Downward Toward the Coast Summary and Analysis

On September 23, the captains hold a council with all the influential members of the tribe. Short of an interpreter, they rely on sign language to tell the Indians about their goals as explorers and to give them their advice of peace. The men are still very weak and most of them are sick or hurt. Lewis is barely able to ride a horse. They set up camp a few miles down the village, near the Kooskooskee River (now known as Clearwater River) and start building canoes in preparation for the remainder of their odyssey. Many Indians from neighboring tribes come to visit them during this period.

On October 7, the Corps leaves the plains aboard 5 new canoes. The old Shoshone guide leaves unexpectedly on the following day, without his pay. The captains are advised not to...