[Lewis, April 16, 1806]

Wednesday April 16th 1806.

About 8 A.M. Capt. Clark passed the river with the two interpreters,

the indian woman and nine men in order to trade with the natives for

their horses, for which purpose he took with him a good part of our

stock of merchandize. I remained in camp; sent out the hunters very

early in the morning, and set Sergts. Gass and Pryor with some others

at work to make a parsel of packsaddles. twelve horses will be

sufficient to transport our baggage and some pounded fish which we

intend taking with us as a reserved store for the rocky mountains. I

was visited today by several of the natives, and amused myself in

making a collection of the esculent plants in the neighbourhood such as

the Indians use, a specemine of which I preserved. I also met with

sundry other plants which were strangers to me which I also preserved,

among others there is a currant which is now in blume and has yellow

blossom something like the yellow currant of the Missouri but is a

different speceis. Reubin Feilds returned in the evening and brought

with him a large grey squrrel and two others of a kind I had never

before seen. they are a size less than the grey squirrel common to the

middle atlantic states and of a pided grey and yellowish brown colour,

in form it resembles our grey squrrel precisely. I had them skined

leaving the head feet and tail to them and placed in the sun to dry.

Joseph Feilds brought me a black pheasant which he had killed; this I

found on examination to be the large black or dark brown pheasant I had

met with on the upper part of the Missouri. it is as large as a well

grown fowl the iris of the eye is of a dark yellowish brown, the puple

black, the legs are booted to the toes, the tail is composed of 18

black feathers tiped with bluish white, of which the two in the center

are reather shorter than the others which are all of the same length.

over the eye there is a stripe of a 1/4 of an inch in width uncovered

with feathers of a fine orrange yellow. the wide spaces void of

feathers on the side of the neck are also of the same colour. I had

some parts of this bird preserved. our present station is the last

point at which there is a single stick of timber on the river for a

great distance and is the commencement of the open plains which extend

nearly to the base of the rocky Mts. Labuish returned this evening

having killed two deer I sent and had them brought in. this evening

Capt. C. informed me by some of the men whom he sent over that that he

had obtained no horses as yet of the natives. that they promised to

trade with him provided he would remove to their vil-lage. to this he

had consented and should proceede to the Skillute village above the

long narrows as soon as the men returned whom he had sent to me for

some other articles. I dispatched the men on their return to capt. C.

immediately with these articles and he set out with his party

accompanyed by the natives to their village where he remained all

night.--the natives who had spent the day with me seemed very well

disposed, they left me at 6 in the evening and returned to their

rispective villages. the hunters informed me that they saw some

Antelopes, & the tracks of several black bear, but no appearance of any

Elk. we were informed by the Indians that the river which falls in on

the S. side of the Columbia just above the Eneshur village heads in

Mount hood and dose not water the extensive country which we have

heretofore calculated on. a great portion of that extensive tract of

country to the S. and S. W. of the Columbia and it's S. E. branch, and

between the same and the waters of Callifornia must be watered by the

Multnomah river.-

[Clark, April 16, 1806]

April 16th 1806

Crossed the river and Sent Drewyer & Goodrich to the Skil lute village

to envite the Indians to trade horses with us, also sent Frazer &

Shabono to the Che-luck-kit-ti-quar village for the same purpose a

number of Indians came of both nations and delayed the greater part of

the day without tradeing a Single horse the Great Chief of the

Skillutes also came with Drewyer. he was lame and Could not walk he

told me if I would go to his Town his people would trade with me. I Set

out late and arrived at Sunset and informd. the natives that in the

morning I would trade with them. he gave me onions to eate which had

been Sweated. Peter played the violin and the men danced. Saw abt. 100

Stacks of fish. maney nations visit this place for trade. the

discription of the houses, their dress habits &c. Smoked &c. I saw

great numbers of horses

[Clark, April 16, 1806]

Wednesday April 16th 1806

about 8 oClock this morning I passed the river with the two

interpreters, and nine men in order to trade with the nativs for their

horses, for which purpose I took with me a good part of our Stock of

merchindize. Capt L. Sent out the hunters and Set Several men at work

makeing pack Saddles. twelve horses will be Sufficient to trans port

our baggage and Some pounded fish with our dried Elk. which we intend

takeing with us as a reserved Store for the Plains & rocky mountains. I

formed a Camp on the N. Side and Sent Drewyer & Goodrich to the

Skillute Village, and Shabono & Frazer down to the Chilluckkitequaw

Villages with derections to inform the nativs that I had Crossed the

river for the purpose of purchaseing horses, and if they had horses to

Sell us to bring them to my Camp. Great numbers of Indians came from

both Villages and delayed the greater part of the day without tradeing

a Single horse. Drewyer returned with the principal Chief of the

Skillutes who was lame and Could not walk. after his arival Some horses

were offered for Sale, but they asked nearly half the merchindize I had

with me for one horse. this price I could not think of giveing. the

Chief informed me if I would go to his town with him, his people would

Sell me horses. I therefore Concluded to accompany him to his Village 7

miles distant. we Set out and arrived at the Village at Sunset. after

Some Serimony I entered the house of the Chief. I then informed them

that I would trade with them for their horses in the morning for which

I would give for each horse the articles which I had offered yestered.

The Chief Set before me a large platter of Onions which had been

Sweeted. I gave a part of those onions to all my party and we all eate

of them, in this State the root is very Sweet and the tops tender. the

nativs requested the party to dance which they very readily consented

and Peter Cruzat played on the Violin and the men danced Several dances

& retired to rest in the houses of the 1st and Second Cheif.

this village is moved about 300 yards below the Spot it Stood last fall

at the time we passed down. they were all above grown and built in the

Same form of those below already discribed. We observed maney stacks of

fish remaining untouched on either Side of the river. The Inhabitents

of this Village ware the robe of deer Elk Goat &c. and most of the men

ware Legins and mockersons and Shirts highly ornimented with Porcupine

quills & beeds. the women were the Truss most Commonly. tho Some of

them have long Shirts all of those articles they precure from other

nations who visit them for the purpose of exchangeing those articles

for their pounded fish of which they prepare great quantities. This is

the Great Mart of all this Country. ten different tribes who reside on

Taptate and Catteract River visit those people for the purpose of

purchaseing their fish, and the Indians on the Columbia and Lewis's

river quite to the Chopunnish Nation Visit them for the purpose of

tradeing horses buffalow robes for beeds, and Such articles as they

have not. The Skillutes precure the most of their Cloth knivs axes &

beeds from the Indians from the North of them who trade with white

people who come into the inlets to the North at no great distance from

the Tapteet. their horses of which I saw great numbers, they precure

from the Indians who reside on the banks of the Columbia above, and

what fiew they take from the To war ne hi ooks or Snake Indians. I

smoked with all the principal men of this nation in the house of their

great Cheif and lay my Self down on a Mat to Sleep but was prevented by

the mice and vermin with which this house abounded and which was very

troublesom to me.

[Lewis, April 17, 1806]

Thursday April 17th 1806.

This morning early I sent out the hunters, and set several additional

hands about the packsaddles. I find that the sturgeon is not taken by

any of the natives above the Columbean vally. the inhabitants of the

rapids at this time take a few of the white salmon trout and

considerable quantities of a small indifferent mullet on which they

principally subsist. I have seen none except dryed fish of the last

season in the possession of the people above that place, they subsist

on roots principally with some dryed and pounded fish. the salmon not

having made their appearance proves a serious inconvenience to us. but

few of the natives visited my camp today and those only remained a few

hours. even at this place which is merely on the border of the plains

of Columbia the climate seems to have changed the air feels dryer and

more pure. the earth is dry and seems as if there had been no rain for

a week or ten days. the plain is covered with a rich virdure of grass

and herbs from four to nine inches high and exhibits a beautiful) seen

particularly pleasing after having been so long imprisoned in mountains

and those almost impenetrably thick forrests of the seacoast. Joseph

Feilds brought me today three eggs of the party coloured corvus, they

are about the size and shape of those of the pigeon. they are bluish

white much freckled with dark redish brown irregular spots, in short it

is reather a mixture of those colours in which the redish brown

predominates, particularly towards the larger end.--This evening

Willard and Cruzatte returned from Capt. Clark and brought me a note in

which Capt. C. informed me that he had sill been unsuccessful) having

not obtained a single horse as yet from the natives and the state of

our stores are so low that I begin to fear we shall not be enabled to

obtain as many horses at this place as will convey our baggage and

unless we do obtain a sufficient number for that purpose we shall not

hasten our progress as a part of our baggage must still be conveyed by

water. Capt. C. informed me that he should proceed as far as the

Eneshur village today and would return tomorrow and join me at the

Skillute village to which place I mean to proceed with the party

tomorrow. I dispatched Shannon with a note to Capt. Clark in which I

requested him to double the price we have heretofore offered for horses

and if possible obtain as many as five, by this means we shall be

enabled to proceed immediately with our small canoes and those horses

to the villages in the neighbourhood of the mussel shell rapid where

horses are more abundant and cheaper; with the remainder of our

merchandize in addition to the canoes we can no doubt obtain as many

horses there as will answer our purposes. delay in the villages at the

narrows and falls will be expensive to us inasmuch as we will be

compelled to purchase both fuel and food of the indians, and might the

better enable them to execute any hostile desighn should they meditate

any against us.--all the hunters returned in the evening. Sheilds had

killed one deer which he brought with him. the packsaddles were

completed this evening. I had some Elkskins put in the water today make

harnes for the packhorses but shall not cut them untill I know the

number we can obtain.--there is a species of hiasinth in these plains

the bulb of which the natives eat either boiled baked or dryed in the

sun. this bulb is white, not entirely solid, and of a flat form; the

bulb of the present year overlays, or crowns that of the last, and

seems to be pressed close to it, the old bulb is withered much thiner

equally wide with that of the present year and sends fourth from it's

sides a number of small radicles.--this hiasinth is of a pale blue

colour and is a very pretty flower. I preserved a specemine of it.

[Clark, April 17, 1806]

April 17th 1806

I rose early and took a position near to the village and exposed the

artiles I had for Sale Great numbers of Indians Came from different

derections, Some from below Some above and others across the Countrey

from the Tapteet river See description of the Nations &c.--I obtained a

Sketch of the Columbia as also Clarks river. See sketch I made a bargin

with the Chief who has more horses than all the village besides for 2

horses. Soon after he Canseled his bargin, and we again bargined for 3

horses, they were brought forward, and only one fit for Service, the

others had Such intolerable backs as to render them entirely unfit for

Service. as I would not take the 3 he would not Sell the good one to

me, and we were off the bargin. I then packed up and was about Setting

out for the Falls when one Indian Sold me 2 horses and one other one

horse, and Some others Said they wished to trade which caused me to

conclude to delay here one other night. Maney of the natives from above

Come and Said they would trade, but asked a higher price than I thought

I could give or reather more than this nation asked.--Great numbers of

Men.--I hed to purchase 3 dogs for the men to eate & Some

Shap-per-lell. I Sent Crusat, Wiser, Willard and McNeal back to Capt

Lewis informing him of my ill Suck'sess, and adviseing him to proceed

on to this place as Soon as possible, and my intention of proceededing

on to the falls to purchase horses if possible Several Indians arived

late this evening. Capt. Lewis Sent me a note by Shannon informing me

that he would Set early on tomorrow morning early &c. &c. I sleped in

house of the 2d Chief and they had not any thing except fish to eate

and no wood for fire. those people have a number of buffalow robes.

