

the pulp is white brittle and easily masticated either raw or roasted

the latter is the way in which it is most usually prepared for uce.

this root is reather insipid in point of flavour, it grows in greatest

abundance along the sea coast in the sandy grounds and is most used by

the Killamucks and those inhabiting the coast. each root sends up one

stock only which is annual, the root being perenniel. the bulb is

attatched to the bottom of the caulis or stem by a firm small and

strong radicle of about one Inch long; this radicle is mearly the

prolongation of the caulis and decends perpendicilarly; a little above

the junction of this radicle with the caulis, the latter is surrounded

in a whorl with a set of small radicles from 6 to 9 inches long which

are obliquely descending. the caulis is celindric erect hollow and

jointed, and is about the size or reather larger than the largest

quill. it rises to the hight of 3 or 4 feet, not branching nor dose it

either bear flower or seed that I can discover tho I am far from

denying that it dose so sometimes, but I have not been able to discover

it. the stem is rough like the sand rush and is much like it when green

or in it's succulent state. at each joint it puts out from twenty to

thirty long lineal stellate or radiate & horizontal leaves which

surround the stem. above each joint about half an inch the stem is

sheathed like the sand rush.

[Clark, January 23, 1806]

Saturday 23rd of January 1806

This morning dispatched Howard & Werner to the Camp of the Salt makers

for a Supply of Salt. the men of the garrison are Still busily employed

in dressing Elk Skins for cloathing, they fine great dificuelty for the

want of branes; we have not Soap to Supply the deficiency, nor can we

precure ashes to make the lye; none of the pine which we use for fuel

afford any ashes; extrawdinary as it may seem, the green wood is

cosumed without leaveing the risideum of a particle of ashes.-

The root of the rush used by the nativs is a Solid bulb about one inch

in length and usially as thick as a mans thumb, of an ovel form

depressed on two or more Sides, covered with a thin black rine. the

pulp is white brittle and easily masticated either raw or rosted, the

latter is the way it is most commonly prepared for use. this root is

reather insippid in point of flavour, it grows in the Greatest

abundance along the Sea coast in the wet Sandy grounds and is most used

by the Kil a mox and those inhabiting the Sea coast. each root Sends up

its Stalk which is annual, the root being perennial. the bulb is

atached to the bottom of the Stem by a firm Small and Strong radicle

which is mearly the prolongation of the Stem which is hollow and

jointed and is rather larger than the largest quill. it rises to the

hight of 3 or 4 feet, not branching no does it either bear flower or

Seed that I could discover tho I am far from denying that it does So

Sometimes, and perhaps every year, but I have not been able to discover

it, the Stem is rough like the Sand rush, and it's much like it when

green, at each joint it puts out from 20 to 30 radiate & horizontal

leaves which Surrounds the Stem. above each joint about half an inch

the Stem is Shethed like the Sand rush.

The instruments used by the nativs in digging their roots is a Strong

Stick of three feet and a half long Sharpened at the lower end and its

upper inserted into a part of an Elks or buck's horn which Serves as a

handle; Standing transvirsely in the Stick--or it is in this form as

thus A is the lower part which is a little hooked B is the upper part

or handle of Horn.

[Lewis, January 24, 1806]

Saturday January 24th 1806.

Drewyer and Baptiest La Paage returned this morning in a large Canoe

with Comowooll and six Clatsops. they brought two deer and the flesh of

three Elk & one Elk's skin, having given the flesh of one other Elk

which they killed and three Elk's skins to the Indians as the price of

their assistance in transporting the ballance of the meat to the Fort;

these Elk and deer were killed near point Adams and the Indians carryed

them on their backs about six miles, before the waves were sufficiently

low to permit their being taken on board their canoes. the Indians

remained with us all day. The Indians witnissed Drewyer's shooting some

of those Elk, which has given them a very exalted opinion of us as

marksmen and the superior excellence of our rifles compared with their

guns; this may probably be of service to us, as it will deter them from

any acts of hostility if they have ever meditated any such. My Air-gun

also astonishes them very much, they cannot comprehend it's shooting so

often and without powder; and think that it is great medicine which

comprehends every thing that is to them incomprehensible.

