Thursday May 29th 1806.
No movement of the party today worthy of notice. we have once more a
good stock of meat and roots. Bratton is recovering his strength very
fast; the Child and the Indian Cheif are also on the recovery. the
cheif has much more uce of his hands and arms. he washed his face
himself today which he has been unable to do previously for more than
twelvemonths. we would have repeated the sweat today had not been
cloudy and frequently raining. a speceis of Lizzard called by the
French engages prarie buffaloe are native of these plains as well as of
those of the Missouri. I have called them the horned Lizzard. they are
about the size and a good deel the figure of the common black lizzard.
but their bellies are broader, the tail shorter and their action much
slower; they crawl much like the toad. they are of brown colour with
yellowish and yellowishbrown spots. it is covered with minute scales
intermixed with little horny prosesses like blont prickles on the upper
surface of the body. the belley and throat is more like the frog and
are of a light yelowish brown colour. arround the edge of the belley is
regularly set with little horney projections which give to those edges
a serrate figure the eye is small and of a dark colour. above and
behind the eyes there are several projections of the bone which being
armed at their extremities with a firm black substance has the
appearance of horns sprouting out from the head. this part has induced
me to distinguish it by the apppellation of the horned Lizzard. I
cannot conceive how the engages ever assimilated this animal with the
buffaloe for there is not greater analogy than between the horse and
the frog. this animal is found in greatest numbers in the sandy open
parts of the plains, and appear in great abundance after a shower of
rain; they are sometimes found basking in the sunshine but conceal
themselves in little holes in the earth much the greater preportion of
their time. they are numerous about the falls of the Missouri and in
the plains through which we past lately above the Wallahwallahs.--The
Choke Cherry has been in blume since the 20th inst. it is a simple
branching ascending stem. the cortex smooth and of a dark brown with a
redish cast. the leaf is scattered petiolate oval accute at its apex
finely serrate smooth and of an ordinary green. from 11/2 to 3 inches
in length and 13/4 to 2 in width. the peduncles are common, cilindric,
and from 4 to 5 inches in length and are inserted promiscuously on the
twigs of the preceeding years growth. on the lower portion of the
common peduncle are frequently from 3 to 4 small leaves being the same
in form as those last discribed. other peduncles 1/4 of an inch in
length are thickly scattered and inserted on all sides of the common
peduncle at wright angles with it each elivating a single flower, which
has five obtuse short patent white petals with short claws inserted on
the upper edge of the calyx. the calyx is a perianth including both
stamens and germ, one leafed fine cleft entire simiglobular, infrior,
deciduous. the stamens are upwards of twenty and are seated on the
margin of the flower cup or what I have called the perianth. the
filaments are unequal in length subulate inflected and superior
membranous. the anthers are equal in number with the filaments, they
are very short oblong & flat, naked and situated at the extremity of
the filaments, is of a yelow colour as is also the pollen. one
pistillum. the germen is ovate, smooth, superior, sessile, very small;
the Style is very short, simple, erect, on the top of the germen,
deciduous. the stigma is simple, flat very short.-
[Clark, May 29, 1806]
Thursday 29th of May 1806
No movement of the party to day worthy of notice. we have once more a
good Stock of Meat and roots. Bratten is recovering his Strength very
fast. the Child, and the Indian Cheaf are also on the recovery. the
Chief has much more use of his hands and arms. he washed his face
himself today. Which he has not been able to do previously for more
than twelve months past. I would have repeeted the Sweat to day had it
not been Cloudy and frequently raining.-. Sence my arrival here I have
killed Several birds of the Corvus genus of a kind found only in the
rocky mountains and their neighbourhood. I first met with bird on
Jeffersons River. and Saw them on the hights of the rocky mountains.
but never before had an oppertunity of examineing them Closely. the
Small Corvus discribed at Fort Clatsop is a different Species, tho
untill now I had taken it to be the Same, this is much larger and has a
loud squaling note something like the newing of a Cat. the beak of this
bird is 11/2 inches long, is proportionably large, black and of the
form which characterize this genus. the upper exeeds the under Chap a
little. the head and neck are also propotionably large, the eyes full
and reather prominant, the iris dark brown and purple black. it is
about the Size and Some what the form of the jay bird, tho reather
rounder and more full in the body. the tail is four and a half inches
in length, composed of 12 feathers nearly of the Same length. the head,
neck and body of this bird is of a dove Colour. the wings are black
except the extremities of Six large feathers occupying the middle joint
of the wings which are White. the under disk of the wings are not of
the shineing or glossy black which mark it's upper Surface. the two
feathers in the Center of the tail are black as are the two adjacent
feathers for half their wedth, the ballance are of a pure White. the
feet and legs are black, and imbricated with wide Scales, the nails are
black and remarkably long and Sharp, also much Curved, it has four toes
on each foot of which one is in the rear and 3 in front. the toes are
long particular that in the rear. this bird feeds on the Seeds of the
pine and also on insects. it resides in the rocky Mountains at all
Seasons of the year, and in many parts is the only bird to be found. a
Species of Lizzard Called by the French engages, Prarie buffaloe are
nativs of these plains as well as those of the Missouri. I have Called
them the horned Lizzard. they are about the Size and a good deel the
figure of the Common black lizzard. but their bellies are broader, the
tail Shorter and their action much Slower; they Crawl much like the
toad. they are of a brown Colour with yellowish and yellowish brown
Spots. it is covered with minute scales intermixed with little horney
like blunt prickkles on the upper Surface of the body. the belly and
throat is more like the frog and are of a light yellowish brown Colour.
around the edge of the belly is regularly Set with little horney
prejections which give to those edges a Serrate figure, the eye is
Small and of a dark colour. above and behind the eyes there are Several
Projections of the bone which being armed at their extremities with a
firm black Substance has the appearance of horns Sprouting out from the
head. this part has induced me to distinguish it by the appellation of
the Horned Lizard. I cannot conceive how the engagees ever assimilated
this animal withe Buffalow for there is not grater anology than between
the Horse and the frog. this Animal is found in greatest numbers in the
Sandy open parts of the Plains, and appear in great abundance after a
rain; they are Sometimes found basking in the Sunshine but conceal
themselves in little holes under the tufts of grass or herbs much the
greater proportion of their time. they are noumerous about the Falls of
Missouri, and in the plains through which we passed lately above the
Falls of Columbia
The Choke Cherry has been in blume Since the 20th inst. it is a Simple
branching ascending Stem. the Cortex Smooth and of a dark brown with a
redish Cast. the leaf is scattered petiolate oval accute at it's apex
finely Serated Smooth and of an ordinary green, from 21/2 to 3 inches
in length and from 11/4 to 2 in width. the Peduncles cilindric and
Common from 4 to 5 inches in length and are inserted promiscuisly on
the twigs of the proceeding years growth. on the lower portion of the
Common peduncle are frequently from 3 to 4 Small leaves, being the same
in form as those last discribed. other peduncles 1/4 of an inch in
length are Scattered and thickly inserted on all sides of the Common
peduncle at right-angles with it, each elivateing a Single flower,
which has five obtuse Short patent white petals with Short claws
incerted on the upper edge of the calyx. the Calyx is a perianth
including both Stemes & germ, one leafed five cleft entire, Semi
globular. the Stamons are upwards of twenty and are Seated on the
Margin of the flower Cup or what I have Called the perianth. the
filaments are unequal in length Subulate inflected and Superior
membranous. the anthers are equal in number with the filaments, they
are very Short oblong and flat, naked and Situated at the extremity of
the filaments. is of a yellowish colour asis also the pollen. one
pistillum. the germin is ovate, Smooth, Superior, sessile, very Small;
the Style is very Short, Simple, erect, on the top of the germen
deciduous. the Stigma is Simple, flat very Short. This Shrub rises to
the hight of from 6 to 8 feet generally but Sometimes rich Situations
much higher. it is not confined to any particular Situation Capt. L-s
met with a singular plant in blume of which we preserved a Specimene.
it grows on the Steep fertile hill Sides near this place the radix is
fibrous, not much branched, annual, woody, white and nearly Smooth. the
Stem is Simple branching ascending 21/2 feet high. Celindric, villose
and of a pale red Colour. the branches are but fiew and those near it's
upper extremity. the extremities of the branches are flexable and are
bent down near their extremities with the weight of the flowers. the
leaf is sessile, scattered thinly, nearly lineor tho Somewhat widest in
the middle, two inches in length, absolutely entire, villose, obtusely
pointed and of an Ordinary green. above each leaf a Small Short branch
protrudes, Supporting a tissue of four or five Small leaves of the Same
appearance of those discribed. a leaf is placed under neath each branch
and each flower. the Calyx is one flowered Spatha. the corolla
Superior, consists of four pale perple petals which are tripartite, the
Centeral lobe largest and all terminate obtusely; they are inserted
with a long and narrow claw on the top of the germ, are long, Smooth
and deciduous. there are two distinct Sets of Stamens the first or
principal Consists of four, the filaments which are capillary, erect,
inserted on the top of the germ alternately with the petals, equal
short, membranus; the anthers are also four each being elivated with
it's fillaments; they are reather flat, erect sessile, cohering to the
base, membranous, longitudinally furrowed, twise as long as the
fillament naked, and of a pale purple colour, the Second Set of Stamens
are very minute, are also four and placed within and opposit to the
petals, those are Scercely precptable while the first are large &
Conspicious, the fillaments are capillary equal, very Short white and
Smooth. the anthers are four, oblong, beaked, erect Cohering at the
base, membanous, Shorter than the fillaments, White naked and appear
not to form pollen, there is one pistillum; the germ of which is also
one, celindric, villous, inferior, Sessile, as long as the first
Stamuns, and grooved. the Single Style and Stigma form a perfect mono
petallous corolla only with this difference that the Style which
elivates the Stigma or limb is not a tube but solid tho it's outer
appearance is that of a tube of a Monopetallous corolla swelling as it
ascends and gliding in such manner into the limb that it Cannot be Said
where the Style ends or the Stigma begins, jointly they are as long as
the Gorilla, while the limb is four cleft, Sauser Shaped, and the
margin of the lobes entire and rounded. this has the appearance of a
monopetallous flower growing from the Center of the four petalled
corollar which is rendered more conspicuous in consequence of the first
being white and the latter of a pale purple. I regret very much that
the Seed of this plant are not ripe as yet and it is probable will not
be so dureing our residence in this neighbourhood-. our Horses maney of
them have become So wild that we Cannot take them without the
assistance of the indians who are extreemly dextrous in throwing a Rope
and takeing them with a noose about the neck; as we frequently want the
use of our horses when we cannot get the use of the indians to take
them, we had a Strong pound formed to day in order to take them at
pleasure-
[Lewis, May 30, 1806]
Friday May 30th 1806.
Lapage and Charbono set out to the indian vilages early this morning
for the purpose of trading with them for roots; Sergt. Gass was sent
this morning to obtain some goats hair to stuff the padds of our
saddles. he ascended the river on this side and being unable to pass
the river opposite to the village he wished to visit, returned in the
evening unsuccessfull. Shannon and Collins were permitted to pass the
river in order to trade with the natives and lay in a store of roots
and bread for themselves with their proportion of the merchandize as
the others had done; in landing on the opposite shore the canoe was
driven broad side with the full forse of a very strong current against
some standing trees and instantly filled with water and sunk. Potts who
was with them is an indifferent swimer, it was with much difficulty he
made the land. they lost three blankets a blanket coat and their
pittance of merchandize. in our bear state of clootheing this was a
serious loss. I sent Sergt. Pryor and a party over with the indian
canoe in order to raise and secure ours but the debth of the water and
the strength of the current baffled every effort. I fear that we have
also lost our canoe. all our invalides are on the recovery. we gave the
sick Cheif a severe sweat today, shortly after which he could move one
of his legs and thyes and work his toes pretty well, the other leg he
can move a little; his fingers and arms seem to be almost entirely
restored. he seems highly delighted with his recovery. I begin to
entertain strong hope of his restoration by these sweats. in the
evening Joseph Feild returned in surch of his horses which had left
them last evening and returned to camp. Feilds informed us that himself
and his brother whom he had left at their camp 6 ms. distant on
Collin's creek, had killed 3 deer. The reptiles which I have observed
in this quarter are the Rattlesnake of the speceis discribed on the
Missouri, they are abundant in every part of the country and are the
only poisonous snake which we have yet met with since we left St.