They have great number of Skimming nets

[Clark, April 17, 1806]

Thursday 17th of April 1806

I rose early after bad nights rest, and took my merchindize to a rock

which afforded an elegable Situation for my purpose, and at a Short

distance from the houses, and divided the articles of merchindize into

parsels of Such articles as I thought best Calculated to pleas the

Indians, and in each parcel I put as many articles as we could afford

to give, and thus exposed them to view, informing the Indians that each

parcel was intended for a horse. they tanterlised me the greater part

of the day, Saying that they had Sent out for their horses and would

trade as Soon as they Came. Several parcels of merchindize was laid by

for which they told me they would bring horses. I made a bargin with

the Chief for 2 horses, about an hour after he canseled the bargin and

we again bargained for 3 horses which were brought foward, only one of

the 3 could be possibly used the other two had Such intolerable backs

as to render them entirely unfit for Service. I refused to take two of

them which displeased him and he refused to part with the 3rd. I then

packed up the articles and was about Setting out for the Village above

when a man Came and Sold me two horses, and another man Sold me one

horse, and Several others informed me that they would trade with me if

I would Continue untill their horses could be drove up. this induced me

to Continue at this Village another day. Maney of the nativs from

different villages on the Columbia above offered to trade, but asked

Such things as we had not and double as much of the articles which I

had as we could afford to give. this was a very unfavourable

circumstance as my dependance for precureing a Sufficiency of horses

rested on the Suckcess above where I had reasons to believe there were

a greater abundance of those animals, and was in hopes of getting them

on better terms. I purchased 3 dogs for the party with me to eate and

Some Chap-pa-lell for my Self. before precureing the 3 horses I

dispatched Crusat, Willard & McNeal and Peter Wiser to Capt Lewis at

the Rock fort Camp with a note informing him of my ill Suckcess in

precureing horses, and advised him to proceed on to this place as Soon

as possible. that I would in the mean time proceed on to the Enesher

Nation above the Great falls and try to purchase Some horses of that

people. Soon after I had dispatched this party the Chief of the

Enesher's and 15 or 20 of his people visited me and appeared to be

anxious to See the articles I offered for the horses. Several of them

agreeed to let me have horses if I would add Sundery articles to those

I offered which I agreeed to, and they lay'd those bundles by and

informed me they would deliver me the horses in the morning. I proposed

going with them to their Town. the Chief informed me that their horses

were all in the plains with their womin gathering roots. they would

Send out and bring the horses to this place tomorrow. this entiligence

was flattering, tho I doubted the Sincerity of those people who had

Several times disapointed me in a Similar way. however I deturmined to

Continue untill tomorrow. in the mean time industously employd. our

Selves with the great multitude of indians of differant Nations about

us trying to purchase horses. Shabono purchased a verry fine Mare for

which he gave Hurmen, Elks Teeth, a belt and Some other articles of no

great value. no other purchase was made in the Course of this day. in

the evening I recved a note from Capt L--by Shannon informing me that

he Should Set out early on tomorrow morning and Should proceed up to

the bason 2 miles below the Skillute Village. and adviseing me to give

double the prices which we had first agreed on for each horse. I

observe at every house Scooping Nets with which they take the Salmon.

I was envited into the house of the 2nd Chief where Concluded to Sleep.

this man was pore nothing to eat but dried fish, and no wood to burn.

altho the night was Cold they Could not rase as much wood as would make

a fire

[Lewis, April 18, 1806]

Friday April 18th 1806.

Late last evening we were visited by the principal cheif of

Chilluckkittaquaws and 12 of his nation they remained with us untill 9

OC. when they all departed except the Cheif and two others who slept at

my feet. we loaded our vessels and set out after an early breakfast

this morning. we gave the indians a passage to the N. shore on which

they reside and pursued our rout to the foot of the first rapid at the

distance of 4 ms. here we found it necessary to unload the perogues and

canoes and make a portage of 70 paces over a rock; we then drew our

vessels up by a cord and the assistance of setingpoles. from hence we

proceeded to the bason below the long narrows 5 ms. further and landed

on the Lard. side at 1/2 after 3. the Cheif when he left me this

morning promised to bring some horses to barter with me at the bason.-

the long narrows are much more formidable than they were when we

decended them last fall there would be no possibility of passind either

up or down them in any vessel.--after unloading the canoes and

arranging the camp I walked up to the Skillute Village and jouined

Capt. he had procured four horses only for which a high price had been

given, at least more than double that which we had formerly given for

those which we purchased from the Shoshonees and the first band of

Flatheads. they have a great abundance of horses but will not dispose

of them. we determined to make the portage to the head of the long

narrows with our baggage and five small canoes. the 2 perogues we could

take no further and therefore cut them up for fuel. in the evening

Capt. C. and myself returned to the camp at the bason and left Drewyer

and three others with the merchandize at the village, three parsels of

which had been laid by at the request of individuals who promised to

give us horses for them in the morning.--I shot my airgun in the

presents of the natives at the village which excited great astonishment.

[Clark, April 18, 1806]

April 18th 1806

early this morning I was awoke by a Indian from the nieghbourhood of

our horses, he had he arived here yesterday & this morning found a

Small bag of powder and ball which had been left when we exposed our

goods yesterday and brought it to me. I had a fire made out and exposed

the articles &c. having increased the articles for each horse, and Sent

out 2 men to hunt the horses bought yesterday. after Colecting them

Sent Shabono and Frazer with the 4 I had purchased down to Capt Lewis.

and was tanterlised with the expectation of purchaseing more

imediately. Great numbers of the Indians from the falls and both above

and below. none of them appeared anxious to part with their horses but

told me that Several were Comeing from the plains about 1 or 2 P M. and

laid by 2 parcels of merchindize and told me that they had Sent for

their horses. among other Tribes was those of the Skad-datts who

bantered the Skillutes to play with them at a Singular Kind of game

which was Soon Made up and 9 of aside Sat down they were Some time

making up their bets of Beeds, brass thimbles or tubes robes &c. &c.

when the bets were all made up the nine on each Side took opposides

faceing each other at the distance of about 12 feet. in front of each

party was placed a long pole on which they Struck with a Stick and

Sung. they made use of 2 Small pices of bone in this form and Size a

bone was given to 2 men of the Same party who changed it from hand to

hand with great dexterity one hand above the other looking down, and

when he was ready for the opposit party to guess he Seperated his hands

Swinging them around the breast looking at the opposit party who waved

their hand to the Side the bone was in. if the opposit party guessed

the hand of each man the bone was given to them. if neither it was

nothing. if they guessed one which they might single out if they

pleased they recived his bone, and lost on the other as they hapened to

fail in guessing the also lose one if they fail guessing both The game

is plaid at different numbers & each party has 5 sticks. Several of

those games were played to day in which the Skillute won, indeed the

won all the beeds and Som robes of the Skad datts which they _____ one

other game which they also played _____ 2 by men with 4 Sticks. 2 black

& 2 White under a kind of hat made of bark. as this is a very intrecut

game I cannot describe it: the one who holds the Sticks places them in

different positions, and the opposit party, guess the position of the

black Sticks by a motion of either one or both of the hands. each man

has 4 Sticks. this as also the other is accompanied with a kind of

Song. This hat is about 12 inches diamuter and the Sticks about 5

inches long---at 3 P M Sergt Ordway arived with 3 men from Capt Lewis

with elk skins and Some fiew articles Such as a Coat & robes. I had 3

dogs purchased, Soon after Capt. Lewis Came up with J. Fields he had

assended the river with much dificuelty to the bason 2 Miles below. I

left Drewyer, Warner, Shannon & Goodrich with the articles and went

down with Capt Lewis to the bason, Cut up 2 of our canoes for fire wood

no horses more maney nations resort here for trade

[Clark, April 18, 1806]

Friday 18th April 1806

Early this Morning I was awoke by an indian man of the Chopunnish

Nation who informed me that he lived in the neighbourhood of our

horses. this man delivered me a bag of powder and ball which he had

picked up this morning at the place the goods were exposed yesterday I

had a fire made of Some poles purchased of the nativs at a Short

distance from the houses and the articles exposed as yesterday.

Collected the 4 horses purchased yesterday and Sent Frazier and Shabono

with them to the bason where I expected they would meet Cap L-s and

Commence the portage of the baggage on those horses. about 10 A.M. the

Indians Came down from the Eneesher Villages and I expected would take

the articles which they had laid by yesterday. but to my estonishment

not one would make the exchange to day-. two other parcels of good were

laid by and the horses promised at 2 P.M. I payed but little attention

to this bargain however Suffered the bundles to lye. I dressed the

Sores of the principal Chief gave Some Small things to his children and

promised the Chief Some Medicine for to Cure his Sores. his wife who I

found to be a Sulky Bitch and was Somewhat efflicted with pains in her

back. this I thought a good oppertunity to get her on my Side giveing

here Something for her back. I rubed a little Camphere on her temples

and back, and applyed worm flannel to her back which She thought had

nearly restored her to her former feelings. this I thought a favourable

time to trade with the Chief who had more horses than all the nation

besides. I accordingly made him an offer which he excepted and Sold me

two horses. Great numbers of Indians from defferent derections visited

me at this place to day, none of them appeared willing to part with

their horses, but told me that Several were Comeing from the plains

this evening. among other Nations who visit this place for the purpose

of trade is the Skad-datt's. those people bantered the Skillutes to

play at a Singular kind of game. in the Course of the day the Skillutes

won all their beeds Skins arrows &c. This game was Composed of 9 men on

a Side. they Set down opposit to each other at the distance of about 10

feet. in front of each party a long pole was placed on which they

Struck with a Small Stick to the time of their Songs. after the bets

were made up which was nearly half an hour after they Set down, two

round bones was producd about the Size of a mans little finger or

Something Smaller and 21/4 inches in length. which they held in their

hand Changeing it from one hand to the other with great dexterity. 2

men on the Same Side performed this part, and when they had the bone in

the hand they wished, they looked at their advosarys Swinging arms

around their Sholders for their advosary Guess which they pirformed by

the motion the hand either to the right or left. if the opposit party

guessed the hand of both of the men who had the bone, the bones were

given to them. if neither the bones was retained and nothing Counted.

if they guessed one and not the other, one bone was dilivered up and

the party possessing the other bone Counted one. and one for every time

the advosary miss guessed untill they guessed the hand in which the

bone was in-in this game each party has 5 Sticks. and one Side wins all

the Sticks, once twice or thrice as the game may be Set. I observed

another game which those people also play and is played by 2 persons

with 4 Sticks about the Size of a mans finger and about 7 inches in

length. two of those Sticks are black and the other 2 White and

Something larger than the black ones. those Sticks they place in

defferent positions which they perform under a kind of trencher made of

bark round and about 14 inches diamieter. this is a very intricate game

and I cannot Sufficiently understand to discribe it. the man who is in

possession of the Sticks &c places them in defferent positions, and the

opposit party tels the position of the black Sticks by a motion of

either or both of his hands &c. this game is Counted in the Same way as

the one before mentioned. all their games are accompanied with Songs

and time. at 3 P. M Sergt. Ordway & three men arived from Cap Lewis

they brought with them Several Elk Skins, two of my Coats and 4 robes

of the party to add to the Stores I had with me for the purchase of

horses. Sgt. O. informed me that Cap L. had arived with all the Canoes

into the bason 2 miles below and wished Some dogs to eate. I had 3 dogs

purchased and Sent down. at 5 P.M. Capt. Lewis Came up. he informed me

that he had the river to the bason with much difecuelty and danger,

haveing made one portage. as I had not Slept but very little for the

two nights past on account of mice & virmen with which those indian

houses abounded, and haveing no blanket with me, and the means of

keeping a fire Sufficent to keep me worm out was too Expensive I

deturmined to proceed with Capt L. down to Camp at the bason. I left

the Articles of Merchendize &c. with Drewyer, Werner, Shannon &

Goodrich untill the morning---at the bason we Cut up two of our Canoes

for fire wood verry much to the Sagreen of the nativs not with standing

they would give us nothing for them. In my absence Several Inds.

visited Capt. Lewis at his camp among others was the great Cheif of the

Chilluckkitquaw who Continued with him untill he left Rock fort Camp.

