The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806 by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark
Chapter 1
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Title: The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804-1806
Author: Meriwether Lewis
William Clark
Release date: July 1, 2005 [eBook #8419]
Most recently updated: August 28, 2012
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8419
Credits: Produced by Bob Webster and David Widger
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE JOURNALS OF LEWIS AND CLARK, 1804-1806 ***
Produced by Bob Webster
THE JOURNALS OF LEWIS AND CLARK
By Meriwether Lewis and and William Clark
1804-1806
Transcriber's Note: These Journals are from May 14, 1804, the day the
expedition left the Mississippi River, to September 26, 1806, a day or
two after they arrived back in St. Louis. It includes all possible
Journal entries of Lewis and Clark. Most of the "courses and distances"
and "celestial observations" have been omitted. The notes and most of
the corrections of past editors have been removed. There are a few OCR
errors, but most of the misspellings are almost 200 years old. The dates
with the names in the brackets are a little redundent. They are included
to provide the correct date in a consistent format.
PG Editor's Note: Misspellings, inventive punctuation and lack of
punctuation along with variable capitalization, and not entirely clear
abbreviations have been left as is. DW
[Clark, May 14, 1804]
May the 14th-Monday
Set out from Camp River a Dubois at 4 oClock P.M. and proceded up the
Missouris under Sail to the first Island in the Missouri and Camped on
the upper point opposit a Creek on the South Side below a ledge of
limestone rock Called Colewater, made 41/2 miles, the Party Consisted
of 2, Self one frenchman and 22 Men in the Boat of 20 ores, 1 Serjt. &
7 french in a large Perogue, a Corp and 6 Soldiers in a large Perogue.
a Cloudy rainey day. wind from the N E. men in high Spirits
[Clark, May 14, 1804]
Monday May 14th 1804
Rained the forepart of the day I determined to go as far as St. Charles
a french Village 7 Leags. up the Missourie, and wait at that place
untill Capt. Lewis Could finish the business in which he was obliged to
attend to at St Louis and join me by Land from that place 24 miles; by
this movement I calculated that if any alterations in the loading of
the Vestles or other Changes necessary, that they might be made at St.
Charles I Set out at 4 oClock P.M. in the presence of many of the
Neighbouring inhabitents, and proceeded on under a jentle brease up the
Missourie to the upper Point of the 1st Island 4 Miles and Camped on
the Island which is Situated Close on the right (or Starboard) Side,
and opposit the mouth of a Small Creek called Cold water, a heavy rain
this after-noon The Course of this day nearly West wind from N. E
[Lewis, May 15, 1804]
Tuesday May 15th
It rained during the greater part of last night and continued untill 7
OCk. A.M. after which the Prarty proceeded, passed two Islands and
incamped on the Stard. shore at Mr. Fifer's landing opposite an Island,
the evening was fair. some wild gees with their young brudes were seen
today. the barge run foul three several times--on logs, and in one
instance it was with much difficulty they could get her off; happily no
injury was sustained, tho the barge was several minutes in eminent
danger; this was cased by her being too heavily laden in the stern.
Persons accustomed to the navigation of the Missouri and the
Mississippi also below the mouth of this river, uniformly take the
precaution to load their vessels heavyest in the bow when they ascend
the stream in order to avoid the danger incedent to runing foul of the
concealed timber which lyes in great quantities in the beds of these
rivers.
[Clark, May 15, 1804]
Tuesday 15--rained all last night and this morning untill 7 oClock, all
our fire extinguished, Some Provisions on the top of the Perogus wet, I
sent two men to the Countrey to hunt, & proceed on at 9 oClock, and
proceeded on 9 miles and Camped at a Mr Pip. Landing just below a Coal
Bank on the South Side the prarie Comes with 1/4 of a mile of the river
on the N. Side I sent to the Setlements in the Pairie & purchased fowls
&. one of the Perogue are not Sufficently maned to Keep up.
Refurences from the 15th of May (2) a large Island to the Starboard;
(3) passed a Small Island in the bend to the Starbord, opposit Passage
De Soux and with 11/2 miles of the mississippi, observed a number of
Gosselins on the edge of the river many passing down, Strong water &
wind from the N E--Passed a Place Lbord Called the Plattes, a flat rock
projecting from the foot of a hill, where there is a farm, (5) pass an
Small Isld near the Center of the river, run on Several logs this after
noon, Camped at Mr. Pipers Landing.
[Clark, May 15, 1804]
May 15th Tuesday
Rained the greater part of the last night, and this morning untile 7
oClock--at 9 oClock Set out and proceeded on 9 miles passed two Islands
& incamped on the Starbd. Side at a Mr. Pipers Landing opposit an
Island, the Boat run on Logs three times to day, owing her being too
heavyly loaded a Sturn, a fair after noon, I Saw a number of Goslings
to day on the Shore, the water excessively rapid, & Banks falling in-.
[Clark, May 16, 1804]
Wednesday May 16th
A fair morning, Set out at 5 oClock passed the Coal hill (Call by the
natives Carbonear) this hill appears to Contain great quantytes of
Coal, and also ore of a rich appearance haveing greatly the resemblance
of Silver Arrived Opposit St Charles at 12 oClock, this Village is at
the foot of a Hill from which it takes its real name Peeteite Coete or
the little hill, it contains about 100 indefferent houses, and abot 450
Inhabetents principally frinch, those people appear pore and extreemly
kind, the Countrey around I am told is butifull. interspursed with
Praries & timber alturnetly and has a number of American Settlers
Took equal altituds with Sextion M a 68°37'30" Dined with the Comdr. &
Mr. Ducetts family--(1) Passed an Island on the L Side just above the
bank one just above, two Small ones oposut under the St. Shore, one on
Lb. Side below St Charles, arrived at this place at 12 oClock a fine Day
[Clark, May 16, 1804]
May 16th Wednesday
a fair morning Set out at 5 oClk pass a remarkable Coal Hill on the
Larboard Side Called by the French Carbonere, this hill appear to
Contain great quantity of Coal & ore of a ____ appearance from this
hill the village of St Charles may be Seen at 7 miles distance--we
arrived at St. Charles at 12 oClock a number Spectators french &
Indians flocked to the bank to See the party. This Village is about one
mile in length, Situated on the North Side of the Missourie at the foot
of a hill from which it takes its name Petiete Coete or the Little hill
This village Contns. about 100 houses, the most of them Small and
indefferent and about 450 inhabitents Chiefly French, those people
appear pore, polite & harmonious--I was invited to Dine with a Mr.
Ducett this gentleman was once a merchant from Canadia, from
misfortunes aded to the loss of a Cargo Sold to the late judge Turner
he has become Somewhat reduced, he has a Charming wife an eligent
Situation on the hill Serounded by orchards & a excellent gardain.
[Clark, May 17, 1804]
Thursday the 17th 1804 a fine Day 3 men Confined for misconduct, I had
a Court martial & punishment Several Indians, who informed me that the
Saukees had lately Crossed to war against the Osage Nation Som
aplicasions, I took equal altitudes made the m a. to be 84° 39' 15"
measured the Missouries at this place and made it 720 yards wide, in
Banks. a Boat came up this evening, I punished Hall agreeable to his
Sentence in part, a fine after noon; Suped with Mr. Ducett an agreeable
man more agreeable Lady, this Gentleman has a Delightfull Situation &
garden.
