WALLAWALLA. 



38i 



of water in the river above, which is dammed by this narrow pass, 

 and is constantly increasing, until it backs the waters, and overflows 

 many low grounds and islands above. The tremendous roar arising 

 from the rushing of the river through this outlet, with the many 

 whirlpools and eddies which it causes, may be more readily imagined 

 than described. 



The boat was repaired by the afternoon, and an express was 

 despatched up the river to Walla walla, in order to prepare the post 

 for the reception of the brigade, and inform the gentleman who had 

 charge of it that he would be required to move to the north with the 

 brigade. The officers of the Company have but little time allowed 

 them to attend to their comforts : so completely are they under the 

 control of accident, that they are liable to be called upon at any 

 moment. Their rights, however, are looked to as much as possible, 

 and the great principle adopted as the incentive to action, is the 

 advancement they may obtain by their own merit, through which 

 alone they can get forward. In consequence of adhering to this prin- 

 ciple, the Hudson Bay Company are always well served. The disci- 

 pline that is preserved is the very best, and sits lightly upon all. 

 Those who do not meet with advancement have some great fault in a 

 trader's eyes. The enterprise and energy required to serve this Com- 

 pany well is of no ordinary kind, and few men exhibit more of both 

 these qualities than those I met with in its employ. 



On the morning of the 4th July, they began to pass the portage, 

 which is a mile in length. It is very rugged, and the weather being 

 exceedingly warm, many of the Indians were employed to transport 

 articles on their horses, of which they have a large number. It 

 required seventy men to transport the boats, which were carried over 

 bottom upwards, the gunwale resting on the men's shoulders. By night 

 all was safely transported, the boats newly gummed, and the encamp- 

 ment formed on a sandy beach. The sand, in consequence of the high 

 wind, was blown about in great quantities, and every body and thing 

 was literally covered with it. 



VOL. IV. 2H 49 