Capt L. had 12 pack Saddles Completed and Strings prepared of the Elk

skins for Lashing the loads he also kept out all the hunters who killed

just deer enough for the party with him to Subsist on. The Cheif who

had Visited Capt Lewis promised him that he would bring Some horses to

the bason and trade with him. but he was not as good as his word. Capt

Lewis gave a large Kittle for a horse which was offered to him at the

bason this evening.

[Lewis, April 19, 1806]

Saturday Aprl. 19th 1806.

This morning early we had our small canoes drawn out, and employed all

hands in transporting our baggage on their backs and by means of the

four pack horses, over the portage. This labour we had accomplished by

3 P.M. and established our camp a little above the present Skil-lute

village which has been removed a few hundred yards lower down the river

than when we passed them last fall and like others below have the

floors of their summer dwellings on the surface of the earth instead of

those cellars in which they resided when we passed them. there was

great joy with the natives last night in consequence of the arrival of

the salmon; one of those fish was caught; this was the harbinger of

good news to them. they informed us that these fish would arrive in

great quantities in the course of about 5 days. this fish was dressed

and being divided into small peices was given to each child in the

village. this custom is founded in a supersticious opinon that it will

hasten the arrival of the salmon. with much difficulty we obtained four

other horses from the Indians today, we wer obliged to dispence with

two of our kettles in order to acquire those. we have now only one

small kettle to a mess of 8 men. in the evening Capt. Clark set out

with four men to the Enesher village at the grand falls in order to

make a further attempt to procure horses. these people are very

faithless in their contracts. they frequently receive the merchandize

in exchange for their horses and after some hours insist on some

additional article being given them or revoke the exchange. they have

pilfered several small articles from us this evening.--I directed the

horses to be hubbled & suffered to graize at a little distance from our

camp under the immediate eye of the men who had them in charge. one of

the men Willard was negligent in his attention to his horse and

suffered it to ramble off; it was not to be found when I ordered the

others to be brought up and confined to the picquits. this in addition

to the other difficulties under which I laboured was truly provoking. I

repremanded him more severely for this peice of negligence than had

been usual with me. I had the remaining horses well secured by

picquits; they were extreemly wrestless and it required the attention

of the whole guard through the night to retain them notwithstanding

they were bubbled and picquted. they frequently throwed themselves by

the ropes by which they were confined. all except one were stone horse

for the people in this neighbourhood do not understand the art of

gelding them, and this is a season at which they are most vicious. many

of the natives remained about our camp all night.

[Clark, April 19, 1806]

April 19th 1806

this morning early Some rain had the Small Canoes hauled out to dry

every man Capable of Carrying a load Comencd the portage and by 5 P. M

had every part of our baggage and canoes across the portage. I then

took Sgt. Pryor, G. Shannon & Crusat & Labiech and went up to the falls

at which place I arivd. about 8 P.M. in the Course of this day I

purchased 4 horses at the town & Capt Lewis purchased one. the nativs

finding that we were about to proceed on by water Sold us those fiew

horses for which we were Compd. to pay them emence prices and the

horses were indefferent. Several Showers of rain this day. description

of those people &c narrows bad

[Clark, April 19, 1806]

Saturday 19th April 1806.

We deturmined to make the portage to the head of the long narrows with

our baggage and 5 Small Canoes, the 2 large Canoes we Could take no

further and therefore Cut them up for fuel. we had our Small Canoes

drawn up very early and employed all hands in transporting our baggage

on their backs and by means of 4 pack horses, over the portage. This

labour we had accomplished by 3 P.M. and established our Camp a little

above the present Skillute village which has been removed as before

observed a fiew hundred yards lower down the river than when we passed

it last fall. I left Capt L. at the bason and proceeded to the village

early this morning with a view to recive the horses which were promised

to be brought this morning for articles laid by last evining. in the

Course of this day I purchased four horses at the Village, and Capt

Lewis one at the bason before he left it. after the baggage was all

Safely landed above the portage, all hands brought over the Canoes at 2

lodes which was accomplished by 5 P.M. as we had not a Sufficiency of

horses to transport our baggage we agreed that I should proceed on to

the Enesher villages at the great falls of the Columbia and if possible

purchase as maney horses as would transport the baggage from that

place, and rid us of the trouble and dificuelty of takeing our Canoes

further. I set out with Serjt Pryor, Geo Shannon Peter Crusat & Labiech

at half past 5 P.M. for the Enesher Village at which place I arrived at

8 P.M. Several Showers of rain in the after part of to day, and the S W

wind very high. there was great joy with the nativs last night in

consequence of the arrival of the Salmon; one of those fish was cought,

this was the harbenger of good news to them. They informed us that

those fish would arive in great quantities in the Course of about 5

days. this fish was dressed and being divided into Small pieces was

given to each Child in the village. this Custom is founded on a

Supersticious opinion that it will hasten the arrival of the Salmon.

we were oblige to dispence with two of our kitties in order to acquire

two of the horses purchasd. to day. we have now only one Small kittle

to a mess of 8 men. These people are very fathless in Contracts; they

frequently reive the merchindize in exchange for their horses and after

Some hours insist on Some additional article being given them or revoke

the exchange.

The long narrows are much more formadable than they were when we

decended them last fall, there would be no possibility of passing

either up or down them in any vessle at this time.

I entered the largest house of the Eneeshers village in which I found

all the enhabitents in bead. they rose and made a light of Straw, they

haveing no wood to burn. many men Collected. we Smoked and I informed

them that I had come to purchase a fiew horses of them. they promused

to Sell me Some in the morning.

[Lewis, April 20, 1806]

Sunday April 20th 1806.

some frost this morning. The Enesher an Skillutes are much better clad

than they were last fall, there men have generally legings mockersons

and large robes; many of them wear shirts of the same form with those

of the Shoshone Chopunnish &c highly ornamented with porcupine quills.

the dress of their women differs very little from those of the great

rapids and above. their children frequently wear robes of the large

grey squirrel skins, those of the men and women are principally deer

skins, some wolf, elk, bighorn and buffaloe; the latter they procure

from the nations who sometimes visit the Missouri. indeed a

considerable poportion of their wearing apparel is purchased from their

neighbours to the N. W. in exchange for pounded fish copper and beads.

at present the principal village of the Eneshur is below the falls on

the N. side of the river. one other village is above the falls on the

S. side and another a few miles above on the N. side. the first

consists of 19, the 2cd of 11, and the 3rd of 5 lodges. their houses

like those of the Skillutes have their floors on the surface of the

ground, but are formed of sticks and covered with mats and straw. they

are large and contain usually several families each for fuel they use

straw, small willows and the southern wood. they use the silk grass in

manufacturing their fishing nets and bags, the bear grass and cedar

bark are employed in forming a variety of articles. they are poor,

dirty, proud, haughty, inhospitable, parsimonious and faithless in

every rispect, nothing but our numbers I beleive prevents their

attempting to murder us at this moment.

This morning I was informed that the natives had pilfered six

tommahawks and a knife from the party in the course of the last night.

I spoke to the cheif on this subject. he appeared angry with his people

and addressed them but the property was not restored. one horse which I

had purchased and paid for yesterday and which could not be found when

I ordered the horses into close confinement yesterday I was now

informed had been gambled away by the rascal who had sold it to me and

had been taken away by a man of another nation. I therefore took the

goods back from this fellow. I purchased a gun from the cheif for which

I gave him 2 Elkskins. in the course of the day I obtained two other

indifferent horses for which I gave an extravigant price. I found that

I should get no more horses and therefore resolved to proceed tomorrow

morning with those which I had and to convey the baggage in two small

canoes that the horses could not carry. for this purpose I had a load

made up for seven horses, the eighth Bratton was compelled to ride as

he was yet unable to walk. I barted my Elkskins old irons and 2 canoes

for beads. one of the canoes for which they would give us but little I

had cut up for fuel. These people have yet a large quantity of dryed

fish on hand yet they will not let us have any but for an exorbitant

price. we purchased two dogs and some shappellel from them. I had the

horses graized untill evening and then picquited and bubbled within the

limits of our camp. I ordered the indians from our camp this evening

and informed them that if I caught them attempting to perloin any

article from us I would beat them severely. they went off in reather a

bad humour and I directed the party to examine their arms and be on

their guard. they stole two spoons from us in the course of the day.

The Scaddals, Squan-nan-os, Shan-wah-purrs and Shallattas reside to the

N. W. of these people, depend on hunting deer and Elk and trade with

these people for ther pounded fish.

[Clark, April 20, 1806]

April 20th 1806

This morning very Cold hills covered with Snow. I Showed the nativs

what I had to give for their horses and attempted to purchase them.

they informed me that they would not Sell any horses to me, that their

horses were at a long ways off and they would not trade them. my offer

was a blue robe, Callico Shirt, a handkerchef, 5 parcels of paint a

Knife, a wampom moon 4 braces of ribin, a pice of Brass and about 6

braces of yellow heeds; and to that amount for what I had I also

offered my large blue blanket for one, my Coat Sword & Plume none of

which Seem to entice those people to give horses if they had any. they

Set in their huts which is of mats Supported on poles without fire. at

night when they wish a light they burn dry Straw & Some fiew Small dry

willows. they Speak defferent from those below, have but little to

eate. Some roots & Dryed fish is to be found in their houses. I am half

frozed at this inhospitable Village which is moved from its position

above the falls to one below and Contains 19 large houses, a village is

also established on the other Side imedeately above the falls. all the

natives who was established above the Falls for Some distance has

removed Those people are much better dressed than they were at the time

we went down the river. They have all new, Deer, Elk, Ibex Goat & wolf

Skin robes, their Children also the large squirel Skin robes, maney of

them have Legins and mockersons, all of which they precure of the

Indians at a distance in exchange for their pounded fish & Beeds, they

also purchase Silk grass, of which they make their nets & Sales for

takeing fish they also purchase Bear grass and maney other things for

their fish. those people gave me roots and berries prepared in

different ways for which I gave some Small articles in return.-Great

numbers of Skiming knets on their houses. Those people are Pore and

Kind durty & indolt. They ware their hair loose flowing the men cut in

the foward which the Skilloots do not &c. &c.

I could not precure a Single horse of those people, dureing this day at

any price, they offered me 2 for 2 kittles of which we Could not spear.

I used every artifice decent & even false Statements to enduce those

pore devils to Sell me horses. in the evening two different men offered

to Sell me three horses which they informed me was a little distance

off and they would bring them imediately. those two persons as I found

went imediately off up the river to their tribe without any intention

to find or Sell their horses. a little before Sunset 3 men arived from

Some distance above and informed me that they Came to See me. at Sunset

finding no probability of Capt Lewis arival, packed up the articles and

took them into the lodge in which I lay last night. Great numbers of

those people geathered around me to Smoke. I gave them 2 pipes and lay

down in the back part of the house with Sgt. P. & the men with our arms

in a Situation as to be ready in case of any alarm. those pore people

appear entirely harmless--I purchased a dog and Some wood with a little

pounded fish and Chappaless. made a fire on the rocks and Cooked the

dogs on which the men breckfast & Dined. wind hard all day cold from N

W.

