Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/86

 78 T. C. ELLIOTT Burnt river through what we know as the Box Canyon in a Canadian batteau or barge. Four of his companions returned to Fort Nez Perces down through the Canyon again in the bateau with the following letter to Mr. Ross: "Piont Suc- cessful, Head of the Narrows, April 15th, 1819. The passage by water is now proved to be safe and practicable for loaded boats, without one single carrying place or portage; therefore, the doubtful question is set at rest forever. Yet from the force of the current, and the frequency of rapids it may still be advisable, and perhaps preferable, to continue the land trans- port, while the business in this quarter is carried on upon a small scale. We had often recourse to the line. There are two places with bold cut rocks on either side of the river, where the great body of water is compressed within a narrow com- pass, which may render those parts doubtful during the floods, owing to rocks and whirlpools ; but there are only two, and neither of them are long." With but two companions he con- tinued on across the plains of Idaho and his letter continues: "I am now about to commence a very doubtful and dangerous undertaking, and shall, I fear, have to adopt the, habits of the owl, roam in the night and skulk in the day, to avoid our enemies. But if my life is spared, I will be at the river Skam-naugh (i. e. the Boise), with my people and return, by the 5th of June. Hasten, therefore, the outfit, with some addi- tional hands if possible, to that place. A strong escort will be advisable, and caution the person you may send in charge to be at all times, both day and night, on his guard." Their route followed the well established trail through this valley, and the value of the beaver skins packed through here, two packs of sixty pounds each to the animal, would surprise us, if known. Time is lacking to follow Mr. Mackenzie during his four years' development of the trade in the Snake country. From his journals quite surely were taken the names that became at- tached on the Arrowsmith (London) maps to many of the localities of the Upper Snake river region; Brule (or Burnt), Owyhee, Weiser, Payette, Malade, Portneuf and others ; and if these journals could become available it is almost certain that