AUTHOR’S INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I. -- Objects of American Enterprise.-Gold Hunting and Fur
Trading.-Their Effect on Colonization.-Early French Canadian
Settlers.-Ottawa and Huron Hunters.-An Indian Trading Camp. Coureurs Des
Bois, or Rangers of the Woods.-Their Roaming Life.-Their Revels and
Excesses.-Licensed Traders. Missionaries.-Trading Posts.-Primitive
French Canadian Merchant.-His Establishment and Dependents.-British
Canadian Fur Merchant.-Origin of the Northwest Company.-Its
Constitution.-Its Internal Trade.-A Candidate for the
Company.-Privations in the Wilderness.-Northwest Clerks. Northwest
Partners.-Northwest Nabobs.-Feudal Notions in the Forests.-The Lords of
the Lakes.-Fort William.-Its Parliamentary Hall and Banqueting
Room.-Wassailing in the Wilderness.
CHAPTER II. -- Rise of the Mackinaw Company.-Attempt of the American
Government to Counteract Foreign Influence Over the Indian Tribes.-John
Jacob Astor.-His Birth-Place.-His Arrival in the United States.-What
First Turned His Attention to the Fur Trade.-His Character, Enterprises,
and Success.-His Communications With the American Government.-Origin of
the American Fur Company
CHAPTER III. -- Fur Trade in the Pacific-American Coasting
Voyages-Russian Enterprises.-Discovery of the Columbia River.-Carver's
Project to Found a Settlement There.-Mackenzie's Expedition.-Lewis and
Clarke's Journey Across the Rocky Mountains-Mr. Astor's Grand Commercial
Scheme.-His Correspondence on the Subject With Mr. Jefferson.-His
Negotiations With the Northwest Company.-His Steps to Carry His Scheme
Into Effect.
CHAPTER IV. -- Two Expeditions Set on Foot.-The Tonquin and Her Crew.-
Captain Thorn, His Character.-The Partners and Clerks- Canadian
Voyageurs, Their Habits, Employments, Dress, Character, Songs-Expedition
of a Canadian Boat and Its Crew by Land and Water.-Arrival at New
York.-Preparations for a Sea Voyage.-Northwest Braggarts.-Underhand
Precautions- Letter of Instructions.
CHAPTER V. -- Sailing of the Tonquin.-A Rigid Commander and a Reckless
Crew.-Landsmen on Shipboard.-Fresh-Water Sailors at Sea.- Lubber
Nests.-Ship Fare.-A Labrador Veteran-Literary Clerks.-Curious
Travellers.-Robinson Crusoe's Island.- Quarter-Deck Quarrels.-Falkland
Islands.-A Wild-Goose Chase.-Port Egmont.-Epitaph Hunting.-Old
Mortality- Penguin Shooting.-Sportsmen Left in the Lurch.-A Hard
Pull.-Further Altercations.-Arrival at Owyhee.
CHAPTER VI. -- Owyhee.-Sandwich Islanders-Their Nautical Talents.-
Tamaahmaah.-His Navy.-His Negotiations.-Views of Mr. Astor With Respect
to the Sandwich Islands-Karakakooa.- Royal Monopoly of Pork.-Description
of the Islanders- Gayeties on Shore.-Chronicler of the Island.-Place
Where Captain Cook was Killed.-John Young, a Nautical Governor.-His
Story.-Waititi-A Royal Residence.-A Royal Visit-Grand Ceremonials.-Close
Dealing-A Royal Pork Merchant-Grievances of a Matter-of-Fact Man.
CHAPTER VII. -- Departure From the Sandwich Islands.-Misunderstandings-
Miseries of a Suspicious Man.-Arrival at the Columbia- Dangerous
Service.-Gloomy Apprehensions-Bars and Breakers.-Perils of the Ship.
Disasters of a Boat's Crew.- Burial of a Sandwich Islander.
CHAPTER VIII. -- Mouth of the Columbia.-The Native Tribes.-Their
Fishing.- Their Canoes.-Bold Navigators-Equestrian Indians and Piscatory
Indians, Difference in Their Physical Organization.-Search for a Trading
Site.-Expedition of M'Dougal and David Stuart-Comcomly, the One-Eyed
Chieftain.- Influence of Wealth in Savage Life.-Slavery Among the
Natives.-An Aristocracy of Flatheads.-Hospitality Among the
Chinooks-Comcomly's Daughter.-Her Conquest.