[Clark, April 20, 1806]

Sunday 20th April 1806

a very cold morning the western mountains Covered with Snow I Shewed

the Eneshers the articles I had to give for their horses. they without

hezitation informed me that they would not Sell me any for the articles

I had, if I would give them Kitties they would let me have horses, and

not without. that their horses were at a long ways off in the planes

and they would not Send for them &c. my offer was a blue robe, a

Calleco Shirt, a Silk handkerchief, 5 parcels of paint, a knife, a

Wampom moon, 8 yards of ribon, Several pieces of Brass, a mockerson awl

and 6 braces of yellow beeds; and to that amount for each horse which

is more than double what we gave either the Sohsohne or first flat

heads we met with on Clarks river I also offered my large blue blanket,

my Coat Sword & plume none of which Seamed to entice those people to

Sell their horses. not with standing every exertion not a Single horse

Could be precured of those people in the Course of the day. Those

people are much better Clad than they were last fall, their men have

generally legins mockersons and large robes. maney of them ware Shirts

of the Same form of those of the Chopunnish and Shoshone highly

ornimented with porcupine quills. the dress of their winen differs

verry little from those above the great rapids. their Children have

Small robes of the Squirel Skins. those of the men & women are

principally deer, Some elk, wolf, Ibix & buffalow which they precure

from distant nations who purchase their Pounded fish in exchange for

those robes & Beeds. The principal village of the Enesher nation is

imedeately below the falls on the N. Side. one other village of the

Same nation above the falls on the opposit Side and one other a few

miles above on the North Side.--The Houses of those people like the

Skillutes have the flores of their Summer dwelling on the Surface of

the earth in Sted of those Sellers in which they resided when we passed

them last fall. those houses are Covered with mats and Straw are large

and Contain Several families each. I counted 19 at this Village & 11 on

the opposit Side. those people are pore durty haughty. they burn Straw

and Small willows. have but little to eate and deer with what they

have. they precure the Silk grass of which they make their nets, the

bear grass for makeing their mats and Several other necessary of the

Indians of the following nations who trade with them as also the

Skillutes for their pounded fish. Viz. Skad-dats, Squan-nun-os,

Shan-wappoms, Shall-lat-tos, who reside to the north and Several bands

who reside on the Columbia above.--I precured a Sketch of the Columbia

and its branches of those people in which they made the river which

falls into the Columbia imediately above the falls on the South Side to

branch out into 3 branches one of which they make head in Mt.jefferson,

one in mount Hood and the other in the S W. range of Mountains and does

not water that extensive Country we have heretofore Calculated on. a

great portion of that extensive tract of Country to the S. and S. W. of

the Columbia and Lewis's river and between the Same and the waters of

Callifornia must be watered by the Multnomah river.--See Sketch in the

latter part of this book (No. 5). Those people are great jokies and

deciptfull in trade.

at Sunset finding that Capt Lewis would not arrive this evening as I

expected, I packed up all the articles which I had exposed, at a

Situation I had pitched on to Encamp, and at which place we had bought

as maney fishing poles as made a fire to Cook a dog which I had

purchased for the men to eate, and returned to the lodge which I had

Slept in last night. great number gathered around me to Smoke, I gave

them two pipes, and then lay my self down with the men to Sleep,

haveing our merchendize under our heads and guns &c in our arms, as we

always have in Similar Situations

[Lewis, April 21, 1806]

Monday April 21st 1806.

Notwithstanding all the precautions I had taken with rispect to the

horses one of them had broken his cord of 5 strands of Elkskin and had

gone off spanseled. I sent several men in surch of the horse with

orders to return at 10 A.M. with or without the horse being determined

to remain no longer with these villains. they stole another tomahawk

from us this morning I surched many of them but could not find it. I

ordered all the spare poles, paddles and the ballance of our canoe put

on the fire as the morning was cold and also that not a particle should

be left for the benefit of the indians. I detected a fellow in stealing

an iron socket of a canoe pole and gave him several severe blows and

mad the men kick him out of camp. I now informed the indians that I

would shoot the first of them that attempted to steal an article from

us. that we were not affraid to fight them, that I had it in my power

at that moment to kill them all and set fire to their houses, but it

was not my wish to treat them with severity provided they would let my

property alone. that I would take their horses if I could find out the

persons who had stolen the tommahawks, but that I had reather loose the

property altogether than take the hose of an inosent person. the chiefs

were present hung their heads and said nothing. at 9 A.M. Windsor

returned with the lost horse, the others who were in surch of the horse

soon after returned also. the Indian who promised to accompany me as

far as the Chopunnish country produced me two horses one of which he

politely gave me the liberty of packing. we took breakfast and departed

a few minutes after 10 OClock. having nine horses loaded and one which

Bratton rode not being able as yet to march; the two canoes I had

dispatched early this morning. at 1 P.M. I arrived at the Enesher

Village where I found Capt Clark and party; he had not purchased a

single horse. he informed me that these people were quite as unfriendly

as their neighbours the Skillutes, and that he had subsisted since he

left me on a couple of platters of pounded roots and fish which an old

man had the politeness to offer him. his party fared much better on

dogs which he purchased from those people. the man resided here from

whom I had purchased the horse which ran off from me yesterday. I had

given him a large kettle and a knife in exchange for that horse which I

informed him should be taken from him unles he produced me the lost

horse or one of equal value in his stead, the latter he prefered and

produced me a very good horse which I very cheerfully received. we soon

made the portage with our canoes and baggage and halted about 1/2 a

mile above the Village where we graized our horses and took dinner on

some dogs which we purchased of these people. after dinner we proceeded

on about four miles to a village of 9 mat lodges of the Enesher a

little below the entrance of Clark's river and encamped; one of the

canoes joined us the other not observing us halt continued on. we

obtained two dogs and a small quantity of fuel of these people for

which we were obliged to give a higher price than usual. our guide

continued with us, he appears to be an honest sincere fellow. he tells

us that the indians a little above will treat us with much more

hospitality than those we are now with. we purchased another horse this

evening but his back is in such a horid state that we can put but

little on him; we obtained him for a trifle, at least for articles

which might be procured in the U States for 10 shillings Virga Cory.-

we took the precaution of piquting and spanseling our horses this

evening near our camp.

[Clark, April 21, 1806]

April 21st 1806

a fair Cold morning. I find it useless to offer any articles or attempt

to trade at this village and therefore deturmine to ____ before I rose

the house was Crouded with Indians to Smoke I gave them none. they are

well Supplied with Straw & bark bags ready to hold their pounded fish.

at 12 oClock the advance of the party from below arived and Soon after

the Canoes all things were taken above the falls & 2 Canoes, turned out

the horss and Cooked & Eat 2 dogs which we purchased of the nativs,

purchased one horse for Which we are to give a Kittle which was given

by us to a man for a horse 3 days past &c. the horse was either taken

or Strayed off. The Chief from below Came up and appeared Concerned for

what had been done at his Village (See Journal)

a 4 P M loaded up & Set out the Canoes also proceed on about 3 miles

opposit to the Mouth of Clarks river, and an Indian man who has

attached himself to us and who has lent us a horse to pack & lives near

the Rocky mountains. he told us that as the day was far Spent we had

better Camp at a village of 9 Lodges a little off the road opsd. the

River CClarks This river has a great falls above 2 forks on its West

Side. we formed a Camp purchased Some wood & 3 dogs for which we gave

pewter buttons which buttons we had made &c. but fiew Indians with us

this evining purchased an old horse and tied up all the horses when we

went to bed

Those are the Same people with those below at the falls. See journal

for the next day-

Skad data ill looking people reside to the N about 18 or 20 miles they

played against the Skillutes a game they Call ____ 9 of a Side and lost

all the beeds & other articles

also a Single game with 2 black & 2 white Sticks under a kind of hat. 2

men played this game is intricit and each party has 4 pegs to count it

The former game is played with 2 bones or Sticks about the Size of a

large quill and 2 inches long passing from one hand to the other and

the adverse party guess. See description before mentioned. The nations

abov at the falls also play this game and bet high

[Clark, April 21, 1806]

Monday 21st April 1806

A fair Cold morning I found it useless to make any further attempts to

trade horses with those unfriendly people who only Crouded about me to

view and make their remarks and Smoke, the latter I did not indulge

them with to day. at 12 oClock Capt Lewis and party Came up from the

Skillutes Village with 9 horses packed and one which bratten who was

yet too weak to walk, rode, and Soon after the two Small Canoes also

loaded with the residue of the baggage which Could not be taken on

horses. we had everry thing imedeately taken above the falls, in the

mean time purchased 2 Dogs on which the party dined--whilst I remained

at the Enesher Village I Subsisted on 2 platters of roots, Some pounded

fish and Sun flour Seed pounded which an old man had the politeness to

give me. in return for which I gave him Several Small articles-.

Capt Lewis informed me that imedeately after I left him the nativs

began to Steal and had Stolen Tomahawks of the party, and in the Course

of the night had let our horses loose he had burnt one and Sold 2 of

the largest Canoes for beeds, the other 2 brought on. an indian was

detected in Stealing a socket and was kicked out of Camp. Capt L.

informed the Indians that the next man who attempted to steal Should be

Shot and thretened them and informed them that he could kill them in a

moment and Set their town on fire if he pleased. but it was not his

desire to hurt them Severly if they would let the property of the party

alone. the Chiefs hung their heads and Said nothing. he lost the horse

that was given for a large kittle, and a Chopunnish man lent a horse to

carry a load and accompanied the party--The man who we had reason to

believe had Stolen the horse he had given for the Kittle we thretend a

little and he produced a very good horse in the place of that one which

we Chearfully receved.

after dinner we proceeded on about 4 Miles to a Village of 9 Mat Lodges

of the Enesher, a little below the enterance of To war nah hi ooks

river and encamped. one of the Canoes joined us, the other not haveing

observed us halt continued on. We obtained 2 Dogs and a Small quantity

of fuel of those people for which we were obliged to give a higher

price than usial. our guide continued with us, he appears to be an

honest fellow. he tels us that the indians above will treat us with

much more hospitallity than those we are now with. we purchased another

horse this evening but his back is in Such a horrid State that we Can

put but little on him; we obtained him for a triffle, at least for

articles which might be precured in the U. States for 10/-virga.

Currency--we took the precaution of picqueting and Spancelling our

horses this evening near our Camp. the evening Cold and we Could afford

only one fire.

[Lewis, April 22, 1806]

Tuesday April 22cd 1806.

