and crossed. Trailed three miles down the North side and encamped early, making thirteen miles trailed to-day. Find the grass tolerably good on Boise River.
Tuesday, September 19.—Haggard and myself went to Fort Boise ahead of the wagons; distance ten miles. The wagons arrived in the afternoon. The wind blowing very hard from the Northwest, we found it impossible to ford the river, as the swells rolled very high. Encamped for the night just below the fort. Visited Monsieur Payette, the commandant; found him a very agreeable old French gentleman, and has been in this country, in the fur trade, since 1810, having left New York in that year and came around by sea to the mouth of the Columbia, in the employment of Mr. Astor. We spent a pleasant evening in his company and had a dance.
Wednesday, September 20.—Crossed the river this afternoon without any difficulty, water being about four feet six inches deep. Encamped on the south side of the river.
Thursday, September 21.—Left the river this morning. Traveled twelve miles and encamped on a creek called Malheur. Warm spring on the bank.
Friday, September 22.—Trailed seventeen miles and encamped on a small stream. Country very rough.
Saturday, September 23.—Trailed five miles and struck Snake River; said to be the last sight we get of it. Trailed four miles and struck Burnt River, making nine miles. Killed a beef in the evening. Provisions getting scarce.
Sunday, September 24.—Trailed ten miles over the roughest country I ever saw, Burnt River being hemmed in by hills on both sides. Encamped in the bottom.
Monday, September 25.—Trailed eight miles. Passed the forks of Burnt River. The roads rough and the country rougher still. Encamped near the head of the left hand fork of Burnt River. In the forenoon passed a fine grove of large timber, principally Balm of Gilead, close by a patch of fine black haws, which we devoured most voraciously.
Tuesday, September 26.—Trailed ten miles. Passed an-
