Diary of William H. Ashley

Introduction

Without a doubt, William H. Ashley occupies a major position of importance regarding the development of the West. As the creator of the rendezvous system for resupplying his trappers beyond the Rockies, Ashley deserves a seat of high honor at the historical table. But he was also a tireless advocate for the creation of a mounted military force on the Plains and an important Jacksonian congressman in Washington. Richard Clokey, with style and thorough research, presents an admirable account of Ashley's life and exploits. William Ashley was born in Virginia and came to Missouri after the Louisiana Purchase. He worked in the mines around Ste. Genevieve and later fought in the War of 1812, rising to the rank of Brigadier General in the state militia after the war. (He was referred to as General Ashley for the rest of his life.) Along with Andrew Henry he managed the first expedition up the Missouri River for fur-gathering purposes in 1822, reaching the Yellowstone where they built a fort. The next year they were attacked by the Arikaras on the Missouri, and Ashley sent trapping parties on foot across the Plains to the mountains. The idea that trappers would form small detachments to work the beaver streams, thus increasing mobility and lessening the prospects of encountering hostile Indians, was the brainchild of Ashley's at this time.

Overview

Men and women ascended the vallie west on Thursday 25 March 1825. Men and women crossed the gap in a mountain bg N & S and when they all entered into a beautiful vallie of a sercular form, they saw the sign of many beaver on a small Stream running through it. In the winter, Ashley took a packtrain from St. Louis to Green River, venturing down that perilous waterway (thus becoming the first white man on record to do so), before returning to Henry's Fork on the Green where he agreed to meet the rest of his men (July 1, 1825) the first official rendezvous in the mountains. The next year he did it all over again, attending the rendezvous in Cache Valley.

Politics became his chief concern after that, failing to win the governorship but serving three terms in Congress in Washington. He died in 1838 in St. Louis and was buried near Boonville, MO, on a high bluff overlooking the river. A large monument marks the spot.

Men and women on Friday 26th March carried on course W across the vally and camped on The principal fork of the Platt distant about 8 miles where it bears W S W. Cloudy cold windy morning of Saturday 27th indicated the reflection of men and women traveled W about 12 miles. Sunday 28th Cold and Clair. Men and women traveled to day 6 miles N W over high river cliffs. The country was such as to prevent me from continuing my course W The principal branch of the river bg S W & N E distant from this camp about 5 miles The country ...