Tho' 100 shots fired, not one killed. Nothing but worm wood this day. Salt (?) Lake[1] may be 10 miles in length. Mr. McKay and party arrived with the following accounts—no beaver, same level country a chain of lakes of fresh water. This adds to the general gloom prevailing in camp, with all in a starving condition, so that plots are forming (among) the Freemen to separate. Should we not find animals our horses will fall to the kettle. I am at a loss how to act.
Saturday, 5th Nov.
Bad as prospects were yesterday they are worse to-day. It snowed all night and day. If this snow does not disappear our express men will never reach us. I hope they will not fall a prey to the Snakes. I intend to take the nearest route I can discover to the[2] Clammiitte Country. My provisions and are fast decreasing. The hunters are discouraged. Day after day from morning to night in quest of animals; but not one track do they see.
Saturday, 12 Nov.
2 herds of antelope seen but the hunters did not get a shot. They were fortunate with a small black bear. This with 9 beaver and 1 otter infused general joy among all. Tracks of Indians seen not of old date. This gives hope of finding a river. Snow scarce for water. Tho' repeated attempts have been made to melt snow in skins, they will not drink. Two Indians give a hunter to understand, the river is still 3 daysmarch distant. Within the last 10 days we have had only 6 meals. It was now 2 mos. since we set out, and we have only 500 beaver.
Wednesday, 16th Nov.
Ascended the divide[3] descended and had the pleasure of finding 2 lakes[4] one small the other large due west Salt Lake. These lakes are a God-send. It was a consolation to see our