Louis. the 2 speceis of snakes of an inosent kind already discribed.
the common black lizzard, the horned lizzard, a smal green tree frog,
the smal frog which is common to our country which sings in the spring
of the year, a large speceis of frog which resorts the water
considerably larger than our bull frog, it's shape seems to be a medium
between the delicate and lengthy form of our bull frog and that of our
land frog or toad as they are sometimes called in the U States. like
the latter their bodies are covered with little pustles or lumps,
elivated above the ordinary surface of the body; I never heard them
make any sound or nois. the mockerson snake or coperhead, a number of
vipers a variety of lizzards, the toad bullfrog &c common to the U
States are not to be found in this country. most of the insects common
to the U States are found here. the butterflies, common house and
blowing flies, the horse flies, except the goald coloured ear fly, tho
in stead of this fly we have a brown coloured fly about the same size
which attatches itself to that part of the horse and is equally as
troublesome. the silkworm is also found here. a great variety of
beatles common to the Atlantic states are found here likewise. except
from this order the large cow beatle and the black beatle usually alled
the tumble bug which are not found here. the hornet, the wasp and
yellow wasp or yellow jacket as they are frequently called are not met
with in this quarter. there is an insect which much resembles the
latter only a vast deel larger which are very numerous particularly in
the rocky mountains on the waters of the Columbia; these build in the
ground where they form a nest like the hornet with an outer covering to
the comb in which they deposit their eggs and raise their young. the
sheets of this comb are attatched to each other as those of the hornets
are. their wings are four of a dark brown colour. the head is black,
the body and abdomen are yellow incircled with transverse rings of
black, they are ferce and sting very severely, we found them
troublesome in frightening our horses as we passed those mountains. the
honey bee is not found here. the bumble bee is. one of the men brought
me today some onions from the high plain of a different speceis from
those near the borders of the river as they are also from the shive or
small onion noticed below the falls of the Columbia. these onions were
as large as a nutmeg, they generally grow double or two bulbs connected
by the same tissue of radicles; each bulb has two long liniar flat
solid leaves. the peduncle is solid celindric and crowned with an umbal
of from 20 to 30 flowers. this onion is exceedingly crisp and
delicately flavoured indeed I think more sweet and less strong than any
I ever taisted. it is not yet perfectly in blow, the parts of the
flower are not distinct.
[Clark, May 30, 1806]
Friday May 30th 1806.
Lapage and Shabono Set out early this morning to the Indian Village in
order to trade with them for roots; Serjt. Gass was Sent this morning
to obtain Some goats hair to Stuf the pads of our Saddles; he assended
the river on this Side and being unable to pass the river to the
village he wished to visit returned in the evening unsucksessfull.
Shannon and Collins were permited to pass the river in order to trade
with the nativs and lay in a Store of roots and bread for themselves
with their proportion of the merchendize as others had done; on landing
on the opposit Shore the Canoe was driven broad Side with the full
force of a very Strong Current against Some Standing trees and
instantly filled with water and Sunk. Potts who was with them is an
indifferent Swimer, it was with dificuelty he made the land. they lost
three blankets and a Blanket Cappo and their pittance of Merchindize.
in our bear State of Clothing this was a Serious loss. I Sent Serjt.
Pryor and a party over in the Indian Canoe in order to raise and Secure
ours but the debth of the water and the Strength of the Current baffled
every effort. I fear that we have also lost our Canoe.all our involedes
are on the recovery. we gave the Sick Chief a Severe Swet to day,
Shortly after which he could move one of his legs and thy's and work
his toes pritty well, the other leg he can move a little; his fingers
and arms Seem to be almost entirely restored. he Seems highly delighted
with his recovery. I begin to entertain Strong hope of his recovering
by these Sweats in the evening Joseph Fields returned in serch of his
horses which had left them last evening and returned to Camp. Field
informed us that himself and his brother whome he had left at their
Camp 6 ms. distant on Collins Creek had killed 3 Deer.--The reptiles
which I have observed in this quarter are the Rattle Snake of the
Species discribed on the Missouri, they are abundant in every part of
the Country and are the only poisonous Snake which we have met with
Since we left St. Louis. the Second Species of Snake of an inosent kind
already discribd. the Common black Lizzard, the horned Lizzard, a small
green tree-frog; the Same frog which is common to our Country which
Sings in the Spring of the year. a large Species of frog which resorts
the water considerably larger than our bull-frog, it's Shape Seems to
be a Medium between the delicate and lengthy form of our bullfrogs and
that of our land frog or toad as they are Sometimes called in the
United States. like the latter their bodies are covered with little
pustles or lumps, elevated above the ordinary Surface of the body; I
never heard them make any Sound or noise, the Mockerson Snake or Copper
head, a number of vipers, a variety of Lizzards, the toad bullfrog &c.
common to the U. States are not to be found in this Country. Most of
the insects common to the U States are found here. the butterfly,
common house and blowing flies, the horse flies, except the gold
coloured ear fly. tho in Stead of this fly we have a brown coloured fly
about the same Size which attatches itself to that part of the horse
and is equally as troublesom. the Silk worm is also found here. a great
variety of beatles common to the atlantic States are Seen here
likewise. except from this order the large Cow beatle and the black
beatle usially termed tumble bug which are not found here. the hornet,
the Wasp and yellow Wasp or yellow jacket as they are frequently Called
are not met with in this quarter. there is an insect which much
resembles the latter only a vast deel larger which are very noumerous
particular in the Rocky mountains on the waters of the Columbia, those
build in the ground where they form a nest like the hornet with an
outer covering to the Comb in which they deposit their eggs and raise
their young. the Sheets of this Comb are attatched to each other as
those of the hornets are. their wings are four of a dark brown
Colour--the head is black, the body and abdomin are yellow insercled with
transverce rings of black, they are firce and Sting very Severely; we
found them troublesom in frightening our horses as we passed through
mountains. the honey bee is not found here. the bumblebee is. one of
the men brought me to day Some Onions from the high plains of a
different Species from those near the borders of the river as they are
also from the Shive or Small Onion noticed below the Falls of Columbia.
these Onions were as large as an nutmeg, they generally grow double or
two bulbs connected by the same tissue of radicles; each bulb has two
long liner flat solid leaves. the pedencle is solid celindric and
cround with an umble of from 20 to 30 flowers. this Onion is
exceedingly crisp and delicately flavoured indeed. I think more Sweet
and less strong than any I ever tasted, it is not yet perfectly in
blume, the parts of the flower are not distinct
[Lewis, May 31, 1806]
Saturday May 31st 1806.
Goodrich and Willard visited the indian Villages this morning and
returned in the evening. Willard brought with him the dressed skin of a
bear which he had purchased for Capt. C. this skin was an uniform pale
redish brown colour, the indians informed us that it was not the
Hoh-host or white bear, that it was the Yack-kah. this distinction of
the indians induced us to make further enquiry relative to their
opinons of the several speceis of bear in this country. we produced the
several skins of the bear which we had killed at this place and one
very nearly white which I had purchased. The white, the deep and plale
red grizzle, the dark bron grizzle, and all those which had the
extremities of the hair of a white or frosty colour without regard to
the colour of the ground of the poil, they designated Hoh-host and
assured us that they were the same with the white bear, that they
ascosiated together, were very vicisious, never climbed the trees, and
had much longer nails than the others. the black skins, those which
were black with a number of intire white hairs intermixed, the black
with a white breast, the uniform bey, brown and light redish brown,
they designated the Yack-kah;-said that they climbed the trees, had
short nails and were not vicious, that they could pursue them and kill
them with safety, they also affirmed that they were much smaller than
the white bear. I am disposed to adopt the Indian distinction with
rispect to these bear and consider them two distinct speceis. the white
and the grizzly of this neighbourhood are the same of those found on
the upper portion of the Missouri where the other speceis are not, and
that the uniform redish brown black &c of this neighbourhood are a
speceis distinct from our black bear and from the black bear of the
Pacific coast which I believe to be the same with those of the Atlantic
coast, and that the common black bear do not exist here. I had
previously observed that the claws of some of the bear which we had
killed here had much shorter tallons than the variagated or white bear
usually have but supposed that they had woarn them out by scratching up
roots, and these were those which the indians called Yak-kah. on
enquiry I found also that a cub of an uniform redish brown colour, pup
to a female black bear intermixed with entire white hairs had climbed a
tree. I think this a distinct speceis from the common black bear,
because we never find the latter of any other colour than an uniform
black, and also that the poil of this bear is much finer thicker and
longer with a greater proportion of fur mixed with the hair, in other
ispects they are much the same.--This evening Joseph and R. Feilds
returned with the three deer which they had killed. The Indians brought
us another of our origional Stock of horses; there are only two absent
now of those horses, and these the indians inform us that our shoshone
guide rode back when he returned. we have sixty five horses at this
time, most of them in excellent order and fine strong active horses.-
The Indians pursued a mule deer to the river opposite to our camp this
evening; the deer swam over and one of our hunters killed it. there
being a large party of indians assembled on this occasion on the
opposite side, Hohast-ill-pilp desired them to raise our canoe which
was sunk on that side of the river yesterday; they made the attempt but
were unable to effect it.
[Clark, May 31, 1806]
Saturday May 31st 1806
Goodrich and Willard visited the indian Village this morning and
returned in the evening Willard brought with him the dressed Skin of a
bear which he had purchased for me. this Skin was of a uniform pale
redish brown colour, the indians inform us that it was not the Hoh-host
or white bear, that it was the Yack-kah this distinction of the indians
induced us to make further enquiry relitive to their oppinions of the
defferent Species of bear in this country. We produced the Several
Skins of the bear which our hunters had killed at this place and one
very nearly white which Capt Lewis had purchased. the White, the deep
and pale red grizzle, the dark brown grizzle, and all those that had
the extremities of the hair of a White or frosty Colour without reguard
to the Colour of the ground of the poil, they disignated Hoh-host and
assured us that they were the Same with the White bear, that they
associated together, were very vicisious, never climb the trees, and
had much longer nails than the others. The black skins, those which
were black with a number of entire white hairs intermixed, the black
with a White breast, the uniform bey, brown and light redish brown,
they disignated the Yack-kah-; Said that they Climb the trees had Short
nails and were not viscisious, that they could prosue them and kill
them in Safty, they also affirmed that they were much Smaller than the
white bear. I am disposed to adopt the Indians distinction with respect
to these bear and consider them two distinct Species. the White and the
Grizzly of this neighbourhood are the Same as those found on the upper
part of the Missouri where the other Species are not, and that the
uniform redish brown black &c. of this neighbourhood are a Species
distinct from both Species of our black bear and from the black bear of
the Pacific Coast which I believe to be the Same with those of the
Atlantic Coast, and that the Common black bear do not exist here. I had
previously observed that the claws of Some of the bear which we had
killed here had much Shorter tallons than the varigated or White bear
usially have but Supposed that they had worn them out by scratching out
roots, and these were those which the indians call Yahkah. on enquiry I
found also that a Cub of a uniform redish brown Colour pup to a female
black bear intermixed with entire white hairs, had climbed a tree. I
think this a distinct Species from the common black bear becaus we
never find the latter of any other Colour than a uniform black, and
also that the poil of this bear is much finer thicker and longer with a
greater proportion of fur mixed with the hair, in other respects they
are much the same
This evening, Joseph and Reuben Fields returned with the three deer
they had killed. The indians brought us another of our Original Stock
of Horses; there are only two Absent now of these horses, and these the
indians inform us that our Sho-Sho-ne guide rode back when he returned.
we have Sixty five horses at this time, most of them in excellent order
and fine Strong active horses
The Indians pursued a Mule deer to the river opposit to our Camp this
evening; the deer Swam over and one of our hunters killed it. there
being a large party of indians assembled on this Occasion on the
opposit Side with Tin-nach-e-moo-tolt they attempted to rais our Canoe
which was Sunk on that Side of the river yesterday; they made the
attempt but were unable to effect it-.
