Since the expedition left Fort Mandan in the beginning of April, they had not met any Indians. July 27, 1805. Lewis: we begin to feel considerable anxiety with rispect to the Snake Indians. if we do not find them or some other nation who have horses I fear the successful issue of our voyage will be very doubtfull or at all events much more difficult in it's accomplishment. ... however I still hope for the best, and intend taking a tramp myself in a few days to find these yellow gentlemen if possible. Photo: Nez Perce National Historical Park, courtesy of the National Park Service.

More about the people of the Bitterroot Mountains August 13, 1805. Lewis: we had not continued our rout more than a mile when we were so fortunate as to meet with three female savages. the short and steep ravines which we passed concealed us from each other untill we arrived within 30 paces. a young woman immediately took to flight, and Elderly woman and a girl of about 12 years old remained. I instantly laid by my gun and advanced towards them. They appeared much allarmed but saw that we were to near for them to escape by flight     they therefore seated themselves on the ground, holding down their heads as if reconciled to die which the[y] expected no doubt would be their fate;     I took the elderly woman by the hand and raised her up repeated the word tab-ba-bone and strip[ped] up my shirt sleve to s[h]ew her my skin; to prove to her the truth of the ascertion that I was a white man for my face and ha[n]ds which have been constantly exposed to the sun were quite as dark as their own. they appeared instantly reconciled, and the men coming up I gave these women some beads a few mockerson awls some pewter looking-glasses and a little paint. [the women take them to their camp, on their way they run into 60 warriors] the chief and two others who were a little in advance of the main body spoke to the women, and they informed them who we were and exultingly shewed the presents which had been given them these men then advanced and embraced me very affectionately in their way which is by putting their left arm over you[r] wright sholder clasping your back, while they apply their left cheek to yours and frequently vociforate the word âh-hí-e, âh-hí-e that is, I am much pleased, I am much rejoiced. bothe parties now advanced and we wer all carresed and besmeared with their grease and paint till I was heartily tired of the national hug. Photo: Pattee Creek, where Lewis met three Shoshone women. Photo courtesy Dean Norman.

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