Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/209

SLACUM'S REPORT ON OREGON, 1836-7 201 Willhamett or Multonomah tribes live in the valley formed oy the range of mountains, running north and south, in which Mount Hood and Mount Vancouver is laid down in Arrow- smith's map, (sometimes called the Klannet range, from the Indians of that name,) and on the west by the Kallamook and Yamstills, running south parallel with river and ocean. -In ascending this beautiful river, even in midwinter, you find both sides clothed in evergreen, presenting a more beautiful pros- pect than the Ohio in June. For 10 to 12 miles, on the left bank, the river is low, and occasionally overflows. On the right the land rises gradually from the water's edge, covered with firs, cedar, laurel, and pine. The oak and ash is at this season covered with long moss, of a pale sage green, contrast- ing finely with the deeper tints of the evergreens. The first tribe of Indians are the Kallamooks, on the left bank, on a small stream of the same name, 30 miles from its mouth: 2d are Keowewallahs, alias Tummewatas or Willham- etts. This tribe, now nearly extinct, was formerly very nu- merous, and live at the falls of the river, 32 miles from its mouth, on the right bank. They claim the right of fishing at the falls, and exact a tribute from other tribes who come hither in the salmon season (from May till October). Prin- cipal chiefs deceased. This river at the present day takes its name from this tribe. 3d. "Kallapooyahs" occupy lodges on both sides of the river. 4th. "Fallatrahs" on a small stream of same name, right or west bank. 5th. Champoicho west bank. 6th. Yamstills west bank. 7th. Leelahs both sides. 8th. Hanchoicks. All these five tribes speak Kallapooyah dialect, and are doubtless of that tribe, but at present are divided as designated, and governed by chiefs as named. All these tribes do not exceed 1200. The ague and fever, which commenced on the Columbia in 1829, likewise appeared on this river at the same time. It is supposed that it has been more fatal in its effects. It has swept off not less than 5000 to 6000 souls. In a direction still further south, in Tularez, near St. Francisco, California, entire villages have been depopulated. I am happy to add, however, that this i