Despite the departure of the Tonquin, and our reduced numbers, measures were taken for extending the trade. The return of Mr. Thompson up the Columbia, on his way back to Canada, was considered to present a favorable opportunity for us to put together a small expedition, with the view of establishing a trading post in the interior. We were to proceed together, for the sake of mutual protection and safety; our party being too small to attempt anything of the kind by itself. Accordingly, Mr. David Stuart, Messrs. Pillette and M'Lennan, three Canadian voyageurs, two Sandwich Islanders, and me were accompanied by Mr. Thompson's party and two strangers. In all, twenty-one persons, started from Astoria at eleven o'clock.

In two clumsy Chinook canoes, each filled with fifteen or twenty packages of goods, of ninety pounds weight, we embarked to ascend the strong and rapid Columbia. After our canoes were loaded, we moved down to the water's edge - one with a cloak on his arm, another with his umbrella, a third with pamphlets and newspapers for amusement, preparing, as we thought, for a trip of pleasure.