[Clark, May 17, 1804]
May the 17th Thursday 1804
a fair day Compelled to punish for misconduct. Several Kickapoos
Indians Visit me to day, George Drewyer arrive. Took equal altitudes of
Suns L L made it 84° 39' 15" ap T. Measured the river found it to be 720
yards wide, a Keel Boat Came up to day--Several of the inhabitents Came
abord to day receved Several Speces of Vegatables from the inhabitents
to day
[Ordway, May 17, 1804]
Orders St. Charles Thursdy the 17th of May 1804-
a Sergeant and four men of the Party destined for the Missourri
Expidition will convene at 11 oClock to day on the quarter Deck of the
Boat, and form themselves into a Court martial to hear and determine
(in behalf of the Capt.) the evidences aduced against William Warner &
Hugh Hall for being absent last night without leave; contrary to
orders;-& John Collins 1st for being absent without leave--2nd for
behaveing in an unbecomeing manner at the Ball last night--3rdly for
Speaking in a language last night after his return tending to bring
into disrespect the orders of the Commanding officer
Signd. W. Clark Comdg.
Detail for Court martial
Segt. John Ordway Prs.
members
R. Fields
R. Windsor
J. Whitehouse
Jo. Potts
The Court convened agreeable to orders on the 17th of May 1804 Sgt.
John Ordway P. members Joseph Whitehouse Rueben Fields Potts Richard
Windsor after being duly Sworn the Court proceded to the trial of
William Warner & Hugh Hall on the following Charges Viz: for being
absent without leave last night contrary to orders, to this Charge the
Prisoners plead Guilty. The Court one of oppinion that the Prisoners
Warner & Hall are Both Guilty of being absent from camp without leave
it being a breach of the Rules and articles of war and do Sentence them
Each to receive twentyfive lashes on their naked back, but the Court
recommend them from their former Good conduct, to the mercy of the
commanding officer.--at the Same court was tried John Collins Charged
1st for being absent without leave--2d. for behaveing in an unbecomming
manner at the ball last night idly for Speaking in a languguage after
his return to camp tending to bring into disrespect the orders of the
Commanding officer--The Prisoner Pleads Guilty to the first Charge but
not Guilty to the two last chrges.--after mature deliberation &
agreeable to the evidence aduced. The Court are of oppinion that the
Prisnair is Guilty of all the charges alledged against him it being a
breach of the rules & articles of War and do Sentence him to receive
fifty lashes on his naked back--The Commanding officer approves of the
proceedings & Desicon of the Court martial and orders that the
punishment of John Collins take place this evening at Sun Set in the
Presence of the Party.--The punishment ordered to be inflicted on
William Warner & Hugh Hall, is remitted under the assurence arriveing
from a confidence which the Commanding officer has of the Sincerity of
the recommendation from the Court.--after the punishment, Warner Hall &
Collins will return to their squads and Duty
The Court is Disolved.
Sign. Wm. Clark
[Clark, May 18, 1804]
Friday May the 18th 1804 a fine morning took equal altitude and made it
97° 42' 37" M. A
I had the Boat & Pierogue reloded So as to Cause them to be heavyer in
bow than asturn recved of Mr. Lyon 136 lb. Tobacco on act. of Mr.
Choteau Gave out tin Cups & 3 Knives to the French hands, Mr. Lauriesme
returned from the Kickapoo Town to day delayed a Short time & Set out
for St. Louis, I Sent George Drewyer with Mr. Lauriesmus to St Louis &
wrote to Cap Lewis Mr. Ducett made me a present of rivr Catts & Some
Herbs our french hands bring me eggs milk &c. &. to day The wind hard
from the S. W. Two Keel Boats came up to this place to day from Kentucky
[Clark, May 18, 1804]
May the 18th Friday 1804
a fine morning, I had the loading in the Boat & perogue examined and
changed So as the Bow of each may be heavyer laded than the Stern, Mr.
Lauremus who had been Sent by Cap Lewis to the Kickapoo Town on public
business return'd and after a Short delay proceeded on to St Louis, I
Sent George Drewyer with a Letter to Capt Lewis Two Keel Boats arrive
from Kentucky to day loaded with whiskey Hats &c. &. the wind from the
SW. Took equal altitudes with Sexetn Made it 97°42' 37" MT.
[Clark, May 19, 1804]
Satturday May the 19th 1804 a Violent Wind last night from the W. S W,
Suckceeded by rain with lasted Som hours, a Cloudy Morning, many
persons Came to the boat to day I took equal altitudes. mar time 76° 33'
7"
I heard of my Brothers illness to day which has given me much Concurn,
I settle with the men and take receipts for Pay up to the 1st of Decr.
next, I am invited to a ball in the Village, let Several of the men
go,--R Fields Kill a Deer George Drewyear returned with a hundred
Dollars, he lost
[Clark, May 19, 1804]
May 19th Satturday 1804
A Violent Wind last night from the W. S. W. accompanied with rain which
lasted about three hours Cleared away this morn'g at 8 oClock, I took
receipt for the pay of the men up to the 1st. of Decr. next, R. Fields
Kill a Deer to day, I recve an invitation to a Ball, it is not in my
power to go. George Drewyer return from St Louis and brought 99
Dollars, he lost a letter from Cap Lewis to me, Seven Ladies visit me
to day
[Lewis, May 20, 1804]
Sunday May 20th 1804
The morning was fair, and the weather pleasent; at 10 oCk A M. agreably
to an appointment of the preceeding day, I was joined by Capt.
Stoddard, Lieuts. Milford & Worrell together with Messrs. A. Chouteau,
C. Gratiot, and many other respectable inhabitants of St. Louis, who
had engaged to accompany me to the Vilage of St. Charles; accordingly
at 12 Oclk after bidding an affectionate adieu to my Hostis, that
excellent woman the spouse of Mr. Peter Chouteau, and some of my fair
friends of St. Louis, we set forward to that village in order to join
my friend companion and fellow labourer Capt. William Clark who had
previously arrived at that place with the party destined for the
discovery of the interior of the continent of North America the first 5
miles of our rout laid through a beatifull high leavel and fertile
prarie which incircles the town of St. Louis from N. W. to S. E. the
lands through which we then passed are somewhat broken up fertile the
plains and woodlands are here indiscriminately interspersed untill you
arrive within three miles of the vilage when the woodland commences and
continues to the Missouri the latter is extreamly fertile. At half
after one P.M. our progress was interrupted the near approach of a
violent thunder storm from the N. W. and concluded to take shelter in a
little cabbin hard by untill the rain should be over; accordingly we
alighted and remained about an hour and a half and regailed ourselves
with a could collation which we had taken the precaution to bring with
us from St. Louis.