CHAPTER IX. -- Point George-Founding of Astoria-Indian Visitors.-Their
Reception.-The Captain Taboos the Ship.-Departure of the
Tonquin.-Comments on the Conduct of Captain Thorn.
CHAPTER X. -- Disquieting Rumors From the Interior.-Reconnoitring Party-
Preparations for a Trading Post.-An Unexpected Arrival-A Spy in the
Camp.-Expedition Into the Interior-Shores of the Columbia-Mount
Coffin.-Indian Sepulchre.-The Land of Spirits-Columbian
Valley-Vancouver's Point.-Falls and Rapids.-A Great Fishing Mart.-The
Village of Wishram.- Difference Between Fishing Indians and Hunting
Indians- Effects of Habits of Trade on the Indian Character.-Post
Established at the Oakinagan.
CHAPTER XI. -- Alarm at Astoria.-Rumor of Indian Hostilities.-
Preparations for Defense.-Tragic Fate of the Tonquin.
CHAPTER XII. -- Gloom at Astoria-An Ingenious Stratagem.-The Small-Pox
Chief.-Launching of the Dolly.-An Arrival.-A Canadian Trapper.-A Freeman
of the Forest-An Iroquois Hunter.- Winter on the Columbia.-Festivities
of New Year.
CHAPTER XIII. -- Expedition by Land.-Wilson P. Hunt.-His
Character.-Donald M'Kenzie.-Recruiting Service Among the Voyageurs.-A
Bark Canoe.-Chapel of St. Anne.-Votive Offerings.-Pious Carousals,-A
Ragged Regiment.-Mackinaw.-Picture of a Trading Post.-Frolicking
Voyageurs.-Swells and Swaggerers.- Indian Coxcombs.-A Man of the
North.-Jockeyship of Voyageurs-Inefficacy of Gold.-Weight of a
Feather-Mr. Ramsay Crooks-His Character.-His Risks Among the Indians.-
His Warning Concerning Sioux and Blackfeet.-Embarkation of
Recruits.-Parting Scenes Between Brothers, Cousins, Wives, Sweethearts,
and Pot Companions.
CHAPTER XIV. -- St. Louis.-Its Situation.-Motley Population.-French
Creole Traders and Their Dependants.-Missouri Fur Company- Mr. Manuel
Lisa.-Mississippi Boatmen.-Vagrant Indians. -Kentucky Hunters-Old French
Mansion-Fiddling-Billiards -Mr. Joseph Miller-His
Character-Recruits-Voyage Up the Missouri.-Difficulties of the
River.-Merits of Canadian Voyageurs.-Arrival at the Nodowa.-Mr. Robert
M'Lellan joins the Party-John Day, a Virginia Hunter. Description of
Him. -Mr. Hunt Returns to St. Louis.
CHAPTER XV. -- Opposition of the Missouri Fur Company.-Blackfeet
Indians.- Pierre Dorion, a Half-Breed Interpreter.-Old Dorion and His
Hybrid Progeny-Family Quarrels.-Cross Purposes Between Dorion and
Lisa.-Renegadoes From Nodowa.-Perplexities of a Commander.-Messrs.
Bradbury and Nuttall Join the Expedition.-Legal Embarrassments of Pierre
Dorion.- Departure From St. Louis.-Conjugal Discipline of a Half-
Breed.-Annual Swelling of the Rivers.-Daniel Boone, the Patriarch of
Kentucky.-John Colter.-His Adventures Among the Indians.-Rumors of
Danger Ahead.-Fort Osage.-An Indian War- Feast.-Troubles in the Dorion
Family.-Buffaloes and Turkey- Buzzards.
CHAPTER XVI. -- Return of Spring.-Appearance of Snakes.-Great Flights of
Wild Pigeons.-Renewal of the Voyage.-Night Encampments.- Platte
River.-Ceremonials on Passing It.-Signs of Indian War
Parties.-Magnificent Prospect at Papillion Creek.- Desertion of Two
Hunters.-An Irruption Into the Camp of Indian Desperadoes.-Village of
the Omahas.-Anecdotes of the Tribe.-Feudal Wars of the Indians.-Story of
Blackbird, the Famous Omaha Chief.
