Camp Fortunate, Sacagawea reunites with Cameahwait — John Ordway: August 22, 1805

The hunter [George Drouillard] returned late last night. He had killed only a fawn deer, and brought in a load of Indian plunder which he took from some Indians he met with about 6 or 8 miles from this place. There were only 3 Indians and 3 squaws. Our hunter had turned his horse out to feed, when one of the Indians took his gun and sprang on his horse and rode off. He rode after him about 20 miles before he got his gun. He then jerked or caught hold of his gun and jerked the pan open, losing the priming. The Indian then let go and ran. Our hunter then returned by their camp and took all their plunder, consisting of serviceberries dried, different kinds of berries and cherries which were dried for food, also roots and a number of other kinds of wild fruit dried. There were also several elk skins which were grained, and a number of other articles.

This morning was clear and pleasant. Three men were sent to cover the hidden baggage. The men at camp were engaged in dressing their deer skins, making their moccasins, shirts and overalls, etc. About 11 o'clock A.M. our interpreter, his wife, and one tribe of the Snake nation of Indians arrived here on horseback, about 50 odd in number besides women and children. They have come to trade horses with us.

Capt Lewis (Capt. Lewis) counciled with them, made two of their principal men chiefs and gave them medals, and told them in council that the chief of the 17 great nations of America had sent us to open the road and learn their wants, etc. He told them that their great father would send them goods and such things as they stood in need of to defend themselves with, and told them also that we wanted in return their beaver and other skins, if they would take care to save them, etc. Capt Lewis traded with them and bought three fine horses and 2 half-breed mules for a little merchandise, etc. They have upwards of fifty good horses here now.

Being out of fresh meat and having but a little pork or flour, we joined together and made a fish drag of willows and caught 520 fine pan fish, 2 kinds of trout and a kind resembling suckers. We divided them with the Indians, and gave them a meal of boiled corn and beans, which was a great thing among them. They appear very kind and friendly, and do not offer to steal or pilfer anything from us. We trade any useless article which we have no need of for dressed mountain rams skins, etc. They camp close by us. We lend them anything they want and they are very careful to return the same. They appear to live in fear of other nations who are constantly at war with them, but Capt Lewis told them that those nations promise to live in peace with all nations; but if they should war with them any more, their great father would send them arms and ammunition to defend themselves with, but wished them to live in peace with all nations, etc.