Chapter 23 Over the Bitterroots September 1 - October 6, 1805 Summary and Analysis

Led by Old Toby the party proceeds through the Rocky Mountains, covering incredibly difficult terrain. They meet a group of Salish Indians, purchase a few more horses and continue on. During the next week the weather breaks and snow begins to fall. The journey becomes very difficult and game is scarce, forcing the killing of three horses to feed the company. Fatigued, hungry, and depressed, the party makes little progress—perhaps ten miles per day—and reaches a critical breaking point.

Faced with starvation Clark takes a few picked hunters and proceeds ahead at a rapid pace with the intent of hunting what game is available and leaving it along the trail for the larger party, led by Lewis. Lewis' group suffers several accidents with horses and...