CHAPTER XVII. -- Rumors of Danger From the Sioux Tetons.-Ruthless
Character of Those Savages.-Pirates of the Missouri.-Their Affair with
Crooks and M'Lellan.-A Trading Expedition Broken Up.- M'Lellan's Vow of
Vengeance.-Uneasiness in the Camp.- Desertions.-Departure From the Omaha
Village.-Meeting With Jones and Carson, two Adventurous
Trappers.-Scientific Pursuits of Messrs. Bradbury and Nuttall.-Zeal of a
Botanist.-Adventure of Mr. Bradbury with a Ponca Indian.- Expedient of
the Pocket Compass and Microscope.-A Messenger From Lisa.-Motives for
Pressing Forward.
CHAPTER XVIII. -- Camp Gossip.-Deserters.-Recruits.-Kentucky Hunters.-A
Veteran Woodman.-Tidings of Mr. Henry.-Danger From the
Blackfeet.-Alteration of Plans.-Scenery of the River.- Buffalo
Roads.-Iron Ore.-Country of the Sioux.-A Land of Danger.-apprehensions
of the Voyageurs.-Indian Scouts.- Threatened Hostilities.-A Council of
War.-An Array of Battle.-A Parley.-The Pipe of Peace.-Speech-Making.
CHAPTER XIX. -- The Great Bend of the Missouri-Crooks and M'Lellan Meet
With Two of Their Indian Opponents-Wanton Outrage of a White Man the
Cause of Indian Hostility-Dangers and Precautions.-An Indian War
Party.-Dangerous Situation of Mr. Hunt.-A Friendly Encampment.-Feasting
and Dancing.- Approach of Manuel Lisa and His Party-.A Grim Meeting
Between Old Rivals.-Pierre Dorion in a Fury.-A Burst of chivalry.
CHAPTER XX. -- Features of the Wilderness-Herds of Buffalo.-Antelopes-
Their Varieties and Habits.-John Day.-His Hunting Strategy-Interview
with Three Arickaras-Negotiations Between the Rival Parties-The
Left-Handed and the Big Man, two Arickara Chiefs.-Arickara Village-Its
Inhabitants- Ceremonials on Landing-A Council Lodge.-Grand Conference-
Speech of Lisa.-Negotiation for Horses.-Shrewd Suggestion of Gray Eyes,
an Arickara Chief-Encampment of the Trading Parties.
CHAPTER XXI. -- An Indian Horse Fair.-Love of the Indians for Horses-
Scenes in the Arickara Village.-Indian Hospitality.-Duties of Indian
Women. Game Habits of the Men.-Their Indolence. -Love of
Gossiping.-Rumors of Lurking Enemies.-Scouts.- An Alarm.-A Sallying
Forth.-Indian Dogs.-Return of a Horse -Stealing Party.-An Indian
Deputation.-Fresh Alarms.-Return of a Successful War Party.-Dress of the
Arickaras.-Indian Toilet.-Triumphal Entry of the War Party.-Meetings of
Relations and Friends.-Indian Sensibility.-Meeting of a Wounded Warrior
and His Mother.-Festivities and Lamentations.
CHAPTER XXII. -- Wilderness of the Far West.-Great American
Desert-Parched Seasons.-Black Hills.-Rocky Mountains.-Wandering and
Predatory Hordes.-Speculations on What May Be the Future
Population.-Apprehended Dangers.-A Plot to Desert.-Rose the
Interpreter.-His Sinister Character-Departure From the Arickara Village.
CHAPTER XXIII. -- Summer Weather of the Prairies.-Purity of the
Atmosphere- Canadians on the March.-Sickness in the Camp.-Big River.-
Vulgar Nomenclature.-Suggestions About the Original Indian Names.-Camp
of Cheyennes.-Trade for Horses.-Character of the Cheyennes.-Their
Horsemanship.-Historical Anecdotes of the Tribe.
CHAPTER XXIV. -- New Distribution of Horses-Secret Information of
Treason in the Camp.-Rose the Interpreter-His Perfidious Character- His
Plots.-Anecdotes of the Crow Indians.-Notorious Horse Stealers.-Some
Account of Rose.-A Desperado of the Frontier.
CHAPTER XXV. -- Substitute for Fuel on the Prairies.-Fossil Trees.-
Fierceness of the Buffaloes When in Heat.-Three Hunters Missing.-Signal
Fires and Smokes.-Uneasiness Concerning the Lost Men.-A Plan to
Forestall a Rogue.-New Arrangement With Rose.-Return of the Wanderers.
