The Washington Irving Library

In which Captain Bonneville and his party encounter varying climates and the mild Root Diggers, before embarking upon a perilous ascent along the frozen Snake River and the formidable Blue Mountains, enduring hardship and scarcity. Their perseverance is rewarded at last with the sight of the verdant Immahah Valley, offering a glimmer of hope amid their toils.

In which the weary travellers, after a long and arduous winter journey through desolate mountains, encounter a dignified Nez Perce warrior whose hospitality leads them to a humble yet sincere camp of kindred spirits. Here, amid simple fare and generous exchanges of gifts—embroidered by the quaint customs of friendship and goodwill—they find momentary repose and an amusing recognition of the Captai...

In which Captain Bonneville establishes his winter camp by the Portneuf amidst honest Bannack Indians and, undeterred by the cold and snow, sets forth on a perilous expedition through wild volcanic landscapes, river chasms, and encounters with the beguiling and squalid Root Digger tribe. Along the way, the narrative unfolds with vivid depictions of natural wonders and the simple yet ingenious ways...

In which Captain Bonneville explores a landscape marked by volcanic remnants and mysterious springs, partakes in a buffalo hunt with the Bannack Indians, and encounters their fierce yet convivial customs. He then journeys to unite with a band of free trappers among mountain valleys, observing the complex strategies and customs of Indigenous tribes at war.

In which Captain Bonneville and his small party navigate cautiously through the perilous Wind River and Crow territories, outwitting prowling Indian bands and enduring the hardships of a hunted journey amidst the rugged mountains and valleys. Along their way, they encounter the light-hearted mischief of the Crow warriors, reunite with comrades after tense separations, and glimpse the uncertain for...

In which Captain Bonneville navigates a perilous descent through a wild and rugged mountain ravine, witnessing the industrious habits and architecture of beavers at their dammed ponds with an attentive and kindly eye. After observing the creatures’ labours and the cunning of their natural adversaries, he regains the plain and rendezvous at Green River, securing his caches with prudent care against...

In which Captain Bonneville and his companions traverse the rugged terrain along the Popo Agie and into the formidable Wind River Mountains, encountering both curious white bears and the soothing presence of warm springs amid their arduous journey. The captain ascends a lofty peak to survey a breathtaking panorama of vast mountain chains, serene lakes, and wandering rivers, whilst reflecting upon...

In which a party of ten trappers, following the prudent guidance of Captain Bonneville, encounter the perilous tensions of Indian war parties as they navigate hostile terrain, narrowly escaping ambushes and night assaults while maintaining weary vigilance. Their uneasy reunion with a beleaguered comrade band and their cautious march towards Wind River reveals the ever-present dangers and the subtl...

In which Captain Bonneville and his company navigate the rugged terrains of the Green River valley and the formidable Bighorn Mountains, encountering natural marvels, volcanic tracts, and the traces of fellow travellers and native tribes. The cautious expedition blends with rival parties, employs ingenious bull boats for their peltries, and prudently advances across plains rife with danger to reac...

In which we are introduced to the verdant and varied domain of the Crow nation, through the discerning eyes of their chief Arapooish, who extols the country’s bounty and balance amidst the hardships of surrounding lands. We also meet the enigmatic figure of Rose, a bold white man turned Crow leader whose tumultuous exploits and the subsequent lessons in trust and honour among the tribe are recount...

In which the indefatigable Captain Bonneville, ever eager to probe the uncharted wilds, sets his sights upon the mysterious Salt Lake and devises a well-appointed expedition to unveil its secrets, entrusting his capable lieutenant with the task amidst grand preparations and strategic planning. Meanwhile, arrangements are meticulously made for the safe conveyance of peltries to distant markets, dem...

In which the Green River Valley becomes a lively theatre of camaraderie and rivalry among fur traders, trappers, and Indians, united for a season of feasting, contests, and spirited barter as supplies arrive to ignite extravagant celebrations. Amidst this convivial tumult, the shadow of mad wolves brings somber warnings, revealing the precariousness that underlies even the most joyous revelries in...

In which Captain Bonneville, exercising prudent military caution, safely guides his party through treacherous mountain passes and meets a solitary Nez Perce woman who chooses to join their camp; the various detachments reunite at Green River Valley, exchanging their disparate tales of rivalry and hardship. Among these narratives is the mournful account of a forlorn partisan, whose party is scatter...

