FROM FORT HALL TO HEAD OP BELL GATE RIVER. 335 



and soon left the presence of the Digger tribe, thinking that for once we had entered the wrong 

 market for provisions. We had to-day a fine view of the Buttes and Tetons, the latter being 

 covered with snow. Their glistening tops seemed like silver steeples in the distance. We had a 

 fine view of the country bordering the Snake river to the south. For a distance of six or 

 eight miles it forms still the sage prairie, as to the north, when the ground, rising by a gradual 

 ascent at the distance of fifteen or twenty miles, forms mountain ranges with high snow-capped 

 peaks. Travelling a distance of twenty-seven miles by a very excellent road, we encamped on 

 the right bank of the Snake river, finding here good grass for our animals, and an abundance of 

 drift-wood. The day has been remarkably pleasant; the temperature at noon being 46, at sun 

 set 34, and at 9 p. m. 24. 



December 13, 1853. Commences cloudy, and snowing, the thermometer at sunrise being 30. 

 We resumed our march at 8 a. m., along the right bank of the Snake river, over a very excellent 

 road. As during yesterday, instead of following the many bends and windings of the river, we 

 took a course leading from one bend to the other, thus shortening our journey by many miles. 

 Having travelled a distance of fifteen miles, we found a crossing of the river where were many 

 islands: here it was necessary to keep up the stream in order to follow the ford, the water to 

 our front and right being exceedingly deep. In crossing, however, some of the animals, instead 

 of following the guide, went to the right, and in a few minutes were swimming and floating down 

 the stream. Directions had been given before the commencement of the crossing, that all the 

 animals bearing packs should be led; but, through neglect, only the animals carrying the bedding 

 were led in, and the rest swam the river, the animal bearing our provisions being among the 

 number, our provisions thus became thoroughly soaked; and, to cap the climax to the already 

 great misfortune, the animals bearing the provisions, on reaching the opposite bank, fell into a 

 quicksand, and thus completed the ruining of them. It was fortunate lor us that we were so 

 near a depot, where we could replenish our stores. From the crossing of the Snake river we 

 had an excellent road for twelve miles to Cantonment Loring, five miles above Fort Hall, where 

 we arrived about sunset. The day has been exceedingly disagreeable, raining and occasionally 

 snowing through the whole day, which made the road slippery and hard to travel. Our road on 

 the right bank of the Snake river lay through the sage desert, where we found much of the 

 cactus, or prickly pear. Five miles from Cantonment Loring we entered a beautiful prairie 

 plain, where the grass is very excellent, and, with its numerous streams and brooks running 

 through it, renders it an excellent place for a post of any kind. Arriving at Cantonment Loring, 

 we were most kindly received by Captain Grant, formerly of the Hudson s Bay Company at Fort 

 Hall, who, inviting us into his house, spread before us all the comforts and many of the luxuries 

 of life, and gave us a comfortable bed under his hospitable roof all of which none more than 

 ourselves could appreciate ; and we thus passed the night once more near the abodes of civiliza 

 tion. Here Captain Grant is comfortably situated, surrounded by a happy family, and, with all 

 the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, lives as happily and contentedly as he so well 

 deserves. 



December 19, 1853. Commences clear, but cool; thermometer at sunrise 14. After resting 

 and recruiting our animals at Cantonment Loring five days, we concluded to return to the Bitter 

 Root valley, intending to pursue a different route to that previously travelled. After striking the 

 main stream of the Jefferson fork of the Missouri, our route lay along the east base of the mount 

 ains, following down the main stream of the Hell Gate river. Cantonment Loring, so called in 

 honor of Colonel Loring of the rifle regiment, and occupied in 1849 and 1850 by two companies 

 of that regiment, is located in a beautiful prairie section of the Snake River valley, and about five 

 miles above Fort Hall. The land here is composed principally of clay, of grayish-blue color, 

 mingled with but little sand. It is, however, well adapted to the growth of wheat and potatoes; 

 though I have understood that, from the early frosts, it is badly adapted to the growth of vege 

 tables. The grass here is very rich and luxuriant, and, with its many small ponds, lakes, and 