CHAPTER XXVI. -- The Black Mountains.-Haunts of Predatory Indians.-Their
Wild and Broken Appearance.-Superstitions Concerning Them- Thunder
Spirits.-Singular Noises in the Mountains-Secret Mines.-Hidden
Treasures.-Mountains in Labor.-Scientific Explanation.-Impassable
Defiles.-Black-Tailed Deer.-The Bighorn or Ahsahta.-Prospect From a
Lofty Height.-Plain With Herds of Buffalo.-Distant Peaks of the Rocky
Mountains.-Alarms in the Camp.-Tracks of Grizzly Bears.- Dangerous
Nature of This Animal.-Adventures of William Cannon and John Day With
Grizzly Bears.
CHAPTER XXVII. -- Indian Trail.-Rough Mountain Travelling.-Sufferings
From Hunger and Thirst-Powder River.-Game in Abundance.-A Hunter's
Paradise.-Mountain Peak Seen at a Great Distance.- One of the Bighorn
Chain.-Rocky Mountains.-Extent.- Appearance.-Height.-The Great American
Desert.-Various Characteristics of the Mountains.-Indian Superstitions
Concerning Them.-Land of Souls.-Towns of the Free and Generous
Spirits-Happy Hunting Grounds.
CHAPTER XXVIII. -- Region of the Crow Indians-Scouts on the
Lookout-Visit From a Crew of Hard Riders.-A Crow Camp.-Presents to the
Crow Chief.-Bargaining.-Crow Bullies.-Rose Among His Indian
Friends.-Parting With the Crows.-Perplexities Among the Mountains.-More
of the Crows.-Equestrian Children.-Search After Stragglers.
CHAPTER XXIX -- Mountain Glens.-Wandering Band of Savages-Anecdotes of
Shoshonies and Flatheads.-Root Diggers-Their Solitary Lurking
Habits.-Gnomes of the Mountains.-Wind River.- Scarcity of
Food.-Alteration of Route.-The Pilot Knobs or Tetons.-Branch of the
Colorado.-Hunting Camp.
CHAPTER XXX. -- A Plentiful Hunting Camp.-Shoshonie Hunters-Hoback's
River -Mad River-Encampment Near the Pilot Knobs.-A
Consultation.-Preparations for a Perilous Voyage.
CHAPTER XXXI. -- A Consultation Whether to Proceed by Land or Water-
Preparations for Boat-Building.-An Exploring Party.-A Party of Trappers
Detached.-Two Snake Visitors.-Their Report Concerning the
River.-Confirmed by the Exploring Party.-Mad River Abandoned.-Arrival at
Henry's Fort.- Detachment of Robinson, Hoback, and Rezner to Trap.-Mr.
Miller Resolves to Accompany Them.-Their Departure.
CHAPTER XXXII. -- Scanty Fare.-A Mendicant Snake.-Embarkation on Henry
River-Joy of the Voyageurs.-Arrival at Snake River.-Rapids and
Breakers.-Beginning of Misfortunes.-Snake Encampments.-Parley With a
Savage.-A Second Disaster.- Loss of a Boatman.-The Caldron Linn.
CHAPTER XXXIII. -- Gloomy Council.-Exploring Parties-Discouraging
Reports- Disastrous Experiment.-Detachments in Quest of Succor.- Caches,
How Made.-Return of One of the Detachments- Unsuccessful.-Further
Disappointments-The Devil's Scuttle-Hole
CHAPTER XXXIV. -- Determination of the Party to Proceed on Foot.-Dreary
Deserts Between Snake River and the Columbia.-Distribution of Effects
Preparatory to a March-Division of the Party.- Rugged March Along the
River.-Wild and Broken Scenery.- Shoshonies.-Alarm of a Snake
Encampment-Intercourse with the Snakes.-Horse Dealing.-Value of a Tin
Kettle.- Sufferings From Thirst-A Horse Reclaimed.-Fortitude of an
Indian Woman.-Scarcity of Food.-Dog's Flesh a Dainty.-News of Mr. Crooks
and His Party.-Painful Travelling Among the Mountains.-Snow Storms.-A
Dreary Mountain Prospect.-A Bivouac During a Wintry Night.-Return to the
River Bank.
