Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 11.djvu/393

 Peter Skene Ogden Journal, 1827-1828 263 Snakes form into a body prior to their starting for buffalo; they collect camasse for the journey across the mountains. Their camp is 300 tents. In spring they scatter from this place for the salmon and horse thieving expeditions. Crossed streams that discharge in River au Malade. Sylvaille and party ap- peared with only 20 beaver. Thursday, 17th Oct. Crossed Camasse plains and encamped at Sunset on fork of Malade River. 1 Here we found a camp of Americans, 5 men of the same party who had joined us on Wazer's River. Thursday Oct. 24. The Americans being in want of supplies, applied for trade. They consented to % less than Indian tariff. I obtained 13 large beaver, 19 small, 25 musquash ; also received from Henry Goddin 35 large beaver in payment of his debt to the company. This man deserted 3 years ago. 2 Since the Americans have been with us they have taken only 13 beaver and are dis- couraged. Sunday 27th Oct. The trappers had advanced with their traps but gone only half an hour when all returned, having met a trapper who had been pursued by a party of Indians whether Blackfeet or Snakes he could not tell. 6 absent since yesterday; I am uneasy. Course s. e. November Thursday 1st. Reached the heights of land that separates Goddin's from Sickly (Malade) River, a steep ascent, most dangerous to man and beast, upwards of a foot of snow on top, the descent very gradual. Friday 2nd November. Stormy weather prevented starting. It is my intent to amuse the American party now with us so that McKay's men may have time to trap the beaver where the Americans purpose going. As they are not aware of this, it is so much the more 1 Not the Malade of extreme So. Idaho which drains into Great Salt Lake. 20n May 24th, 1825. See. Or. Hist. Quarterly, Dec., 1909, P- 333-