Tuesday, May 12, 2009

August 15th, 1805

August 15th, 1805

After quite a trek, we have got to the Shoshones. At first they were afraid of us, but after we gave them some blue beads the became very friendly.  they have many horses more than enough to get us over the mountains, but when the captains discussed the journey over the mountains we didn't like what we heard. 1st of all there was defiantly no float able river over them, and the Shoshones had never actually been on the journey over the mountains due to the danger. Captain Lewis didn't believe them he thought that they just wanted us there to protect them with our rifles and such. I think that he is mistaken, I think that the Shoshones realize how important this mission is and they wouldn't do that. we were told that there was actually one man who had been over the mountains. Captain Lewis and Drouillard went to speak with him, he confirmed that there was northwest passage, he said things that scared me very much. He told us that horses fall from cliffs, there is no way to get food and that we all might very well get frozen to death by the snow, or at least be crippled by frost bite on our toes and fingers. After hearing this the captain thought that maybe having the old man along with us might be a good help. He did not consent but said he would think about it. I don't think that inviting him was a good idea, i think that he would slow us down and another mouth to feed, but I suppose that the captain knows best. At least the Shoshone chief agreed to lend us 30 horses! 

When we started out the men from the Shoshone village were afraid that we were leading them into a death trap but after some harsh words and a disgraceful speech from their chief nearly half the village joined us. We had more luck while hunting Drouillard shot three deer and we all ate till our stomachs were full, that was very nice. Finally we reached the fork in the Jefferson river, there was a big bush that could easily hide an ambush, the Indians were all very suspicious, so to calm them captain Lewis made us give them our rifles and told them if we deceived them they could shoot us. HAS HE LOST IS MIND?! But it seemed to work they went ahead with us and we decided to stay at the fork for the night until we had captain Clark return.  But the Indians were still suspicious and they slept in a big ring around us so we couldn't leave in the night. I see where we stand with these people.

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