[52]Upon the details of this episode, the three basic authorities on this period of Western adventure, are in agreement. They are Henry M. Brackenridge, _Views of Louisiana_; Thomas James, _Three Years Among the Indians and Mexicans_; and John Bradbury, _Travels In the Interior of America_. [53]Concerning Colter’s part in this battle, Henry M. Brackenridge wrote, “On his return a party of Indians in whose company he happened to be was attacked and he was lamed by a severe wound in his leg; Notwithstanding which he returned to the establishment entirely alone and without assistance.” This incident is almost invariably associated with Colter’s return from the discovery of Yellowstone Park. The error logically arises from the compressed character of the Brackenridge narrative. Perhaps the facts were not clear in his own mind. Actually he has confused two different experiences. [54]P. Koch, “The Discovery of Yellowstone National Park,” _Magazine of American History_, II (June, 1884), 499. [55]Hiram M. Chittenden, _Yellowstone National Park_ (Palo Alto: Stanford University Press, 1933), pp. 22-31. [56]Frank Triplett, “Colter’s Race for Life,” _Conquering the Wilderness_, No. 16, Chapter 10, Washington State College Library; Pullman, Washington. This plant is also called “ground-apple.” It is an edible root found in that region. [57]W. J. Ghent, _op. cit._, p. 113. [58]John G. White, “A Souvenir of Wyoming,” I, 28. This fact is affirmed by James in his _Three Years Among the Indians and Mexicans_. [59]W. J. Ghent, _op. cit._, p. 115. [60]Stallo Vinton, _op. cit._, p. 110. [61]W. J. Ghent, _op. cit._, p. 115. The evidence is not conclusive as to whether or not Colter gave his account to Bradbury and Brackenridge in person. It is certain that he had personal dealings with Thomas James, and it is certain that he spent a half day in conversation with members of Hunt’s party on May 18, 1811. See “Robert Stuart’s Narratives” in Philip Ashton Rollin’s _The Discovery of the Oregon Trail_ (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1935), p. CV. [62]_Ibid._, p. 66. It should be pointed out that Colter did not say “everywhere.” [63]Rudolph Kurz, _Journal_ (Washington, D. C.: United States Government Printing Office, 1937), p. 37. [64]Frank B. Linderman, _Blackfeet Indians_ (St. Paul: Brown, Bigelow, 1935), p. 9. [65]_Ibid._, p. 12. [66]Elizabeth Spalding, _Memories of The West_ (Portland, Oregon: March Printing Company), p. 78. [67]Robert Vaughn, _Then and Now_ (Minneapolis, Minnesota: Tribune Printing Co., 1900), p. 197. [68]Mourning Dove, _Coyote Stories_ (Caldwell, Idaho: Caxton Printers, 1933). p. 46. [69]Rudolph Kurz, _op. cit._, p. 154. [70]_Ibid._, p. 34. [71]Alexander Ross, _The Fur Hunters of The Far West_ (London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1855), p. 249.