Ross's Adventures of the first settlers on the Oregon or Columbia River, 1810-1813

ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST SETTLERS ON THE OREGON OR COLUMBIA RIVER: being a Narrative of the Expedition fitted out by John Jacob Astor, to establish the “Pacific Fur Company;” wit...

Introductory remarks—John Jacob Astor—Grasping views—Early traders of Canada—The Hudson’s Bay Company—American fur companies—Astor’s policy—Russian settlements—Coasting vessels—...

The _Tonquin_ sails—Quarrels on board—The captain’s character— Accommodations—A sudden squall—Flying fish—The captain’s harshness—Cape de Verd Islands—Alarm of fire—A suspicious...

Departure from the Sandwich Islands—Bad weather—Live stock destroyed—Columbia River—A boat and crew lost—Captain’s conduct towards Mr. Fox—Mouth of the river—Bar and breakers—Ca...

Preparations for landing—Site of the new emporium of the west— Astor’s representative—Hard work—Huge trees—Natives—Comecomly— Mode of felling the trees—Danger—Trying scenes—Thre...

The ten tribes—Number of warriors—Their laws—Chief’s arbitrary power—Dress, games, and arms of the men—Dress of the women, slaves, and basket-making—Lewdness of the women—Food,...

First expedition into the interior—Number of the party—Tongue Point—Canoe swamped—Sailing difficulties—Indian villages—Cedars— First night’s encampment—Mount Coffin—Cowlitz—Wall...

Columbia Falls—A canoe swamped—Suspicious behaviour of the Indians— Stratagem—Umatallow—Walla Walla—Great body of Indians—Harangues— Indian ceremonies—The great forks—Difference...

Anxieties at Astoria—Indians depart—A schooner built—The _Dolly’s_ first trip—Criminal curiosity—The powder keg—The schooner condemned—Mr. Astor’s cargoes—His policy—Remarks on...

Doings at Astoria—Three parties on foot—Their object—M‘Lellan’s resolution—Hostile attack at the Long Narrows—Mr. Reed—Two Indians shot—Heroic conduct of M‘Lellan—Difficulties a...

General meeting of the partners—Resolutions passed—Departure of the parties for the interior—Mr. Clarke—The cascades—Wyampam, or the Long Narrows—Situation of the party—Loss of...

Mr. Clarke—Stragglers—Hard Travelling—Cox’s pilgrimage—Visit to Spokane—Trade—Mr. Pillet—Mr. Farnham—Cootanais and Flatheads— M‘Lennan—Plunge in the lake—Adventures—Outposts—Cat...

Mr. Stuart—Snake River—Trappers—Joyous meeting—Trapper’s resolution—Crow Indians’ troubles—Horses change masters—Mr. Stuart on foot—M‘Lellan left alone—Hardships of the party—Fa...

Meeting of the partners—Warm discussion—M‘Kenzie—Eloquence of the times—Reasons for dissolving the company—Dissenting partners converted—Final resolve—The deputy’s powers—Depart...

Mr. Franchère—Comecomly’s anxiety—His report of a sail—His attachment to the Americans—Laframboise, the interpreter—Mr. M‘Dougall’s visit—The _Racoon_ sloop-of-war—Comecomly gro...

Origin of the Oakinackens—Religion—Good Spirit—Evil Spirit—Ideas of a future state—Ceremonies—End of this world—Extent of country—Names and number of tribes—Warriors—Population—...

Marriage contracts—National custom—Exchange of presents—Nocturnal visits—The object—Purchasing the bride—Customs on the occasion— Feuds and quarrels—Tla-quillaugh, or Indian doc...

Calculation of time—Singular manner of naming children—Peculiar modes of address—Anecdote of an Indian chief—Indian forbearance— Conduct of the whites in Indian countries—Compar...

Introductory remarks—John Jacob Astor—Grasping views—Early traders of Canada—The Hudson’s Bay Company—American fur companies—Astor’s policy—Russian settlements—Coasting vessels—...

For the history of the great fur-trade companies, see Turner, “Character and Influence of the Fur Trade in Wisconsin,” Wisconsin Historical Society _Proceedings_, 1889; Chittend...

British subjects, was formed before the surrender of the Upper Lakes posts to the Americans (1796). It operated chiefly in the West and South-west; and in 1807, Americans on Lak...