Last night two of our horses broke loos from the picquits and straggled

off some little distance, the men who had charge of them fortunately

recovered them early. at 7 A.M. we set out having previously sent on

our small Canoe with Colter and Potts. we had not arrived at the top of

a hill over which the road leads opposite the village before Charbono's

horse threw his load, and taking fright at the saddle and robe which

still adhered, ran at full speed down the hill, near the village he

disengaged himself from the saddle and robe, an indian hid the robe in

his lodge. I sent our guide and one man who was with me in the rear to

assist Charbono in retaking his horse which having done they returned

to the village on the track of the horse in surch of the lost articles

they found the saddle but could see nothing of the robe the indians

denyed having seen it; they then continued on the track of the horse to

the place from whence he had set out with the same success. being now

confident that the Indians had taken it I sent the Indian woman on to

request Capt. C. to halt the party and send back some of the men to my

assistance being determined either to make the indians deliver the robe

or birn their houses. they have vexed me in such a manner by such

repeated acts of villany that I am quite disposed to treat them with

every severyty, their defenseless state pleads forgivness so far as

rispects their lives. with this resolution I returned to their village

which I had just reached as Labuish met me with the robe which he

informed me he found in an Indian lodg hid behind their baggage. I now

returned and joined Capt Clark who was waiting my arrival with the

party. the Indian woman had not reached Capt C. untill about the time I

arrived and he returned from a position on the top of a hill not far

from where he had halted the party. from the top of this emmenense

Capt. C. had an extensive view of the country. he observed the range of

mountains in which Mount Hood stands to continue nearly south as far as

the eye could reach. he also observed the snow clad top of Mount

Jefferson which boar S. 10 W. Mount Hood from the same point boar S. 30

W. the tops of the range of western mountains are covered with snow.

Capt C. also discovered some timbered country in a Southern direction

from him at no great distance. Clarks river which mouths immediately

opposite this point of view forks at the distance of 18 or 20 miles

from hence, the wright hand fork takes it rise in mount Hood, and the

main branch continues it's course to the S. E.

we now made the following regulations as to our future order of march

(viz) that Capt. C. & myself should devide the men who were

disencumbered by horses and march alternately each day the one in front

and the other in rear. haveing divided the party agreeably to this

arrangement, we proceeded on through an open plain country about 8

miles to a village of 6 houses of the Eneshur nation, here we observed

our 2 canoes passing up on the opposite side; the wind being too high

for them to pass the river they continued on. we halted at a small run

just above the village where we dined on some dogs which we purchased

of the inhabitants and suffered our horses to graize about three hours.

there is no timber in this country we are obliged to purchase our fuel

of the natives, who bling it from a great distance. while we halted for

dinner we purch a horse. after dinner we proceeded on up the river

about 4 miles to a village of 7 mat lodges of the last mentioned

nation. here our Chopunnish guide informed us that the next village was

at a considerable distance and that we could not reach it tonight. the

people at this place offered to sell us wood and dogs, and we therefore

thought it better to remain all night. a man blonging to the next

village abovd proposed exchanging a horse for one of our canoes, just

at this moment one of our canoes was passing. we hailed them and

ordered them to come over but the wind continued so high that they

could not join us untill after sunset and the Indian who wished to

exchange his horse for the canoe had gone on. Charbonoe purchased a

horse this evening. we obtained 4 dogs and as much wood as answered our

purposes on moderate terms. we can only afford ourselves one fire, and

are obliged to lie without shelter, the nights are cold and days warm.-

Colter and Pots had passed on with their canoe.

[Clark, April 22, 1806]

Tuesday 22nd of April 1806

last night 2 of our horses broke loose and Strayed of at a Short

dis-tance. at 7 oClock we loaded up and Set out, haveing previously

Sent off the Canoe with Colter and Potts we had not arived at the top

of the hill which is 200 feet before Shabonos horse threw off his load

and went with great Speed down the hill to the Village where he

disengaged himself of his Saddle & the robe which was under it, the

Indians hid the robe and delayed Capt. Lewis and the rear party Some

time before they found the robe which was in a lodge hid behind their

baggage, and took possession of it. dureing the time the front of the

party was waiting for Cap Lewis, I assended a high hill from which I

could plainly See the range of Mountains which runs South from Mt. Hood

as far as I could See. I also discovered the top of Mt. Jefferson which

is Covered with Snow and is S to W. Mt. Hood is S. 30° W. the range of

mountains are Covered with timber and also Mt Hood to a sertain bite.

The range of Mountains has Snow on them. I also discovered some

timbered land in a S. detection from me, Short of the mountains. Clarks

river which mouthes imedeately opposit to me forks at about 18 or 20

miles, the West fork runs to the Mt Hood and the main branch Runs from

S. E. after Capt Lewis Came up we proceeded on through a open ruged

plain about 8 miles to a Village of 6 Houses on the river. here we

observed our 2 Canoes passing up on the opposit Side and the Wind too

high for them to join us. I halted at the mouth of a run above the

village near Some good grass to let the horses graze and for the party

to dine. Sent to the huts and purchased a dog & Some wood. dureing the

time the party was takeing diner we purchased one horse. after we

proceeded on up the river about 4 miles to a village of 7 mat Lodges.

here our Chopunnish guide informed me that the next villg. was at Some

distance and that we Could not get to it to night, and that there was

no wood to be precured on this Side. a man offered to Sell us a horse

for a Canoe. just at the moment we discovered one of our Canoes on the

opposit Side. we concluded to Camp here all night with the expectation

of precureing some horses. Sent and purchased Some wood and 4 dogs &

Shapillele. Shabono purchased a hors for which he gave a red rapper,

Shirt, ploom & Tomahawk &c. the party purchased a great quantity of

Chapellell and Some berries for which they gave bits of Tin and Small

pieces of Cloth & wire &c. had our horses led out and held to grass

untill dusk when they were all brought to Camp, and pickets drove in

the ground and the horses tied up. we find the horses very troublesom

perticularly the Stud which Compose 10/13 of our number of horses. the

air I find extreemly Cold which blows Continularly from Mt. Hoods

Snowey regions. those Indians reside in Small Lodges built of the mats

of Grass, flags &c. and Crouded with inhabitents, who Speak a language

Somewhat different from those at the falls. their dress habits and

appearance appear to be very much the Same with those below. we made 14

miles to day with the greatest exirtion. Serjt. Gass & R. Fields joined

us with one Canoe this evening. the other Canoe with Colter & pots is a

head.

[Lewis, April 23, 1806]

Wednesday April 23rd 1806.

At day light this morning we were informed that the two horses of our

Interpreter Charbono were absent; on enquiry it appeared that he had

neglected to confine them to picquts as had been directed last evening.

we immediately dispatched Reubin Feilds and Labuish to assist Charbono

in recovering his horses. one of them was found at no great distance

and the other was given over as lost. at 8 A.M. Reuben Feilds and

Sergt. Gass proceeded in the canoe. at 10 Labuish and Charbono returned

unsuccessfull, they had gone back on the road nearly to the last

village and suched the plains on either hand to a considerable

distance. our remaining longer would have prevented our making a timely

stage which in our situation is all important; we therefore determined

to proceed immediately to the next village which from the information

of our guide will occupy the greater part of the day to reach at eleven

OCk. we loaded our horses and set out. during the time we were detained

this morning we had two packsaddles made. we continued our march along

a narrow rocky bottom on the N. side of the river about 12 miles to the

Wah-how-pum Village of 12 temperary mat lodges near the Rock rapid.

these people appeared much pleased to see us, sold us 4 dogs and some

wood for our small articles which we had previously prepared as our

only resource to obtain fuel and food through those plains. these

articles conisted of pewter buttons, strips of tin iron and brass,

twisted wire &c. we also obtained some shap-pe-lell newly made from

these people. here we met with a Chopunnish man on his return up the

river with his family and about 13 head of horses most of them young

and unbroken. he offered to hire us some of them to pack as far a his

nation, but we prefer bying as by hireing his horses we shal have the

whole of his family most probably to mentain. at a little distance

below this village we passed five lodges of the same people who like

those were waiting the arrival of the salmon. after we had arranged our

camp we caused all the old and brave men to set arround and smoke with

us. we had the violin played and some of the men danced; after which

the natives entertained us with a dance after their method. this dance

differed from any I have yet seen. they formed a circle and all sung as

well the spectators as the dancers who performed within the circle.

these placed their sholders together with their robes tightly drawn

about them and danced in a line from side to side, several parties of

from 4 to seven will be performing within the circle at the same time.

the whole concluded with a premiscuous dance in which most of them sung

and danced. these people speak a language very similar to the

Chopunnish whome they also resemble in their dress their women wear

long legings mockersons shirts and robes. their men also dress with

legings shirts robes and mockersons. after the dance was ended the

Indians retired at our request and we retired to rest. we had all our

horses side bubbled and turned out to graize; at this village, a large

creek falls in on the N. side which we did not observe as we decended

the river. the river is by no means as rapid as when we decended or at

least not obstructed with those dangerous rapids the water at present

covers most of the rocks in the bed of the river. the natives promised

to barter their horses with us in the morning we therefore entertained

a hope that we shall be enabled to proceede by land from hence with the

whole of our party and baggage. came 12 miles by land. the sands made

the march fatieguing.-

[Clark, April 23, 1806]

Wednesday 23rd 1806

at day light this morning we were informed that the two horses of our

interpreter Shabono were missing on enquirey we were informed that he

had neglected to tie up his horses as derected last evening. we

imedeately dispatch him, R. Fields & Labiech in Serch of the horses,

one of them were found at no great distance. the other was not found.

R. Fields retd. without finding the horse Set out with Sergt Gass in

the Small Canoe at about 8 A M. at 10 Shabono and Labiech returned also

unsucksessfull they had went on the back trail nearly to the last

Village and took a circle around on the hills. as our Situation was

Such that we Could not detain for a horse, which would prevent our

makeing a timely Stage which is a great object with us in those open

plains, we Concluded to give up the horse and proceed on to the next

village which we were informed was at Some distance and would take us

the greater part of the day. at 11 A.M. we packed up and Set out and

proceeded up on the N. Side of the Columbia on a high narrow bottom and

rockey for 12 miles to the Wah-how-pum village near the rock rapid of

12 temporary mat Lodges, those people appeared pleased to See us. they

Sold us 4 dogs Some Shapollell and wood for our Small articles Such as

awls pieces of Tin and brass. we passed Several Lodges on the bank of

the river where they were fixed waiting for the Salmon. I over took a

Choponish man whome I had Seen at the long, and who had found a bag of

our powder and brought it to me at that place. this man had his family

on the ____ and about 3 head of horses which appeared young and

unbroke. his spous as also that of the other gave me a Cake of

Chapellell and proceeded on with me to the Wah howpum Village and

formed his Camp near us. we Caused all the old & brave men to Set

around and Smoke with us. we Caused the fiddle to be played and Some of

the men danced. after them the nativs danced. they dance different from

any Indians I have Seen. they dance with their Sholders together and

pass from Side to Side, defferent parties passing each other, from 2 to

7. and 4 parties danceing at the Same time and Concluding the dance by

passing promiscuisly throu & beetween each other. after which we Sent

of the Indians and retired to bed. Those people Speak a language verry

Similal to the Chopunish and with a very inconsiderable difference.

their dress and appearance is more like those of the Great falls of the

Columbia. we had all our horses Side hobbled and let out to feed. at

this village a large Creek falls in on the N. Side which I had not

observed as I decended the river. the river is by no means as rapid as

it was at the time we decended. The nativs promised to give is a horse

for one of our Canoes. and offer to Sell us another for a Scarlet robe

which we have not at present. Shabono made a bargin with one of the

Indian men going with us, for a horse for Which he gave his Shirt. and

two of the leather Sutes of his wife. The Sand through which we walked

to day is So light that renders the march verry fatigueing. made 12

miles by land.

[Lewis, April 24, 1806]

Thursday April 24 th 1806.