[Lewis, June 1, 1806]
Sunday June 1st 1806.
Yesterday evening Charbono an LaPage returned, having made a broken
voyage. they ascended the river on this side nearly opposite to a
village eight miles above us, here their led horse which had on him
their merchandize, feell into the river from the side of a steep clift
and swam over; they saw an indian on the opposite side whom they
prevailed on to drive their horse back again to them; in swiming the
river the horse lost a dressed Elkskin of LaPages and several small
articles, & their paint was destroyed by the water. here they remained
and dryed their articles the evening of the 30th Ult. the indians at
the village learning their errand and not having a canoe, made an
attempt esterday morning to pass the river to them on a raft with a
parsel of roots and bread in order to trade with them; the indian raft
struck a rock, upset and lost thir cargo; the river having fallen heir
to both merchandize and roots, our traders returned with empty bags.
This morning Drewyer accompanyed by Hohastillpilp set out in surch of
two tomahawks of ours which we have understood were in the possession
of certain indians residing at a distance in the plains on the South
side of the Kooskoske; the one is a tomahawk which Capt. C. left at our
camp on Musquetoe Creek and the other was stolen from us while we lay
at the forks of this and the Chopunnish rivers last fall. Colter and
Willard set out this morning on a hunting excurtion towards the quamash
grounds beyond Collins's Creek. we begin to feel some anxiety with
rispect to Sergt. Ordway and party who were sent to Lewis's river for
salmon; we have received no inteligence of them since they set out. we
desired Drewyer to make some enquiry after the Twisted hair; the old
man has not been as good as his word with rispect to encamping near us,
and we fear we shall be at a loss to procure guides to conduct us by
the different routs we wish to pursue from Traveller's rest to the
waters of the Missouri.--I met with a singular plant today in blume of
which I preserved a specemine; it grows on the steep sides of the
fertile hills near this place, the radix is fibrous, not much branched,
annual, woody, white and nearly smooth. the stem is simple branching
ascending, 21/2 feet high celindric, villose and of a pale red colour.
the branches are but few and those near it's upper extremity. the
extremities of the branches are flexable and are bent down near their
extremities with the weight of the flowers. the leaf is sissile,
scattered thinly, nearly linear tho somewhat widest in the middle, two
inches in length, absolutely entire, villose, obtusely pointed and of
an ordinary green. above each leaf a small short branch protrudes,
supporting a tissue of four or five smaller leaves of the same
appearance with those discribed. a leaf is placed underneath eah
branch, and each flower. the calyx is a one flowered spathe. the
corolla superior consists of four pale perple petals which are
tripartite, the central lobe largest and all terminate obtusely; they
are inserted with a long and narrow claw on the top of the germ, are
long, smooth, & deciduous. there are two distinct sets of stamens the
1st or principal consist of four, the filaments of which are capillary,
erect, inserted on the top of the germ alternately with the petals,
equal short, membranous; the anthers are also four each being elivated
with it's fillament, they are linear and reather flat, erect sessile,
cohering at the base, membranous, longitudinally furrowed, twise as
long as the fillament naked, and of a pale perple colour. the second
set of stamens are very minute are also four and placed within and
opposite to the petals, these are scarcely persceptable while the 1st
are large and conspicuous; the filaments are capillary equal, very
short, white and smooth. the anthers are four, oblong, beaked, erect,
cohering at the base, membranous, shorter than the fillaments, white
naked and appear not to form pollen. there is one pistillum; the germ
of which is also one, cilindric, villous, inferior, sessile, as long as
the 1st stamens, and marked with 8 longitudinal furrows. the single
style and stigma form a perfict monapetallous corolla only with this
difference, that the style which elivates the stigma or limb is not a
tube but solid tho it's outer appearance is that of the tube of a
monopetallous corolla swelling as it ascends and gliding in such manner
into the limb that it cannot be said where the style ends, or the
stigma begins; jointly they are as long as the corolla, white, the limb
is four cleft, sauser shaped, and the margins of the lobes entire and
rounded. this has the appearance of a monopetallous flower growing from
the center of a four petalled corollar, which is rendered more
conspicuous in consequence of the 1st being white and the latter of a
pale perple. I regret very much that the seed of this plant are not yet
ripe and it is proble will not be so during my residence in this
neighbourhood.
[Clark, June 1, 1806]
Sunday June 1st 1806.
Late last evening Shabono & Lapage returnd. haveing made a broken
voyage. they assended the river on this Side nearly opposit to the
Village Eight miles above us, here their led horse who had on him their
Stock of Merchindize fell into the river from the Side of a Steep Clift
and swam over, they Saw an indian on the opposit side whome they
provailed on to drive their horse back again to them; in swiming the
horse lost a dressed Elk skin of LaPages and Several small articles,
and their paint was distroyed by the water. here they remained and
dryed their articles the evening of the 30th ulto. the indians at the
village learned their errand and not haveing a canoe, made an attempt
Yesterday morning made an attempt to pass the river to them on a raft
with a parcel of roots and bread in order to trade with them; the
indian raft Struck a rock upset and lost their Cargo; the river haveing
Swallowed both Merchindize & roots, our traders returned with empty
bags. This morning Geo. Drewyer accompanied by Hohastillpilp Set out in
Serch of two tomahawks of ours which we have understood were in the
possession of certain indians resideing at a distance in the Plains on
the South Side of Flat Head river; one is a pipe tomahawk which Capt L.
left at our Camp on Musquetor Creek and the other was stolen from me
whilst we lay at the forks of this and Chopunnish rivers last fall.
Colter and Willard Set out this morning on a hunting excurtion towards
the quawmash grounds beyond Colins creek. we begin to feel Some anxiety
with respect to Sergt. Ordway and party who were Sent to Lewis's river
for salmon; we have receved no intillegence of them Sence they Set out.
we desired Drewyer to make Some enquiry after the Twisted hair; the old
man has not been as good as his word with respect to encamping near us,
and we fear we Shall be at a loss to procure guides to conduct us by
the different routs we wish to pursue from Travillers rest to the
waters of the Missouri
[Lewis, June 2, 1806]
Monday June 2cd 1806.
McNeal and york were sent on a trading voyage over the river this
morning. having exhausted all our merchandize we are obliged to have
recourse to every subterfuge in order to prepare in the most ample
manner in our power to meet that wretched portion of our journy, the
Rocky Mountain, where hungar and cold in their most rigorous forms
assail the waried traveller; not any of us have yet forgotten our
sufferings in those mountains in September last, and I think it
probable we never shall. Our traders McNeal and York were furnished
with the buttons which Capt. C. and myself cut off our coats, some eye
water and Basilicon which we made for that purpose and some Phials and
small tin boxes which I had brought out with Phosphorus. in the evening
they returned with about 3 bushels of roots and some bread having made
a successful) voyage, not much less pleasing to us than the return of a
good cargo to an East India Merchant.--Collins, Sheilds, R & J. Feilds
and Shannon set out on a hunting excurtion to the Quawmash grounds on
the lower side of Collins's Creek. our horses many of them have become
so wild that we cannot take them without the assistance of the Indians
who are extreemly dextrous in throwing a rope and taking them with a
noose about the neck; as we frequently want the use of our horses when
we cannot get the assistance of the indians to take them, we had a
strong pound formed today in order to take them at pleasure. Drewyer
arrived this evening with Neeshneparkkeeook and Hohastillpilp who had
accompanyed him to the lodges of the persons who had our tomahawks. he
obtained both the tomahawks principally by the influence of the former
of these Cheifs. the one which had been stolen we prized most as it was
the private property of the late Sergt. Floyd and Capt. C. was
desireous of returning it to his friends. the man who had this tomahawk
had purchased it from the Indian that had stolen it, and was himself at
the moment of their arrival just expiring. his relations were unwilling
to give up the tomehawk as they intended to bury it with the disceased
owner, but were at length induced to do so for the consideration of a
hadkerchief, two strands of beads, which Drewyer gave them and two
horses given by the cheifs to be killed agreeably to their custom at
the grave of the disceased. The bands of the Chopunnish who reside
above the junction of Lewis's river and the Kooskooske bury their dead
in the earth and place stones on the grave. they also stick little
splinters of wood in betwen the interstices of the irregular mass of
stone piled on the grave and afterwards cover the whole with a roof of
board or split timber. the custom of sacreficing horses to the
disceased appears to be common to all the nations of the plains of
Columbia. a wife of Neeshneeparkkeeook died some short time since,
himself and hir relations saceficed 28 horses to her. The Indians
inform us that there are a plenty of Moos to the S. E. of them on the
East branch of Lewis's river which they call Tommanamah R. about Noon
Sergt. Ordway Frazier and Wizer returned with 17 salmon and some roots
of cows; the distance was so great from which they had brought the fish
that most of them were nearly spoiled. these fish were as fat as any I
ever saw; sufficiently so to cook themselves without the addition of
grease; those which were sound were extreemly delicious; their flesh is
of a fine rose colour with a small admixture of yellow. these men set
out on the 27th ult. and in stead of finding the fishing shore at the
distance of half a days ride as we had been informed, they did not
reach the place at which they obtained their fish untill the evening of
the 29th having travelled by their estimate near 70 miles. the rout
they had taken however was not a direct one; the Indians conducted them
in the first instance to the East branch of Lewis's river about 20
miles above it's junction with the South branch, a distance of about 50
Ms. where they informed them they might obtain fish; but on their
arrival at that place finding that the salmon had not yet arrived or
were not taken, they were conducted down that river to a fishery a few
miles below the junction of the forks of Lewis's river about 20 Ms.
further, here with some difficulty and remaining one day they purchased
the salmon which they brought with them. the first 20 Ms. of their rout
was up Commeap Creek and through a plain open country, the hills of the
creek continued high and broken with some timber near it's borders. the
ballance of their rout was though a high broken mountanous country
generally well timbered with pine the soil fertile in this quarter they
met with an abundance of deer and some bighorned animals. the East fork
of Lewis's river they discribe as one continued rapid about 150 Yds.
wide it's banks are in most places solid and perpendicular rocks, which
rise to a great hight; it's hills are mountains high. on the tops of
some of those hills over which they passed, the snow had not entirely
disappeared, and the grass was just springing up. at the fishery on
Lewis's river below the forks there is a very considerable rapid nearly
as great from the information of Segt. Ordway as the great falls of the
Columbia the river 200 Yds. wide. their common house at this fishery is
built of split timber 150 feet long and 35 feet wide flat at top. The
general course from hence to the forks of Lewis's river is a little to
the West of south about 45 Ms.--The men at this season resort their
fisheries while the women are employed in collecting roots. both forks
of Lewis's river above their junction appear to enter a high
Mountainous country.--my sick horse being much reduced and apearing to
be in such an agoni of pain that there was no hope of his recovery I
ordered him shot this evening. the other horses which we casterated are
all nearly recovered, and I have no hesitation in declaring my beleif
that the indian method of gelding is preferable to that practiced by
ourselves.
