Affecting interview between the wife of Chaboneau
and the chief of the Shoshonees. Council held with
that nation, and favourable result. The extreme
navigable point of the Missouri mentioned. General
character of the river and of the country through
which it passes. Captain Clarke in exploring the
source of the Columbia falls in company with another
party of Shoshonees. The geographical information
acquired from one of that party. Their manner of
catching fish. The party reach Lewis river. The
difficulties which captain Clarke had to encounter
in his route. Friendship and hospitality of the
Shoshonees. The party with captain Lewis employed in
making saddles, and preparing for the journey. 381


CHAPTER XVI.

Contest between Drewyer and a Shoshonee. The
fidelity and honour of that tribe. The party set out
on their journey. The conduct of Cameahwait
reproved, and himself reconciled. The easy
parturition of the Shoshonee women. History of this
nation. Their terror of the Pawkees. Their
government and family economy in their treatment of
their women. Their complaints of Spanish treachery.
Description of their weapons of warfare. Their
curious mode of making a shield. The caparison of
their horses. The dress of the men and of the women