These canoes were very beautifully made: wide in the middle, and tapering towards each end, with curious figures carved on the bow.

They were thin, but, being strengthened by crossbars about an inch in diameter, tied with strong pieces of bark through holes in the sides, were able to bear very heavy burdens, and seemed calculated to live in the roughest water." At this point the officers of the expedition observed signs of uneasiness in the two friendly Indian chiefs who had thus far accompanied them.

They also heard rumors that the warlike Indians below them were meditating an attack as the party went down.

The journal says:-- "Being at all times ready for any attempt of that sort, we were not under greater apprehensions than usual at this intelligence.

We therefore only re-examined our arms, and increased the ammunition to one hundred rounds.