[Clark, June 2, 1806]
Monday June 2nd 1806
McNeal and York were Sent on a tradeing voyage over the river this
morning. having exhosted all our Merchendize we were obliged to have
recourse to every Subterfuge in order to prepare in the most ample
manner in our power to meet that wretched portion of our journy, the
Rocky Mountains, where hungar and Cold in their most regorous form
assail the waried traveller; not any of us have yet forgotten our those
mountains in September last, I think it probable we never Shall. Our
traders McNeal and York are furnished with the buttons which Capt L-.
and my Self Cut off of our Coats, Some eye water and Basilicon which we
made for that purpose and Some phials of eye water and Some tin boxes
which Capt L. had brought from Philadelphia. in the evening they
returned with about 3 bushels of roots and Some bread haveing made a
Suckcessfull voyage, not much less pleasing to us than the return of a
good Cargo to an East India merchant.
Shields, Collins, Reuben & Joseph Field & Shannon Set out on a hunting
excurtion to the quaw mash the lower side of Collins Creek & towards
the Mountains.
Drewyer arived this evening with Neeshneparkkeeook and Hohashillpilp
who had accompanied him to the lodge of the person who had our
tomahawks. he obtained both the tomahawks principally by the influence
of the former of those Chiefs. the one which had been Stolen we prized
most as it was the private property of the late Serjt. Floyd and I was
desireous of returning it to his friends. The man who had this tomahawk
had purchased it from the man who had Stolen it, and was himself at the
moment of their arival just expireing. his relations were unwilling to
give up the tomahawk as they intended to bury it with the deceased
owner, but were at length to do so for the Consideration of a
handkerchief, two Strands of heeds, which drewyer gave them and two
horses given by the Chiefs to be Killed agreeable to their custom at
the grave of the deceased. The custom of Sacrificeing horses to the
disceased appears to be Common to all the nations of the plains of the
Columbia. a Wife of Neeshneeparkkeeook died Some Short time Sence,
himself and her relations sacrificed horses to her. The Indians inform
us that there is a plenty of Moos to the S. E. of them on the East
branch of Lewis's river which they Call Tommawamah River. About noon
Sergt. Ordway Frazier and Wiser returnd. with 17 Salmon and Some roots
of the Cows; the distance was So great from whence they brought the
fish, that most of them were nearly Spoiled. those fish were as fat as
any I ever saw; Sufficiently So to cook themselves without the addition
of Grease or butter; those which were Sound were extreemly delicious;
their flesh is of a fine rose colour with a Small admixture of yellow.
these men Set out on the 27th ulto. and in Sted of finding the fishing
Shore at the distance of half a days ride as we had been informed, they
did not reach the place at which they obtained their fish untill the
evening of the 29th haveing traveled near 70 miles. the rout they had
taken however was not a direct one; the Indians Conducted them in the
first instance to the East fork of Lewis's river about 10 miles above
it's junction with the South branch, a distance of about 50 miles where
they informed them they might obtain fish; but on their arival at that
place finding that the Salmon had not arived or were not taken, they
were Conducted down that river to a fishery a fiew miles below the
junction of the forks of Lewis's River about 20 miles further, here
they remained one day and with some dificuelty, they purchased the
Salmon which they brought with them. the first 20 ms. Of their rout was
up Commeap Creek and through a plain open Country, the hills of the
Creek Continued high and broken with Some timber near it's borders, the
ballance of their rout was through a high broken Mountanious Country.
generally well timbered with pine the soil fertile. in this quarter the
meet with abundance of deer and Some big-horned Animals. The East fork
of Lewis's river they discribe as one Continued rapid of about 150
yards wide, it's banks are in most places Solid and perpindicular
rocks, which rise to a great hight; it's hills are mountanious high. on
the top of Some of those hills over which they passed, the Snow had not
entirely disappeared, and the grass was just springing up. at the
fishery on Lewis's river below the forks there is a very Considerable
rapid, nearly as Great from the information of Sergt. Ordway as the
Great falls of the Columbia the river 200 yards wide. their common
house at this fishery is built of Split timber 150 feet long and 35
feet in width, flat at top. the general Course from here to the forks
of Lewis's river is a little to the west of South about 45 ms. The men
at this Season resort their fisheries while the womin are employed in
collecting roots-. both forks above the junction of Lewis's river
appear to enter a high Mountainious Country. our horses are all
recovering & I have no hesitation in declareing that I believe that the
Indian Method of guilding preferable to that practised by ourselves.
[Lewis, June 3, 1806]
Tuesday June 3rd 1806.
Our invalids are all on the recovery; Bratton is much stronger and can
walk about with considerable ease. the Indian Cheif appears to be
gradually recovering the uce of his limbs, and the child is nearly
well; the imposthume on his neck has in a great measure subsided and
left a hard lump underneath his left ear; we still continue the
application of the onion poltice. at 2 P.M. The Broken arm and 3 of his
wariars visited us and remained all night. Colter, Jo. Fields and
Willard returned this evening with five deer and one bear of the brown
speceis; the hair of this was black with a large white spot on the
breast containing a small circular black spot. today the Indians
dispatched an express over the mountains to travellers rest or the
neighbourhood of that Creek on Clark's river in order to learn from the
Oote-lash-shoots a band of the Flatheads who have wintered there, the
occurrences that have taken place on the East side of the mountains
during that season. this is the band which we first met with on that
river. the mountains being practicable for this express we thought it
probable that we could also pass, but the indians informed us that
several of the creeks would yet swim our horses, that there was no
grass and that the roads were extreemly deep and slipery; they inform
us that we may pass conveniently in twelve or fourteen days. we have
come to a resolution to remove from hence to the quawmash grounds
beyond Collins's creek on the 10th to hunt in that neighbourhood a few
days, if possible lay in a stock of meat and then attempt the mountains
about the middle of this month. I begin to lose all hope of any
dependance on the Salmon as this river will not fall sufficiently to
take them before we shall leave it, and as yet I see no appearance of
their runing near the shores as the indians informed us they would in
the course of a few days. I find that all the salmon which they procure
themselves they obtain on Lewis's river, and the distance thither is
too great for us to think of sending after them even had we merchandize
with which to purchase.
[Clark, June 3, 1806]
Tuesday June 3rd 1806
Our invalids are all on the recovery; bratten is much Stronger and can
walk about with Considerable ease. the Indian Chief appears to be
gradually recovering the use of his limbs, and the child is nearly
well; the inflomation on his neck Continus but the Swelling appears to
Subside. we Still Continue the application of the onion poltice. at 3
P.M. the broken arm and three wariors visited us and remained all
night. Colter, Jos. Fields and Willard returned this evening with five
deer and one bear of the brown Species; the hair of this was black with
a large white Spot on the breast containing a Small circular black
Spot. (this Species of bear is Smaller than our Common black bear) this
was a female bear and as our hunters informed us had cubs last year,
this they judged from the length and Size of her tits &c. this bear I
am Confident is not larger than the yerlin Cubs of our Country. To day
the Indians dispatched an express over the mountains to Travellers rest
or to the neighbourhood of that Creek on Clark's river in order to
learn from a band of Flat-Heads who inhabit that river and who have
probably Wintered on Clarks river near the enterance of travellers rest
Creek, the occurences which have taken place on the East Side of the
mountains dureing the last winter. this is the band which we first met
with on that river. the Mountains being practicable for this express we
thought it probable that we could also pass, but the Chiefs informs us
that Several of the Creek's would yet swim our horses, that there was
no grass and that the road was extreemly deep and slipery; they inform
us that we may pass Conveniently in twelve or fourteen days. we have
come to a resolution to remove from hence to the Quawmash Grounds
beyond Colins Creek on the 10th to hunt in that neighbourhood a fiew
days, if possible lay in a Stock of Meat, and then attempt the
Mountains about the Middle of this month. I begin to lose all hope of
any dependance on the Salmon as this river will not fall Sufficiently
to take them before we Shall leave it, and as yet I see no appearance
of their running near the Shore as the indians informed us they would
in the course of a fiew days. I find that all the Salmon which they
precure themselves they obtain on Lewis's river, and the distance
thither is too great for us to think of Sending after them, even had we
merchendize with which to purchase the salmon.-.
[Lewis, June 4, 1806]
Wednesday June 4th 1806.
about noon The 3 Cheifs left us and returned to their vilages. while
they were with us we repeated the promises we had formerly made them
and invited them to the Missouri with us, they declined going untill
the latter end of the summer and said it was there intention to spend
the ensuing winter on the East side of the Rocky mountains. they gave
us no positive answer to a request which we made, that two or three of
their young men should accompany me to the falls of the Missouri and
there wait my return from the upper part of Maria's river where it was
probable I should meet with some of the bands of the Minnetares from
Fort de Prarie; that in such case I should indeavor to bring about a
good understanding between those indians and themselves, which when
effected they would be informed of it though the young men thus sent
with me, and that on the contrary should I not be fortunate enough to
meet with these people nor to prevail on them to be at peace they would
equally be informed through those young men, and they might still
remain on their guard with rispect to them untill the whites had it in
their power to give them more effectual releif. The Broken Arm invited
us to his village and said he wished to speak to us before we set out,
and that he had some roots to give us for our journey over the
mountains; Capt. C. promised to visit him as he wished the day after
tomorrow.--Sheilds returned this evening from the quawmash grounds with
2 deer which he had killed.
[Clark, June 4, 1806]
Wednesday June 4th 1806
about noon the 3 chiefs left us and returned to their villages. While
they were with us we repeeted the promisces we had formerly made them
and envited them to the Missouri with us, they declined going untill
the latter end of the Summer, and Said it was their intintion to Spend
the insiewing winter on the East Side of the Rocky Mountains, they gave
us no positive answer to a request which we made, that two or three of
their young men Should accompany Capt L. to the falls of Missouri and
there wait his return from the upper part of Maria's river where it was
probable he Should meet with Some of the bands of the Blakfoot Indians
and Minitarres of Fort dePrarie, that in Such Case Capt L. would
indeavor to bring about a good understanding between those indians and
themselves, which when effected they would be informed of it through
the young men thus Sent with him. and that on the contrary Should he
not be fortunate enough to meet with those people, nor to provaile on
them to be at peace they would equally be informed through those young
men, and they might Still remain on their guard with respect to them,
untill the Whites had it more in their Power to give them more
effectual relief. I also urged the necessaty of Sending one or two of
their Considerate men to accompany me by way of the Shoshonees on the
head of Jeffersons river and about the three forks of the Missouri
which whome there is most probably Some of the Chiefs of those bands of
Shoshones with whome they are at war, and by which means a message Sent
to that nation & good understanding brought about between the Shoshones
and the Chopunnish Nations which appears to be the wish of both
Nations. The Broken Arm envited us to his Village and Said he wished to
Speak to us before we Set out, and that he had Some roots to give us
for our journey over the mountains; I promised to visit him as he
wished the day after tomorrow-. Shields returned this evining from the
Quawmash grounds with two Deer which he had killed
[Lewis, June 5, 1806]
Thursday June 5th 1806.
