WALLAWALLA. 



391 



may be looked over. It has two bastions, one on the southwest and 

 the other on the northeast. On the inside are several buildings, con- 

 structed of logs and mud ; one of these is the Indian store : the whole 



FORT WALLAWALLA. 



is covered with sand and dust, which is blown about in vast quantities. 

 The climate is hot ; and every thing about the fort seemed so dry, that 

 t appeared as if a single spark would ignite the whole and reduce it 

 o ashes. 



The party under Lieutenant Johnson had passed by about a week 

 previously, on their return to Nisqually. 



At all the principal stopping-places, one or two old Indians would 

 present themselves to Mr. Ogden, to demand their annual present for 

 services rendered him and the Company. 



Many years back, Mr. Ogden, while on his route, was attacked at 

 the place where the fort stands, by the Wallawalla tribe, and was 

 obliged to take refuge on the island near the fort, where he made a 

 stand and completely routed the Indians. This occurrence took place 

 twenty-three years before, and was the cause of this post being occu- 

 pied ; since which time, no attack has been made. 



This will give some idea of the dangers the officers and men of the 

 Hudson Bay Company have to encounter ; and although it is now safe 

 on the Columbia river, yet there are many parts where they are still 

 subject to these attacks: the voyageurs have a lot of toil and depriva- 

 tion, yet few men are to be found so cheerful. 



Mr. Ogden informed me, that the most experienced voyageur is 

 taken as a pilot for the brigade, and he is the bowman of the leading 

 boat ; which is looked upon as a station of great trust and honour. 

 Each boat has also its bowman, who is considered the first officer and 

 responsible man ; the safety of the boat, in descending rapids particu- 

 larly, depends upon him and the padroon, who steers the boat. They 

 both use long and large blade-paddles ; and it is surprising how much 



