It is obvious from the above discussion that the post must have been located down stream from the grand canyon of the Snake River. The description of the surrounding country would limit the location to the vicinity of the mouth of the Clearwater. It is probable that the Shahaptin River of Irving is the same as the Chopunnish of Lewis and Clark, or the present Clearwater, as this is the only stream that meets the conditions given. A quotation from Astoria strengthens this probability:
This appeared to be a great thoroughfare for the tribes from the neighborhood of the falls of the Columbia in their expeditions to make war upon the tribes of the Rocky Mountains, to hunt buffalo on the plains beyond or to traffic for roots and buffalo robes. ... Wandering bands of various tribes were seen along this river.... Some of these people were driving large gangs of horses as if to a distant market.[1]
This clearly indicates that the post was located on the old Indian trail that crossed the Snake River about five miles below the forks and followed the right bank of the Snake to the fork. Here it swung up the Clearwater for a few miles before it branched, one trail leading on up the right bank and one crossing the river toward Kamiah. The post was probably located on the north bank of the Clearwater a short distance above its mouth. This location would meet all the conditions given, even to the island in the river for the retreat. However, without more evidence on the matter, it is not possible to make a positive identification.
- ↑ Irving, Astoria, 1836, II, 193.
