FROM FORT HALL TO HEAD OF HELL GATE RIYER. 
335 
and soon left the presence of the Digger tribe, thinking (hat for once we had entered the wrong 
market for provisions. We had to-day a fine view of the Buttes and Tetons, the latter being 
covered with snow. Their glistening tops seemed like silver steeples in the distance. We had a 
fine view of the country bordering the Snake river to the south. For a distance of six or 
eight miles it forms still the sage prairie, as to the north, when the ground, rising by a gradual 
ascent at the distance of fifteen or twenty miles, forms mountain ranges with high snow-capped 
peaks. Travelling a distance of twenty-seven miles by a very excellent road, we encamped on 
the right bank of the Snake river, finding here good grass for our animals, and an abundance of 
drift-wood. The day has been remarkably pleasant; the temperature at noon being 46°, at sun¬ 
set 34°, and at 9 p. m. 24°. 
December 13, 1853.—Commences cloudy, and snowing, the thermometer at sunrise being 30°. 
We resumed our march at 8 a. m., along the right bank of the Snake river, over a very excellent 
road. As during yesterday, instead of following the many bends and windings of the river, we 
took a course leading from one bend to the other, thus shortening our journey by many miles. 
Having travelled a distance of fifteen miles, we found a crossing of the river where were many 
islands: here it was necessary to keep up the stream in order to follow the ford, the water to 
our front and right being exceedingly deep. In crossing, however, some of the animals, instead 
of following the guide, went to the right, and in a few minutes were swimming and floating down 
the stream. Directions had been given before the commencement of the crossing, that all the 
animals bearing packs should be led; but, through neglect, only the animals carrying the bedding 
were led in, and the rest swam the river, the animal bearing our provisions being among the 
number, our provisions thus became thoroughly soaked; and, to cap the climax to the already 
great misfortune, the animals bearing the provisions, on reaching the opposite bank, fell into a 
quicksand, and thus completed the ruining of them. It was fortunate for us that we were so 
near a depot, where we could replenish our stores. From the crossing of the Snake river we 
had an excellent road for twelve miles to Cantonment Loring, five miles above Fort Hall, where 
we arrived about, sunset. The day has been exceedingly disagreeable, raining and occasionally 
snowing through the whole day, which made the road slippery and hard to travel. Our road on 
the right bank of the Snake river lay through the sage desert, where we found much of the 
cactus, or prickly pear. Five miles from Cantonment Loring we entered a beautiful prairie 
plain, where the grass is very excellent, and, with its numerous streams and brooks running 
through it, renders it an excellent place for a post of any kind. Arriving at Cantonment Loring, 
we were most kindly received by Captain Grant, formerly of the Hudson’s Bay Company at Fort 
Hall, who, inviting us into his house, spread before us all the comforts and many of the luxuries 
of life, and gave us a comfortable bed under his hospitable roof—all of which none more than 
ourselves could appreciate; and we thus passed the night once more near the abodes of civiliza¬ 
tion. Here Captain Grant is comfortably situated, surrounded by a happy family, and, with all 
the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, lives as happily and contentedly as he so well 
deserves. 
December 19, 1853.—Commences clear, but cool; thermometer at sunrise 14°. After resting 
and recruiting our animals at Cantonment Loring five days, we concluded to return to the Bitter 
Root valley, intending to pursue a different route to that previously travelled. After striking the 
main stream of the Jefferson fork of the Missouri, our route lay along the east base of the mount¬ 
ains, following down the mainstream of the Hell Gate river. Cantonment Loring, so called in 
honor of Colonel Loring of the rifle regiment, and occupied in 1849 and 1850 by two companies 
of that regiment, is located in a beautiful prairie section of the Snake River valley, and about five 
miles above Fort Hall. The land here is composed principally of clay, of grayish-blue color, 
mingled with but little sand. It is, however, well adapted to the growth of wheat and potatoes; 
though I have understood that, from the early frosts, it is badly adapted to the growth of vege¬ 
tables. The grass here is very rich and luxuriant, and, with its many small ponds, lakes, and 