The clouds continued to follow each other in rapaid succession,
insomuch that there was but little prospect of it's ceasing to rain
this evening; as I had determined to reach St. Charles this evening and
knowing that there was now no time to be lost I set forward in the
rain, most of the gentlemen continued with me, we arrived at half after
six and joined Capt Clark, found the party in good health and sperits.
suped this evening with Monsr. Charles Tayong a Spanish Ensign & late
Commandant of St. Charles at an early hour I retired to rest on board
the barge--St. Charles is situated on the North bank of the Missouri 21
Miles above it's junction with the Mississippi, and about the same
distance N. W. from St. Louis; it is bisected by one principal street
about a mile in length runing nearly parrallel with the river, the
plain on which it stands-is narrow tho sufficiently elivated to secure
it against the annual inundations of the river, which usually happen in
the month of June, and in the rear it is terminated by a range of small
hills, hence the appellation of petit Cote, a name by which this vilage
is better known to the French inhabitants of the Illinois than that of
St. Charles. The Vilage contains a Chappel, one hundred dwelling
houses, and about 450 inhabitants; their houses are generally small and
but illy constructed; a great majority of the inhabitants are miserably
pour, illiterate and when at home excessively lazy, tho they are polite
hospitable and by no means deficient in point of natural genious, they
live in a perfect state of harmony among each other; and plase as
implicit confidence in the doctrines of their speritual pastor, the
Roman Catholic priest, as they yeald passive obedience to the will of
their temporal master the commandant. a small garden of vegetables is
the usual extent of their cultivation, and this is commonly imposed on
the old men and boys; the men in the vigor of life consider the
cultivation of the earth a degrading occupation, and in order to gain
the necessary subsistence for themselves and families, either undertake
hunting voyages on their own account, or engage themselves as hirelings
to such persons as possess sufficient capital to extend their traffic
to the natives of the interior parts of the country; on those voyages
in either case, they are frequently absent from their families or homes
the term of six twelve or eighteen months and alwas subjected to severe
and incessant labour, exposed to the ferosity of the lawless savages,
the vicissitudes of weather and climate, and dependant on chance or
accident alone for food, raiment or relief in the event of malady.
These people are principally the decendants of the Canadian French, and
it is not an inconsiderable proportian of them that can boast a small
dash of the pure blood of the aboriginees of America. On consulting
with my friend Capt. C. I found it necessary that we should pospone our
departure untill 2 P M. the next day and accordingly gave orders to the
party to hold themselves in readiness to depart at that hour.
Captn. Clark now informed me that having gotten all the stores on board
the Barge and perogues on the evening of the 13th of May he determined
to leave our winter cantainment at the mouth of River Dubois the next
day, and to ascend the Missouri as far as the Vilage of St. Charles,
where as it had been previously concerted between us, he was to wait my
arrival; this movement while it advanced us a small distance on our
rout, would also enable him to determine whether the vessels had been
judiciously loaded and if not timely to make the necessary alterations;
accordingly at 4 P.M. on Monday the 14th of May 1804, he embarked with
the party in the presence of a number of the neighbouring Citizens who
had assembled to witness his departure. during the fore part of this
day it rained excessively hard. In my last letter to the President
dated at St. Louis I mentioned the departure of Capt. Clark from River
Dubois on the 15th Inst, which was the day that had been calculated on,
but having completed the arrangements a day earlyer he departed on the
14th as before mentioned. On the evening of the 14th the party halted
and encamped on the upper point of the first Island which lyes near the
Larbord shore, on the same side and nearly opposite the center of this
Island a small Creek disimbogues called Couldwater.
The course and distance of this day was West 4 Miles the Wind from N. E.
[Clark, May 20, 1804]
Sunday 20th May
a Cloudy morning rained and a hard wind last night I continue to write
Rolls, Send 20 men to Church to day one man Sick Capt Lewis and Several
Gentlemen arrive from St Louis thro a violent Shoure of rain, the most
of the party go to the Church.
[Clark, May 20, 1804]
Sunday 20th May
A Cloudy morning rained and hard wind from the ____ last night, The
letter George lost yesterday found by a Country man, I gave the party
leave to go and hear a Sermon to day delivered by Mr. ____ a romon
Carthlick Priest at 3 oClock Capt. Lewis Capt. Stoddard accompanied by
the Officers & Several Gentlemen of St Louis arrived in a heavy Showr
of Rain Mssr. Lutenants Minford & Werness. Mr. Choteau Grattiot,
Deloney, Laber Dee Ranken Dr. SoDrang rained the greater part of this
evening. Suped with Mr. Charles Tayon, the late Comdt. of St Charles a
Spanish Ensign.
[Clark, May 21, 1804]
Monday 21st May
Dine with Mr. Ducete & Set out from St. Charles at three oClock after
getting every matter arranged, proceeded on under a jentle Breese, at
one mile a Violent rain with Wind from the S. W. we landed at the upper
point of the first Island on the Stbd Side & Camped, Soon after it
commenced raining & continued the greater part of the night; 3 french
men got leave to return to Town, and return early (refur to Fig. 2.)
25st refured to fig. 2 Left St. Charles May 21st 1804. Steered N. 15° W
13/4 Ms N 52°W to the upper point of the Island and Camped dureing a rain
which had been falling half an hour, opposit this Isd. Corns in a Small
creek on the St. Sd. and at the head one on the Ld. Side rains
powerfully.
[Clark, May 21, 1804]
May 21st 1804 Monday
All the forepart of the Day Arranging our party and prcureing the
different articles necessary for them at this place--Dined with Mr.
Ducett and Set out at half passed three oClock under three Cheers from
the gentlemen on the bank and proceeded on to the head of the Island
(which is Situated on the Stbd Side) 3 miles Soon after we Set out to
day a hard Wind from the W. S W accompanied with a hard rain, which
lasted with Short intervales all night, opposit our Camp a Small creek
corns in on the Lbd Side-
[Clark, May 22, 1804]
Tuesday May 22nd
delayed a Short time for the three french men who returned and we Set
out at 6 oClock a Cloudy morning rained Violently hard last night Saw
Several people on the bank to day & passed Several Small farms. Capt.
Lewis walk on Shore a little & passed a Camp of Kickapoo Indians, &
incamped in the mouth of a Small Creek in a large Bend on the Stbd Side.
[Clark, May 22, 1804]
May 22nd Tuesday 1804
a Cloudy morning Delay one hour for 4 french men who got liberty to
return to arrange Some business they had forgotten in Town, at 6 oClock
we proceeded on, passed Several Small farms on the bank, and a large
creek on the Lbd. Side Called Bonom a Camp of Kickapoos on the St. Side
Those Indians told me Several days ago that they would Come on & hunt
and by the time I got to their Camp they would have Some Provisions for
us, we Camped in a Bend at the Mo. of a Small creek, Soon after we came
too the Indians arrived with 4 Deer as a Present, for which we gave
them two qts. of whiskey-
This Day we passed Several Islands, and Some high lands on the
Starboard Side, Verry hard water.
[Clark, May 23, 1804]
Wednesday May 23rd 8 Indians Kick. Came to Camp with meat we recved
their pesents of 3 Deer & gave them Whisky.
Set out early run on a log under water and Detained one hour proceeded
on the Same Course of last night, (2 miles) passed the mouth of a creek
on the Sbd. Side called Woman of Osage River about 30 yds. over,
abounding in fish, Stoped one hour where their was maney people
assembled to See us, halted at an endented part of a Rock which juted
over the water, Called by the french the tavern which is a Cave 40 yds.
long with the river 4 feet Deep & about 20 feet high, this is a place
the Indians & french Pay omage to, many names are wrote up on the rock
Mine among others, at one mile above this rock coms in a small Creek
called Tavern Creek, abov one other Small Creek, camped at 6 oClock
(after expirencing great dificuselty in passing Some Drifts) on the Stb
Side, examined the mens arms found all in good order except the
Detachment of Solds in the Perogue--R Field Killed a Deer.