I observe no difference between the liquorice of this country and that

common to many parts of the United states where it is also sometimes

cultivated in our gardens. this plant delights in a deep loose sandy

soil; here it grows very abundant and large; the natives roast it in

the embers and pound it slightly with a small stick in order to make it

seperate more readily from the strong liggament which forms the center

of the root; this the natives discard and chew and swallow the ballance

of the root; this last is filled with a number of thin membrenacious

lamela like net work, too tough to be masticated and which I find it

necessary also to discard. this root when roasted possesses an

agreeable flavour not unlike the sweet pittaitoe. beside the small

celindric root mentioned on the 20th inst., they have also another

about the same form size and appearance which they use much with the

train oil, this root is usually boiled; to me it possesses a

disagreeable bitterness. the top of this plant I have never yet seen.

The root of the thistle after undergoing the prossess of sweating or

baking in a kiln is sometimes eaten with the train oil also, and at

other times pounded fine and mixed with could water untill reduced to

the consistency of sagamity or indian mush; in this way I think it very

agreeable. but the most valuable of all their roots is foreign to this

neighbourhood I mean the Wappetoe, or the bulb of the Sagitifolia or

common arrow head, which grows in great abundance in the marshey

grounds of that beatifull and firtile valley on the Columbia commencing

just above the entrance of Quicksand River, and extending downwards for

about 70 Miles. this bulb forms a principal article of traffic between

the inhabitants of the valley and those of this neighbourhood or sea

coast. The instrument used by the natives in diging their roots is a

strong stick of 31/2 feet long sharpened at the lower end and it's

upper inscerted into a part of an Elks or buck's horn which serves as a

handle, standing transversely with the stick or it is in this form A

the lower point, B the upper part or handle.

[Clark, January 24, 1806]

Sunday 24th of January 1806

Drewyer and Bapteist laPage returned this morning in a large Canoe with

Commowol and six Clatsops. they brought two Deer and three Elk and one

elk Skin, haveing given the flesh of one other Elk they killed and

three Elk skins to the Indians as the price of their assistance in

transporting the ballance of the meat to the Fort; these Deer and Elk

were killed near pt. Adams and those Indians Carried them on their

Backs near 4 miles, before the waves were Sufficiently low to permit

their being taken on board their Canoes. The indians remain'd with us

all day. The Clapsots witnessed Drewyers Shooting Some of those Elk,

which has given them a very exolted opinion of us as marksmen and the

Superior excellency of our rifles Compared with their guns; this may

probably be of service to us, as it will deter them from any acts of

hostility if they have ever meditated any such.

our air gun also astonishes them very much, they Cannot Comprehend its

Shooting So often and without powder, and think that it is great

medison which Comprehends every thing that is to them incomprehensible.

The nativs of this neighbourhood ware no further Covering than a light

roabe, their feet legs & every other part exposed to the frost Snow &

ice &c.

[Lewis, January 25, 1806]

Sunday January 25th 1806.

Commowooll and the Clatsops departed early this morning. At meridian

Colter returned and repoted that his comrade hunter Willard had

continued his hunt from point Adams towards the salt makers; and that

they had killed only those two deer which the Indians brought

yesterday. In the evening Collins one of the saltmakers returned and

reported that they had mad about one bushel of salt & that himself and

two others had hunted from the salt camp for five days without killing

any thing and they had been obliged to subsist on some whale which they

procured from the natives.

The native fruits and buries in uce among the Indians of this

neighbourhood are a deep purple burry about the size of a small cherry

called by them Shal-lun, a small pale red bury called Sol'-me; the

vineing or low Crambury, a light brown bury reather larger and much the

shape of the black haw; and a scarlet bury about the size of a small

cherry the plant called by the Canadin Engages of the N. W. sac a

commis produces this bury; this plant is so called from the

circumstance of the Clerks of those trading companies carrying the

leaves of this plant in a small bag for the purpose of smokeing of

which they are excessively fond. the Indians call this bury ____

I have lately learned that the natives whome I have heretofore named as

distinct nations, living on the sea coast S. E. of the Killamucks, are

only bands of that numerous nation, which continues to extend itself

much further on that coast than I have enumerated them, but of the

particular appellations of those distant bands I have not yet been

enabled to inform myself; their language also is somewhat different

from the Clatsops Chinnooks and Cathlahmahs; but I have not yet obtaind

a vocabulary which I shall do the first oportunity which offers.

