Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1845-09-13

signs they cannot understand each other Ttpy
made us comprehend that they were at war
with the people who lived 10 the southwark and
TO the eastward but | could obtain from them
no certain information. The river on which
they live enters the Cascade mountains on the
western side Of the lake, and breaks through
them ~ passage impractcable tor travellers
but over the mountain to the northward, are pas.
ses which presents no other obstacle than in
dams we had previously seen, these wore shells
in ,heir noses. We returned to our ca,np at.
ter remaining here an hour or ,wo accompanied &C
by a number of Indians. .- ,-.... .t .rfss-s.
se"ln order to recrnt little the strength of our
animals, and obtain some acquaintance with
the locality. We remained here for the remain.
der Of the day. BY observation, the latitude Of
the camp WAS 42 deg. SO 81" and the diane.
ter of the lake or meadow, as has been iitima.
ted about 20 miles. 1t is a picturesque and
beautiful spot and under the hand Of cutiva.
ton might become a little paradise Game
is found in the forest timbered and snowy
mountains skirt it, and fertility charoc,erizcs it.
Situated near the heads OF three rivers, and on
the line of inland communication with Caliior.
nn. and near 10 Indians noted for treachery, it
will naturally, ia the progress OF the settlement
of Oregon become pout of military occupa.
ton and settlement.
From Klamath lake. the further continuance
of our voyage assumed character of discovery
md g. ,,Do L.
we could obtain no information to direct, and
Whare the imaginary maps of the country, in.
sleod OF assisting, exposed Us 10 suffering and
defeat. In our journey across the desert, Ms.
rye lake, and the famous Buenavenura river,
were two points OH whicl, relied 20 recruit the
animals ard repose The party. Forming agree.
ably TO the best maps in my possession, a con.
ncctcd water line from the Rocky mt un,ains TO
the Pacific ocean, ] felt no other anxiety than
TO pass safely across the intervening desert to
the banks of the buenaventurs, where, in the
softer climate Of a more southern latitude our
horses might find grass to sustain them, and
ourselves be sheltered from the rigors of winter
and from the inhospi,able desert. The guides
WHO conducted us thus far on our journey were
abou; TO return and endeavorcd in VAN to get
others TO lead us, even for a few days in the di-
rcctinn (enst) which we wished to 60 The
chief 10 whom | applied alleged the want Of
horses, and the snow on the mountains across
which our course would carry us. and the sick
ness of his family, as reasons for refusing to 90
with us" .....-
On the 18th, however, "in the midst of the
wood, we heard the sound of galloping horses,
and we're agreeably surprised 10y the unexpec-
ted arrival of our Tiamalh chief with several
Indians. He seemed 10 have found his conduct
inh"sp,sble in letting the strangers depart with
out single guide through the snow. and had
come with a few others. to pilot tbs a day or two
on the way"
On ,le l4th the party struck stream which
subsequent Information satisfied Capt. F., was
the principal branch of the "Sacramcn,o river !;
and consequently, that this main afl'uen, of the
bay OF San Francisco had It's source within the
limits of the United States, and opposite trlhu.
iary to the Columbia, and near the head OF the
Klamath river, which goes to the ocean north of
42 deg, and within the United States.
"Dccember l5-A present consisting ofuse.
fu goods, efforded much satisfaction 10 our
guides; and, showing them the nallona tlag.
explained that it was The symbol OF our nation !;
and they engaged always to receive in friend.
ly manner. The chiet pointed out course, bv
following which We would arrive at the big
water. where no more snow was To he 'onnd."
Onthe 10Th of December we have the fnl.
lowing vivid description ofihe position of the
expedition, and of the scenery which surround.
ed them:
I'VE travelled this morning through snow a
bout three ieet deep, which. being crustcd, very
much cut the feet OF our animals The noun.
tain still gradually rose we crossed several
spring heads covered with Quaking asp; other.
wise it was all pine forest. The air was dark
with falling snow which every where weighed
down the trees. The depths of the forest were
profoundly still AMI below we scarcely felt
breath Of the wind which whirled the snow
red some exertion of cons,ancy to adhere
steadily to one course through the woods when
we were uncertain how fsrthe forest extended
or what lay beyond and on account ofour ami.
mails, il would be bad to spend another night on
the mountain Towards noon the forest looked
clear ahead, appearing suddenly 10 terminate,
and beyond a certain point we could see no
trees. Riding rapidly ahead TO this spot, we
| fnund oursalves nn tho verue nj N vertical nj