We were up early this morning and dispatched the men in surch of our

horses, they were all found in a little time except McNeal's. we hired

an indian to surch for this horse it was one in the evening before he

returned with him. in the intermediate time we had 4 packsaddles made

purchased three horses of the Wah-howpums, and hired three others of

the Chopunnish man who accompanys us with his family and horses. we now

sold our canoes for a few strands of beads, loaded up and departed at 2

P.M. the natives had tantalized us with an exchange of horses for our

canoes in the first instance, but when they found that we had made our

arrangements to travel by land they would give us nothing for them I

determined to cut them in peices sooner than leave them on those terms,

Drewyer struck one of the canoes and split of a small peice with his

tommahawk, they discovered us determined on this subject and offered us

several strands of beads for each which were accepted. we proceeded up

the river between the hills and it's Northen shore. the road was rocky

and sandy alternately, the road difficult and fatiegu-ing. at 12 ms. we

arrived at a village of 5 lodges of the Met-cow-wes, having passed 4

lodges at 4 and 2 at 2 Ms. further. we ramined all night near the

Met-cow-we lodges about 2 miles below our encampment of the ____ of

October last; we purchased three dogs and some shappellel of these

people which we cooked with dry grass and willow boughs. many of the

natives pased and repassed us today on the road and behaved themselves

with distant rispect towards us. most of the party complain of the

soarness of their feet and legs this evening; it is no doubt caused by

walking over the rough stones and deep sands after bing for some months

passed been accustomed to a soft soil. my left ankle gives me much

pain. I baithed my feet in cold water from which I experienced

considerable releif. The curloos are abundant in these plains and are

now laying their eggs. saw the Kildee, the brown lizzard, and a Moonax

which the natives had petted. the winds which set from Mount Hood or in

a westerly direction are much more cold than those from the opposite

quarter. there are now no dews in these plains, and from the appearance

of the earth there appears to have been no rain for several weeks.--we

derected that the three horses which we purchased yesterday should be

bubbled and confined to a picqut, and that the others should be

disposed of in the same manner they were last evening.

[Clark, April 24, 1806]

Thursday 24th April 1806

rose early this morning and Sent out after the horses all of which were

found except McNeals which I hired an Indian to find and gave him a

Tomahawk had 4 pack Saddles made ready to pack the horses which we may

purchase. we purchased 3 horses, and hired 3 others of the Chopunnish

man who accompanies us with his family, and at 1 P.M. Set out and

proceeded on through a open Countrey rugid & Sandy between Some high

lands and the river to a village of 5 Lodges of the Met-cow-we band

haveing passed 4 Lodges at 4 miles and 2 Lodges at 6 miles. Great

numbers of the nativs pass us on hors back maney meet us and Continued

with us to the Lodges. we purchased 3 dogs which were pore, but the

fattest we Could precure, and Cooked them with Straw and dry willow. we

Sold our Canoes for a fiew Strands of beeds. the nativs had tantelized

us with an exchange of horses for our Canoes in the first instance, but

when they found that we had made our arrangements to travel by land

they would give us nothing for them. we Sent Drewyer to Cut them up, he

Struck one and Split her they discovered that we were deturmined to

destroy the Canoes and offered us Several Strans of beeds which were

acceptd most of the party Complain of their feet and legs this evening

being very Sore. it is no doubt Causd. by walking over the rough Stone

and deep Sand after being accustomed to a Soft Soil. my legs and feet

give me much pain. I bathed them in Cold water from which I experienced

Considerable relief. we directed that the 3 horses purchased yesterday

should be hobbled and confined to pickquets and that the others Should

be Hobbled & Spancled, and Strictly attended to by the guard made 12

miles to day.-

[Lewis, April 25, 1806]

Friday April 25th 1806.

This morning we collected our horses and set out at 9 A.M. and

proceeded on 11 ms. to the Village of the Pish-quit-pahs of 51 mat

lodges where we arrived at 2 P.M. purchased five dogs and some wood

from them and took dinner. this village contains about 7 hundred souls.

most of those people were in the plains at a distance from the river as

we passed down last fall, they had now therefore the gratification of

beholding whitemen for the first time. while here they flocked arround

us in great numbers tho treated us with much rispect. we gave two

medals of the small size to their two principal Cheifs who were pointed

out to us by our Chopunnish fellow traveller and were acknowledged by

the nation. we exposed a few old clothes my dirk and Capt. C's swoard

to barter for horses but were unsuccessfull these articles constitute

at present our principal stock in trade. the Pish-quit-pahs insisted

much on our remaining with them all night, but sudry reasons conspired

to urge our noncomplyance with their wishes. we passed one house or

reather lodge of the Metcowwees about a mile above our encampment of

the ____th of October last the Pish-quit-pahs, may be considered

hunters as well as fishermen as they spend the fall and winter months

in that occupation. they are generally pleasently featured of good

statue and well proportioned. both women and men ride extreemly well.

their bridle is usually a hair rope tyed with both ends to the under

jaw of the horse, and their saddle consists of a pad of dressed skin

stuffed with goats hair with wooden stirups. almost all the horses

which I have seen in possession of the Indians have soar backs. the

Pishquitpah women for the most part dress with short shirts which reach

to their knees long legings and mockersons, they also use large robes;

some of them weare only the truss and robe they brade their hair as

before discribed but the heads of neither male nor female of this tribe

are so much flattened as the nations lower down on this river. at 4

P.M. we set out accompanyed by eighteen or twenty of their young men on

horseback. we continued our rout about nine miles where finding as many

willows as would answer our purposes for fuel we encamped for the

evening. the country we passed through was much as that of yesterday.

the river hills are about 250 feet high and generally abrupt and

craggey in many places faced with a perpendicular and solid rock. this

rock is black and hard. leve plains extend themselves from the tops of

the river hills to a great distance on either side of the river. the

soil is not as fertile as about the falls, tho it produces a low grass

on which the horses feed very conveniently. it astonished me to seed

the order of their horses at this season of the year when I knew that

they had wintered on the dry grass of the plains and at the same time

road with greater severity than is common among ourselves. I did not

see a single horse which could be deemed poor and many of them were as

fat as seals. their horses are generally good. this evining after we

had encamped, we traded for two horses with nearly the same articles we

had offered at the village; these nags Capt. C. and myself intend

riding ourselves; haveing now a sufficiency to transport with ease all

our baggage and the packs of the men.--we killed six ducks in the

course of the day; one of them was of a speceis which I had never

before seen I therefore had the most material parts of it reserved as a

specimine, the leggs are yellow and feet webbed as those of the

duckandmallard. saw many common lizzards, several rattlesnakes killed

by the party, they are the same as those common to the U States. the

horned Lizzard is also common.--had the fiddle played at the request of

the natives and some of the men danced. we passed five lodges of the

Walldh wolldhs at the distance of 4 miles above the Pishquitpahs.

[Clark, April 25, 1806]

Friday 25th of April 1806

This morning we Collected our horses very conveniently and Set out at 9

A M and proceeded on to a village of Pish-quit-pahs of 52 mat Lodges 11

miles this village Contains about 700 Soles here we turned out our

horses and bought 5 dogs & some wood and dined here we met with a Chief

and gave him a Medal of the Small Size. we passed a house a little

above the place we encamped on the 20th of Octr. 1805. we offered to

purchase with what articles we had Such as old Clothes &c. emence

numbers of those Indians flocked about us and behaved with distant

respect towards us. we attempted to purchase Some horses without

Suckcess. at 4 P. M Set out. I was in the rear and had not proceeded

verry far before one of the horses which we had hired of the

Chopunnish, was taken from Hall who I had directed to ride. he had

fallen behind out of my sight at the time. we proceeded on about 9

miles through a Country Similar to that of yesterday and encamped below

the mouth of a Small Creek we passed at 4 miles a Village of 5 Mat

Lodges of the War-war-wa Tribe. We made a Chief and gave a medal to a

Chief of each of those two tribes. great numbers of the nativs

accompanied us to our encampmt. The Curloos are abundant in those

plains & are now laying their eggs. Saw the Kildee the brown Lizzard,

and a moonax which the nativs had petted. the Winds which Set from

mount hood or in a westwardly direction are much more cold than those

from any other quarter. there are no dews in these plains, and from the

appearance of the earth there appears to have been no rain for Several

Weeks. The pish-quit pahs may be considered as hunters as well as

fishermen as they Spend the fall & winter months in that occupation.

they are generally pleasently featured of good Statue and well

proportiond. both women and men ride extreamly well. their bridle is

usially a hair rope tied with both ends to the under jaw of the horse,

and their Saddles Consist of a pad of dressed Skin Stuffed with goats

hair with wooden Sturreps. almost all the horses I have Seen in the poss

ession of the Indians have Sore backs.

The pishquitpahs women for the most part dress with Short Shirts which

reach to their knees long legins, and mockersons, they also use long

robes; Some of them weare only the truss and robe, they brade their

hair as before discribed but the heads of neither the male nor female

of this tribe are So much flattend as the nativs lower down on this

river. we were accompd. by 18 or 20 young men on horsback. we Continued

our rout about 9 miles, where finding as maney Willows as would answer

our purpose for fuel we encamped for the night. the Country we passed

through was Sandy indifferent rocky and hills on the left. proceeded up

on the North Side the river hills are about 250 feet high & generally

abrupt and Craggey in maney places faced with a pirpendicular and Solid

rock. this rock is black and hard. leavel plains extend themselves from

the top of the river hills to a great distance on either Side of the

river. the Soil is not as fertile as about the falls tho it produces

low grass on which the horses feed very Conveniently. it astonished me

to See the order of their horses at this Season of the year when I know

they had wintered on dry grass of the plains and at the Same time rode

with greater Severity than is Common among ourselves. I did not See a

Single horse which Could be deemed pore, and maney of them were verry

fat. their horses are generally good. this evening after we had

encamped we traded for two horses with nearly the Same articles we had

offered at the Village. these Nags Capt. L-s and myself intend rideing

ourselves; haveing now a Sufficency to transport with ease all our

baggage and the packs of the men.--we killed 6 ducks in the course of

the day; one of them were of a Species I had never before Seen. the

legs yellow and feet wibbed as those of the duckinmallard. Saw great

numbers of Common Lizzard. Several rattle Snakes, killed by the party,

they are the Same as those Common to the U. States. the Horned Lizzard

is also Common.--a Chief over took us. we had the fiddle played by the

request of the nativs and Some of the men danced. I think those plains

are much more Sandy than any which I have Seen and the road is a bed of

loose Sand. made 20 miles.

[Lewis, April 26, 1806]

Saturday April 26th 1806.

This morning early we set forward and at the distance of three miles

entered a low level plain country of great extent. here the river hills

are low and receede a great distance from the river this low country

commenced on the S. side of the river about 10 miles below our

encampment of last evening. these plains are covered with a variety of

herbatious plants, grass, and three speceis of shrubs specimines of

which I have preserved. at the distance of twelve miles we halted near

a few willows which afforded us a sufficient quantity of fuel to cook

our dinner which consisted of the ballance of the dogs we had purchased

yesterday evening and some jirked Elk. we were overtaken today by

several families of the natives who were traveling up the river with a

number of horses; they continued with us much to our annoyance as the

day was worm the roads dusty and we could not prevent their horses from

crouding in and breaking our order of mach without using some acts of

severity which we did not wish to commit. after dinner we continued our

march through the level plain near the river 16 Ms. and encamped about

a mile below three lodges of the Wollah wollah nation, and about 7 Ms.

above our encampment of the 19 of October last. after we encamped a

little Indian boy caught several chubbs with a bone in this form which

he substituted for a hook. these fish were of about 9 inches long small

head large abdomen, small where the tail joined the body, the tail wide

long in proportion and forked. the back and ventral fins were

equadistant from the head and had each 10 bony rays, the fns next the

gills nine each and that near the tail 12. the upper exceeded the under

jaw, the latter is truncate at the extremity and the tonge and pallet

are smooth. the colour is white on the sides and belley and a blewish

brown on the back. the iris of the eye is of a silvery colour and puple

black.--we covered ourselves partially this evening from the rain by

means of an old tent.

