Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 11.djvu/229

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Late last night 7 of the 9 absent trappers made their appearance; only 93 beaver and 9 otter. The Indians where they have been most numerous and friendly, villages built of planks, large enough for 30 families in each, fine large canoes resembling the Chinooks, have various trading articles from the American ships, they informed the men it was only 4 days to the sea. The two missing men remained in the rear to trap.

We have this day 15 beaver, wh. completes our first 1000 and have 2 to begin our 2nd.

The two absent men made their appearance with 14 beaver.

Should we not find beaver soon, starvation will make its appearance. We have only 2 mos. more but they are the most to be dreaded in the mountains. I wish they were past and our horses escaped from the kettle. Some already complain. of scarcity of food; but fortunately our camp contains many sick and while they remain so, will be the means of destroying less food. One woman is so ill she must be tied on a horse. Nor can we afford her any relief. A sick person in this country is not only a burden to himself but to all; and the Canadians are not overstocked with tender feelings.

I propose sending Mr. McKay to cross the Clammitte River, and I shall proceed down this stream as far as we can go. Mr. McKay with 13 men separated from us. Payette, a steady man accompanied him. My party is 24. We left taking