[Clark, May 23, 1804]
May 23rd Course of last night S 75 W Contined 2 miles to the Said point
St. Side passed the upper Point of the Island Thence S 52° W. 7 Miles to
a pt. on St. Sd. passing Tavern Island two Small Isd. in a bend to the
St. side the Mo. of Oge womans River at 1 m. the Cave Called the
Tavern, Lbd Side at 5 m. Situated in the Clifts, opposit a Small Island
on the Stbd Side (R. & Jo. Fields came in) with many people, passed the
Tavern Cave, Capt Lewis assended the hill which has peninsulis
projecting in raged points to the river, and was near falling from a
Peninsulia hard water all Day Saved himself by the assistance of his
Knife, passed a Creek 15 yds. wide at 1 mile called Creek of the Tavern
on the Lbd. Side, Camped opposit the pt. which the Last Course was to.
one man Sick.
[Clark, May 23, 1804]
May 23rd Wednesday 1804
We Set out early ran on a Log and detained one hour, proceeded the
Course of Last night 2 Miles to the mouth of a Creek on the Stbd. Side
Called Osage Womans R, about 30 yds. wide, opposit a large Island and a
Settlement. (on this Creek 30 or 40 famlys are Settled) Crossed to the
Settlemt. and took in R & Jo. Fields who had been Sent to purchase Corn
& Butter &c. many people Came to See us, we passed a large Cave on the
Lbd. Side about 120 feet wide 40 feet Deep & 20 feet high many
different immages are Painted on the Rock at this place. the Inds &
French pay omage. many hams are wrote on the rock, Stoped about one
mile above for Capt Lewis who had assended the Clifts which is at the
Said Cave 300 fee high, hanging over the Water, the water excessively
Swift to day, we incamped below a Small Isld. in the Meadle of the
river, Sent out two hunters, one Killed a Deer
This evening we examined the arms and amunition found those mens arms
in the perogue in bad order a fair evening Capt. Lewis near falling
from the Pencelia of rocks 300 feet, he caught at 20 foot.
[Clark, May 24, 1804]
Thursday May the 24th 1804 Set out early passed a Small Isd in the
Midlle of the river, opposit the on the Lbd. Side is projecting Rock of
1/2 a mile in extent against which the Current runs, this place is
called the Devils race grounds,1 above this Coms in a Small Creek
called the little quiver, a Sand Island on the Stbd Side, passed
Several Islands & 2 creeks, on the Stbd Side a Small Island on the Lbd
Side above we wer verry near loseing our Boat in Toeing She Struck the
Sands the Violence of the Current was so great that the Toe roap Broke,
the Boat turned Broadside, as the Current Washed the Sand from under
her She wheeled & lodged on the bank below as often as three times,
before we got her in Deep water, nothing Saved her but
[Clark, May 24, 1804]
May 24th Set out early, Killed a Deer last night. examined the mens
arms, & Saw that all was prepared for action, passed an Island in the
M. R, opposit a hard place of water called the Devill race grown, S 63° W
4 miles to a point on the Sd. Starboard Side N 68 W to a point on Lbd
Side 3 ms. Passd. a Small Willow Island on the Lbd. Side to the point
of a Isd. L Side--S 75° W to a point on Stbd Side 3 Miles, Passed the
upper point of the Island. Crossed and in a verry bad place we got our
Boat a ground & She Bocke the Toe Roap & turned the Land, the in
Wheeling three times, got off returned to the head of the aforesaid
Island, and Came up under a falling Bank. hard water this place being
the worst I ever Saw, I call it the retregrade bend. Camped at an old
house.
[Clark, May 24, 1804]
May 24th Thursday 1804
Set out early passed a Verry bad part of the River Called the Deavels
race ground, this is where the Current Sets against Some projecting
rocks for half a mile on the Labd. Side, above this place is the mouth
of a Small Creek Called queivere, passed Several Islands, two Small
Creeks on the Stbd. Side, and passed between a Isld. an the Lbd. Shore
a narrow pass above this Isld is a Verry bad part of the river, we
attempted to pass up under the Lbd. Bank which was falling in So fast
that the evident danger obliged us to Cross between the Starbd. Side
and a Sand bar in the middle of the river, we hove up near the head of
the Sand bar, the Sand moveing & banking caused us to run on the Sand.
The Swiftness of the Current wheeled the boat, Broke our Toe rope, and
was nearly over Setting the boat, all hand jumped out on the upper Side
and bore on that Side untill the Sand washed from under the boat and
wheeled on the next bank by the time She wheeled a 3rd Time got a rope
fast to her Stern and by the means of Swimmers was Carred to Shore and
when her Stern was down whilst in the act of Swinging a third time into
Deep water near the Shore, we returned, to the Island where we Set out
and assended under the Bank which I have just mentioned, as falling in,
here George Drewyer & Willard, two of our men who left us at St.
Charles to Come on by land joined us, we Camped about 1 mile above
where we were So nearly being lost, on the Labd Side at a Plantation.
all in Spirits. This place I call the retragrade bend as we were
obliged to fall back 2 miles
[Clark, May 25, 1804]
25 May
Set out early Course West to a Point on Sbd. Side at 2 Miles passd a
Willow Isd. in a Bend to the Lbd. a creek called wood rivr Lbd. Side N
57° W. to a pt. on the Sb. Side 3 Miles passed the Mouth of a Creek St.
Side Called Le quever, this Same course continued to a Point Ld. Side
21/2 Miles further. opposit a Isd. on Sd Side Passed a Creek Called R.
La freeau at the pt. N 20° W 2 miles To a Small french Village called La
Charatt of five families only, in the bend to the Starbord This is the
Last Settlement of Whites, an Island opposit
[Clark, May 25, 1804]
May 25th Friday 1804
rain last night river fall Several inches, Set out early psd. Several
Islands passed wood River on the Lbd Side at 2 miles passed Creek on
the St. Side Called La Querer at 5 miles passed a Creek at 8 mile,
opsd. an Isd. on the Lbd Side, Camped at the mouth of a Creek called
River a Chauritte, above a Small french Village of 7 houses and as many
families, Settled at this place to be convt. to hunt, & trade with the
Indians, here we met with Mr. Louisell imedeately down from the Seeeder
Isld. Situated in the Countrey of the Suxex 400 Leagues up he gave us a
good Deel of information Some letters he informed us that he Saw no
Indians on the river below the Poncrars--Some hard rain this evening
The people at this Village is pore, houses Small, they Sent us milk &
eggs to eat.
[Clark, May 26, 1804]
May 26th 1804. Set out at 7 oClock after a hard rain & Wind, & proceed
on verry well under Sale. Wind from the E N E
The wind favourable to day we made 18 miles a Cloud rais & wind & rain
Closed the Day
[Clark, May 26, 1804]
May the 26th Sattarday 1804.