[Clark, April 26, 1806]

Saturday April 26th 1806

This morning early we proceeded on and at the distance of three miles

entered a low leavel plain Country of great extent. here the river

hills are low and receed a great distance from the river this low

Country Comenced on the South Side about 10 miles below our Encampment

of the last night, those plains are Covered with a variety of

herbatious plants, Grass and 3 Species of Shrubs. at the distance of 12

miles halted near Some willows which afforded us a Sufficent quantity

of fuel to cook our dinner which Consisted of the ballance of the dogs

we had purchased yesterday evening and Some jerked Elk. we were over

taken to day by Several families of the nativs who were traveling up

the river with a Numr. of horses; they Continued with us much to our

ennoyance as the day was worm the roads dusty and we Could not prevent

their horses Crouding in and breaking our order of March without useing

Some acts of Severty which we did not wish to Commit. after dinner we

Continued our march through a leavel plain near the river 16 miles and

encamped about a mile below 3 Lodges of the fritened band of the Wallah

wallah nation, and about 7 miles above our encampment of the 19th of

Octr. last. after we encamped a little Indian boy Cought Several Chubbs

with a bone in this form which he Substituted for a hook. those fish

were of about 9 inches long. we Covered our Selves perfectly this

evening from the rain by means of an old tent. Saw a Goat and a Small

wolf at a distance to day. made 28 miles

[Lewis, April 27, 1806]

Sunday April 27th 1806.

This morning we were detained untill 9 A.M. in consequence of the

absence of one of Charbono's horses. the horse at length being

recovered we set out and at the distance of fifteen miles passed

through a country similar to that of yesterday; the hills at the

extremity of this distance again approach the river and are rocky

abrupt and 300 feet high. we ascended the hill and marched through a

high plain for 9 miles when we again returned to the river, I now

thought it best to halt as the horses and men were much fatiegued altho

had not reached the Wallah wollah village as we had been led to beleive

by our guide who informed us that the village was at the place we

should next return to the river, and the consideration of our having

but little provision had been our inducement to make the march we had

made this morning. we collected some of the dry stalks of weeds and the

stems of a shrub which resembles the southern wood; made a small fire

and boiled a small quantity of our jerked meat on which we dined; while

here the principal Cheif of the Wallahwallahs joined us with six men of

his nation. this Cheif by name Yel-lept had visited us on the morning

of the 19 of October at our encampment a little below this place; we

gave him at that time a small medal, and promised him a larger one on

our return. he appeared much gratifyed at seeng us return, invited us

to remain at his village three or four days and assured us that we

should be furnished with a plenty of such food as they had themselves;

and some horses to assist us on our journey. after our scanty repast we

continued our march accompanyed by Yellept and his party to the village

which we found at the distance of six miles situated on the N. side of

the river at the lower side of the low country about 12 ms. below the

entrance of Lewis's river. This Cheif is a man of much influence not

only in his own nation but also among the neighbouring tribes and

nations.--This Village consists of 15 large mat lodges. at present they

seem to subsist principally on a speceis of mullet which weigh from one

to three lbs. and roots of various discriptions which these plains

furnish them in great abundance. they also take a few salmon trout of

the white kind.--Yellept haranged his village in our favour intreated

them to furnish us with fuel and provision and set the example himself

by bringing us an armfull of wood and a platter of 3 roasted mullets.

the others soon followed his example with rispect to fuel and we soon

found ourselves in possession of an ample stock. they birn the stems of

the shrubs in the plains there being no timber in their neighbourhood

of any discription. we purchased four dogs of these people on which the

party suped heartily having been on short allowance for near two days.

the indians retired when we requested them this evening and behaved

themselves in every rispect extreemly well. the indians informed us

that there was a good road which passed from the columbia opposite to

this village to the entrance of the Kooskooske on the S. side of

Lewis's river; they also informed us, that there were a plenty of deer

and Antelopes on the road, with good water and grass. we knew that a

road in that direction if the country would permit would shorten our

rout at least 80 miles. the indians also informed us that the country

was level and the road good, under these circumstances we did not

hesitate in pursuing the rout recommended by our guide whos information

was corroberated by Yellept & others. we concluded to pass our horses

over early in the morning.

[Clark, April 27, 1806]

Sunday April 27th 1806.

This morning we were detained untill 9 A M in consequence of the

absence of one of Shabono's horses. the horse being at length recovered

we Set out and to the distance of 15 miles passed through a Country

Similar to that of yesterday. (passed Muscle Shell rapid) and at the

experation of this distance again approached the river, and are rocky

abrupt and 300 feet high. we assended the hill and marched through a

high plain 10 miles where we again returned to the river. we halted

altho we had not reached the Wal-lah-lal-lah village as we had been led

to believe by our guide who informed us that the village was at the

place we Should next return to the river, and the considiration of our

haveing but little provisions had been our inducement to make the march

we had made this morning. we collected Some of the dry stalks of weeds

and the Stems of Shrubs or weeds which resemble the Southern wood; made

a Small fire and boiled a Small quantity of our jurked meat on which we

dined; while here we were met by the principal Chief of the Wal lah wal

lah Nation and Several of his nation. this chief by name Yel lep-pet

had visited us on the morning of the 19th of Octr. at our encampment

imedeately opposit to us; we gave him at that time a Small Medal, and

promised him a large one on our return. he appeared much gratified at

Seeing us return. he envited us to remain at his village 3 or 4 days

and assured us that we Should be furnished with a plenty of Such food

as they had themselves, and Some horses to assist us on our journey.

after our Scanty repast we Continued our March accompanied by Yelleppit

and his party to the Village which we found at the distance of Six

miles, Situated on the North Side of the river. about 16 miles below

the enterance of Lewis's river. This Chief is a man of much influence

not only in his own nation but also among the neighbouring tribes and

nations.--the village Consists of 15 large mat Lodges. at present they

Seam to Subsist principally on a Species of Mullet which weighs from

one to 3 pds. and roots of various discriptions which those plains

furnish them in great abundance. They also take a fiew Salmon trout of

the white kind. Yelleppet haranged his village in our favor intreated

them to furnish us with fuel & provisions and Set the example himself

by bringing us an armfull of wood, and a platter with 3 rosted mullets.

the others Soon followed his example with respect to fuel and we Soon

found ourselves in possession of an ample Stock, they burn the Stems of

the Shrubs in the plains, there being no timber in this neighbourhood

of any description. we purchased 4 dogs of those people on which the

party Suped hartily haveing been on Short allowance for near 2 days.

the Indians retired when we requested them this evening and behaved

themselves in every respect very well. the Indians informed us that

there was a good road Which passed from the Columbia opposit to this

Village to the enterance of Kooskooske on the S. Side of Lewis's river,

they also informed us, there were a plenty of Deer and Antilopes on the

road with good water and grass. we knew that a road in that direction

if the Country would permit it would Shorten the rout at least 80

miles. the Indians also inform us that the County was leavel and the

road good, under those circumstances we did not hesitate in pursueing

the rout recommended by our guide and Corroberated by Yetleppit and

others. we Concluded to pass our horses over early in the morning.-

made 31 miles to day

[Lewis, April 28, 1806]

Monday April 28th 1806.

This morning early Yellept brought a very eligant white horse to our

camp and presented him to Capt. C. signifying his wish to get a kettle

but on being informed that we had already disposed of every kettle we

could possibly spear he said he was content with whatever he thought

proper to give him. Capt. C. gave him his swoard a hundred balls and

powder and some sail articles with which he appeared perfectly

satisfyed. it was necessary before we entered on our rout through the

plains where we were to meet with no lodges or resident indians that we

should lay in a stock of provision and not depend altogether on the

gun. we directed Frazier to whom we have intrusted the duty of makeing

those purchases to lay in as many fat dogs as he could procure; he soon

obtained ten. being anxious to depart we requested the Cheif to furnish

us with canoes to pass the river, but he insisted on our remaining with

him this day at least, that he would be much pleased if we would conset

to remain two or three, but he would not let us have canoes to leave

him today. that he had sent for the Chym nap'-pos his neighbours to

come down and join his people this evening and dance for us. we urged

the necessity of our going on immediately in order that we might the

sooner return to them with the articles which they wished but this had

no effect, he said that the time he asked could not make any

considerable difference. I at length urged that there was no wind

blowing and that the river was consequently in good order to pass our

horses and if he would furnish us with canoes for that purpose we would

remain all night at our present encampment, to this proposition he

assented and soon produced us a couple of canoes by means of which we

passed our horses over the river safely and bubbled them as usual. we

found a Shoshone woman, prisoner among these people by means of whome

and Sahcahgarweah we found the means of conversing with the

Wollahwollahs. we conversed with them for several hours and fully

satisfyed all their enquiries with rispect to ourselves and the objects

of our pursuit. they were much pleased. they brought several diseased

persons to us for whom they requested some medical aid. one had his

knee contracted by the rheumatism, another with a broken arm &c to all

of which we administered much to the gratification of those poor

wretches. we gave them some eye-water which I beleive will render them

more essential service than any other article in the medical way which

we had it in our power to bestoe on them. soar eyes seem to be a

universal complaint amonge these people; I have no doubt but the fine

sand of these plains and river contribute much to this disorder. ulsers

and irruptions of the skin on various parts of the body are also common

diseases among them. a little before sunset the Chymnahpos arrived;

they were about 100 men and a few women; they joined the Wallahwollahs

who were about the same number and formed a half circle arround our

camp where they waited very patiently to see our party dance. the

fiddle was played and the men amused themselves with dancing about an

hour. we then requested the Indians to dance which they very cheerfully

complyed with; they continued their dance untill 10 at night. the whole

assemblage of indians about 550 men women and children sung and danced

at the same time. most of them stood in the same place and merely

jumped up to the time of their music. some of the men who were esteemed

most brave entered the space arrond which the main body were formed in

solid column, and danced in a circular manner sidewise. at 10 P.M. the

dance concluded and the natives retired; they were much gratifyed with

seeing some of our party join them in their dance.

[Clark, April 28, 1806]

Monday April 28th 1806

This morning early the Great Chief Yel lip pet brought a very eligant

white horse to our Camp and presented him to me Signifying his wish to

get a kittle but being informed that we had already disposed of every

kittle we could possibly Spare he Said he was Content with what ever I

thought proper to give him. I gave him my Swoard, 100 balls & powder

and Some Small articles of which he appeared perfectly Satisfied. it

was necessary before we entered on our rout through the plains where we

were to meet with no lodges or resident Indians that we Should lay in a

Stock of provisions and not depend altogether on the gun. we derected

R. Frazer to whome we have intrusted the duty of makeing the purchases,

to lay in as maney fat dogs as he could procure; he Soon obtained 10.

being anxious to depart we requested the Chief to furnish us with

Canoes to pass the river, but he insisted on our remaining with him

this day at least, that he would be much pleased if we would consent to

remain two or 3 days, but he would not let us have Canoes to leave him

this day. that he had Sent for the Chim-na-pums his neighbours to come

down and join his people this evening and dance for us. We urged the

necessity of our proceeding on imediately in order that we might the

Sooner return to them, with the articles which they wishd. brought to

them but this had no effect, he Said that the time he asked Could not

make any Considerable difference. I at length urged that there was no

wind blowing and that the river was consequently in good order to pass

our horses and if he would furnish us with Canoes for that purpose

we would remain all night at our present encampment, to this

proposition he assented and Soon produced a Canoe. I Saw a man who had

his knee Contracted who had previously applyed to me for Some Medisene,

that if he would fournish another Canoe I would give him Some Medisene.

he readily Consented and went himself with his Canoe by means of which

we passed our horses over the river Safely and hobbled them as usial-.

