CHAPTER XLIII.
Active Operations at Astoria--Various Expeditions Fitted Out .-- Robert Stuart and a Party Destined for New York-- Singular Conduct of John Day .-- His Fate .-- Piratical Pass and Hazardous Portage.-Rattlesnakes .-- Their Abhorrence of Tobacco .-- Arrival Among the Wallah-Wallahs .-- Purchase of Horses--Departure of Stuart and His Band for the Mountains.
THE arrival of the Beaver with a reinforcement and supplies, gave new life and vigor to affairs at Astoria.

These were means for extending the operations of the establishment, and founding interior trading posts.
Two parties were immediately set on foot to proceed severally under the command of Messrs.

M'Kenzie and Clarke, and establish posts above the forks of the Columbia, at points where most rivalry and opposition were apprehended from the Northwest Company.
A third party, headed by Mr.David Stuart, was to repair with supplies to the post of that gentleman on the Oakinagan.

In addition to these expeditions, a fourth was necessary to convey despatches to Mr.Astor, at New York, in place of those unfortunately lost by John Reed.

The safe conveyance of these despatches was highly important, as by them Mr.
Astor would receive an account of the state of the factory, and regulate his reinforcements and supplies accordingly.