[Clark, January 25, 1806]

Monday 25th of January 1806

Commowol and the Clatsops departed early this morning. Colter returned

and reported that his comrade hunter Willard had Continued his hunt

from Point Adams towards the Saltmakers; and that they had killed only

those two deer which the indians brought yesterday; in the evening

Collins one of the Saltmakers returned and reported that they had made

about one bushel of Salt and that himself and two others had hunted

from the Salt Camp for five days without killing any thing and they had

been obliged to Subsist on Some whale which they purchased from the

nativs-.

The native fruits and berries in use among the Indians of this

neighbourhood are a Deep purple about the Size of a Small cherry called

by them Shal lun, a Small pale red berry called Sol me; the vineing or

low brown berry, a light brown berry rather larger and much the Shape

of a black haw; and a Scarlet berry about the Size of a Small Chirry

the plant Called by the Canadian Engages of the N. W. Sac a commis

produces this berry; this plant is So Called from the circumstances of

the Clerks of these tradeing Companies Carrying the leaves of this

plant in a Small bag for the purpose of Smokeing of which they are

excessively fond the Indians Call this berry ____

[Lewis, January 26, 1806]

Monday January 26th 1806.

Werner and Howard who were sent for salt on the 23rd have not yet

returned, we are apprehensive that they have missed their way; neither

of them are very good woodsmen, and this thick heavy timbered pine

country added to the constant cloudy weather makes it difficult for

even a good woodsman to steer for any considerable distance the course

he wishes. we ordered Collins to return early in the morning and rejoin

the salt makers, and gave him some small articles of merchandize to

purchase provisions from the Indians, in the event of their still being

unfortunate in the chase. The Shallun or deep purple berry is in form

much like the huckkleberry and terminates bluntly with a kind of cap or

cover at the end like that fruit; they are attatched seperately to the

sides of the boughs of the shrub by a very short stem hanging

underneath the same and are frequently placed very near each other on

the same bough; it is a full bearer. the berry is easily geathered as

it seperates from the bough readily, while the leaf is strongly

affixed. the shrub which produces this fruit rises to the hight of 6 or

8 feet sometimes grows on the high lands but moste generally in the

swampy or marshey grounds; it is an evergreen. the stem or trunk is

from three to 10 Inches in circumference irregularly and much branched,

seldom more than one steem proceding from the same root, tho they are

frequently associated very thickly. the bark is somewhat rough and of a

redish brown colour. the wood is very firm and hard. the leaves are

alternate declining and attatched by a short fotstalk to the two

horizontal sides of the boughs; the form is a long oval, reather more

accute towards its apex than at the point of insertion; it's margin

slightly serrate, it's sides colapsing or partially foalding upwards or

channelled; it is also thick firm smothe and glossey, the upper surface

of a fine deep green, while the under disk is of a pale or whiteish

green. this shrub retains it's virdure very perfectly during the winter

and is a beautifull shrub.--the natives either eat these berrys when

ripe immediately from the bushes or dryed in the sun or by means of

their sweating kilns; very frequently they pound them and bake then in

large loaves of 10 or fifteen pounds; this bread keeps very well during

one season and retains the moist jeucies of the fruit much better than

by any other method of preservation. this bread is broken and stired in

could water until it be sufficiently thick and then eaten; in this way

the natives most generally use it.

[Clark, January 26, 1806]

Tuesday 26th of January 1806

We order Collins to return early in the morning and join the Salt

makers, and gave him Some Small articles of merchendize to purchase

Some provisions from the indians in the event of their Still being

unfortunate in the chase.

The or deep purple berry is in form much like the huckleberry and

termonate bluntly with a kind of Cap or cover at the end like that

fruit; they are attached Seperately to the Sides of the boughes of the

shrub by a very Short Stem ganging under neath the Same, and are

frequently placed verry near each other on the Same bough it is a full

bearer; the berry is easily gathered as it Seperates from the bough,

readily, while the leaf is Strongly affixed. the Shrub which produces

this fruit rises to the hight of 6 or 8 feet Sometimes grows on high

lands but most frequently in Swampy or marshey grounds; it is an ever

green. the Stem or trunk is from 3 to 10 inches in circumferance

irrigularly and much branched, Seldom more than one Stem proceeding

from the Same root, tho they are frequently associated very thickly.