Colter and Bratton were permitted to visit the indian villages today
for the purpose of trading for roots and bread, they were fortunate and
made a good return. we gave the indian cheif another sweat today,
continuing it as long as he could possibly bear it; in the evening he
was very languid but appeared still to improve in the use of his limbs.
the child is recovering fast the inflamation has subsided intirely, we
discontinued the poltice, and applyed a plaster of basilicon; the part
is still considerably swolen and hard. in the evening R. Feilds Shannon
and Labuish return from the chaise and brought with them five deer and
a brown bear. among the grasses of this country I observe a large
speceis which grows in moist situations; it rises to the hight of eight
or ten feet, the culm is jointed, hollow, smooth, as large as a goos
quill and more firm than ordinary grasses; the leaf is linnear broad
and rough; it has much the appearance of the maden cain as it is called
in the state of Gergia, and retains it's virdure untill late in the
fall. this grass propegates principally by the root which is horizontal
and perennial. a second speceis grows in tussucks and rises to the
hight of six or eight feet; it seems to delight in the soil of the
river bottoms which possess a greater mixture of sand than the hills in
this neighbourhood. this is also a harsh course grass; it appears to be
the same which is called the Corn grass in the Southern states, and the
foxtail in Virginia. a third speceis resembles the cheet, tho the
horses feed on it very freely. a fourth and most prevalent speceis is a
grass which appears to be the same called the blue grass common to many
parts of the United States; it is common to the bottom as well as the
uplands, is now seeding and is from 9 inches to 2 feet high; it affords
an excellent pasture for horses and appears to bear the frosts and snow
better than any grass in our country; I therefore regret very much that
the seed will not be ripe before our probable departure. this is a fine
soft grass and would no doubt make excellent hay if cultivated. I do
not find the greenswoard here which we met with on the lower part of
the Columbia. there are also several speceis of the wild rye to be met
with in the praries. among the plants and shrubs common to our contry I
observe here the seven bark, wild rose, vining honeysickle, sweet
willow, red willow, longleafed pine, Cattail or cooper's flag,
lamsquarter, strawberry, raspberry, tonge grass, musterd, tanzy,
sinquefield, horsemint, coltsfoot, green plantin, cansar weed, elder,
shoemate and several of the pea blume flowering plants.-
[Clark, June 5, 1806]
Thursday June 5th 1806
Colter and Bratten were permitted to visit the Indian Village to day
for the purpose of tradeing for roots and bread, they were fortunate
and made a good return. we gave the Indian Cheif another Sweat to-day,
continuing it as long as he could bear it. in the evening he was very
languid but Still to improve in the use of his limbs. the Child is
revovereing fast. I applied a plaster of Sarve made of the Rozen of the
long leafed pine, Beas wax and Beare oil mixed, which has Subsided the
inflomation entirely, the part is Considerably Swelled and hard-. in
the evening Reuben Fields, G. Shannon, Labiech, & Collins returned from
the chaise and brought with them five deer and a brown Bear.
Among the Grasses of this Country I observe a large Species which grows
in moist Situations; it rises to the hight of Eight or ten feet, the
Culm is jointed, hollow, Smooth, as large as a goose quill, and more
firm than ordinary grass; the leaf is linner broad and rough; it has
much the appearance of the Meadin Cain as it is Called in the Southern
parts of the U States, and retains it's virdue untill late in the fall.
this grass propegates principally by the Root which is horozontal and
perennial.-. a Second Species grows in tussucks and rises to the hight
of Six or Eight feet; it Seams to delight in the Soil of the river
bottoms which possess agreater mixture of Sand than the hills in this
neighbourhood. this is also a harsh Course grass; it appears to be the
Same which is Called the Corn grass in the Southern States, and the
Foxtail in Virginia. a third Species resembles the cheet, tho the
horses feed on it very freely. a fouth and most prevalent Species is a
grass which appears to be the Same Called the blue Grass common to
maney parts of the United States; it is common to the bottoms as well
as the uplands, is now Seeding and is from 9 inches to 2 feet high; it
affords an excellent paterage for horses and appears to bear the frost
and Snow better than any grass in our Country; I therefore regrete very
much that the Seed will not be ripe before our probable departure. this
is a fine Soft grass and would no doubt make excellent hay if
cultivated. I do not find the Green Sword here which we met with on the
lower part of the Columbia. There are also Several Species of the wild
Rye to be met with in the praries. among the plants and Shrubs common
to our Country I observe here the Seven bark, Wild rose, vineing honey
suckle, Sweet willow, red willow, long leafed pine, Cattail or Coopers
Flag. Lambs quarter, Strawberries, Raspberries, Goose berries, tongue
grass, Mustard, tanzy, Sinquefield, horse mint, water penerial, elder,
Coalts foot, Green Plantin, canser weed, Shoemate, and Several of the
pea blume flowering plants.-. Frazier who had permission to visit the
Twisted Hairs Lodge at the distance of ten or twelve miles did not
return this evening-. The river falls in course of the day and rises
Some at night as will be Seen by the remarks in the Diary of the
weather. this most probably is the melding of the Snows dureing the day
&c.
[Lewis, June 6, 1806]
Friday June 6th 1806.
This morning Frazier returned having been in quest of some roots and
bread which had left at the lodg of the Twisted hair when on his way to
the fishery on Lewis's river. the Twisted hair came with him but I was
unable to converse with him for the want of an interpreter, Drewyer
being absent with Capt. C. This Cheif left me in the evening and
returned to his village. Capt C. Visited the Broken Arm today agreeably
to his promise; he took with him Drewyer and several others. they were
received in a friendly manner. The Broken Arm informed Capt. C. that
the nation would not pass the mountain untill the latter end of the
summer, and that with rispect to the young men whom we had requested
should accompany us to the falls of the Missouri, were not yet
scelected for that purpose nor could they be so untill there was a
meeting of the nation in counsil. that this would happen in the course
of ten or twelve days as the whole of the lodges were about to remove
to the head of the Commeap Creek in the plain near Lewis's river, that
when they had assembled themselves they would hold a council and
scelect the young men. that if we set out previously to that period the
men would follow us. we therefore do not calculate on any assistance
from them as guides, but depend more upon engageing some of the
Ootlashshoots in the neighborhood of Travellers rest C. for that
purpose. The broken arm gave Capt. C. a few dryed Quawmas roots as a
great present, but in our estimation those of cows are much better, I
am confident they are much more healthy. The men who were with Capt. C.
obtained a good store of roots and bread in exchange for a number of
little notions, using the Yanke phrase, with which their own enginuity
had principally furnished them. on examination we find that our whole
party have an ample store of bread and roots for our voyage, a
circumstance not unpleasing. They retuned at 5 P.M. shortly after which
we were visited by Hohastillpilp the two young Cheifs who gave us the
horses in behalf of the nation some time since and several others, who
remained all night. The Kooskooske is about 150 Yds. wide at this place
and discharges a vast body of water; notwithstanding it high state the
water remains nearly transparent, and it's temperature appeas to be
quite as cold as that of our best springs. we meet with a beautifull
little bird in this neighbourhood about the size and somewhat the shape
of the large spar-row. it is reather longer in proportion to it's bulk
than the sparrow. it measures 7 inches from the extremity of the beek
to that of the tail, the latter occupying 21/2 inches. the beak is
reather more than half an inch in length, and is formed much like the
Virginia nitingale; it is thick and large for a bird of it's size; wide
at the base, both chaps convex, and pointed, the uper exceeds the under
chap a little is somewhat curved and of a brown colour; the lower chap
of a greenish yellow. the eye full reather large and of a black colour
both puple and iris. the plumage is remarkably delicate; that of the
neck and head is of a fine orrange yellow and red, the latter
predominates on the top of the head and arround the base of the beak
from whence it graduly deminishes & towards the lower part of the neck,
the orrange yellow prevails most; the red has the appearance of being
laid over a ground of yellow. the breast, the sides, rump and some long
feathers which lie between the legs and extend underneath the tail are
of a fine orrange yellow. the tail, back and wings are black, ecept a
small stripe of yellow on the outer part of the middle joint of the
wing, 1/4 of an inch wide and an inch in length. the tail is composed
of twelve feathers of which those in the center are reather shortest,
and the plumage of all the feathers of the tail is longest on that side
of the quill next the center of the tail. the legs and feet are black,
nails long and sharp; it has four toes on each foot, of which three are
forward and one behind; that behind is as long as the two outer of the
three toes in front.
[Clark, June 6, 1806]
Friday June 6th 1806
I visited the Broken Arm to day agreeable to my promis of the 4th inst.
and took with me Drewyer & three other men I was receved in a friendly
manner. The broken Arm informed me that maney of the Small chiefs of
the different Bands of his nation had not heard our word from our own
mouths, Several of them were present and was glad to See me &c. I
repeeted in part what had been Said in Council before. The Broken arm
told me that the nation would not pass the mountains untill the latter
part of the Summer, and with respect to the young men who we had
requested to accompany us to the falls of Missouri, were not yet
Selected for that purpose nor could they be So untill they had a
Meeting of the Nation in Council. that this would happen in the Course
of ten or 12 days as the whole of the Lodges were about to Move to the
head of Commeap Creek in the Plain of Lewis's river, that when they
held a council they would Select two young men. that if we Set out
previously to that time the men would follow us. we therefore do not
Calculate any assistance from them as guides, but depend more upon
engageing Some of the Oatlash-shoots on Clarks river in the
neighbouringhood of Travellers rest C. for that purpose. The Broken Arm
gave me a fiew Quawmash roots as a great preasent, but in my estimation
those of Cows is much better. I am Confident they are much more
healthy. The Broken Arm informed me that they had latterly been
informed that a party of the Shoshones had arived at the Ye-E-al-po
Nation who reside to the South of the enterance of Kooskooske into
Lewis's river. and had informed that people that their nation (the
Shoshones) had received the talk which was given their relations on the
head of the East fork of Lewis's river last fall, and were resolved to
pursue our Councils, and had came foward for the purpose of makeing
peace with them, and allso with the Chopunnish &c. that they had Sent
Several men in Serch of those people with a view to bring them to
Lewis's river at which place the Broken Arm informed me he Should meet
them and Smoke the pipe of peace. which he Should afterwards Send by
with Some of his Chiefs in company with those Shoshones to their nation
and confirm a piece which never Should be broken on his part. he
produced two pipes one of which he said was as a present to me the
other he intended to Send to the Shoshones &c. and requested me to take
one, I receved the one made in the fascion of the Country, the other
which was of Stone curiously inlaid with Silver in the common form
which he got from the Shoshones. I deckorated the Stem of this pipe
with blue ribon and white wampom and informed the Chief this was the
emblem of peace with us.
The men who accompanied me obtained a good Store of roots and bread in
exchange for a number of little notions, useing the Yanke phrase, with
which their own enginuiety had principally furnished them. on
examonation we find our whole party have a Sufficient Store of bread
and roots for our Voyage. a Circumstance not unpleasing-.
I returned at 4 P. M followed by Hohastillpilp the 2 young Chiefs who
gave us the horses in behalf of the nation Some time Sence, the young
man who gave us the horse at Collins Creek to kill as we Came up, and
Several others. I met the twisted hair and two other indians with
Frazier on the opposit bank from our Camp this Morning & Sent him over
to our Camp. I met him this evening on his return home. he informed me
he could not accompany us across the mountains as his brother was Sick
&c.-.
[Clark, June 6, 1806]
The Chopunnish call the Crow Indians Up-shar-look-kar
Chopunnish name for Sin-sho-cal Dearbourne R ditto--do--Cal la mar-Sha
mosh Meddesons ditto--do--Co-ma win-nim Maria River ditto ditto-
Ta-ki-a-ki-a Mescle Shell R ditto--ditto Wah-wo-ko-ye-o-cose is th ____
ditto do--Rockejhone--Elk river
ditto do--Koos-koos-an-nim-a the little Missouri ditto--do-
Walch-Nim-mah--Knife R ditto--do Ni-hi-Sir-te--C. R
[Lewis, June 7, 1806]
Saturday June 7th 1806.
The two young Cheifs who visited last evening returned to their village
on Commeap C. with some others of the natives. Sergt. Gass, McNeal,
Whitehouse and Goodrich accompanyed them with a view to procure some
pack or lash ropes in exchange for parts of an old sain, fish giggs,
peices of old iron, old files and some bullets. they were also directed
to procure some bags for the purpose of containing our roots & bread.
in the evening they all returned except Whitehouse and Goodrich who
remained all night. they procured a few strings but no bags.
