Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/89

EARLIEST TRAVELERS ON OREGON TRAIL 81 here under conditions of dire distress, but their situation was not one whit less serious than that of Peter Skene Ogden's party of trappers while crossing the Elkhorn mountains from the waters of the John Day river to those of the Powder or of Burnt River in the winter of 1825-6. A few entries from his journals will tell that story in his own words : "Thursday, 26th (January, 1826). Ice forming- on river; course east by north 8 miles over a lofty range of hills bare of wood N. E. Here we leave the waters of Day's River. Since joining Mr. McDonald, allowing we had one hundred hunters, had we not our traps we must have starved to death. Where the Indians of this part reside in winter I cannot (tell) ; have no doubt concealed in the mountains. * * * "Friday, 27th. My guide refuses to proceed, says road is bad and horses require day's rest. I was obliged to comply. Thank God, when we get across the mountains I trust I shall soon reach Snake River or south branch of the Columbia; 9 beaver and 1 otter. "Saturday, 28th. Our guide says there are 6 feet of snow in mountains ; impossible to pass in this direction ; must try an- other. Many in the camp are starving. For the last ten days only one meal every two days. Still the Company's horses must not fall a sacrifice. We hope when we get across the mountains to fare better ; today 4 beaver. "Sunday, 29th. Three inches of snow ; raised camp for S.E. 6 miles ; our guide says he intends to return. A horse this day killed ; on examining his feet, the hoof entirely worn away and only raw stump. "February 2. We are now on the waters of the south branch of the Columbia. "February 3. This surely is the Snake Country; as far as the eye can reach, nothing but lofty mountains. A more gloomy country I never yet saw; too ( ?) horses killed for food today. "Saturday, February 4th. We have taken 85 beaver and 16 otter on Day's River; my Snake guide brought in 4 sheep (Ibex). He says this is Burnt River.