the bark is Somewhat rough and of a redish brown Colour. the wood is

very firm and hard. the leaves are alternate declining and attachd by a

Short fotstalk to the two horozontal Sides of the bough's; the form is

a long oval, reather more accute towards its apex that at the point of

insertion; it's Sides partially folding upwards; or Channeled, it is

also thick Smothe and glossy, the upper Surfice of a fine deep green,

while the under disk is of a pale or whiteish green. this Shrub retains

its verdure verry perfectly dureing the winter and is a butifull

Shrub-. the nativs either eate those berries ripe imediately from the

bushes, or dried in the Sun or by means of the Swetting kiln; verry

frequently they pound them and bake them in large loaves 10 or 15

pounds weight; this bread keeps verry well dureing one Season and

retains the moist jouicies of the frute much better than any other

method of preperation. The bread is broken and Stured in Coald water

untill it be Sufficiently thick and then eaten, in this way the nativ's

most generally use it-.-.

[Lewis, January 27, 1806]

Tuesday January 27th 1806.

This morning Collins set out for the Salt works. in the evening Shannon

returned and reported that himself and party had killed ten Elk. he

left Labuche and R. fields with the Elk. two of those Elk he informed

us were at the distance of nine miles from this place near the top of a

mountain, that the rout by which they mus be brought was at least four

miles by land through a country almost inaccessible from the fallen

timber, brush and sink-holes, which were now disgused by the snow; we

therefore concluded to relinquish those two Elk for the present, and

ordered every man who could be speared from the fort to go early in the

morning in surch of the other eight.

Goodrich has recovered from the Louis veneri which he contracted from

an amorous contact with a Chinnook damsel. I cured him as I did Gibson

last winter by the uce of murcury. I cannot learn that the Indians have

any simples which are sovereign specifics in the cure of this disease;

and indeed I doubt very much wheter any of them have any means of

effecting a perfect cure. when once this disorder is contracted by them

it continues with them during life; but always ends in decipitude,

death, or premature old age; tho from the uce of certain simples

together with their diet, they support this disorder with but little

inconvenience for many years, and even enjoy a tolerable share of

health; particularly so among the Chippeways who I believe to be better

skilled in the uce of those simples than any nation of Savages in North

America. The Chippeways use a decoction of the root of the Lobelia, and

that of a species of sumac common to the Atlantic states and to this

country near and on the Western side of the Rocky Mountains. this is

the smallest species of the sumac, readily distinguished by it's winged

rib, or common footstalk, which supports it's oppositely pinnate

leaves. these decoctions are drank freely and without limitation. the

same decoctions are used in cases of the gonnaerea and are effecatious

and sovereign. notwithstanding that this disorder dose exist among the

Indians on the Columbia yet it is witnessed in but few individuals, at

least the males who are always sufficiently exposed to the observations

or inspection of the phisician. in my whole rout down this river I did

not see more than two or three with the gonnaerea and about double that

number with the pox.

The beary which the natives call solme is the production of a plant

about the size and much the shape of that common to the atlantic states

which produces the berry commonly called Solloman's seal berry. this

berry also is attatched to the top of the stem in the same manner; and

is of a globelar form, consisting of a thin soft pellecle which

encloses a soft pulp inveloping from three to four seeds, white, firm,

smothe, and in the form of a third or quarter of a globe, and large in

proportion to the fruit or about the size of the seed of the common

small grape. this berry when grown and unripe is not speckled as that

of the Solomon's seal berry is; this last has only one globular smoth

white firm seed in each berry.the Solme grows in the woodlands among

the moss and is an annual plant to all appearance.

[Clark, January 27, 1806]

Wednesday 27th January 1806

This morning Collins Set out to the Saltmakers Shannon returned and

reported that himself and party had killed 10 Elk. he lef Labiech & R

Field with the Elk, two of those Elk he informed us was at the distance

of 9 miles from this place near the top of a mountain, that the rout by

which they must be brought was at least 5 miles by land thro a Countrey

almost inexcessable, from the fallen timber brush, and Sink holes,

which were now disguised by the Snow; we therefore Concluded to

relinquish those two Elks for the present, and ordered every man that

Could be Speared from the Fort to go early in the morning in Serch of

the other Eight, which is at no great distance from the Netul river, on

which we are. Goudrich has recoverd from the louis veneri which he

contracted from a amorous Contact with a Chinnook damsel. he was Cured

as Gibson was with murcury by ____ I cannot lern that the Indians have

any Simples Sovereign Specifics in the cure of this disease; indeed I

doubt verry much whether any of them have any means of effecting a

perfect cure. when once this disorder is contracted by them it

Continues with them dureing life; but always ends in decepitude, death;

or premature old age; tho from the use of certain Simples together with

their diet, they Support this disorder with but little inconveniance

for maney years, and even enjoy a tolerable Share of health;

particularly So among the Chippeways who I beleive to be better Skilled

in the use of those Simples than any nation of Indians in North

America. The Chippaways use a decoction of the root of the Labelia, and

that of a Species of Sumac Common to the Atlantic States and to this

countrey near and on the western Side of the Rocky mountains. This is

the Smallest Specis of Sumake, readily distinguished by it's winged

rib, or common footstalk, which Supports it's oppositly pinnate leaves.