CHAPTER XXXV. -- An Unexpected Meeting.-Navigation in a Skin
Canoe.-Strange Fears of Suffering Men.-Hardships of Mr. Crooks and His
Comrades.-Tidings of M'Lellan.-A Retrograde March.-A Willow
Raft.-Extreme Suffering of Some of the Party-Illness of Mr.
Crooks.-Impatience of Some of the Men.-Necessity of Leaving the Laggards
Behind.
CHAPTER XXXVI. -- Mr. Hunt Overtakes the Advance Party.-Pierre Dorion,
and His Skeleton Horse.-A Shoshonie Camp.-A Justifiable
Outrage.-Feasting on Horse Flesh.-Mr. Crooks Brought to the
Camp.-Undertakes to Relieve His Men.-The Skin Ferry- Boat.-Frenzy of
Prevost.-His Melancholy Fate.-Enfeebled State of John Day.-Mr. Crooks
Again Left Behind.-The Party Emerge From Among the Mountains.-Interview
With Shoshonies.- A Guide Procured to Conduct the Party Across a
Mountain.- Ferriage Across Snake River.-Reunion With Mr Crook's Men.-
Final Departure From the River.
CHAPTER XXXVII -- Departure From Snake River-Mountains to the
North.-Wayworn Travellers-An Increase of the Dorion Family.-A Camp of
Shoshonies.-A New-Year Festival Among the Snakes.-A Wintry March Through
the Mountains.-A Sunny Prospect, and Milder Climate.-Indian
Horse-Tracks.-Grassy Valleys.-A Camp of Sciatogas.-Joy of the
Travellers.-Dangers of Abundance.- Habits of the Sciatogas.-Fate of
Carriere.-The Umatilla.- Arrival at the Banks of the Columbia.-Tidings
of the Scattered Members of the Expedition.-Scenery on the
Columbia.-Tidings of Astoria-Arrival at the Falls.
CHAPTER XXXVIII. -- The Village of Wish-ram.-Roguery of the
Inhabitants.-Their Habitations.-Tidings of Astoria.-Of the Tonquin
Massacre. -Thieves About the Camp.-A Band of Braggarts-Embarkation.-
Arrival at Astoria.-A Joyful Reception.-Old Comrade.- Adventures of
Reed, M'Lellan, and M'Kenzie Among the Snake River Mountains.-Rejoicing
at Astoria.
CHAPTER XXXIX. -- Scanty Fare During the Winter.-A Poor Hunting
Ground.-The Return of the Fishing Season.-The Uthlecan or Smelt.-Its
Qualities.-Vast Shoals of it.-Sturgeon.-Indian Modes of Taking It.-The
Salmon-Different Species.-Nature of the Country About the Coast.-Forests
and Forest Trees.-A Remarkable Flowering Vine.-Animals.-Birds.-Reptiles-
Climate West of the Mountains-Mildness of the Temperature.-Soil of the
Coast and the Interior.
CHAPTER XL. -- Natives in the Neighborhood of Astoria-Their Persons and
Characteristics.-Causes of Deformity-Their Dress.- Their Contempt of
Beards-Ornaments-Armor and Weapons.-Mode of Flattening the Head.-Extent
of the Custom.-Religious Belief.-The Two Great Spirits of the Air and of
the Fire.- Priests or Medicine Men.-The Rival Idols.-Polygamy a Cause of
Greatness-Petty Warfare.-Music, Dancing, Gambling.- Thieving a
Virtue.-Keen Traders-Intrusive Habits- Abhorrence of
Drunkenness-Anecdote of Comcomly.
CHAPTER XLI. -- Spring Arrangements at Astoria.-Various Expeditions Set
Out.-The Long Narrows.-Pilfering Indians.-Thievish Tribe at
Wish-ram.-Portage at the Falls-Portage by Moonlight.- An Attack, a
Route, and a Robbery.-Indian Cure for Cowardice.-A Parley and
Compromise.-The Despatch Party Turn Back.-Meet Crooks and John
Day.-Their Sufferings.- Indian Perfidy.-Arrival at Astoria.
CHAPTER XLII -- Comprehensive Views.-To Supply the Russian Fur
Establishment.-An Agent Sent to Russia.-Project of an Annual Ship.-The
Beaver Fitted Out.-Her Equipment and Crew.-Instructions to the
Captain.-The Sandwich Islands.-Rumors of the Fate of the
Tonquin.-Precautions on Reaching the Mouth of the Columbia.
