mountains" of the West. Yet the untutored mind of the trapper lends something of freshness and impulsiveness to his journals, which, one feels, was in entire harmony with the wild new country that was being described. At any rate, one is inclined to be lenient with syntax when style and content are so delightful.
1
The Indians Have a Good Laugh By Alexander Ross
Alexander Ross was on board the ill-starred Tonquin when it made its memorable voyage in the winter of 1811. As Irving would have it, he was one of the "scribbling" clerks, together with Cox and Franchere. The dour Captain Thorn did not think much of the way they were on the qui vive to put down a note on something, in preparation for the histories they expected to write. Just the same, some of these clerks did write famous books. Two by Ross are Adventures of the First Settlers on the Oregon and The Fur Hunters of the Far West.
In July of 1811, Ross, with a group of men, left Astoria to establish a trading post in the interior. At the portage of the Columbia River, they surveyed with discouragement the road they would have to take: "To say that there is not a worse path under the sun would perhaps be going a step too far.. . ." Then an Indian comes to the irate Ross's assistance.
July 28, 1811
Having landed the goods, and secured the canoe, we commenced the laborious task of carrying, and by dividing our selves in the best possible manner for safety, we managed to get all safe over by sunset. Not being accustomed myself to carry, I had of course, as well as some others, to stand sentinel} but seeing the rest almost wearied to death, I took hold of a roll of tobacco, and after adjusting it on my shoulder, and holding it fast with one hand, I moved on to ascend the first bank; at the top of which, however, I stood breathless, and could proceed no farther. In this awkward plight, I met an Indian, and made signs to him to convey the tobacco
