Chapter XIV

Captain Lewis proceeds before the main body in
search of the Shoshonees; his ill success on the
first interview. The party with captain Lewis at
length discover the source of the Missouri. Captain
Clarke with the main body still employed in
ascending the Missouri or Jefferson river. Captain
Lewis's second interview with the Shoshonees
attended with success. The interesting ceremonies of
his first introduction to the natives, detailed at
large. Their hospitality. Their mode of hunting the
antelope. The difficulties encountered by captain
Clarke and the main body in ascending the river. The
suspicions entertained of captain Lewis by the
Shoshonees, and his mode of allaying them. The
ravenous appetites of the savages illustrated by
singular adventure. The Indians still jealous, and
the great pains taken by captain Lewis to preserve
their confidence. Captain Clarke arrives with the
main body exhausted by the difficulties they
underwent. 354

CHAPTER XV.

Affecting interview between the wife of Chaboneau
and the chief of the Shoshonees. Council held with
that nation, and favourable result. The extreme
navigable point of the Missouri mentioned. General
character of the river and of the country through
which it passes. Captain Clarke in exploring the
source of the Columbia falls in company with another
party of Shoshonees. The geographical information
acquired from one of that party. Their manner of
catching fish. The party reach Lewis river. The
difficulties which captain Clarke had to encounter
in his route. Friendship and hospitality of the
Shoshonees. The party with captain Lewis employed in
making saddles, and preparing for the journey. 381

CHAPTER XVI.

Contest between Drewyer and a Shoshonee. The
fidelity and honour of that tribe. The party set out
on their journey. The conduct of Cameahwait
reproved, and himself reconciled. The easy
parturition of the Shoshonee women. History of this
nation. Their terror of the Pawkees. Their
government and family economy in their treatment of
their women. Their complaints of Spanish treachery.
Description of their weapons of warfare. Their
curious mode of making a shield. The caparison of
their horses. The dress of the men and of the women
particularly described. Their mode of acquiring new
names. 407