Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to William Ashley, a prominent American businessman and fur trader. The quote reflects Ashley's encounters with individuals who claimed to have extensive knowledge of the waterways in the Columbia River region. The reference to "principal waters of the Columbia" suggests that these individuals purported to possess deep understanding of the various rivers, tributaries, and other bodies of water within the Columbia River basin. They confidently asserted that these waters had no connection with other bodies of water aside from reaching the ocean.

In the context of the early 19th century, when Ashley was actively involved in the fur trade and exploration of the American West, the quote captures the spirit of discovery and the exchange of knowledge among individuals navigating and mapping the region's waterways. It also hints at the complexities and uncertainties surrounding geographical knowledge at the time.

During the early 1800s, explorers and traders were actively seeking to understand the geography of the American West, including the vast network of rivers and waterways. The Columbia River, in particular, held great significance as a major artery for trade and transportation in the region. As such, individuals who claimed to be well acquainted with the Columbia's waters would have been seen as valuable sources of information.

The quote also captures the confidence and certainty with which these individuals asserted their knowledge. They presented themselves as authorities on the subject, claiming to have comprehensive understanding of the waterways and their connections. This confidence may have been rooted in their own experiences as navigators, traders, or indigenous inhabitants of the region.

However, it is important to note that the quote also raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by these individuals. The assertion that the waters of the Columbia had no connection short of the ocean may have been a reflection of limited knowledge or a lack of understanding of the full extent of the river system. It is possible that these individuals were speaking from their own perspectives and experiences, which might not have encompassed the entire complexity of the Columbia River basin.

In the broader context of exploration and geographical knowledge, the quote serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of cartography and geographic understanding during the early 19th century. It highlights the interactions and exchanges of information among diverse groups of people, including fur traders, explorers, indigenous communities, and settlers, as they sought to navigate and comprehend the vast and diverse landscapes of the American West.

Overall, William Ashley's quote encapsulates the spirit of exploration, the exchange of geographical knowledge, and the complexities surrounding the understanding of the Columbia River region during the early 19th century. It reflects the confidence and uncertainties of individuals claiming expertise in the waterways of the Columbia, while also shedding light on the evolving nature of geographic knowledge in the context of exploration and trade in the American West.