than one or two feet. We therefore hope
that the marks of the baggage rubbing against the trees may still be
perceived; and we have decided, in case the guide cannot be procured,
that one of us will take three or four of our most expert woodsmen,
several of our best horses, and an ample supply of provisions, go on two
days' journey in advance, and endeavor to trace the route by the marks
of the Indian baggage on the trees, which we would then mark more
distinctly with a tomahawk. When they should have reached two days'
journey beyond Hungry Creek, two of the men were to be sent back to
apprise the rest of their success, and if necessary to cause them to
delay there; lest, by advancing too soon, they should be forced to halt
where no food could be obtained for the horses. If the traces of the
baggage be too indistinct, the whole party is to return to Hungry Creek,
and we will then attempt the passage by ascending the main southwest
branch of Lewis' River through the country of the Shoshonees, over to
Madison or Gallatin River. On that route, the Chopunnish inform us,
there is a passage not obstructed by snow at this period of the year."

On their return to Quamash flats the party met two Indians who, after
some parley, agreed to pilot them over the mountains; these camped where
they were, and the party went on to the flats, having exacted a promise
from the Indians that they would wait there two nights for the white men
to come along. When the party reached their old camp, they found that
one of their hunters had killed a deer, which was a welcome addition
to their otherwise scanty supper. Next day, the hunters met with
astonishing luck, bringing into camp eight deer and three bears. Four of
the men were directed to go to the camp of the two Indians, and if these
were bent on going on, to accompany them and so mark, or blaze, the
trees that the rest of the party would have no difficulty in finding the
way, later on.

Meanwhile, the men who had been sent back for guides returned, bringing
with them the pleasing information that three Indians whom they brought
with them had consented to guide the party to the great falls of the
Missouri, for the pay of two guns. Accordingly, once more (June 26),
they set out for the mountains, travelling for the third time in twelve
days the route between Quamash flats and the Bitter Root range. For the
second time they ran up against a barrier of snow. They measured the
depth of the snow