Hohastillpilp passed the river today and brought over a horse which he
gave Frazier one of our party who had previously made him a present of
a pair of Cannadian shoes or shoe-packs. Drewyer set out on a hunting
excurtion up Collins's Creek this evening. we wish to leave the deer in
the neighbourhood of the quawmash plains undisturbed untill the 10th
when we intend removing thither to lay in some meat for our voyage over
the Mountains. our party are much engaged in preparing their saddles
arranging their loads provisions &c for our departure. There is a
speceis of cherry which grows in this neighbourhood in sitations like
the Choke cherry or near the little rivulets and wartercouses. it
seldom grows in clumps or from the same cluster of roots as the choke
cherry dose. the stem is simple branching reather diffuse stem the
cortex is of a redish dark brown and reather smooth. the leaf is of the
ordinary dexture and colour of those of most cherries, it is petiolate;
a long oval 11/4 inhes in length and 1/2 an inch in width, obtuse,
margin so finely serrate that it is scarcely perseptable & smooth. the
peduncle is common 1 inch in length, branch proceeding from the
extremities as well as the sides of the branches, celindric gradually
tapering; the secondary peduncles are about 1/2 an inch in length
scattered tho proceeding more from the extremity of the common peduncle
and are each furnished with a small bracted. the parts of
fructification are much like those discribed of the choke cherry except
that the petals are reather longer as is the calix reather deeper. the
cherry appears to be half grown, the stone is begining to be hard and
is in shape somewhat like that of the plumb; it appears that when ripe
it would be as large as the Kentish cherry, which indeed the growth of
the bush somewhat resembles; it rises about 6 or 8 feet high
[Clark, June 7, 1806]
Saurday June 7th 1806.
The two young cheafs and other Indians who accompanied them Crossed the
river and returned to their Village this morning after brackfast;
Shabono Sergt Gass McNeal, Whitehouse & Goodrich accompanied them for
the purpose of purchaseing or exchangeing old peces of Sane, fish gig,
peces of iron, bullets, and old files and Such articles as they Could
raise for ropes and Strings for to lash their loads, and bags to Cary
their roots in Sergt. Gass, Shabono & McNeal returned at 2 P M haveing
precured a String each only. Whitehouse and Goodrich continued at the
Village all night. Hohastillpilp crossed the river to day and brought
over a horse and gave it to Frazier one of our party who had made him a
present previously of a Par of Canidian Shoes. one of our men informed
me one of the young Chiefs who had given us two horses already was in
Serch of one which he intended to give to me. George Drewyer Set out on
a hunting excurtion up Collins's Creek alone. our party are all much
engaged in prepareing Sadles and packing up their Stores of Provisions
&c.--The Flat Head river is about 150 yards wide at this place and
discharges a vast body of water; notwithstanding it's high State the
water remains nearly transparent, and it's temperature appears to be
quit as cold as that of our best Springs. we met with a butifull little
bird in this neighbourhood about the Size and Somewhat the Shape of the
large Sparrow. it measures 7 inches from the extremity of the beak to
that of the tail, the latter Occupying 21/2 inches. the beak is reather
more than half an inch in length, and is formed much like the Virginia
Nightingal; red bd. it is thick and large for a bird of it's size, wide
at the base, both Chaps convex, and pointed, the upper exceeds the
under chap a little is Somewhat cirved and of a brown Colour; the lower
chap of a Greenish yellow. the eye full reather large and of a black
colour both puple and iris. the plumage is remarkably delicate; that of
the neck and head is of a fine orrange yellow and red. the latter
predomonates on the top of the head and around the base of the beak
from whence it gradually diminishes towards the lower part of the Neck,
the orring yellow prevails most, the red has the Appearance of haveing
been laid over a Ground of yellow. the breast, the Sides, rump and some
long feathers which lie between the legs extend underneath the tail is
of a fine orrange yellow. the tail, back and wings are black, except a
Small Strip of yellow on the outer part of the Middle joint of the
wing, 1/4 of an inch wide and an inch in length. the tail is composed
of 12 feathers of which those in the Center are reather Shortest, and
the plumage of all the feathers of the tail is longest on that Side of
the quill next to the Center of the tail. the legs and feet are black,
nails long and Sharp; it has four toes on each foot, of which three are
forward and one behind; that behind is as long as the two outer of the
three toes in front
[Lewis, June 8, 1806]
Sunday June 8th 1806.
Drewyer returned this morning from the chase without having killed
anything. his hose left him last night, he pursued him but did not
overtake him untill he had nearly reached our camp. The sick Cheif is
fast on the recovery, he can bear his weight on his legs, and has
acquired a considerable portion of strength. the child is nearly well;
Bratton has so far recovered that we cannot well consider him an
invalid any longer, he has had a tedious illness which he boar with
much fortitude and firmness.--The Cutnose visited us today with ten or
twelve warriors; two of the latter were Y-e-let-pos a band of the
Chopunnish nation residing on the South side of Lewis's river whom we
have not previously seen. the band with which we have been most
conversent call themselves pel-late-pal-ler. one of the yeletpos
exchanged his horse for an indifferent one of ours and received a
tomahawk to boot; this tomahawk was one for which Capt. C. had given
another in exchange with the Clahclel-lah Chief at the rapids of the
Columbia. we also exchanged two other of our indifferent horses with
unsound backs for much better horses in fine order without any
consideration but the horse itself. several foot rarces were run this
evening between the indians and our men. the indians are very active;
one of them proved as fleet as Drewer and R. Fields, our swiftest
runners. when the racing was over the men divided themselves into two
parties and played prison base, by way of exercise which we wish the
men to take previously to entering the mountain; in short those who are
not hunters have had so little to do that they are geting reather lazy
and slouthfull.--after dark we had the violin played and danced for the
amusement of ourselves and the indians.--one of the indians informed us
that we could not pass the mountains untill the full of the next moon
or about the first of July, that if we attempted it sooner our horses
would be at least three days travel without food on the top of the
mountain; this information is disagreable inasmuch as it causes some
doubt as to the time at which it will be most proper for us to set out.
however as we have no time to loose we will wrisk the chanches and set
out as early as the indians generally think it practicable or the
middle of this month.
[Clark, June 8, 1806]
Sunday June 8th 1806
Drewyer returned this morning from the chase without killing any thing.
his horse left him last night and he prosued him near our camp before
he cought him. The Sick Chief is much mended, he can bear his weight on
his legs and recovers Strength. the Child has nearly recovered. The Cut
nose and ten or 12 came over today to visit us, two of those were of
the tribes from the plains of Lewis's river whome we had not before
Seen; one of those men brought a horse which I gave a tomahawk which I
had exchanged for with the Chief of the Clahclahlah's Nation below the
Great rapids of Columbia, and broken-down horse which was not able to
Cross the mountains. we also exchanged 2 of our indeferent horses for
Sound back horses. in the evening Several foot races were run by the
men of our party and the Indians; after which our party divided and
played at prisoners base untill night. after dark the fiddle was played
and the party amused themselves in danceing. one of those Indians
informed us that we could not cross the mountains untill the full of
the next moon, or about the 1st of July. if we attempted it Sooner our
horses would be three days without eateing, on the top of the Mountns.
this information is disagreeable to us, in as much as it admits of Some
doubt, as to the time most proper for us to Set out. at all events we
Shall Set out at or about the time which the indians Seem to be
generally agreed would be the most proper. about the middle of this
month
[Lewis, June 9, 1806]
Monday June 9th 1806.
This morning we had all our horses brought up and indeavoured to
exchange five or shix with the Indians in consequence of their having
unsound backs but succeeded in exchanging one only. Hohastillpilp with
several of the natives who visited us yesterday took leave of us and
set out for the plains near Lewis's river where the nation are about to
assemble themselves. The broken arm made us a short visit this morning
and took leave of us, being about to set out with his village today in
order to join the nation at their rendezvouz on Lewis's R. The Cutnose
or Neeshneeparkkeeook borrowed a horse and rode down the Kooskooske
River a few miles this morning in quest of some young eagles which he
intends raising for the benifit of their feathers; he returned soon
after with a pair of young Eagles of the grey kind; they were nearly
grown and prety well feathered. in the evening the young Chief who gave
both Capt. C. and myself a horse some time since, came to our camp with
a party of young men and remained all night. this evening one of our
party obtained a very good horse for an indifferent one by giving the
indian an old leather shirt in addition. we eat the last of our meat
yesterday evening and have lived on roots today. our party seem much
elated with the idea of moving on towards their friends and country,
they all seem allirt in their movements today; they have every thing in
readiness for a move, and notwithstanding the want of provision have
been amusing themselves very merrily today in runing footraces pitching
quites, prison basse &c. the river has been falling for several days
and is now lower by near six feet than it has been; this we view as a
strong evidence that the great body of snow has left the mountains,
though I do not conceive that we are as yet loosing any time as the
roads is in many parts extreemly steep rocky and must be dangerous if
wet and slippry; a few days will dry the roads and will also improve
the grass.
[Clark, June 9, 1806]
Moday June 9th 1806
We had all of our horses brought up and attempted to exchange our Sore
back and most indifferent horses with the indians for Sound back
horses, we exchanged one only. Hohasillpilp took his leave of us and
Set out for the Plains of Lewises river, with Several of the nativs who
Visited us yesterday. The broken arm came over and continued a fiew
minits with us this morning, and also took his leave of us & Set out
with his Village for the plains of Lewis's river. The Cut nose borrowed
a horse and rode down the flathead river a fiew miles to take Some
young Eagles, which he intends to raise for their feathers. in the
evening one of the young Cheifs who had given both Capt Lewis and my
Self a horse came to our camp accompanied by 10 of his people and
continued with us all night. one of our men exchanged a very
indefferent horse for a very good one. our party exolted with the idea
of once more proceeding on towards thier friends and Country are elert
in all their movements and amuse themselves by pitching quates,
Prisoners bast running races &c-.
The flat head river is Still falling fast and nearly as low as it was
at the time we arrived at this place. this fall of water is what the
nativs have informed us was a proper token for us. when this river fell
the Snows would be Sufficiently melted for us to Cross the Mountains.
the greater length of time we delayed after that time, the higher the
grass would grow on th Mountains-.
[Lewis, June 10, 1806]
Tuesday June 10th 1806.
This morning we arrose early and had our horses collected except one of
Cruzatt's and one of Whitehouse's, which were not to be found; after a
surch of some hours Cruzatt's horse was obtained and the indians
promised to find the other and bring it to us at the quawmash flatts
where we purpose encamping a few days. at 11 A.M. we set out with the
party each man being well mounted and a light load on a second horse,
beside which we have several supenemary horses in case of accedent or
the want of provision, we therefore feel ourselves perfectly equiped
for the mountains. we ascended the river hills which are very high and
about three miles in extent our sourse being N. 22° E. thence N. 15 W. 2
m to Collins's creek. thence due North 5 m. to the Eastern border of
the quawmash flatts where we encamped near the place we first met with
the Chopunnish last fall. the pass of Collins's Creek was deep and
extreemly difficult tho we passed without sustaining further injury
than weting some of our roots and bread. the country through which we
passed is extreemly fertile and generally free of stone, is well
timbered with several speceis of fir, long leafed pine and larch. the
undergrowth is chooke cherry near the water courses, black alder, a
large speceis of redroot now in blume, a growth which resembles the
pappaw in it's leaf and which bears a burry with five valves of a deep
perple colour, two speceis of shoemate sevenbark, perple haw, service
berry, goosburry, a wild rose honeysuckle which bears a white berry,
and a species of dwarf pine which grows about ten or twelve feet high.
bears a globular formed cone with small scales, the leaves are about
the length and much the appearance of the common pitch pine having it's
leaves in fassicles of two; in other rispects they would at a little
distance be taken for the young plants of the long leafed pine. there
are two speceis of the wild rose both quinqui petallous and of a damask
red but the one is as large as the common red rose of our gardens. I
observed the apples of this speceis last fall to be more than triple
the size of those of the ordinary wild rose; the stem of this rose is
the same with the other tho the leaf is somewhat larger. after we
encamped this evening we sent out our hunters; Collins killed a doe on
which we suped much to our satisfaction. we had scarcely reached
Collins's Creek before we were overtaken by a party of Indians who
informed us that they were going to the quawmash flatts to hunt; their
object I beleive is the expectation of bing fed by us in which how ever
kind as they have been we must disappoint them at this moment as it is
necessary that we should use all frugallaty as well as employ every
exertion to provide meat for our journey. they have encamped with us.
we find a great number of burrowing squirels about our camp of which we
killed several; I eat of them and found them quite as tender and well
flavored as our grey squirel. saw many sand hill crains and some ducks
in the slashey glades about this place.