these decoctions are drank freely and without limatation. the Same

decoctions are used also in cases of the gonnarea and are effecatious

and sovereign. notwithstanding that this disorder does exist among the

indians on the Columbia yet it is witnessed in but fiew individuals

high up the river, or at least the males who are always Sufficiently

exposed to the observation or inspection of the phisician. in my whole

rout down this river I did not See more than two or three with Gonnarea

and about double that number with the Pox.

The berry which the nativs Call Sol me is the production of a plant

about the Size and much the Shape of that Common to the atlantic States

which produces the berry Commonly Called Sollomons Seal berry this

berry is also attached to the top of the Stem in the Same manner; and

is of a globular form Consisting of a thin Soft Pellicle rine which

encloses a Soft Pellicle pulp inveloping from 3 to 4 Seed, white firm,

Smothe, and in the form of a third or a quarter of a Globe, and large

in perportion to the fruit, or about the Size of the Seed of the Common

Small grape. the berry when grown and unripe is not Specked as the

Solomon's seal Berry is; this last haveing only one Globaler Smothe,

ferm, white Seed in each berry-. the Sol me grows in the wood lands

amonge the moss and on the high ridges. and is an annual plant to all

appearance

[Lewis, January 28, 1806]

Wednesday January 28th 1806.

Drewyer and Baptiest La Page set out this morning on a hunting

excurtion. about noon Howard and Werner returned with a supply of salt;

the badness of the weather and the difficulty of the road had caused

their delay. they inform us that the salt makers are still much

straitened for provision, having killed two deer only in the last six

days; and that there are no Elk in their neighbourhood. The party that

were sent this morning up Netul river for the Elk returned in the even

ing with three of them only; the Elk had been killed just before the

snow fell which had covered them and so altered the apparent face of

the country that the hunters could not find the Elk which they had

killed. the river on which Fort Clatsop stands we now call Ne-tul, this

being the name by which the Clatsops call it.

The Cranbury of this neighbourhood is precisely the same common to the

U States, and is the production of marshey or boggy grounds. The light

brown berry, is the fruit of a tree about the size shape and appearance

in every rispect with that in the U. States called the wild crab apple;

the leaf is also precisely the same as is also the bark in texture and

colour. the berrys grow in clumps at the end of the small branches;

each berry supported by a seperate stem, and as many as from 3 to 18 or

20 in a clump. the berry is ovate with one of it's extremities

attatched to the peduncle, where it is in a small degre concave like

the insertion of the stem of the crab apple. I know not whether this

fruit can properly be denominated a berry, it is a pulpy pericarp, the

outer coat of which is in a thin smoth, tho firm tough pillecle; the

pericarp containing a membranous capsule with from three to four cells,

each containing a seperate single seed in form and colour like that of

the wild crab. The wood of this tree is excessively hard when seasoned.

the natives make great uce of it to form their wedges with which they

split their boards of pine for the purpose of building houses. these

wedges they also employ in spliting their fire-wood and in hollowing

out their canoes. I have seen the natives drive the wedges of this wood

into solid dry pine which it cleft without fracturing or injuring the

wedg in the smallest degree. we have also found this wood usefull to us

for ax handles as well as glutts or wedges. the native also have wedges

made of the beams of the Elk's horns which appear to answer extremely

well. this fruit is exceedingly assid, and resembles the flavor of the

wild crab.

[Clark, January 28, 1806]

Thursday 28th January 1806

Drewyer and Baptiest Lapage Set out this morning on a hunting

excurtion. about noon Howard & Werner returned with a Supply of Salt;

the badness of the weather and the dificuelty of the road had detained

them. they informed us that the Salt makers are Still much Stratened

for provisions haveing killed two deer only in the last Six days; and

that there are no Elk in their neighbourhood.