Set out at 7 oClock after a heavy Shour of rain (George Drewyer & John
Shields, Sent by Land with the two horses with directions to proceed on
one day & hunt the next) The wind favourable from the E N E passed Beef
Island and river on Lbd Side at 31/2 Ms Passed a Creek on the Lbd. Side
Called Shepperds Creek, passed Several Islands to day great Deal of
Deer Sign on the Bank one man out hunting, w Camped on an Island on the
Starboard Side near the Southern extrem of Luter Island.
[Lewis, May 26, 1804]
Detatchment Orders.
May 26th 1804.
The Commanding Officers direct, that the three Squads under the command
of Sergts. Floyd Ordway and Pryor heretofore forming two messes each,
shall untill further orders constitute three messes only, the same
being altered and organized as follows (viz)
1 Sergt. Charles Floyd. (1)
Privates:
2 Hugh McNeal
3 Patric Gass
4 Reubin Fields (2)
5 John B Thompson
+ 6 John Newman
7 Richard Winsor
+ Francis Rivet &
8 Joseph Fields (3)
9 Sergt. John Ordway.
Privates.
10 William Bratton (4)
11 John Colter (5)
X 12 Moses B. Reed
13 Alexander Willard
14 William Warner
15 Silas Goodrich
16 John Potts &
17 Hugh Hall
18 Sergt. Nathaniel Pryor. (6)
Privates.
19 George Gibson (7)
20 George Shannon (8)
21 John Shields (9)
22 John Collins
23 Joseph Whitehouse
24 Peter Wiser
F 25 Peter Crusat &
F 26 Francis Labuche
The commanding officers further direct that the remainder of the
detatchmen shall form two messes; and that the same be constituded as
follows. (viz)
Patroon, Baptist Dechamps
Engages
Etienne Mabbauf
Paul Primaut
Charles Hébert
Baptist La Jeunesse
Peter Pinaut
Peter Roi &
Joseph Collin
1 Corpl. Richard Warvington.
Privates.
2 Robert Frasier
3 John Boleye
4 John Dame
5 Ebinezer Tuttle &
6 Isaac White
The Commanding officers further direct that the messes of Sergts.
Floyd, Ordway and Pryor shall untill further orders form the crew of
the Batteaux; the Mess of the Patroon La Jeunesse will form the
permanent crew of the red Perogue; Corpl. Warvington's mess forming
that of the white perogue.
Whenever by any casualty it becomes necessary to furnish additional men
to assist in navigating the Perogues, the same shall be furnished by
daily detale from the Privates who form the crew of Batteaux, exempting
only from such detale, Thomas P. Howard and the men who are assigned to
the two bow and the two stern oars.--For the present one man will be
furnished daily to assist the crew of the white perogue; this man must
be an expert boatman.
The posts and duties of the Sergts. shall be as follows (viz)--when the
Batteaux is under way, one Sergt. shall be stationed at the helm, one
in the center on the rear of the Starboard locker, and one at the bow.
The Sergt. at the helm, shall steer the boat, and see that the baggage
on the quarterdeck is properly arranged and stowed away in the most
advantageous manner; to see that no cooking utensels or loos lumber of
any kind is left on the deck to obstruct the passage between the
burths--he will also attend to the compas when necessary.
The Sergt at the center will command the guard, manage the sails, see
that the men at the oars do their duty; that they come on board at a
proper season in the morning, and that the boat gets under way in due
time; he will keep a good lookout for the mouths of all rivers, creeks,
Islands and other remarkable places and shall immediately report the
same to the commanding officers; he will attend to the issues of
sperituous liquors; he shall regulate the halting of the batteaux
through the day to give the men refreshment, and will also regulate the
time of her departure taking care that not more time than is necessary
shall be expended at each halt--it shall be his duty also to post a
centinel on the bank, near the boat whenever we come too and halt in
the course of the day, at the same time he will (acompanied by two his
guard) reconnoiter the forrest arround the place of landing to the
distance of at least one hundred paces. when we come too for the
purpose of encamping at night, the Sergt. of the guard shall post two
centinels immediately on our landing; one of whom shal be posted near
the boat, and the other at a convenient distance in rear of the
encampment; at night the Sergt. must be always present with his guard,
and he is positively forbidden to suffer any man of his guard to absent
himself on any pretext whatever; he will at each relief through the
night, accompanyed by the two men last off their posts, reconnoiter in
every direction around the camp to the distance of at least one hundred
and fifty paces, and also examine the situation of the boat and
perogues, and see that they ly safe and free from the bank
It shall be the duty of the sergt. at the bow, to keep a good look out
for all danger which may approach, either of the enimy, or obstructions
which may present themselves to passage of the boat; of the first he
will notify the Sergt. at the center, who will communicate the
information to the commanding officers, and of the second or
obstructions to the boat he will notify the Sergt. at the helm; he will
also report to the commanding officers through the Sergt. at the center
all perogues boats canoes or other craft which he may discover in the
river, and all hunting camps or parties of Indians in view of which we
may pass. he will at all times be provided with a seting pole and
assist the bowsman in poling and managing the bow of the boat. it will
be his duty also to give and answer all signals, which may hereafter be
established for the government of the perogues and parties on shore.
The Sergts. will on each morning before our departure relieve each
other in the following manner--The Sergt. at the helm will parade the
new guard, relieve the Sergt. and the old guard, and occupy the middle
station in the boat; the Sergt. of the old guard will occupy the
station at the bow, and the Sergt. who had been stationed the
preceeding day at the bow will place himself at the helm.--The sergts.
in addition to those duties are directed each to keep a seperate
journal from day today of all passing occurences, and such other
observations on the country &c. as shall appear to them worthy of notice
The Sergts. are relieved and exempt from all labour of making fires,
pitching tents or cooking, and will direct and make the men of their
several messes perform an equal propotion of those duties.
The guard shall hereafter consist of one sergeant and six privates &
engages.
Patroon, Dechamp, Copl. Warvington, and George Drewyer, are exempt from
guad duty; the two former will attend particularly to their perogues at
all times, and see that their lading is in good order, and that the
same is kept perfectly free from rain or other moisture; the latter
will perform certain duties on shore which will be assigned him from
time to time. all other soldiers and engaged men of whatever
discription must perform their regular tour of guad duty.
All detales for guard or other duty will be made in the evening when we
encamp, and the duty to be performed will be entered on, by the
individuals so warned, the next morning.--provision for one day will be
issued to the party on each evening after we have encamped; the same
will be cooked on that evening by the several messes, and a proportion
of it reserved for the next day as no cooking will be allowed in the
day while on the mach
Sergt. John Ordway will continue to issue the provisions and make the
detales for guard or other duty.--The day after tomorrow lyed corn and
grece will be issued to the party, the next day Poark and flour, and
the day following indian meal and poark; and in conformity to that
ratiene provisions will continue to be issued to the party untill
further orders.--should any of the messes prefer indian meal to flour
they may recieve it accordingly--no poark is to be issued when we have
fresh meat on hand.
Labuche and Crusat will man the larboard bow oar alternately, and the
one not engaged at the oar will attend as the Bows-man, and when the
attention of both these persons is necessary at the bow, their oar is
to be maned by any idle hand on board.
Meriwether Lewis Capt.
Wm. Clark Cpt.