[Clark, June 10, 1806]
Tuesday June 10th 1806.
rose early this morning and had all the horses Collected except one of
Whitehouses horses which could not be found, an Indian promised to find
the horse and bring him on to us at the quawmash fields at which place
we intend to delay a fiew days for the laying in Some meat by which
time we Calculate that the Snows will have melted more off the
mountains and the grass raised to a sufficient hight for our horses to
live. we packed up and Set out at 11 A M we Set out with the party each
man being well mounted and a light load on a 2d horse, besides which we
have several supernumary horses in case of accident or the want of
provisions, we therefore feel ourselves perfectly equiped for the
Mountains. we assended the hills which are very high and about three
miles in extent our course being N. 22° E, thence N. 15° W 2 ms. to Collins
Creek. Thence North 5 Miles to the Eastern boarders of the Quawmash
flatts where we encamped near the place I first met with the Chopunnish
Nation last fall. the pass of Collins Creek was deep and extreemly
difficult tho we passed without sustaining further injury than wetting
some of our roots and bread. The Country through which we passed is
extreemly fertile and generally free from Stone, is well timbered with
several Species of fir, long leafed pine and Larch. the undergrowth is
choke cherry near the watercourses, black alder, a large species of red
root now in blume, a Growth which resembles the poppaw in it's leaf and
which bears a berry with five valves of a deep purple colour, two
species of Shoemate, Seven bark, perple haw, Service berry, Goose
berry, wildrose, honey suckle which bears a white berry, and a Species
of dwarf pine which grows about 10 or 12 feet high, bears a globarlar
formed cone with Small Scales, the leaf is about the length and much
the appearance of the pitch pine haveing it's leaves in fassicles of
two; in other respects they would at a little distance be taken for the
young plants of the long leafed pine. There are two Species of the wild
rose both quinque petallous and of a damask red, but the one is as
large as the common red rose of our guardens. I observed the apples of
these Species last fall to be more than triple the Size of those of the
ordinary wild rose; the Stem of this rose is the Same with the other
tho the leaf is somewhat larger. after we encamped this evening we Sent
out our hunters; Collins killed a doe on which we Suped much to our
Satisfaction, we had not reached the top of the river hills before we
were overtaken by a party of 8 Indians who informed me that they were
gowing to the quawmash flatts to hunt; their object I belive is the
expectation of being fed by us in which however kind as they have been
we must disappoint them at this moment as it is necessary that we
Should use all frugallaty as well as employ every exertion to provide
meat for our journey. they have encamped with us. we find a great
number of burrowing Squirels about our camp of which we killed Several;
I eate of them and found them quit as tender and well flavd. as our
grey squirel. Saw many Sand hill crains and Some ducks in the Slashey
Glades about this place-.
[Lewis, June 11, 1806]
Wednesday June 11th 1806.
All our hunters were out this morning by daylight; Labuish and Gibson
only proved successfull, the former killed a black bear of the brown
speceis and a very large buck, the latter also killed a fine fat buck.
five of the Indians also turned out and hunted untill noon, when they
returned without having killed anything; at three P.M. the left us on
their return to ther villages. previous to their departure one of our
men exchanged an indifferent horse with one of them for a very good
one. in the evening our hunters resumed the chase; as game has become
scarce and shye near our camp they were directed to hunt at a greater
distance and therefore set out prepared to remain all night and make a
mornings hunt in grounds not recently frequented. Whitehouse returned
this morning to our camp on the Kooskooske in surch of his horse.--As I
have had frequent occasion to mention the plant which the Chopunnish
call quawmash I shall here give a more particular discription of that
plant and the mode of preparing it for food as practiced by the
Chopunnish and others in the vicinity of the Rocky Mountains with whom
it forms much the greatest portion of their subsistence. we have never
met with this plant but in or adjacent to a piny or fir timbered
country, and there always in the open grounds and glades; in the
Columbian vally and near the coast it is to be found in small
quantities and inferior in size to that found in this neighbourhood and
in the high rich flatts and vallees within the rocky mountains. it
delights in a black rich moist soil, and even grows most luxuriantly
where the land remains from 6 to nine inches under water untill the
seed are nearly perfect which in this neighbourhood or on these flats
is about the last of this month. neare the river where I had an
opportunity of observing it the seed were begining to ripen on the 9th
inst. and the soil was nearly dry. it seems devoted to it's particular
soil and situation, and you will seldom find it more than a few feet
from the inundated soil tho within it's limits it grows very closely in
short almost as much so as the bulbs will permit; the radix is a
tunicated bulb, much the consistence shape and appearance of the onion,
glutanous or somewhat slymy when chewed and almost tasteless and
without smell in it's unprepared state; it is white except the thin or
outer tunicated scales which are few black and not succulent; this bulb
is from the size of a nutmeg to that of a hens egg and most commonly of
an intermediate size or about as large as an onion of one years growth
from the seed. the radicles are numerous, reather large, white,
flexable, succulent and diverging. the foliage consists of from one to
four seldom five radicale, linear sessile and revolute pointed leaves;
they are from 12 to 18 inches in length and from 1 to 3/4 of an inch in
widest part which is near the middle; the uper disk is somewhat groved
of a pale green and marked it's whole length with a number of small
longitudinal channels; the under disk is a deep glossy green and
smooth. the leaves sheath the peduncle and each other as high as the
surface of the earth or about 2 inches; they are more succulent than
the grasses and less so than most of the fillies hyesinths &c.--the
peduncle is soletary, proceeds from the root, is columner, smooth
leafless and rises to the hight of 2 or 21/2 feet. it supports from 10
to forty flowers which are each supported by seperate footstalk of 1/2
an inch in length scattered without order on the upper portion of the
peduncle. the calix is a partial involucret situated at the base of the
footstalk of each flower on the peduncle; it is long thin and begins to
decline as soon as the corolla expands. the corolla consists of six
long oval, obtusly pointed skye blue or water coloured petals, each
about 1 inch in length; the corolla is regular as to the form and size
of the petals but irregular as to their position, five of them are
placed near ech other pointing upward while one stands horizantally or
pointing downwards, they are inserted with a short claw on the
extremity of the footstalk at the base of the germ; the corolla is of
course inferior; it is also shriveling, and continues untill the seeds
are perfect. The stamens are perfect, six in number; the filaments each
elivate an anther, near their base are flat on the inside and rounded
on the outer terminate in a subulate point, are bowed or bent upwards,
inserted on the inner side and on the base of the claws of the petals,
below the germ, are equal both with rispect to themselves and the
corolla, smooth & membraneous. the Anther is oblong, obtusely pointed,
2 horned or forked at one end and furrowed longitudinally with four
channels, the upper and lower of which seem almost to divide it into
two loabs, incumbent patent, membranous, very short, naked, two valved
and fertile with pollen, which last is of a yellow colour---the anther
in a few hours after the corolla unfoalds, bursts, discharges it's
pollen and becomes very minute and shrivled; the above discription of
the anther is therefore to be understood of it at the moment of it's
first appearance. the pistillum is only one, of which, the germ is
triangular reather swolen on the sides, smooth superior, sessile,
pedicelled, short in proportion to the corolla atho wide or bulky; the
style is very long or longer than the stamens, simple, cilindrical,
bowed or bent upwards, placed on the top of the germ, membranous
shrivels and falls off when the pericarp has obtained its full size.
the stigma is three cleft very minute, & pubescent. the pericarp is a
capsule, triangular, oblong, obtuse, and trilocular with three
longitudinal valves. the seed so far as I could judge are numerous not
very minute and globelar.--soon after the seeds are mature the peduncle
and foliage of this plant perishes, the grownd becomes dry or nearly so
and the root encreases in size and shortly becomes fit for use; this
happens about the middle of July when the natives begin to collect it
for use which they continue untill the leaves of the plant attain some
size in the spring of the year. when they have collected a considerable
quantity of these roots or 20 30 bushels which they readily do by means
of stick sharpened at one end, they dig away the surface of the earth
forming a circular concavity of 21/2 feet in the center and 10 feet in
diameter; they next collect a parsel of split dry wood with which they
cover this bason in the grown perhaps a foot thick, they next collect a
large parsel of stones of about 4 or 6 lbs. weight which are placed on
the dry wood; fire is then set to the wood which birning heats the
stones; when the fire has subsided and the stones are sufficiently
heated which are nearly a red heat, they are adjusted in such manner in
the whole as to form as level a surface as pissible, a small quantity
of earth is sprinkled over the stones and a layer of grass about an
inch thick is put over the stones; the roots, which have been
previously devested of the black or outer coat and radicles which rub
off easily with the fingers, are now laid on in a conical pile, are
then covered with a layer of grass about 2 or 3 inches thick; water is
now thrown on the summit of the pile and passes through the roots and
to the hot stones at bottom; some water is allso poared arround the
edges of the hole and also finds its way to the hot stones; as soon as
they discover from the quantity of steem which issues that the water
has found its way generally to the hot stones, they cover the roots and
grass over with earth to the debth of four inches and then build a fire
of dry wood all over the connical mound which they continue to renew
through the course of the night or for ten or 12 hours after which it
is suffered to cool two or three hours when the earth and grass are
removed and the roots thus sweated and cooked with steam are taken out,
and most commonly exposed to the sun on scaffoalds untill they become
dry, when they are black and of a sweet agreeable flavor. these roots
are fit for use when first taken from the pitt, are soft of a sweetish
tast and much the consistency of a roasted onion; but if they are
suffered to remain in bulk 24 hour after being cooked they spoil. if
the design is to make bread or cakes of these roots they undergo a
second process of baking being previously pounded after the fist baking
between two stones untill they are reduced to the consistency of dough
and then rolled in grass in cakes of eight or ten lbs are returned to
the sweat intermixed with fresh roots in order that the steam may get
freely to these loaves of bread. when taken out the second time the
women make up this dough into cakes of various shapes and sizes usually
from 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch thick and expose it on sticks to dry in the
sun, or place it over the smoke of their fires.--the bread this
prepared if kept free from moisture will keep sound for a great length
of time. this bread or the dryed roots are frequently eaten alone by
the natives without further preparation, and when they have them in
abundance they form an ingredient in almost every dish they prepare.
this root is pallateable but disagrees with me in every shape I have
ever used it.
[Clark, June 11, 1806]
Wednesday June 11th 1806
All of our hunters were out by daylight this Morning. Labeech and Shann
was the only Suckcessull hunters, Labeech killed a Black bear and a
large buck, and Gibson killed a very fat Buck. five of the indians also
turned out and hunted untill near Meridn. without having killed any
thing. at 3 P M they all packed up and returned to their village. one
of our men exchanged an indifferent horse for a verey good one with
those people before they left us. in the evening all our hunters turned
out in different directions with a view to find some probable Spot of
killing deer and were directed to lay out all night and hunt in the
morning early. Whitehouse returned this morning to our camp on the
Kooskooske in Serch of his horse.