CHAPTER XLIII. -- Active Operations at Astoria-Various Expeditions
Fitted Out.-Robert Stuart and a Party Destined for New York- Singular
Conduct of John Day.-His Fate.-Piratical Pass and Hazardous
Portage.-Rattlesnakes.-Their Abhorrence of Tobacco.-Arrival Among the
Wallah-Wallahs.-Purchase of Horses-Departure of Stuart and His Band for
the Mountains.
CHAPTER XLIV. -- Route of Mr. Stuart-Dreary Wilds.-Thirsty Travelling.-A
Grove and Streamlet.-The Blue Mountains.-A Fertile Plain With
Rivulets.-Sulphur Spring-Route Along Snake River- Rumors of White
Men.-The Snake and His Horse.-A Snake Guide.-A Midnight
Decampment.-Unexpected Meeting With Old Comrades-Story of Trappers'
Hardships-Salmon Falls-A Great Fishery.-Mode of Spearing Salmon.-Arrival
at the Caldron Linn.-State of the Caches.-New Resolution of the Three
Kentucky Trappers.
CHAPTER XLV. -- The Snake River Deserts.-Scanty Fare.-Bewildered
Travellers-Prowling Indians-A Giant Crow Chief.-A Bully Rebuked-Indian
Signals.-Smoke on the Mountains.-Mad River.-An Alarm.-An Indian Foray-A
Scamper.-A Rude Indian joke.-A Sharp-Shooter Balked of His Shot.
CHAPTER XLVI. -- Travellers Unhorsed-Pedestrian Preparations-Prying
Spies. -Bonfires of Baggage-A March on Foot.-Rafting a River-The Wounded
Elk.-Indian Trails.-Willful Conduct of Mr. M'Lellan.-Grand Prospect From
a Mountain.-Distant Craters of Volcanoes-Illness of Mr. Crooks.
CHAPTER XLVII. -- Ben Jones and a Grizzly Bear.-Rocky Heights-Mountain
Torrents.-Traces of M'Lellan.-Volcanic Remains-Mineral Earths.-Peculiar
Clay for Pottery.-Dismal Plight of M'Lellan.-Starvation.-Shocking
Proposition of a Desperate Man.-A Broken-Down Bull.-A Ravenous
Meal.-Indian Graves- Hospitable Snakes.-A Forlorn Alliance.
CHAPTER XLVIII. -- Spanish River Scenery.-Trail of Crow Indians.-A Snow-
Storm.-A Rousing Fire and a Buffalo Feast.-A Plain of Salt.-Climbing a
Mountain.-Volcanic Summit.-Extinguished Crater.-Marine
Shells.-Encampment on a Prairie.- Successful Hunting.-Good
Cheer.-Romantic Scenery-Rocky Defile.-Foaming Rapids.-The Fiery Narrows.
CHAPTER XLIX. -- Wintry Storms.-A Halt and Council.-Cantonment for the
Winter.-Fine Hunting Country.-Game of the Mountains and
Plains.-Successful Hunting-Mr. Crooks and a Grizzly Bear.- The
Wigwam.-Bighorn and Black-Tails.-Beef and Venison.- Good Quarters and
Good Cheer.-An Alarm.-An Intrusion.- Unwelcome Guests.-Desolation of the
Larder.-Gormandizing Exploits of Hungry Savages.-Good Quarters
Abandoned.
CHAPTER L. -- Rough Wintry Travelling-Hills and Plains.-Snow and Ice.-
Disappearance of Game.-A Vast Dreary Plain.-A. Second Halt for the
Winter.-Another Wigwam.-New Year's Feast.-Buffalo Humps, Tongues, and
Marrow-Bones.-Return of Spring.-Launch of Canoes.-Bad
Navigation.-Pedestrian March.-Vast Prairies.-Deserted Camps.-Pawnee
Squaws.-An Otto Indian.-News of War.-Voyage Down the Platte and the
Missouri.-Reception at Fort Osage.-Arrival at St. Louis.
CHAPTER LI. -- Agreement Between Mr. Astor and the Russian Fur
Company-War Between the United States and Great Britain.-Instructions to
Captain Sowle of the Beaver-Fitting Out of the Lark.- News of the
Arrival of Mr. Stuart.