[Clark, May 27, 1804]
Sunday May 27th as we were Setting out this morning two Canoos loaded
with Bever elk Deer Skins & Buffalow Robes, from the Mahars nation,
they inform that they left that place 2 months, a gentle Breese from
the S. E, we camped on an Isd in the mouth of Gasconade R, this river
is 157 yards wide a butifull stream of clear water. 19 foot Deep Hills
on the lower Side
[Clark, May 27, 1804]
May 27th Sunday 1804
as we were pushing off this Morning two Canoos Loaded with fur &c. Came
to from the Mahars nation, which place they had left two months, at
about 10 oClock 4 Cajaux or rafts loaded with furs and peltres came too
one from the Paunees, the other from Grand Osage, they informed nothing
of Consequence, passed a Creek on the Lbd Side Called ash Creek 20 yds
wide, passed the upper point of a large Island on the Stbd Side back of
which Comes in three Creeks one Called Orter Creek, her the men we left
hunting Came in we camped on a Willow Island in the mouth of Gasconnade
River. George Shannon Killed a Deer this evening
[Clark, May 28, 1804]
Monday 28th May
rained hard all the last night Some wind from the S W, one Deer Killed
to day, one Man fell in with Six Indians hunting, onloaded the perogue,
& found Several articles Wet, Some Tobacco Spoiled. river begin to rise
[Clark, May 28, 1804]
May 28th Munday 1804 Gasconnade
Rained hard all last night Some thunder & lightening hard wind in the
forepart of the night from the S W. Ruben Fields Killed a Deer Several
hunter out to day I measured the river found the Gasconnade to be 157
yds. wide and 19 foot Deep the Course of this R. is S 29° W, one of the
hunters fell in with 6 Inds. hunting, onloaded the large Perogue on
board of which was 8 french hands found many things wet by their
cearlenessness, put all the articles which was wet out to Dry--this day
So Cloudy that no observations could be taken, the river begin to rise,
examine the mens arms and equapage, all in Order
[Clark, May 29, 1804]
Tuesday 29th May Sent out hunters, got a morning obsvtn and one at 12
oClock, rained last night, the river rises fast The Musquetors are
verry bad, Load the pierogue
[Clark, May 29, 1804]
May 29th 1804 Set out from the mouth of the gasconnade, where we took
obsevn &c. left a Perogue for a man lost in the woods, Course N. 54 W 2
m to a point Lb. Side. Passed the Isd. on which we Camped, river still
rised, water verry muddey N. 78° W 2 Ms. to a pt. on Lb Side passed two
willow Islands first Smaller and a Creek on Lbd. called Deer Creek one
oposit the point St. Side and incamped on the Lb Side rain all night
the tents together along the N; 76 W 25 Poles S 26 W, to the point
above--S 19° to the pot below the River
[Clark, May 29, 1804]
May 29th Tuesday rained last night, Cloudy morning 4 hunters Sent out
with Orders to return at 12 oClock Took equal altitudes of Suns Lower
limb found it 105° 31' 45"
Cap Lewis observed meridean altitude of sun U L-back observation with
the octant & artificeal horozen--gave for altitude on the Limb 38° 44'
00" sun octant Error 2 0 0 +
had the Perogues loaded and all perpared to Set out at 4 oClock after
finishing the observations & all things necessary found that one of the
hunters had not returned, we deturmined to proceed on & leave one
perogue to wate for him, accordingly at half past four we Set out and
came on 4 miles & camped on the Lbd Side above a Small Creek Called
Deer Creek, Soon after we came too we heard Several guns fire down the
river, we answered them by a Discharge of a Swivile on the Bow
[Clark, May 30, 1804]
May 30th, Wednesday, Set out at 7 oClock after a heavy rain, rained all
last night, a little after Dark last night Several guns were herd
below, I expect the French men fireing for Whitehous who was lost in
the woods.
[Clark, May 30, 1804]
May 30th Wednesday 1804
Rained all last night Set out at 6 oClock after a heavy Shower, and
proceeded on, passed a large Island a Creek opposit on the St. Side
just abov a Cave Called Monbrun Tavern & River, passed a Creek on the
Lbd. Side Call Rush Creek at 4 Miles Several Showers of rain the
Current Verry Swift river riseing fast Passed Big Miry River at 11
Miles on the Starboard Side, at the lower point of a Island, this River
is about 50 yards Wide, Camped at the mouth of a Creek on Lbd Sd of abt
25 yds. Wide Called Grinestone Creek, opposit the head of a Isd. and
the mouth of Little Miry River on the St Side, a heavy wind accompanied
with rain & hail we Made 14 miles to day, the river Continue to rise,
the County on each Side appear full of Water.
[Clark, May 31, 1804]
May 31st Thursday 1804
rained the greater part of last night, the wind from the West raised
and blew with great force untile 5 oClock p.m.which obliged us to lay
by a Cajaux of Bear Skins and pelteries came down from the Grand
Osarge, one french man one Indian, and a Squar, they had letters from
the man Mr. Choteau Sent to that part of the Osarge Nation Settled on
Arkansa River mentioning that his letter was Commited to the flaims,
the Inds. not believeing that the Americans had possession of the
Countrey they disregarded St Louis & their Supplies &c.--Several rats
of Considerable Size was Cought in the woods to day--Capt Lewis went
out to the woods & found many curious Plants & Srubs, one Deer killed
this evening
[Clark, June 1, 1804]
June 1st Friday 1804 Set out early, the Same Course S 48° W of Wednesday
contd. 4 ms passed the Mouth of Little Miry on the Stb & high rich Land
on the Lb Side, S. 45°W to an Island opposit a hill on the S. Sd. 6 Ms.
this Isd is on the Lbd. passed the Mo. of Bear creek 25 yds wide at 2
ms. & three Small Isd., Some Swift water and banks falling in, Wind a
head from the West, S 39° W 3 ms. to the Pt. above the mouth of Osage
River Larb Side, Camped fell a number of Trees in the Point to take
observation a fair after noon, Sit up untill 1 oClock to take Som
observations &c.
[Clark, June 1, 1804]
June 1st 1804 Friday
Set out early a fair morning Passed the mouth Bear Creek 25 yds. Wide
at 6 Miles, Several Small Islands in the river the wind a head from the
West the Current exceedingly rapid Came to on the point of the Osarges
River on the Labd Side of Missouries this osages river Verry high,
felled all the Trees in the point to Make observations Sit up untill 12
oClock taken oservation this night
[Clark, June 2, 1804]
June 2nd--Took the Dirts. of Son & moon &c &c. I measured the Osage &
Missouris at this place made ther width as follows, the Missoure 875
yd. wide The Osage R 397 yds. wide, the distance between the 2 rivers
80 poles up is 40 Ps. Took equal altitudes & Mredian altitude also-and
made them ____ I assended the hill in the point 80 ps. from the pt.
found it about 100 foot high, on the top is 2 graves, or mouns, a
Delightfull prospect from this hill which Comds. both rivers
Drewyer & Shields came to the opposit Side to day at SunSet we sent
across & brought them over, they had been absent 7 Days Swam many
creeks, much worsted. They informed us that the Countrey on both Sides
of muddy river's to the hill called by the french ____ 3 ms. below this
place, a Small Praries below the hill, 4 Deer Killed to day I assend a
hill &. after measuring the river &c. &c. &c.
