At the Lemhi Shoshone camp, Meriwether Lewis learned of the danger and hunger threatening the tribe. He asked Chief Cameahwait about routes west, but Cameahwait described rocky rivers, deep canyons, and terrible mountains. Lewis proposed that if the Lemhis and their horses would help the Corps of Discovery cross the mountains, the explorers would complete their voyage to the Pacific, return home, and send traders with guns the Lemhis wanted for defense against their enemies. The Lemhi were suspicious of Lewis, and only a courageous few went east with Cameahwait to help the expedition. Lewis wrote on August 13, 1805, that the people had been attacked that spring by the Minetares of Fort de prarie, with about 20 killed or taken prisoner, and that to avoid their enemies they were forced to remain in the interior mountains, sometimes living without meat and with only a little fish, roots, and berries.