The party that was Sent up the Netul river for the Elk returned this

evening with three of them only; The Elk had been killed just before

the Snow fell which had Covered them and So altered the apparant face

of the Countrey that the hunters Could not find them. The River on

which Fort Clat Sop Stands we now call Netul, this being the name by

which the Clatsops Call it.

The Cranberry of this neighbourhood is precisely the Same Common to the

united States, and is the production of boggy or mashey grounds.-.

The light-brown berry, is the fruit of a tree, about the Size Shape and

appearance in every respect with that in the united States called the

wild Crab apple; the leaf is also presisely the Same as is also the

bark in textue and colour. the berry grows in Clumps at the ends of the

Smaller branches; each berry Supported by a Stem, and as maney as from

3 to 18 or 20 in a Clump. the berry is oval with one of its extremitis

attatched to the peduncle, where it is in a Small degree Concave like

the insersion of the Stem of the Crab apple. I know not whether this

fruit Can properly be denomonated a berry, it is a pulpy pericarp, the

outer coat of which is a thin Smothe, capsule with from three to four

Cells, each containing a Seperate Single Seed in form and Colour like

that of the wild Crab apple The wood of this tree is excessively hard

when Seasoned. The nativs make great use of it to form their wedges of

which they Split their boards of Pine for the purpose of building

houses. those wedges they employ in common with those formed of the

Elks horn, in Splitting their fire wood and in hollowing out their

Canoes. I have Seen the nativs drive the wedges of this wood into a

solid dry pine which it cleft without fractureing injuring the wedge in

the Smallest degree. we have also found this wood useful) to us for ax

handles, as well as glutt or wedges. The bark of this tree is chewed by

our party in place of tobacco.

The fruit is exceedingly ascid and resembles the flavor of the wild

Crab.

[Lewis, January 29, 1806]

Thursday January 29th 1806.

Nothing worthy of notice occurred today. our fare is the flesh of lean

elk boiled with pure water, and a little salt. the whale blubber which

we have used very sparingly is now exhausted. on this food I do not

feel strong, but enjoy the most perfect health;--a keen appetite

supplys in a great degree the want of more luxurious sauses or dishes,

and still render my ordinary meals not uninteresting to me, for I find

myself sometimes enquiring of the cook whether dinner or breakfast is

ready.-

The Sac a commis is the growth of high dry situations, and invariably

in a piney country or on it's borders. it is generally found in the

open piney woodland as on the Western side of the Rocky mountain but in

this neighbourhood we find it only in the praries or on their borders

in the more open wood lands; a very rich soil is not absolutely

necessary, as a meager one frequently produces it abundantly. the

natives on this side of the Rockey mountains who can procure this berry

invariably use it; to me it is a very tasteless and insippid fruit.

this shrub is an evergreen, the leaves retain their virdure most

perfectly through the winter even in the most rigid climate as on lake

Winnipic. the root of this shrub puts forth a great number of stems

which seperate near the surface of the ground; each stem from the size

of a small quill to that of a man's finger; these are much branched the

branches forming an accute angle with the stem, and all more poperly

pocumbent than creeping, for altho it sometimes puts forth radicles

from the stem and branches which strike obliquely into the ground,

these radicles are by no means general, equable in their distances from

each other nor do they appear to be calculated to furnish nutriment to

the plant but reather to hold the stem or branch in it's place. the

bark is formed of several thin layers of a smoth thin brittle substance

of a dark or redish brown colour easily seperated from the woody stem

in flakes. the leaves with rispect to their position are scatered yet

closely arranged near the extremities of the twigs particularly. the

leaf is about 3/4 of an inch in length and about half that in width, is

oval but obtusely pointed, absolutely entire, thick, smoth, firm, a

deep green and slightly grooved. the leaf is supported by a small

footstalk of proportionable length. the berry is attatched in an

irregular and scattered manner to the small boughs among the leaves,

tho frequently closely arranged, but always supported by seperate short

and small peduncles, the insertion of which poduces a slight concavity

in the bury while it's opposite side is slightly convex; the form of

the berry is a spheroid; the shorter diameter being in a line with the

peduncle.--this berry is a pericarp the outer coat of which is a thin

firm tough pellicle, the inner part consists of a dry mealy powder of a

yellowish white colour invelloping from four to six proportionably

large hard light brown seeds each in the form of a section of a

spheroid which figure they form when united, and are destitute of any

membranous covering.--the colour of this fruit is a fine scarlet. the

natives usually eat them without any preperation. the fruit ripens in

september and remains on the bushes all winter. the frost appears to

take no effect on it. these berries are sometimes geathered and hung in

their lodges in bags where they dry without further trouble, for in

their most succulent state they appear to be almost as dry as flour.

