Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/44

Rh by an unfriendly Indian tribe, and had been sold into slavery; and now at the age of sixteen was the wife of M. Chaboneau, the French trader. Because she and her husband were somewhat familiar with the country and the people along the route to be pursued, they were engaged as guides and interpreters by Lewis and Clark, and were permitted to accompany the expedition to the Pacific Ocean. While they were of service to their employers all the while, Sacajawea proved of incalculable value to the white explorers by bringing about peaceful relations between them and her people—the Shoshones.

Journey Resumed in Spring. On the 7th day of April, 1805, the Lewis and Clark party resumed their journey up the Missouri in search of its source. Much game, such as buffalo, deer, grizzly bear and elk, was seen along the way. Interesting encounters with grizzlies were experienced; and on one occasion the explorers while proceeding up stream were delayed until a herd of buffalo was given time to cross. Later it was decided to divide the expedition into two parties. Anxious to overtake the Shoshone Indians, who were believed to be ahead of them. Captain Lewis, with three men, went on up the Jefferson River, while Captain Clark and his party followed with the canoes and luggage in a more leisurely manner. On the 12th of August the Lewis party drank from the fountain head of the Missouri River. Then crossing the summit, they drank from another spring; and they