The Shoshone indians...

Dear Journal,

On August 13, some Shoshone women gathering food a few miles from their village saw the crew drawing near. The scurried away in horror, but as an act of peace i put my gun down, and raised my arms. They soon appeared again, and were not afraid anymore, for i painted there faces with vermillion, read paint an act of peace. The principle chief, named Cameahwait (One Who Never Walks) welcomed us and we were given a place to stay, in a teepee. They provided food, shelter and water for our stay.

At camp, Cameahwait described tous the impassable rivers and shores ahead, confirming that no all-water route could take us through to the Pacific Ocean. We would have to traverse the daunting Bitterroot Mountains to continue the expedition. Communicating via a translation chain, the Shoshones and the captains had begun negotiating when a great coincidence occurred: Sacagawea, who was raised as a Shoshone but had been kidnapped years earlier by Hidatsas, recognized Cameahwait as her brother. After an emotional reunion, the negotiations proceeded and Cameahwait agreed to sell us the horses we needed.

Shoshone women wore long deerskin dresses with wide sleeves. Shoshone men wore breechcloths and leggings, as well as buckskin shirts when the weather was cool. Both men and women wore moccasins on their feet. A Shoshone lady's dress or warrior's shirt was fringed and often decorated with porcupine quills and beadwork.