Wed.y. 29
Clear weather and notwithstanding there was a nice breeze down the river the heat was oppressive.
We were detained gumming the boat till hear 5 o'clock when we embarked and proceeded to Fort Nez Perces[99] where we remained at 12 o'clock and had boats immediately unloaded, and the cargoes examined. These were landed here from the five boats independent of the gentlemen and mens private baggage 262 pieces, viz. (Laments) boat Mr. McLeod passenger 47 pieces.—Ignace's boat J. Work passenger 52 pieces.—P. La (Course's?) boat, Mr. Dease passenger 53 pieces.—Grosse (Chalon's?) boat 55 pieces and Thomas Tagouche's boat 55 pieces.
Thursday 30th.
Notwithstanding it blew strong from the N. W. the heat was oppressive, the sand, and wood about the fort were absolutely burning. In the evening there was a great deal of thunder and lightening with heavy squalls of wind and a few drops of rain, the wind sometimes quite hot.
Mr. McLeod occupied the greater part of this day separating the pieces belonging to the different posts.
July 1825 Friday 1
Blowing strong from the N. W.
A party having to make a trip up the South branch[100] to trade horses, (150 if possible,) the forenoon was occupied in making up an assortment of goods for that purpose and a ½ past 1 o'clock Mr. Dease accompanied by Mr. Dears,[101] myself and 28 men, embarked in two boats and proceeded to a little up the South branch where we encamped for the night.—Several Indians were about the entrance of the river, purchased a few salmon from them, mostly small ones at about 2 inches of tobacco each.—Our boats are very light laden, and the men well armed.
Mr. McLeod & 10 men remain at the Fort.