March 29, 1806

"we set out very early this morning and proceeded to the head of deer island and took brackfast.   here we were joined be threee men of the Clan-nah-min-na-mun nation*.  after brackfast we proceeded on... the morning was very cold wind sharp and keen off the rainge of Mountains to the East covered with snow.  the river is now rising very fast and retards our progress very much as we are complelled to keep out at some distance in the curent to clear the bushes, and fallin trees and drift logs makeing out from the Shore.  we made 15 miles to day only."

Clan-nah-min-na-mun nation*- The Katlaminimin, or Kathlaminimin, an Upper Chinookan-language tribe then living on the northwest side of Sauvie (Lewis and Clark's Waparto) Island.  Multnomah County, Oregon.
 

March 30, 1806

"We got under way very early in the morning ... we passed several fishing camps on wappetoe island and at the distance of 5 miles on the NE side we halted for breakfast near the place we had encamped on the evening of the 4th of November last; here we were visited by several canoes which came off from two towns situated a little distance above us on wappetoe island.  at 10 am we set out ... a little before sunset in a beautiful prairie above a large pond* having traveled 23 M."

large pond*- Image Canoe Island, today's Hayden and Tomahawk island.  The camp was in present Vancouver, Clark County, Washington.

March 31, 1806

"We set out early this morning and proceeded until 8 AM when we landed on the N side opposite one large wooden house of the Shah-ha-la nation* and took breakfast. when we decended the river in November last there were 24 lodges formed of Straw and covered with bark near this house; these lodges are now distroyed and the inhabitants as the indians inform us have returned to the great rapids** of this river which is their permanent residence; the house which remains is inhabited; soon after we landed two canoes came over from this house with 4 men and a woman. they informed us that their relations who were with them last fall usuly visit them at that season for the purpose of hunting deer and Elk and collecting wappetoe and that they lately returned to the rapids I presume to prepare for the fishing season as the Salmon will begin to run shortly - The Columbia is at present on a Stand and we with dificuelty made 25 miles to day-"

Shah-ha-la nation* - Shah-ha-la is from Chinookan "upriver, above".

great rapids** - The later Cascades, in the vicinity of present Bonneville Dam.

April 1, 1806

"This morning early we dispatched Sergt. Pryor, with two men in a Small canoe up quick sand river* with orders to proceed as far as he could and return this evening.  we also sent a party of three hunters over the river to hunt a large bottom and prairie above the enterance of Q. Sand River*; the ballance of the hunters we sent out in different directions on this side of the Columbia, and employed those about Camp in makeing a rope of Elk Skin.  We were visited by several canoes of natives in the course of the day; most of them descending the river with their women and children.  at 3 PM the hunters who were sent out returned having killed 4 Elk and two deer.  there was also much sign of black bear.  I purchased a canoe from an Indian today for which I gave him six fathoms of wampum beads**; he seemed satisfyed with his bargain and departed... shortly after returned and canceled the bargain took his canoe and returned the beads."

Q. Sand River* - Sandy River, in Multnomah County, Oregon.

wampum beads** - Strung beads about thirty-six feet in length.

April 2, 1806

" This morning we came to a resolution to remain at our present encampement or some where in this neighbourhood wutill we had obtained as much dryed meat as would be necessary for our voyage as far as the Chopunnish*.  to exchange our perogues for canoes with the natives on our way to the great falls of the columbia or purchase such canoes from them for Elkskins and Merchandize as would answer our purposes.  these canoes we intend exchanging with the natives of the plains for horses as we proceed untill we obtain as many as will enable us to travel altogether by land."

Chopunnish*  The term Choppunnish may be from Nez Perce tsoopnit "(the act of) punching a hole with a pointed object," and by extension tsoopnitpeloo meaning "piercing people."  It was the captains' name for the tribe.  September  20, 1805 

April 3, 1806

"Early this morning Joseph Feilds came over and informed me that Reubin Feilds  Drewyer and himself had killed four Elk.  as the party with me were now but weak and the Indians constantly crouding about our camp, I thought it best to send a few men to dry the meat on the other side of the river; accordingly Sergt Pryor and two men returned with Jos. Fields for that purpose.  the hunters were ordered to continue the chase."

April 4, 1806

"Several parties of the natives visit us today as usual both from above and below; those who came from above were moving with their families, and those from below appeared to be empeled mearly by curiossity to see us.  About noon we dispatched Gibson Shannon Howard and Wiser in one of the light canoes, with orders to proceed up the Columbia to a large bottom on the South side about six miles above us* and to hunt untill our arrival.  we directed Gibson and the two Feildses to ascend the river tomorrow to join Gibson and party, and hunt untill our arrival."

six miles above us* - In Multnomah County, Oregon

April 5, 1806

"Joseph Field & drewrey left us this morning agreeably to their orders of last evening.  at the same time we Sent Sergt Ordway and five men to assist Sergt Pryor in brining in the meat of four Elk which he had dried in the woods.  at 1 p.m. the party returned with the meat.  it was not sufficiently dryed to keep.  we had it cut thiner and redryed over a fire this evening, as we purpose setting out early in the morning."