MOUNT RAINIER 



The first part or "Narrative" in five volumes was issued in 

 several editions. The portions here reproduced are taken from 

 the edition by Lea and Blanchard, Philadelphia, 1845, Volume 

 IV., pages 418-429 and 468-470. 



I have before stated that Lieutenant Johnson's party 

 was ready for departure on the igth May [1841] ; that 

 it consisted of Lieutenant Johnson, Messrs. Pickering, 

 Waldron, and Brackenridge, a sergeant of marines, and 

 a servant. I must do justice to the exertions of this 

 officer in getting ready for his journey, which he ac- 

 complished in less time than I anticipated, as the delays 

 incident to setting out on a novel expedition, and one 

 believed by most persons to be scarcely practicable 

 in the summer season, are great and tantalizing. In 

 making preparations for such a journey, the Indians 

 were to be bargained with, and, as I have before had 

 occasion to remark, are enough to tire the patience of 

 Job himself. First, the Indian himself is to be sought 

 out ; then the horse is to be tried ; next the price is to 

 be discussed, then the mode of payment, and finally 

 the potlatch : each and all are matters of grave consid- 

 eration and delay, during which the Indians make a 

 business of watching every circumstance of which they 

 can take advantage. No one can be sure of closing his 

 bargain, until the terms are duly arranged, the pot- 

 latch given, and the horse delivered. After obtaining 

 horses, Lieutenant Johnson had the saddles, alforcas, 

 saddle-cloths, saddle-trees or pack-saddles, etc., with 

 a variety of lashings, to prepare. For many of these 

 we were indebted to the kindness of Captain M'Niel 

 and Mr. Anderson. 1 Others were made on board the 

 ship, after a pattern lent us. One of the most impor- 

 tant persons to obtain was a good guide, and hearing 

 of one who resided at the Cowlitz river, by the name 



1 Captain William Henry McNeill and Alexander Caulfield Anderson, Hudson's 

 Bay Company men, then at Nisqually House. Captain McNeill was master of 

 the famous old steamer Beaver. Mr. Anderson was in charge of Nisqually House. 

 Both men were honored by having their names given to islands in Puget Sound. 



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