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August 30, 1811
Just as we were pushing off from the shore early in the morning, a large band of Indians, all mounted on horseback, arrived at our camp. We immediately prepared to receive them, which was no sooner done than smoking and speech making began. One party after another arrived, so that we were obliged to remain the whole day where we were.
From the strangers we learned that there were whites before us but a long way off. The Indians showed us a gun, tobacco, and some other items, which they said had been purchased from the whites ahead, which confirmed the report. We therefore at once suspected that it must be a party of the North-Westerns. Here, Mr. Stuart, for the first time, began to think of finding a suitable place to winter in.
August 31, 1811
We parted early from our friendly visitors. We pushed on for about nine miles till we reached the mouth of a smooth stream called Oakinacken, which we traveled up for about two miles, leaving the main Columbia for the first time. We camped for the night. A great concourse of Indians followed us all day and camped with us. After describing to them the reason for our visit to their country, they strongly urged us to settle among them. For some time, however, Mr. Stuart resisted their pressing solicitations, mainly to see how sincere they were, but at last agreed. The chiefs immediately held a council and then pledged themselves to be always our friends, to kill us plenty of beavers, to furnish us at all times with provisions, and to guarantee our protection and safety.|
Comet shooting across the sky
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