[Clark, June 2, 1804]
June 2nd Satturday Cap Lewis Took the Time & Distance of suns & moons
nearest limbs, the Sun East--and Meridean altitude of Suns U. L. with
Octant, back observation gave for altitude 37° 28"00".
Error of Octant 2° 00' 00" +. made Several other observations--I made an
angle for the Wedth of the two rivers. The Missourie from the Point to
the N. Side is 875 yards wide the Osage River from the point to the S.
E Side is 397 yards wide, the destance between the two rivers at the
pt. of high Land (ioo foot above the bottom) and 80 poles up the
Missouries from the point is 40 poles, on the top of this high land
under which is a limestone rock two Mouns or graves are raised--from
this pt. which Comds both rivers I had a delightful) prospect of the
Missouries up & down, also the Osage R. up. George Drewyer & John
Shields who we had Sent with the horses by Land on the N Side joined us
this evening much worsted, they being absent Seven Days depending on
their gun, the greater part of the time rain, they were obliged to raft
or Swim many Creeks, those men gave a flattering account of the
Countrey Commencing below the first hill on the N Side and extendg
Parrelal with the river for 30 or 40 Ms. The Two Muddey river passing
Thro & som fine Springs & Streams our hunters kill Several Deer to day,
Some Small licks on the S E of the Osage River.
[Clark, June 3, 1804]
June Sunday 3rd 1804
the fore part of the day fair I attempted to take equal alltitudes, & M
Altitudes, but was disapointed, the Clouds obsured the Sun, took the D.
of sun & moon Capt Lewis & George Drewyer went out & Killed a Deer, We
Set out at 5 oClock P M Cloudy & rain, West 5 Ms. to the mo. of Murrow
Creek Lb Sd. a pt. St. Side Keeping along the Lbd Side 1 Ms., passed
the mouth of a Creek on Lbd Side 3 ms., I call Cupboard, Creek, mouths
behind a rock which projects into the river, Camped in the mouth of the
Creek aforesaid, at the mouth of this Creek I saw much fresh Signs of
Indians, haveing Crossed 2 Deer Killed to day. I have a verry Sore
Throat, & am Tormented with Musquetors & Small ticks.
[Clark, June 3, 1804]
June 3rd Sunday 1804
The forepart of the day fair Took meridional altitude of suns U:L with
the Octant and Glass Horrison adjusted back observation. the instrument
gave 38° 2' 00"--it was Cloudy and the Suns disk much obsured, and Cannot
be Depended on.
We made other Observations in the evening after the return of Capt
Lewis from a walk of three or four ms. round--We Set out at 5 oClock
P.M. proceeded on five miles to the mouth of a Creek on the L. S. 20
yds. wide Called Murow, passed a Creek at 3 ms. which I call Cupbord
Creek as it Mouths above a rock of that appearance. Several Deer Killed
to dayat the mouth of the Murow Creek I Saw much Sign of war parties of
Inds. haveing Crossed from the mouth of this Creek. I have a bad Cold
with a Sore throat. Near West 5 Miles
[Clark, June 4, 1804]
June 4th 1804 Monday, a fair Day Sent out 3 hunters, our mast broke by
the boat running under a tree Passed an Islands on Stbd Side on which
grow Seeder a Creek at ____ miles on the Starbd Sd. Course N. 30° W 4 ms.
to pt. on St. Side below 2d Isd. passed a Creek on Lbd Side 15 yd.
wide, I call Nightingale Creek. this Bird Sang all last night and is
the first of the kind I ever herd, below this Creek and the last Passed
a Small Isd on the Stbd. N. 25 W. 3 ms. to a pt. on St. Sd. passed a
Sm. Isd. on St. Sd. and Seeder Creek on the Same Side 20 yds wide
passed a Creek on Lbd Sd. 20 yd wide, I call Mast Creek, this is a
Short Creek, fine land above & below the mouth. Jentle rise of about 50
foot, Delightfull Timber of Oake ash walnut hickory &c. &c. wind from N
W. by W. N. 58° W. 71/2 ms. passed a Creek Called Zoncar on the Lbd Side,
N 75 W 3 me. to a pt, S. Sd. called Batue a De charm, a plain on the
hill opposit. I got out & walked on the L Sd. thro a Charming Bottom of
rich Land about one mile then I assended a hill of about 170 foot on
the top of which is a Moun and about 100 acres of Land of Dead timber
on this hill one of the party says he has found Lead ore a verry
extensive Cave under this hill next the river, the Land on the top is
fine, This is a very bad part of the river Seven Deer Killed to day by
our hunters--one of the horses is Snaged, the other lost his Shous to
day the Bottom on the St. Side to day is covered with rushes, not verry
good ____ the high land Comes to the bank on the Labd Side and good 2d
rate land.
[Clark, June 4, 1804]
June 4th Monday 1804
a fair day three men out on the right flank passed a large Island on
the St. Side Called Seeder Island, this Isd. has a great Deel of Ceedar
on it, passed a Small Creek at 1 ms. 15 yd. Wide which we named
Nightingale Creek from a Bird of that discription which Sang for us all
last night, and is the first of the Kind I ever heard. passed the mouth
of Seeder Creek at 7 ms. on the S. S. abt. 20 yds. Wide above Some
Small Isds. passed a Creek on the L. S. abt. 15 yds. wide. Mast Creek,
here the Sergt. at the helm run under a bending Tree & broke the mast,
Some delightful) Land, with a jentle assent about the Creek, well
timbered, Oake, Ash, walnut &c. &c. passed, wind N W. by W. passed a
Small Creek Called Zan Can C on the L. S; at this last point I got out
and walked on the L. Sd. thro a rush bottom for 1 Miles & a Short
Distance thro Nettles as high as my brest assended a hill of about 170
foot to a place where the french report that Lead ore has been found, I
saw no mineral of that description, Capt Lewis Camped imediately under
this hill, to wate which gave me Some time to examine the hill, on the
top is a moun of about 6 foot high and about 100 Acres of land which
the large timber is Dead in Decending about 50 foot a projecting lime
Stone rock under which is a Cave at one place in this projecting rocks
I went on one which Spured up and hung over the Water from the top of
this rock I had a prospect of the river for 20 or 30 ms. up, from the
Cave which incumposed the hill I decended by a Steep decent to the
foot, a verry bad part of the river opposit this hill, the river
Continu to fall Slowly, our hunters killed 7 Deer to day The land our
hunters passed thro to day on the S. S. was Verry fine the latter part
of to day. the high land on the S. S. is about 2d rate
[Clark, June 5, 1804]
June 5th Tuesday, Jurked the Vennison Killed yesterday, after Seting
over the Scouting Party or hunder of 3 men Set out at 6 oClock Course N
57° W to a pt. on S. Sd. 5 ms. passed a Creek on L. Sd. I call Lead C of
15 yds passed one on the S. Called Lit. good-womans Creek about 20 yds.
wide Passed a Willow Isd. a Butifull Prarie approaching near the river
above Lead C & extends to the Mine river in a westerly Derection,
passed the Mouth of the Creek of the Big Rock 15 yds Wide at 4 ms. on
the Lbd Sd. at 11 oClock brought a Caissie in which was 2 men, from 80
League up the Kansias River, where they wintered and caught a great qty
of Beever but unfortunatey lost it by the burning of the plains, the
Kansas Nation hunted on the Missourie last Winter and are now persueing
the Buffalow in the Plains, passed a Projecting Rock called the Manitou
a Painting from this Deavel to the Pt. on the Lbd Side N 23° W 71/2 Ms.
