His situation is beyond the reach of our
skill. He complains of no pain in any peculiar limb, and we therefore
think his disorder cannot be rheumatic, and his limbs would have been
more diminished if his disease had been a paralytic affection. We had
already ascribed it to his diet of roots, and had recommended his living
on fish and flesh, and using the cold bath every morning, with a dose of
cream of tartar or flowers of sulphur every third day."
It is gratifying to be able to record the fact that Bratton and the
Indian (who was treated in the same manner) actually recovered from
their malady. The journal says of the Indian that his restoration
was "wonderful." This is not too strong a word to use under the
circumstances, for the chief had been helpless for nearly three years,
and yet he was able to get about and take care of himself after he had
been treated by Captain (otherwise Doctor) Clark. Two of his men met
with a serious disaster about this time; going across the river to trade
with some Indians, their boat was stove and went to the bottom, carrying
with it three blankets, a blanket-coat, and their scanty stock of
merchandise, all of which was utterly lost. Another disaster, which
happened next day, is thus recorded:--
"Two of our men, who had been up the river to trade with the Indians,
returned quite unsuccessful. Nearly opposite the village, their horse
fell with his load down a steep cliff into the river, across which he
swam. An Indian on the opposite side drove him back to them; but
in crossing most of the articles were lost and the paint melted.
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