[Clark, January 29, 1806]

Friday 29th January 1806

Nothing worthey of notice occured to day. our fare is the flesh of lean

Elk boiled with pure water and a little Salt. the whale blubber which

we have used very Spearingly is now exhosted. on this food I do not

feel Strong, but enjoy tolerable health-. a keen appetite Supplies in a

great degree the want of more luxurious Sauses or dishes, and Still

renders my ordanary meals not uninteresting to me, for I find myself

Sometimes enquireing of the Cook whether dinner Supper or Brackfast is

readyindeed my appetite is but Seldom gratified, not even after I have

eaten what I conceve a Sufficency.-

Maney of the nativs of the Columbia were hats & most commonly of a

conic figure without a brim confined on the head by means of a String

which passes under the chin and is attached to the two opposit Sides of

a Secondary rim within the hat--the hat at top termonates in a pointed

knob of a conic form, or in this Shape. these hats are made of the bark

of Cedar and beargrass wrought with the fingers So closely that it

Casts the rain most effectually in the Shape which they give them for

their own use or that just discribed, on these hats they work various

figures of different colours, but most commonly only black and white

are employed. these figures are faint representations of the whales,

the Canoes, and the harpooners Strikeing them. Sometimes Square dimonds

triangle &c. The form of a knife which Seems to be prefured by those

people is a double Edged and double pointed dagger the handle being

near the middle, the blades of uneaquel length, the longest from 9 to

10 incs. and the Shorter one from 3 to 5 inches. those knives they

Carry with them habitually and most usially in the hand, Sometimes

exposed, when in Company with Strangers under their Robes with this

knife they Cut & Clense their fish make their arrows &c. this is the

form of the Knife A is a Small loop of a Strong twine throng through

which they Sometimes they incert the thumb in order to prevent it being

wrested from their hand.-.

[Lewis, January 30, 1806]

Friday January 30th 1806.

Nothing transpired today worthy of notice. we are agreeably

disappointed in our fuel which is altogether green pine. we had

supposed that it burn but illy, but we have found that by spliting it

that it burns very well. The dress of the Clatsops and others in this

neighbourhood differs but little from that discribed of the skillutes;

they never wear leggins or mockersons which the mildness of this

climate I presume has rendered in a great measure unnecessary; and

their being obliged to be frequently in the water also renders those

articles of dress inconvenient. they wear a hat of a conic figure

without a brim confined on the head by means of a string which passes

under the chin and is attatched to the two opsite sides of a secondary

rim within the hat. the hat at top terminates in a pointed knob of a

connic form also, or in this shape. these hats are made of the bark of

cedar and beargrass wrought with the fingers so closely that it casts

the rain most effectually in the shape which they give them for their

own uce or that just discribed. on these hats they work various figures

of different colours, but most commonly only black and white are

employed. these figures are faint representations of whales the canoes

and the harpoonneers striking them. sometimes squares dimonds triangles

&c. The form of knife which seems to be prefered by these people is a

double edged and double pointed daggar; the handle being in the middle,

and the blades of unequal lengths, the longest usually from 9 to ten

inches and the shorter one from four to five. these knives they carry

with them habitually and most usually in the hand, sometimes exposed

but most usually particularly when in company with strangers, under

their robes with this knife they cut and clense their fish make their

arrows &c. this is somewhat the form of the knife--A is a small loop of

a strong twine through which they sometimes insert the thumb in order

to prevent it's being wrested from their hand.

[Clark, January 30, 1806]

Fort Clatsop on the Pacific Ocian

on the South Side of the Columbia River

Thursday 30th January 1806

Nothing transpired to day worthey of notice. we are agreeably

disapointed in our fuel which is altogether green pine. we had Supposed

that it burned badly, but we have found by Spliting it burns very well.

The dress of the Clatsops and others of the nativs in the neighbourhood

differ but little from that described of the Skilutes and Wau ki a

cums; they never ware ligins or mockersons which the mildness of the

Climate I presume has rendered in a great measure unnecessary; and

their being obliged to be frequently in the water also renders those

articles of dress inconveniant.