Clark: June 9, 1806

William Clark · Camp Chopunnish (Long Camp), waiting for snow to melt

That night's camp, per the NPS campsite reconstruction (Bergantino): Camp Chopunnish,east (right) side Clearwater River, Kamiah, ID

Moday June 9th 1806 We had all of our horses brought up and attempted to
exchange our Sore back and most indifferent horses with the indians for
Sound back horses, we exchanged one only. Hohasillpilp took his leave of
us and Set out for the Plains of Lewises river, with Several of the nativs
who Visited us yesterday. The broken arm came over and continued a fiew
minits with us this morning, and also took his leave of us & Set out
with his Village for the plains of Lewis’s river. The Cut nose borrowed a
horse and rode down the flathead river a fiew miles to take Some young
Eagles, which he intends to raise for their feathers. in the evening one
of the young Cheifs who had given both Capt Lewis and my Self a horse came
to our camp accompanied by 10 of his people and continued with us all
night. one of our men exchanged a very indefferent horse for a very good
one. our party exolted with the idea of once more proceeding on towards
thier friends and Country are elert in all their movements and amuse
themselves by pitching quates, Prisoners bast running races &c-.

The flat head river is Still falling fast and nearly as low as it was at
the time we arrived at this place. this fall of water is what the nativs
have informed us was a proper token for us. when this river fell the Snows
would be Sufficiently melted for us to Cross the Mountains. the greater
length of time we delayed after that time, the higher the grass would grow
on th Mountains-.