128 JOURNAL OF A FORMER EXPLORATION BY LIEUT. WILLIAMSON. 



July 11. Thinking that we were gaining too much distance towards the east, I turned back, 

 and struck for the pass near the conical butte. After winding about in a dense mass of bushes 

 and small trees, and gradually ascending a long slope, we found ourselves within about half a 

 mile of the base of the peak. Turning towards the south we soon reached the summit of the 

 pass. The conical butte rose on our left, and a higher round hill on our right. Leaving the 

 train, Mr. Freaner and myself went to the top of the latter, and obtained an extended view in 

 every direction, except the northeast. We saw Mount Pitt, Klainath lake, and Shasta valley ; 

 but Rhett lake was hidden by the pine trees on the conical butte. Southward, as far as the 

 eye could reach, the country was densely timbered, and apparently tolerably level, but broken 

 by occasional low ridges. Lassen s butte was distinctly visible. Toward the southeast we saw a 

 strip of yellow, which appeared like a prairie with two or three small lakes in it. This was 

 supposed to be Fall River valley, distant about forty miles. While waiting for us, the men 

 found a little snow on the conical butte. We started to proceed in the direction of Fall River 

 valley, but it was impossible to keep a straight course, on account of the many obstacles 

 encountered. The country was covered with pumice-stone, and a few bare hills were merely 

 heaps of this substance. During the afternoon we searched for water constantly, but in vain. 

 We encamped after sunset, without either water or grass, having travelled about twelve miles 

 from the pass. 



July 12. We started before sunrise, and followed a very winding course, on account of rocks 

 and manzanita bushes. At one place we came to a fissure 40 feet in width and still more in 

 depth, which it was necessary to cross. Fortunately we discovered a natural bridge, supported 

 by a very perfect arch, which afforded us a safe passage. While struggling forward, one of the 

 men in the rear of the train discovered water in a deep hole, and we at once encamped. 

 Having watered the animals and prepared breakfast for ourselves, we again started, and forced 

 our way, with great difficulty, over a rocky pedregal to the foot of a hill, where we found a 

 better road. I went with Mr. Freaner to the summit, and saw the valley ten or twelve miles 

 distant, and separated from us by a densely timbered region, broken by low ridges. We con 

 tinued our course, and soon reached a little prairie covered with flowers and grass, where wo 

 encamped, and obtained water by digging. 



July 13. We started early this morning, and followed a winding course to avoid, and yet to 

 keep near, the rocky pedregal on our left. In about six miles we struck a small branch of Fall 

 river, flowing west of south. Crossing it, we soon found an Indian trail near its bank. In 

 about three miles the stream made a bend towards the east. We followed it, and in about 3.5 

 miles reached Fall river, flowing southeast. After passing down its bank for about four miles, 

 we encamped. The valley was open and covered with grass below camp, but above, timber 

 concealed the view. 



July 14. This morning we followed down the river to its mouth, a distance of seven miles. 

 About two miles below camp it was one hundred yards wide. We crossed it above the rapids, 

 near its mouth, at what would have been a good ford had the banks been cut down a little. 

 There was a large Indian rancheria near, and we were joined by several of its inmates, who 

 professed themselves friendly. After giving them a few presents, we descended a steep bluff to 

 Pit river, and passing over it on a tule raft encamped on the southern bank. My mercury had 

 been lost in crossing the pedregal, but I obtained a good observation of the sun for latitude by 

 using water instead. 