In which Captain Bonneville ventures boldly into the Snake River plain to reunite with his clerk, uncovering the Nez Perces’ recent calamities at the hands of their Blackfoot enemies and witnessing the tribe’s somber rites for fallen warriors. The narrative also details Bonneville’s attempts at trading amidst Hudson’s Bay Company dominance, his preparations for a summer rendezvous, and the stirrin...

In which Captain Bonneville and his band of trappers set out to the wilds of the Malade River, contending with the rugged terrain and a rival party amidst the desolate and sublime volcanic plains of the West. Their fortunes rise and fall with the seasons’ bounty, culminating in a spirited buffalo hunt that promises sustenance and revelry for the company.

In which the trials and perils of trappers and tribes alike unfold amid the wintry wilds, illustrating the necessity of vigilance and prudent encampment against stealthy foes. The account further paints a stirring tableau of courage and cunning, highlighted by a Nez Perce woman's gallant defence in battle and her subsequent honour among the warriors.

In which Captain Bonneville, undeterred by severe winter hardships and the lurking dangers of hostile tribes, embarks resolutely on a search through formidable snow-clad plains and desolate mountain passes, facing hunger and bitter cold with steadfast courage. He discovers a hardy encampment by the fertile banks of Snake River, mingles cautiously with the wary Banneck Indians, and witnesses the co...

In which the party penetrates a rugged mountain gorge where abundance and security invite a joyful respite from hardship, leading to the formation of a newfound union between a free trapper and his chosen bride amidst the customs and splendour of the wilderness. The season's cheer culminates in a spirited Christmas celebration shared with an Indian chief, marked by rustic feasting and lively games...

In which Captain Bonneville winters amidst a diverse assembly of trappers, hunters, and friendly Nez Perces and Flathead Indians, witnessing the lively bustle and delicate harmony of their encampments while contending with scarce game and the cunning ravages of their Blackfoot enemies. Yet, despite his earnest efforts to rouse their warlike vigilance against repeated horse thefts, the Indians’ pea...

In which we become acquainted with Kosato, a fiery Blackfoot renegade tormented by a past of love and vengeance, whose restless spirit cannot be sated by the peaceful ways of his adopted Nez Perce tribe. His tale, marked by passion and strife, unfolds as a vivid reflection of the fierce emotions and complex loyalties that stir beneath the surface of the Indian frontier.

In which the fierce rivalry between trapping parties leads to perilous pursuits and a deadly ambush in the heart of Blackfoot territory, illustrating the sombre hazards of frontier life. A poignant episode unfolds amid tentative peace gestures, where a young Mexican and his Indian wife are caught in the tensions between cultures, revealing moments of profound humanity amidst the wilderness conflic...

In which the perils and hardships of the wilderness are keenly illustrated through the encounters with Blackfeet marauders and the scarce game on the Horse Prairie, enlivened by the unexpected interruption of a card game amidst vigilant watchfulness. The narrative also presents a diverse assembly of mountain tribes—spirited Iroquois hunters, contemplative Pends Oreilles, and resolute Nez Perces—ea...

In which Captain Bonneville, guided by counsel from seasoned trappers and keen observation of the natural abundance of the Salmon River, undertakes a strenuous journey through rugged mountains and solitary valleys, navigating both the perils of the wilderness and encounters with native tribes. His party's resourcefulness is matched by the generous hospitality of the Nez Perces, whose camaraderie p...

In which Captain Bonneville, having secured a winter refuge for his weary horses and men, encounters the Nez Perces—a tribe distinguished by their deep piety, honest simplicity, and unique blend of religious rites mingling indigenous and Christian elements. Amidst the hardship of scarce provisions, the Nez Perces exemplify steadfast faith and kindness, yet reveal a passionate enthusiasm for gambli...

In which the retreating Blackfeet cautiously approach Fontenelle’s well-guarded camp and send envoys to Captain Bonneville’s nearby encampment, where the captain receives them with calm civility despite warnings from rival Indians. Subsequently, a lively company of free trappers—wild, eccentric frontiersmen adorned in vivid Indian-style garb—arrive and partake in a boisterous camaraderie filled wi...