CHAPTER LII. -- Banks of the Wallah-Wallah.-Departure of David Stuart
for the Oakinagan.-Mr. Clarke's Route Up Lewis River.- Chipunnish, or
Pierced-Nose Indians-Their Character, Appearance, and Habits.-Thievish
Habits.-Laying Up of the Boats.-Post at Pointed Heart and Spokan
Rivers.-M'Kenzie, His Route Up the Camoenum.-Bands of Travelling
Indians.- Expedition of Reed to the Caches.-Adventures of Wandering
Voyageurs and Trappers.
CHAPTER LIII. -- Departure of Mr. Hunt in the Beaver-Precautions at the
Factory.-Detachment to the Wollamut.-Gloomy Apprehensions.- Arrival of
M'Kenzie.-Affairs at the Shahaptan.-News of War.-Dismay of
M'Dougal.-Determination to Abandon Astoria.- Departure of M'Kenzie for
the Interior.-Adventure at the Rapids.-Visit to the Ruffians of
Wish-ram.-A Perilous Situation.-Meeting With M'Tavish and His
Party.-Arrival at the Shahaptan.-Plundered Caches.-Determination of the
Wintering Partners Not to Leave the Country.-Arrival of Clarke Among the
Nez Perces.-The Affair of the Silver Goblet.-Hanging of An
Indian.-Arrival of the Wintering Partners at Astoria.
CHAPTER LIV. -- The Partners Displeased With M'Dougal.-Equivocal Conduct
of That Gentleman-Partners Agree to Abandon Astoria.-Sale of Goods to
M'Tavish.-Arrangements for the Year.-Manifesto Signed by the
Partners-Departure of M'Tavish for the Interior.
CHAPTER LV. -- Anxieties of Mr. Astor.-Memorial of the Northwest
Company- Tidings of a British Naval Expedition Against Astoria.-Mr.
Astor Applies to Government for Protection.-The Frigate Adams Ordered to
be Fitted Out.-Bright News From Astoria.- Sunshine Suddenly Overclouded.
CHAPTER LVI. -- Affairs of State at Astoria.-M'Dougal Proposes for the
Hand of An Indian Princess-Matrimonial Embassy to Comcomly.- Matrimonial
Notions Among the Chinooks.-Settlements and Pin-Money.-The Bringing Home
of the Bride.-A Managing Father-in-Law.-Arrival of Mr. Hunt at Astoria.
CHAPTER LVII. -- Voyage of the Beaver to New Archangel.-A Russian
Governor.- Roystering Rule.-The Tyranny of the Table-Hard Drinking
Bargainings.-Voyage to Kamtschatka.-Seal Catching Establishment at St.
Paul's.-Storms at Sea.-Mr. Hunt Left at the Sandwich
Islands.-Transactions of the Beaver at Canton.-Return of Mr. Hunt to
Astoria.
CHAPTER LVIII. -- Arrangements Among the Partners-Mr. Hunt Sails in the
Albatross.-Arrives at the Marquesas-News of the Frigate Phoebe.-Mr. Hunt
Proceeds to the Sandwich Islands.-Voyage of the Lark.-Her
Shipwreck.-Transactions With the Natives of the Sandwich Islands-Conduct
of Tamaahmaah.
CHAPTER LIX. -- Arrival of M'Tavish at Astoria.-Conduct of His
Followers.- Negotiations of M'Dougal and M'Tavish.-Bargain for the
Transfer of Astoria-Doubts Entertained of the Loyalty of M'Dougal.
CHAPTER LX. -- Arrival of a Strange Sail.-Agitation at Astoria.-Warlike
Offer of Comcomly.-Astoria Taken Possession of by the
British.-Indignation of Comcomly at the Conduct of His Son- in-Law.
CHAPTER LXI. -- Arrival of the Brig Pedler at Astoria.-Breaking Up of
the Establishment.-Departure of Several of the Company.- Tragical Story
Told by the Squaw of Pierre Dorion.-Fate of Reed and His
Companions.-Attempts of Mr. Astor to Renew His
Enterprise.-Disappointment.-Concluding Observations and Reflection.
APPENDIX
Draught of a Petition to Congress, sent by Mr. Astor in 1812.
AN ACT to enable the American Fur Company,
Letter from Mr. Gallatin to Mr. Astor
Notices of the Present State of the Fur Trade,
Height of the Rocky Mountains.