1826, JULY. LEWIS AND CLARKE'S RIVER '199 



detected he claimed the premium, but as he did not give it oa the first 

 application, I paid him, and paid him so well, with my fists that he will, I 

 daresay, not forget the Man of Grass for some days to come. As the wind 

 blew up the river very strong after midday, I had to put to shore twelve 

 miles above the Great Falls, not being able to get round a rocky island at 

 this part of the river. Eemained until 4 p.m. when the wind abated, and 

 then proceeded. On my gaining the Great Dalles six miles below the Great 

 Falls at seven o'clock, I observed smoke rising among the rocks ; thinking 

 it to be Indians fishing, I walked to the lower end in quest of salmon, but 

 instead of Indians I was delighted beyond measure to find it the camp of 

 the brigade from the sea. I cannot describe the feeling which seizes me 

 even on seeing a person again, although I am but partially acquainted 

 with them. After travelling in the society of savages for days together 

 and can but speak a few words of their language, assuredly the face of a 

 Christian although strange speaks friendship. It was the more agreeable 

 to me as I am previously acquainted with all the persons in authority ; 

 and I should be destitute of every feeling of gratitude if I did not mention 

 the kindness and hospitality shown by all. One caused water to be brought 

 me to wash, while another was handinglme a clean shirt, and a third employ- 

 ing himself cooking my supper. My old friends Mr. Work and Mr. Archb. 

 McDonald handed me my letters, which were gra/sped greedily and eagerly 

 broken open. Received one from Joseph Sabine, Esq., and Mr. Munro one, 

 both gratifying ; one from Mr. Atkinson, and one from my brother, with a 

 note from Mr. McLoughlin and some other friends at the sea. There is a 

 sensation felt on receiving news after such a long silence, and in such a 

 remote corner of the globe more easily felt than described. I am not 

 ashamed to say (although it might be thought weakness by some) I rose 

 from my mat four difierent times during the night to read my letters ; in 

 fact, before morning I might say I had them by heart — my eyes never 

 closed. 



Tuesday, 11th, to Saturday, 15th July. — At dayUght made a note to 

 Mr. Sabine mentioning the receival of his letter, and proceeded with the 

 boats up the river at sunrise. I commenced walking and continued to do 

 so throughout, gathering seeds and any plant, starting in the morning and 

 walking to camp with the people in the evening ; found nothing particular. 

 Weather warm and dry generally, with thunder in the evening. Arrived 

 at Wallawallah at noon on Saturday. 



Sunday, Wth. — Gathered some seeds, which I packed in a small chest 

 with some note-books and other things, to be taken to Kettle Falls by 

 water. Thermometer in the shade 96°. 



Monday, llth. — ^In company with Mr. Work and McDonald started on 

 a journey by water with a party of twenty-eight men for the fork of Lewis 

 and Clarke's River, about 150 miles from the Columbia, and as their 

 marches would be short, I hope to put myself in possession of most of the 

 plants found along the banks of that river. Camped fifteen miles up that 

 river. 



Tuesday 18th to Monday 24:th. — This river is of considerable magnitude, 

 some places 250 to 300 yards broad, in many places very deep and rapid : 



