Lemhi Valley, preparing to cross Bitterroots — Joseph Whitehouse: August 31, 1805

a fine morning. we Set out eairly and proceeded on 2 miles
and passed Several Indian lodges where we bought a nomber
of fine Salmon. the natives have wires [weirs] fixed across the
River in which they catch more or less evverry night. a
Strange Indian came in Site of these lodges who they expected
to be one of the nation called the flat heads. he ran as Soon
as he Saw us_ Several of these natives followed after him. we
went on a Short distance further crossed the River and halted
for breakfast. one man out a hunting. 2 men Sent to Some
other Indian Camps, with Some articles to buy Some more
Sammon, but they had moved their Camps and we got none.
we then proceeded on over rough hills Some of them high
& Steep, deep Gullies and white earth which had been washed
down by rains &c. went about eight miles and halted to bate
_ our horses and dine. 4 or five of the natives follow us. Some
pitch pine on the Mountains which make near the River on
each Side. we proceeded on over a Smooth plain about 7
miles and passed along [th ]e Side of a mountain near the River,
where the Stone lay one [up]on another and full of holes, So
that it is allmost impossable for horses to pass without break-
ing their leggs. we then passed along the end of this moun-
tain. Come to a large creek which falls in on the East Side.
we followed up this creek or Spring branch. found pleanty of
wild or choke cherries and Servis berrys. one of the hunters
killed a Deer at the edge of the evening. we Came [blank
space in MS.] Miles this day and Camped at the Creek where
we had Several good Indian lodges to Sleep in this night.