friends, Ross and Cox. The first edition of Franchere's book was in French, published in 1819. Irving acknowledged it as a supplementary source in the preparation of his Astoria, Benton quoted passages from it in the Senato, and when he revisited Montreal in 1853 "he was treated respectfully as a noted author." So much can the "scribbling" derided by Captain Thorn sometimes do for one who keeps at it unashamed and honestly. He was 25 when he came to Astoria. He died in St. Paul, Minnesota, at the age of 77.
Franchere was an eye-witness to all the history-making events which occurred at Astoria from 1811 to 1814. Among the interesting encounters with the Indians which he relates is the attack on James Keith and his party up the Columbia. In January, 1814, Keith, Clarke and Stuart were sent into the interior with merchandise and some important messages. On seeing the heavily-laden canoes of the party, some Indians forcibly took possession of the property.
Jan. 3, 1814
Having arrived at the foot of the rapids, they commenced the portage on the south bank of the river, which is obstructed with boulders, over which is was necessary to pass the effects. After they had hauled over the two canoes, and a part of the goods, the natives approached in great numbers, trying to carry off something unobserved....An Indian seized a bag containing articles of little value, and fled: Mr. Stuart, who saw the act, pursued the thief, and after some resistance on the latter's part, succeeded in making him relinquish his booty. Immediately he saw a number of Indians armed with bows and arrow, approaching him: one of them bent his bow and took aim; Mr. Stuart, on his part, levelled his gun at the Indian, warning the latter not to shoot, and at the same instant received an arrow, which pierced his left shoulder. He then drew the trigger; but as it had rained all day, the gun missed fire, and before he could re-prime, another arrow, better aimed than the first, struck him in the left side and penetrated between two of his ribs, in the region of the heart, and would have proved fatal, no doubt, but for a stone-pipe he had fortunately in his side-pocket, and which was broken by the arrow; at the same moment his gun was discharged, and the Indian fell dead. Several others then rushed forward to avenge the death of their compatriot; but
