CHAPTER XIII.

The name of the Missouri changed, as the river now divides itself into three forks, one of which is called after Jefferson, the other Madison, and the other after Gallatin—­their general character—­the party ascend the Jefferson branch—­description of the river Philosophy which enters into the Jefferson—­captain Lewis and a small party go in advance in search of the Shoshonees—­description of the country, &c. bordering on the river—­captain Lewis still preceding the main party in quest of the Shoshonees—­a singular accident which prevented captain Clarke from following captain Lewis’s advice, and ascending the middle fork of the river—­description of Philanthropy river, another stream running into the Jefferson—­captain Lewis and a small party having been unsuccessful in their first attempt, set off a second time in quest of the Shoshonees.

Sunday, July 28.  Captain Clarke continued very unwell during the night, but was somewhat relieved this morning.  On examining the two streams it became difficult to decide which was the larger or the real Missouri; they are each ninety yards wide and so perfectly similar in character and appearance that they seem to have been formed in the same mould.  We were therefore induced to discontinue the name of Missouri, and gave to the southwest branch the name of Jefferson in honour of the president of the United States, and the projector of the enterprise:  and called the middle branch Madison, after James Madison secretary of state.  These two, as well as Gallatin river, run with great velocity and throw out large bodies of water.  Gallatin river is however the most rapid of the three, and though not quite as deep, yet navigable for a considerable distance.  Madison river though much less rapid than the Gallatin, is somewhat more rapid than the Jefferson; the beds of all of them are formed of smooth pebble and gravel, and the waters are perfectly transparent.  The timber in the neighbourhood would be sufficient for the ordinary uses of an establishment, which, however, it would be adviseable to build of brick, as the earth appears calculated for that purpose, and along the shores are some bars of fine pure sand.  The greater part of the men, having yesterday put their deer skins in water, were this day engaged in dressing them, for the purpose of making clothing.  The weather was very warm, the thermometer in the afternoon was at 90 degrees above 0, and the musquitoes more than usually inconvenient:  we were, however, relieved from them by a high wind from the southwest, which came on at four o’clock, bringing a storm of thunder and lightning, attended by refreshing showers, which continued till after dark.  In the evening the hunters returned with eight deer and two elk; and the party who had been sent up the Gallatin, reported that after passing the point, where it escaped from captain* Lewis’s view yesterday, it turned more