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In Their Own Words

Generosity

On March 27th, 1806, in a camp opposite the mouth of the Cowlitz River, Meriwether Lewis reported the generosity of a Skillute village:

...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. (Lewis, from Moulton V.7, 18)

On November 4th, 1805, at the village of Cathlopotle, William Clark notes the generosity of inhabitants:

We landed at a village 200 men of Flatheads of 25 houses 50 canoes built of Straw, we were treated verry kindly by them, they gave us round root near the Size of a hens egg roasted which they call Wap-to to eate... (Clark, from Moulton V.6, 15)

Related pages:

Clatsop Generosity  |  Personalities  |  Clatsop Games  |  Distribution of Work  |  Gender Roles
Feminine Strength  |  Clatsop Social Structure  |  Generosity  |  Inter-tribal Relations  |  Vapor Baths- Shoto Villages

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