OVERLAND EXPEDITION TO SAN FRANCISCO. 291 



and several of the sailors suffered excessively from attacks of 

 the ague. In my own case, the chills were so violent, that it 

 was impossible to travel while they lasted. 



On the 27th, we reached one of those places where it was 

 said the Indians never failed to make their attacks. We had 

 one man in the party who had been twice assaulted at the 

 same place. It was a steep rocky spot, close by the river 

 Tootootutnas. As we passed on, many armed Indians were 

 observed on the opposite side of the stream, and, occasionally, 

 were heard to utter yells, which were absolutely infernal, but 

 they did not attempt to oppose our progress. We were fully 

 prepared for them, and, it was this, no doubt, which prevented 

 their making an assault. Even the wives of the hunters were 

 armed on the occasion. 



We saw this day a great variety of game, among which was 

 the antelope. It is said the Indians take this animal by ex- 

 citing its curiosity ; for this purpose, they conceal themselves 

 behind a tree, or among the bushes, and making a rustling 

 noise, the attention of the animal is soon attracted, when it is 

 led to advance toward the place of concealment, until the 

 fatal arrow pierces it. The animal strongly resembles the 

 deer, and its flesh is very palatable. According to the hunters, 

 they are found only in the prairies. 



On the 29th, we crossed the boundary range which separates 

 Oregon from Upper California. The greatest elevation of the 

 range was found to be 2,000 feet. The ascent was steep and 

 tedious, and every moment we expected to be attacked by 

 hostile Indians. The hunter named Tibbats, was one of a 

 large party which was nearly destroyed by the savages three 

 years before. , He flattered himself that he should now have 

 an opportunity to take his revenge on them, but he was 

 not gratified, as not an Indian was to be seen in passing the 