As I have had frequent occasion to mention the plant which the
Chopunnish and other nations of the Columbia call Quawmash I Shall here
give a more particular discription of that plant and the mode of
prepareing it for food as practiced by the Chopinnish and others in the
vicinity of the Rocky Mountains with whome it forms much the greatest
portion of their Subsistence. we have never met with this plant but in
or adjacent to a piney or fir timbered Country, and there always in the
open grounds and glades; in the Columbian Vally and near the Coast it
is to be found in small quantities and inferior in Size to that found
in this neighbourhood or on those high rich flatts and vallies within
the rocky moun-tains. it delights in a black rich moist Soil, and even
grows most luxuriently where the lands remain from 6 to 9 inches under
water untill the seed are nearly perfect, which in this neighbourhood
or on those flatts is about the last of this month. near the river
where I had an oppertunity of observing it, the Seed were beginning to
ripen on the 9th inst. and the Soil was nearly dry. it seems devoted to
it's particular Soil and Situation, and you will Seldom find more than
a fiew feet from an inundated Soil tho within it's limits it grows very
closely. in short almost as much so as the bulbs will permit. the radix
is a tumicated bulb, much the consistence Shape and appearance of the
Onion, glutinous or somewhat Slymey when chewed and almost tasteless
and without smell in it's unprepared state; it is white except the thin
or outer tumicated scales which are flew black and not Suculent; this
bulb is from the Size of a nutmeg to that of a hen egg and most
commonly of an intermediate size or about as large as a common onion of
one years growth from the Seed. the radicles are noumerous, reather
large, white, flexeable, Succulent and deviding the foliage consists of
from one to four seldom five radicals, liner Sessile and revolute
pointed leaves; they are from 12 to 18 inches in length and from 1 to
3/4 of an inch in widest part which is nearest the middle; the upper
disk is Somewhat groved of a pale green and marked it's whole length
with a number of Small longitudinal channels; the under disk is of a
deep glossy green and Smooth. the leaves sheath the peduncle and each
other as high as the Surface of the earth or about 2 inches; they are
more succulent than the grasses and less so than most of the lillies
hyisinths &c.--the peduncle is soletary, proceeds from the root, is
columner, smooth and leafless and rises to the hight of 2 or 21/2 feet.
it supports from 10 to 40 flowers which are each surported by a
Seperate footstalk of 1/2 an inch in length scattered without order on
the upper portion of the peduncle. the calix is a partial involucre or
involucret Situated at the base of the footstalk of each flower on the
peduncle; it is long thin and begins to decline as soon as the corrolla
expands. the corolla consists of five long oval obtusely pointed Skye
blue or water coloured petals, each about 1 inch in length; the Corolla
is regular as to the form and size of the petals but irregular as to
their position, five of them are placed near each other pointing
upwards while one stands horozontially, or pointing downwards, they are
inserted with a Short Claw on the extremity of the footstalk at the
base of the germ; the corolla is of course inferior; it is also
shriveling, and continues untill the Seed are perfect. The Stamens are
perfect, Six in number; the falaments each elivate an anther, near
their base are flat on the inner side and rounded on the outer,
termonate in a subulate point, and bowed or bent upwards inserted on
the inner Side and on the base of the Claws of the petals, below the
germ, are equal both with respect to themselves and the Corolla, Smooth
membranous. the Anther is oblong obtusely pointed, 2 horned or forked
at one end and furrowed longitudinally with four channels, the upper
and lower of which Seem almost to divide it into two loabs, incumbent,
patent, membranous, very short, necked, two valved and fertile with
pollen, which last is of a yellow colour. the Anther in a fiew hours
after the Corolla unfoalds, bursts discharges it's pollen and becomes
very manute and chrivled; the above discription of the Anther is
therefore to be understood of it, at the moment of it's first
appearance. the pistillum is only one, of which the Germ is triangular
reather Swolen on the Sides, Smooth, Superior, Sessile, pedicelled,
Short in proportion to the Corolla tho wide or bulky; the Style is very
long or longer than the stamens, simple, cilindrical, bowed or bent
upwards, placed on the top of the germ, membranous shrivels and falls
off when the pericarp has obtained it's full Size.
the Stigma is three clefts very manute and pubescent. the pericarp is a
capsule, triangular, oblong, obtuse, and trilocular with three
longitudinal valves. the Seed So far as I could judge are noumerous not
very manute and globilar.--Soon after the seed are mature the peduncle
and foliage of this plant perishes, the ground becoms dry or nearly so
and the root increases in size and shortly become fit for use; this
happens about the middle of July when the nativs begin to collect it
for use which they continue untill the leaves of the plant obtain Some
Size in the Spring of the year. when they have Collected a considerable
quantity of these roots or 20 or 30 bushels which they readily do by
means of Sticks Sharpened at one end, they dig away the surface of the
earth forming a cercular concavity of 21/2 feet in the center and 10
feet in diameter; they next collect a parcel of dry split wood with
which they cover this bason from the bottom perhaps a foot thick, they
next collect a parcel of Stones from 4 to 6 lb. weight which are placed
on the dry wood; fire is then Set to the wood which burning heats the
Stones; when the fire has subsided and the Stones are sufficiently
heated which are nearly a red heat, they are adjusted in such manner in
the hole as to form as leavel a Surface as possible, a small quantity
of earth is Sprinkled over the Stones, and a layer of grass about an
inch thick is laid over the Stone; the roots which have been previously
devested of the black or outer coat and radicles which rub off easily
with the fingers, are now laid on in a circular pile, are then covered
with a layer of grass about 2 or 3 inches thick; water is then thrown
on the Summit of the pile and passes through the roots and to the hot
Stones at bottom; Some water is also pored around the edges of the
hole, and also find it's way to the hot Stones. they cover the roots
and grass over with earth to the debth of four inches and then build a
fire of dry wood all over the Connical mound which they Continue to
renew through the course of the night or for 10 or 12 hours, after
which it is Suffered to cool, 2 or three hours, when the earth and
grass are removed. and the roots thus Sweated are cooled with Steam or
taken out, and most commonly exposed to the Sun on Scaffolds untill
they become dry. when they are black and of a Sweet agreeable flavor.
these roots are fit for use when first taken from the pitt, are Soft of
a Sweetish taste and much the consistancy of a roasted onion; but if
they are Suffered to remain in bulk 24 hours after being cooked they
Spoil. if the design is to make bread or cakes of those roots they
undergo a Second preperation of baking being previously pounded after
the first baking between two Stones untill they are reduced to the
consistancy of dough and then rolled in grass in cakes of 8 or 10
pounds, are returned to the Sweat intermixes with fresh roots in order
that the steam may get freely to those loaves of bread. when taken out
the Second time the Indn. woman make up this dough into cakes of
various Shapes and Sizes, usually from 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch thick and
expose it on sticks to dry in the Sun, or place it over the smoke of
their fires.--The bread thus prepared if kept free from moisture will
Sound for a great length of time. this bread or the dryed roots are
frequently eaten alone by the nativs without further preperation, and
when they have them in abundance they form an ingrediant in almost
every dish they prepare. this root is palateable but disagrees with us
in every shape we have ever used it. the nativs are extreemly fond of
this root and present it their visiters as a great treat. when we first
arrived at the Chopunnish last fall at this place our men who were half
Starved made So free a use of this root that it made them all Sick for
Several days after.
[Lewis, June 12, 1806]
Thursday June 12th 1806.
All our hunters except Gibson returned about noon; none of them had
killed anything except Sheilds who brought with him two deer. in the
evening they resumed their hunt and remained out all night. an indian
visited us this evening and spent the night at our camp. Whitehouse
returned with his horse at 1 P.M. the days are now very warm and the
Musquetoes our old companions have become very troublesome. The Cutnose
informed us on the 10th before we left him that two young men would
overtake us with a view to accompany me to the falls of the Missouri.
nothing interesting occurred in the course of this day. our camp is
agreeably situated in a point of timbered land on the eastern border of
an extensive level and beautiful) prarie which is intersected by
several small branches near the bank of one of which our camp is
placed. the quawmash is now in blume and from the colour of its bloom
at a short distance it resembles lakes of fine clear water, so complete
is this deseption that on first sight I could have swoarn it was water.
[Clark, June 12, 1806]
Thursday June 12th 1806.
All our hunters except Gibson returned about noon; none of them had
killed any thing except Shields who brought with him two deer. in the
evening they resumed their hunt and remained out all night. an Indian
visited us this evening and Spent the night at our Camp. Whitehouse
returned with his horse at 1 P.M. the days are very worm and the
Musquetors our old Companions have become very troublesom.
The Cutnose informed us on the 10th before we left him that two young
Chiefs would overtake us with a view to accompany us to the Falls of
the Missouri and probably to the Seat of our Governmt. nothing
interesting occured in the course of this day. our camp is agreeably
Situated in a point of timbered land on the eastern borders of an
extensive leave) and butifull prarie which is intersected by Several
Small branches near the bank of one of which our Camp is placed. the
quawmash is now in blume at a Short distance it resembles a lake of
fine clear water, So complete is this deseption that on first Sight I
could have Sworn it was water.
[Lewis, June 13, 1806]
Friday June 13th 1806.
Reubin Feilds and Willard were ordered to proceed on our road to a
small prarie 8 miles distant on this side of Collins's Creek and there
hunt until our arrival; they departed at 10 A.M. about noon seven of
our hunters returned with 8 deer; they had wounded several others and a
bear but did not get them. in the evening Labuish and Cruzatte returned
and reported that the buzzards had eaten up a deer which they had
killed butchered and hung up this morning. The indian who visited us
yesterday exchanged his horse for one of ours which had not perfectly
recovered from the operation of castration and received a small ax and
a knife to boot, he seemed much pleased with his exchange and set out
immediately to his village, as if fearfull that we would cansel the
bargain which is customary among themselves and deemed only fair. we
directed the meat to be cut thin and exposed to dry in the sun. we made
a digest of the Indian Nations West of the Rocky Mountains which we
have seen and of whom we have been repeated informed by those with whom
we were conversent. they amount by our estimate to 69,000
[Clark, June 13, 1806]
Friday June 13th 1806.
Ordered Rubin Fields and Willard to proceed on to a Small prarie in the
Mountains about 8 miles and there hunt untill we arrive the Set out at
10 A.M. Soon after they Set out all of our hunters returned each with a
deer except Shields who brought two in all 8 deer. Labeech and P.
Crusatt went out this morning killed a deer & reported that the buzzds.
had eate up the deer in their absence after haveing butchered and hung
it up. The indian who visited us yesterday exchanged his horse with one
of our party for a very indiferant one in which exchange he rcived a
Small ax a Knife &c. Soon after he had exchanged he returned to his
village well Satisfied. we caused the meat to be cut thin and dried in
the sun. I make a list of the Indian Nations their place of residence,
and probable number of Soles of each nation from estimation and indian
information &c.
[Lewis, June 14, 1806]
Saturday June 14th 1806. Sent our hunters out early this morning.
Colter killed a deer and brought it in by 10 A.M. the other hunters
except Drewyer returned early without having killed anything. Drewyer
returned. we had all our articles packed up and made ready for an early
departure in the morning. our horses were caught and most of them
hubbled and otherwise confined in order that we might not be detained.
from hence to traveller's rest we shall make a forsed march; at that
place we shal probably remain one or two days to rest ourselves and
horses and procure some meat. we have now been detained near five weeks
in consequence of the snows; a serious loss of time at this delightfull
season for traveling. I am still apprehensive that the snow and the
want of food for our horses will prove a serious imbarrassment to us as
at least four days journey of our rout in these mountains lies over
hights and along a ledge of mountains never intirely destitute of snow.
every body seems anxious to be in motion, convinced that we have not
now any time to delay if the calculation is to reach the United States
this season; this I am detirmined to accomplish if within the compass
of human power.