on the Klamath and Rogue, 1827
Last night our guides informed us they would separate this morning
and others will conduct us, the cause assigned is apprehension
of being killed on entering the country of their enemies.
The Clamites and the Shastise are at variance near these passes.
If they like war let them enjoy it
and we meanwhile shall wage war with their beaver. Upwards 70
skins to dry, our traps far in the rear, did not raise camp.
This day 13 beaver and 2 Otter Rain all night.
I sent twelve trappers forward with a guide and 20 horses.
Today's success amounts to seven
Cold night and clear at dawn we started early, a villainous road
and long day's march, worse for the horses, mud, snow in the pass,
we overtook our forward party, descended and encamped
by a small brook. They will raise traps and join us in the morning.
Course this day NW 15 miles
6 men set out at daylight with 60 traps, at eight we ventured
down our brook and camped where it debouches in a basin.
An Indian came boldly to my tent with two fresh salmon.
We have now 30 trappers in advance of the brigade.
No stream escapes our observation.
Sent out my green hands with their gear. Course NNE 5 miles
We had a windy night and fair this morning, fine warm weather.
The Indians say the winter is now over. Birds singing,
grass green, and at full growth, flowers—yet it is February.
31 beaver 1 marten
All hands out hunting, in camp the ladies vie at dressing peltry
and drying meat. Today completed our first thousand skins.
We cannot have too many. Man Is Never Satisfied
Old Jacques the freeman says three Indians strung their bows at him
and made him signs to leave their land.
He drew the cover from his Gun to give them a salute
when they took flight. McDougal says the Indians break their dams
and make the beaver wild to trap. In shallow water taken
by the forefoot his grinders set him free by amputation.
Traps placed six inches under
catch him by the hind foot, he cannot free himself, and drowns.
The Horse Keeper reports one gone, with saddle, the Company's.
A cold night. Beavers snug inside their lodges, their dams frozen.
Twenty Indians assembled to make peace. Two dozen
buttons settled the affair.
This place is clear of beaver. Four days travel below our traps
the guides are ignorant in all directions further. Last night
it snowed ten inches, at dawn the rain commenced, by now the country
is underwater, the rivers rising. This will not mend the roads.
Louie the Iroquoy found his horse.
Peter Skene Ogden