We found a Sho Sho ne woman, prisoner among those people by means of

whome and Sah-cah gah-weah, Shabono's wife we found means of

Converceing with the Wallahwallfirs. we Conversed with them for Several

hours and fully Satisfy all their enquiries with respect to our Selves

and the Object of our pursute. they were much pleased. they brought

Several disordered persons to us for whome they requested Some Medical

aid. one had his knee contracted by the Rhumitism (whome is just

mentioned above) another with a broken arm &c. to all of whome we

administered much to the gratification of those pore wretches, we gave

them Some eye water which I believe will render them more esential

Sirvece than any other article in the Medical way which we had it in

our power to bestow on them Sore eyes Seam to be a universial Complaint

among those people; I have no doubt but the fine Sands of those plains

and the river Contribute much to the disorder. The man who had his arm

broken had it loosely bound in a peice of leather without any thing to

Surport it. I dressed the arm which was broken Short above the wrist &

Supported it with broad Sticks to keep it in place, put in a Sling and

furnished him with Some lint bandages &c. to Dress it in future. a

little before Sun Set the Chim nah poms arrived; they were about 100

men and a fiew women; they joined the Wallah wallahs who were about 150

men and formed a half Circle arround our camp where they waited verry

patiently to See our party dance. the fiddle was played and the men

amused themselves with danceing about an hour. we then requested the

Indians to dance which they very Chearfully Complyed with; they

Continued their dance untill 10 at night. the whole assemblage of

Indians about 350 men women and Children Sung and danced at the Same

time. most of them danced in the Same place they Stood and mearly

jumped up to the time of their musick. Some of the men who were

esteemed most brave entered the Space around which the main body were

formed in Solid Column and danced in a Circular manner Side wise. at 10

P M. the dance ended and the nativs retired; they were much gratified

in Seeing Some of our Party join them in their dance. one of their

party who made himself the most Conspicious Charecter in the dance and

Songs, we were told was a Medesene man & Could foretell things. that he

had told of our Comeing into their Country and was now about to Consult

his God the moon if what we Said was the truth &c. &c.

[Lewis, April 29, 1806]

Tuesday April 29th 1806.

This morning Yellept furnished us with two canoes and we began to

transport our baggage over the river; we also sent a party of the men

over to collect the horses. we purchased some dogs and shappellell this

morning. we had now a store of 12 dogs for our voyage through the

plains. by 11 A.M. we had passed the river with our party and baggage

but were detained several hours in consequence of not being able to

collect our horses. our guide now informed us that it was too late in

the evening to reach an eligible place to encamp; that we could not

reach any water before night. we therefore thought it best to remain on

the Wallahwollah river about a mile from the Columbia untill the

morning, and accordingly encamped on that river near a fish wear. this

wear consists of two curtains of small willow switches matted together

with four lines of withs of the same materials extening quite across

the river, parrallel with eah other and about 6 feet assunder. those

are supported by several parsels of poles placed in the manner before

discribed of the fishing wears. these curtains of willow are either

roled at one end for a few feet to permit the fish to pass or are let

down at pleasure. they take their fish which at present are a mullet

only of from one to five lbs., with small seines of 15 or 18 feet long

drawn by two persons; these they drag down to the wear and raise the

bottom of the seine against the willow curtain. they have also a small

seine maniaged by one person it bags in the manner of the scooping net;

the one side of the net is confined to a simicircular bow of half the

size of a man's arm and about 5 feet long; the other side is confined

to a strong string which being attatched to the extremities of the bow

forms the cord line to the simicircle. The Wallahwollah river

discharges itself into the Columbia on it's S. side 15 miles below the

entrance of Lewis's river or the S. E. branch. a high range of hills

pass the Columbia just below the entrance of this river. this is a

handsome stream about 41/2 feet deep and 50 yds. wide; it's bed is

composed of gravel principally with some sand and mud; the banks are

abrupt but not high, tho it dose not appear to overflow; the water is

clear. the indians inform us that it has it's surces in the range of

mountains in view of us to the E and S. E. these mountains commence a

little to the south of Mt. Hood and extending themselves in a N.

Eastwardly direction terminate near a Southen branch of Lewis's river

short of the Rocky mountains. The Towannahiooks river, river LaPage and

the Wollah-wollah rivers all take their rise on the N side of these

mountains; two principal branches of the first of these take their rise

in Mountains Jefferson and hood. these mountains are covered with snow

at present tho do not appear high; they seperate the waters of the

Multnomah from those of the Columbia river. they appear to be about 65

or 70 miles distant from hence. The Snake indian prisoner informed us

that at some distance in the large plains to the South of those

mountains there was a large river runing to the N. W. which was as wide

as the Columbia at this place which is nearly one mile. this account is

no doubt some what exagerated but it serves to evince the certainty of

the Multnomah being a very large river and that it's waters are

seperated from the Columbia by those mountains and that with the aid of

a southwardly branch of Lewis's river which passes arrond the eastern

extremity of those mountains, it must water that vast tract of country

extending from those mountains to the waters of the gulph of

California. and no doubt it heads with the Yellowstone river and the

del Nord. we gave small medals to two inferior cheifs of this nation

and they each presented us a fine horse in return we gave them sundry

articles and among others one of my case pistols and several hundred

rounds of amunition. there are 12 other lodges of the Wollahwollah

nation on this river a little distance below our camp. 12 these as well

as those beyond the Columbia appear to depend on this fishing wear for

their subsistence. these people as well as the Chymnahpos are very well

dressed, much more so particularly their women than they were as we

decended the river last fall most of them have long shirts and

leggings, good robes and mockersons. their women wear the truss when

they cannot procure the shirt, but very few are seen with the former at

this moment. I presume the success of their winters hunt has produced

this change in their attire. they all cut their hair in their forehead

and most of the men wear the two cews over each sholder in front of the

body; some have the addition of a few small plats formed of the

earlocks and others tigh a small bundle of the docked foretop in front

of the forehead. their ornaments are such as discribed of the nations

below and are woarn in a similar manner. they insisted on our dancinq

this evening but it rained a little the wind blew hard and the weather

was cold, we therefore did not indulge them.

[Clark, April 29, 1806]

Tuesday April 29th 1806

This Morning Yelleppit furnished us with 2 Canoes, and We began to

transport our baggage over the river; we also Sent a party of the men

over to collect our horses. we purchased Some deer and chappellell this

morning. we had now a Store of 12 dogs for our voyage through the

plains. by 11 A.M. we had passed the river with our party and baggage

but were detained Several hours in consequence of not being able to

Collect our horses. our guide now informed us that it was too late in

the evening to reach an eligible place to encamp; that we Could not

reach any water before night. we therefore thought it best to remain on

the Wallah wallah river about a mile from the Columbia untill the

morning, accordingly encampd on the river near a fish Wear. this weare

Consists of two Curtains of Small willows wattled together with four

lines of withes of the Same Materials extending quite across the river,

parralal with each other and about 6 feet asunder. those are Supported

by Several parrelals of poles placed in this manner those Curtains of

willows is either roled at one end for a fiew feet to permit the fish

to pass or are let down at pleasure. they take their fish which at

present are a Mullet only of from one to 5 pounds Wt. with Small Seines

of 15 or 18 feet long drawn by two persons; these they drag down to the

Wear and rase the bottom of the seine against the willow Curtain. they

have also a Small Seine managed by one person, it bags in the manner of

the Scooping Nets; the one Side of the Net is Confined to a

Simicircular bow of half the Size of a mans arm and about 5 feet long,

the other Side is confined to a Strong String which being attatched to

the extremities of the bow forms the Cord line to the Simicurcle. The

Wallah wallah River discharges it's Self into the Columbia on it's

South Side 15 miles below the enterance of Lewis's River, or the S. E.

branch. a range of hills pass the Columbia just below the enterance of

this river. this is a handsom Stream about 41/2 feet deep and 50 yards

wide; it's bead is composed of gravel principally with Some Sand and

Mud; the banks are abrupt but not high, tho it does not appear to

overflow; the water is Clear. the Indians inform us that it has it's

Source in the range of Mountains in view of us to the E. and S. E.

these Mountains commence a little to the South of Mt. Hood and extend

themselves in a S Eastwardly direction terminateing near the Southern

banks of Lewis's river Short of the rockey Mountains. Ta wan nahiooks

river, river Lapage and ____ River all take their rise on those

Mountains. the two principal branches of the first of those take their

rise in the Mountain's, Jefferson and Hood. those Mountains are Covered

at present with Snow. those S W. Mountains are Covered with Snow at

present tho do not appear high. they Seperate the Waters of the

Multnomah from those of the Columbia river. they appear to be 65 or 70

miles distant from hence. The Snake indian prisoner informed us that at

Some distance in the large plains to the South of those Mountains there

was a large river running to the N. W. which was as wide as the

Columbia at this place, which is nearly 1 mile. this account is no

doubt Somewhat exagurated but it Serves to evince the Certainty of the

Multnomah being a very large River and that it's waters are Seperated

from the Columbia by those Mountains, and that with the aid of a

Southwardly branch of Lewis's river which pass around the Eastern

extremity of those mountains, it must water that vast tract of Country

extending from those Mountains to the Waters of the Gulf of

Callifornia. and no doubt it heads with the Rochejhone and Del Nord.

We gave Small Medals to two inferior Chiefs of this nation, and they

each furnished us with a fine horse, in return we gave them Sundery

articles among which was one of Capt Lewis's Pistols & Several hundred

rounds of Amunition. there are 12 other Lodges of the Wallahwallah

Nation on this river a Short distance below our Camp. those as well as

those beyond the Columbia appear to depend on their fishing weres for

their Subsistance. those people as well as the Chym na poms are very

well disposed, much more So particular their women than they were when

we decended the river last fall. Most of them have long Shirts and

leggins, good robes and Mockersons. their women were the truss when

they Cannot precure the Shirt, but very fiew are Seen with the former

at the present. I prosume the Suckcess of their Winters hunt has

produced this change in their attere. they all Cut their hair in the

fore head, and most of the men ware the two Cews over each Sholder in

front of the body; Some have the addition of a fiew Small plats formed

of the eare locks, and others tigh a Small bundle of the docked foretop

in front of the fore head. their orniments are Such as discribed of the

nativs below, and are worn in a Similar manner. they insisted on our

danceing this evening but it rained a little the wind blew hard and the

weather was Cold, we therefore did not indulge them.--Several applyed

to me to day for medical aides, one a broken arm another inward fever

and Several with pains across their loins, and Sore eyes. I

administered as well as I could to all. in the evining a man brought

his wife and a horse both up to me. the horse he gave me as a present.

and his wife who was verry unwell the effects of violent Coalds was

placed before me. I did not think her Case a bad one and gave Such

medesine as would keep her body open and raped her in flannel. left

Some Simple Medesene to be taken. we also gave Some Eye water 1 G. of

Ela v V. & 2 grs. of Sacchm Stry. to an ounce of water and in that

perpotion. Great No. of the nativs about us all night.