Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 11.djvu/395

Peter Skene Ogden Journal, 1827-1828 365 Sunday 18th. At three this morning all were in motion ; 2 P. M. reached Goddin's River ; see the tracks of a Snake camp. They have no doubt waited for the snow not daring to cross the plain without it. Course s. e. Wednesday 21st. At 3 A. M. I gave the call. 1 At 6 A. M. started, At 7 P. M. all reached the fountain, found 7 of the Snake horses standing in the plain exhausted. This plain is not less than 50 miles across E. S. E. Thursday 22nd. Reached Snake River at 11 A. M. crossed and camped on an island ; 50 Snakes paid us a visit also 7 Nez Perce's lately with American trappers. If the Snakes are not too trouble- some we shall remain some days. Sunday 25th. The chief of the lower Snakes with 300 followers paid me a visit, by name The Horse. He carries an American flag. I made him the following presents, 1 calico shirt, 2 scalpers, iy 2 lb. ball, y 2 powder, 1 looking glass, ft>. glass beads, 1 half axe, 2 awls, 3 flints. They departed but not without some petty thefts. Wednesday 28. Encamped on Fork Portneuf River, which draws its waters from hot springs. We are now 3 miles from Blackfeet Hill, 2 2 from Snake camp. Friday 30th. This morning the Americans who have been in company with us since 18th Oct. started for Salt Lake. 3 The beaver we have traded from them exceed 100. During the time they have been with us, they have trapped only 26, so they lost more by meeting with than we have. 1 Early start for the dash across the lava beds or desert of Idaho to the Snake river near Blackfoot or Pocatello. 2Still so designated on map of Idaho. 3Meaning Utah Lake or Sevier Lake, where Gen. Ashley and his successors had headquarters; some 200 miles by trail to the southward, by way of Portneuf and Green rivers.