Satd.y. 2
Clear, and notwithstanding a pleasant breeze from the N. W., very warm.
Embarked at 3 oclock and pursued our journey up the river till past 6 when we encamped for the night. Made a good days march, as the men worked constant and very hard.—The current was uniformly very strong, and the water high, though it has fallen at least 1½ or 2 feet from its greatest height this season.—The shores are generally high, some places steep rocks, at others undulating hills, the vegetation on which seems to be burnt up with the heat and has a barren appearance. Here and there along the river, bushes and grass appear green, having not been deprived of moisture.
Passed several Indian lodges and traded 42 fresh and 9 dry salmon for 1½ yards of Tobacco. The salmon are all of a small size.
Sunday 3
Clear excessive warm weather though there was a little breeze of wind from the N. W. the heat was oppressive.
Continued our journey at 3 clock and encamped at the Flag River[102] at 2. There are a few lodges of Indians here who have some horses two of which were purchased from them at 15 skins each. these are the first horses we have seen in this river.
The general appearance of the river the same as yesterday, the shores high and clearer. The general course of the river from its entrance to this place may be about N. E., a little above its entrance it takes a considerable turn to the Eastward and thus bends back to the Westward a little below the Flag River.—From this place to Spokane[103] is about 1½ days march on horseback. Nez Perces is about the same distance.
Monday 4