the country of the Black-feet, and a third Indian, an expert hunter and good interpreter, completed the number of my little escort. I then journeyed on towards the sources of the Columbia.—The country we traversed was highly picturesque and agreeably diversified by beautiful prairies, from which poured forth spicy odors of flower, and shrub, and fresh spirit-elating breezes, smiling valleys and lakes, surrounded by hoary and solemn pines, gracefully waving their flexible branches. We also crossed magnificent dark Alpine forests, where the sound of the axe has never resounded; they are watered by streams which impetuously rush over savage crags and precipices from the range of mountains on the right.[103] This stupendous chain appears like some impregnable barrier of colossal firmness.
I am, with every sentiment of the most profound respect, your lordship's humble and obedient servant in Jesus Christ,
P. J. De Smet, S. J.
No. VIII
A. M. D. G.
Head of the Columbia,
September 9th, 1845.
All hail! Majestic Rock—the home,
Where many a wand'rer yet shall come,
Where God himself from his own heart,
Shall health, and peace, and joy impart.[104]
Monseigneur,—The 4th September, towards noon, I found myself at the source of the Columbia. I contemplated
