Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Celebrating The Corps of Discovery Expedition Bicentennial

Originally Published April 24, 2003

The Expedition's Journey Continues:

The Expedition prepares to give up their canoes and proceed over land. To this end, they are collecting provisions and horses. The Corps strikes a bargain after some parlay with the native peoples.

We sold our canoes for a few strands of beads. The natives had tantalized us with an exchange of horses for our canoes in the first instance, but when they found that we had made our arrangements to travel by land they would give us nothing for them. We sent Drouilliard to cut them up. He struck one and split her. They discovered that we were determined to destroy the canoes and offered us several strands of beads, which were accepted. Most of the party complain of their feet and legs this evening being very sore. It is no doubt caused by walking over the rough stone and deep sand after being accustomed to a soft soil. My legs and feet give me much pain. I bathed them in cold water from which I experienced considerable relief.  
Captain Clark, 24 April 1806

More visitors led by Yellept, Chief of the Wallawallas. This nation is friendly after urging by Yellept. As was the norm, the interaction between the native peoples and the Corps was very interesting.

The principal chief of the Wallawallas joined us with six men of his nation. This chief, by name Yellept, had visited us on the morning of the 19th of October [1805] at our encampment a little below this place. We gave him at that time a small medal and promised him a larger one on our return. He appeared much gratified at seeing us return, invited us to remain at his village three or four days, and assured us that we should be furnished with a plenty of such food as they had themselves, and some horses to assist us on our journey. After our scanty repast we continued our march, accompanied by Yellept and his party, to the village.

Yellept harangued his village in our favor, entreated them to furnish us with fuel and provision, and set the example himself by bringing us an armful of wood and a platter of three roasted mullets. The others soon followed his example with respect to fuel, and we soon found ourselves in possession of an ample stock. 
Captain Lewis, 27 April 1806

This morning early, Yellept brought a very elegant white horse to our camp and presented him to Captain Clark, signifying his wish to get a kettle, but, on being informed that we had already disposed of every kettle we could possibly spare, he said he was content with whatever we thought proper to give him. Captain Clark gave him his sword, for which he had expressed a great desire, a hundred balls and powder, and some small articles, with which he appeared perfectly satisfied.

Chief Yellept wanted the Corps to stay on for a few more days as he had invited the Chymnappos, a neighboring nation, to join them and see the Expedition members dance. Though they were anxious to be on their way, they wanted Yellept to loan them some canoes to cross the river. Yellept decided they could stay 2-3 more days to enjoy the dancing and would not allow the loan. He had the Corps where he wanted them. However, another bargain was struck, the canoes were loaned, the dancing was done, trades were performed and everyone was satisfied. Captain Clark deemed the Wallawallas to be "friendly, honest people."

Go to our Corps of Discovery Expedition Bicentennial Index page to see all links in this series. Or click here to go directly to the next installment of our journey.