The interval we employed in
purchasing fish for the voyage, and conversing with the Indians. In the
afternoon we were surprised at hearing that our old Shoshonee guide and
his son had left us and had been seen running up the river several miles
above. As he had never given any notice of his intention, nor had even
received his pay for guiding us, we could not imagine the cause of his
desertion; nor did he ever return to explain his conduct. We requested
the chief to send a horseman after him to request that he would return
and receive what we owed him. From this, however, he dissuaded us, and
said very frankly that his nation, the Chopunnish, would take from
the old man any presents that he might have on passing their camp. The
Indians came about our camp at night, and were very gay and good-humored
with the men. Among other exhibitions was that of a squaw who appeared
to be crazy. She sang in a wild, incoherent manner, and offered to the
spectators all the little articles she possessed, scarifying herself
in a horrid manner if anyone refused her present. She seemed to be an
object of pity among the Indians, who suffered her to do as she pleased
without interruption."
The river was full of rapids and very dangerous rocks and reefs, and
the voyagers were able to make only twenty miles a day for some distance
along the stream. At the confluence of the Kooskooskee and the Snake
River they camped for the night, near the present site of Lewiston,
Idaho. This city, first settled in May, 1861, and incorporated in 1863,
was named for Captain Lewis of our expedition.
Pages:
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207