Tribal Hospitality

On March 27th, 1806, Meriwether Lewis wrote:

the natives appeared extreemly hospitable, gave us dryed Anchovies, Sturgeon, wappetoe, quamash, and a species of small white tuberous roots about 2 inches in length and as thick as a man's finger; these are eaten raw, are crisp, milkey, and agreeably flavored. Most of the party were served by the natives with as much as they could eat; they insisted on our remaining all day with them and hunting the Elk and deer which they informed us were very abundant in their neighbourhood. But as the weather would not permit us to dry our canoes in order to pitch them we declined their friendly invitation, and resumed our voyage at 12 OCk. The principal village of these Skillutes reside on the lower side of the Cow-e-lis'-kee river a few miles from it's entrance into the Columbia. These people are said to be numerous. In their dress, habits, manners and language they differ but little from the Clatsops Chinnooks &c. they have latterly been at war with Chinnooks but peace is said now to be restored between them, but their intercourse is not yet resumed. No Chinnooks come above the marshey islands nor do the Skillutes visit the mouth of the Columbia. The Clatsops, Cathlahmahs and Wackkiacums are the carriers between these nations being in alliance with both. (Lewis, from Moulton V.7, 18)