The Same course 21/2 ms. Creek Cld. Manitou passed a on the Lbd. Side
about 40 yd. wide, a Sand bar in the middle of the River passed up
between the Sand & L. Shore one Mile to a Small Creek 10 yd. wide, (I
call Sand C). We run on the Sand and was obliged to return to the
Starbd Side, I am verry unwell with a Slight feever from a bad cold
caught three days ago at the Grand so R--passed a Small Willow Isd. on
S. Side, a large one in the Middle of the river, York Swam to the Isd.
to pick greens, and Swam back with his greens, the Boat Drew too much
water to cross the quick Sands which intervened, She draws 4 foot
water, a fair wind our mast being broke by accidence provented our
takeing the advantage of it passed the lower point of a large Island,
opposit the Current devides between 4 Small Isds on the St Side. we
found the water excessively hard for 12 Miles as we were oblged to pass
up the center of the Current between two of the Isds. & round the heads
of the other 2 the Current Setting imediately against the points which
was choked up with Drift for a mile--Above those Isd. on the St. Side
we camped altogether our Hunter or Spis discovered the sign of a war
party of abt. 10 Men
[Clark, June 5, 1804]
June 5th Tuesday 1804
after Jurking the meet Killed yesterday and Crossing the hunting party
we Set out at 6 oClock, from the last Course & distance, N 51° W. 5 ms.
to a pt. on the St. Sd. passed a Small Creek on the Ld. S. I call Lead
C. passed a Creek on the S. S. of 20 yds. wide Cald. Lit. Good Womans
C. on the L. S. a Prarie extends from Lead C. parrelel with the river
to Mine river, at 4 ms. Passed the Creek of the big rock about 15 yds.
wide on the L. Sd. at 11 oClock brought too a Small Caissee in which
was two french men, from 80 Leagues up the Kansias R. where they
wintered, and Cought a great quantity of Beaver, the greater part of
which they lost by fire from the Praries, those men inform that the
Kansas Nation are now out in the plains hunting Buffalow, they hunted
last winter on this river Passed a projecting rock on which was painted
a figue and a Creek at 2 ms. above Called Little Manitou Creek from the
Painted rock this Creek 20 yds. wide on the L. Sd. passed a Small Creek
on L. S. opposit a Verry bad Sand bar of Several ms. in extent, which
we named Sand C here my Servent York Swam to the Sand bar to geather
greens for our Dinner and returnd with a Sufficent quantity wild
Creases or Teng grass, we passed up for 2 ms on the L. S. of this Sand
and was obliged to return, the Watr. uncertain the quick Sand Moveing
we had a fine wind, but could not make use of it, our Mast being broke,
we passed between 2 Small Islands in the Middle of the Current, & round
the head of three a rapid Current for one mile and Camped on the S. S.
opsd. a large Island in the middle of the river; one Perogue did not
get up for two hours, our Scout discovd. the fresh sign of about 10
Inds. I expect that those Indians are on their way to war against the
Osages nation probably they are the Saukees
[Clark, June 6, 1804]
Wednesday the 6th of June 1804.
Mended our mast this morning and Set out at 7 oClock, under a Jentle
Braise from the S, E by S N 28° W 31/2 miles to a hill on St Sd. passg
the N. beige of the Island Called Split rock Island, the river rose
last night a foot the Countrey about this Isd. is delightfull large
rush bottom of rushes below on the St. Side N 49° W, 11/2 Ms. to the
mouth of Split rock River ____ yds. wide on the Starboard Side opod.
the pt. of a Isd. passed a place in the projecting rock Called the hole
thro the rock, a round Cave pass thro the Pt. of rock's West 11/2 ms.
to a pt. on Std. Sd. opposit a Clift of rocks abt 200 foot N 31° W. 4 ms
1/2 to a pt. on L. Side passed Saline Creek on the L. Side a large Salt
Lick & Spring 9 me. up the Creek, one bushel of water will make 7 lb.
of good Salt
(Information) Took Meridian altitude of sun Limb. 37° 6' 0" equat to ____
of Lattidude.
on this Creek, So great a no of Salt Springs are on it that the water
is brackish N 51° W to a Belge of an Isd on the S. Sd. at 3 ms. Passed a
Willow Isd. in Middle, Some wind in the after part of to day from the S
E, (the Banks are falling in greatly in this part of the river) as also
is one Side or the other in all the Course, we assended on the North
Side of the Isd. and finding that the perogues Could not Keep up Camped
2 hs. by Sun. on the Sd Sd the land below this is good.
[Clark, June 6, 1804]
June 6th Wednesday 1804
Mended our Mast this morning &, Set out at 7 oClock under a jentle
breise from S. E. by S passed the large Island, and a Creek Called
Split rock Creek at 5 ms. on the S. S. psd. a place to the rock from
which 20 yds we. this Creek takes its name, a projecting rock with a
hole thro a point of the rock, at 8 ms. passed the mouth of a Creek
Called Saline or Salt R on the L. Sd. this River is about 30 yds. wide,
and has So many Licks & Salt Springs on its banks that the Water of the
Creek is Brackish, one Verry large Lick is 9 ms. up on the left Side
the water of the Spring in this Lick is Strong as one bushel of the
water is said to make 7 lb. of good Salt passed a large Isd. & Several
Small ones, the water excessivly Strong, So much So that we Camped
Sooner than the usial time to waite for the pirogue, The banks are
falling in Verry much to day river rose last night a foot.
Capt. Lewis took meridean altd. of Suns U. L. with the octant above
Split Rock C. &made the altitude 37° 6' 00 error of octt. as useal 2° 0' 0"
+ The Countrey for Several miles below is good, on the top of the high
land back is also tolerable land Some buffalow Sign to day
I am Still verry unwell with a Sore throat & head ake
[Clark, June 7, 1804]
Thursday 7th of June 1804 Set out early passed the head of the Isd from
the Isd. N. 61° W. to the mouth of a Creek Called big monitu on St. Sd.
41/2 ms. psd. a Sand bar in the river, Som Buffalow Sign Sent out
George Drewyer & Newmon to hunt Capt Lewis and 6 men went to a Lick up
this Creek on the right Side over 2 mes. & 2 other not far above the
water runs out of the bank & not verry Strong. 3 to 500 G for a bushell.
S 88° W. 2 Miles to a pt. on Lbd. Side, high bluff on the Stbd. Side,
Monitou Creek is 30 yds. Wide at the mouth, passed a painted part of a
Projecting rock we found ther a Den of rattle Snakes, Killed 3
proceeded on passed, S 81°W 4 ms. to apt. on S. Side passed an Island in
the Middle of the river, S. 87° W. to a pt. of high Land on the L. S.
pass'g over the Middle of a willow Island, ms. 31/2 proceed on 1/2 a
mile on this Course a Camped at the mouth of Good womans river on the
S. S. about 35 yds wide, & navagable Som D. our hunters brought in 3
bear this evening-& infd. that the Countrey between this R. & the
Monitou R is rich and well watered, Capt. Lewis went out an hour this
evening
[Clark, June 7, 1804]
June 7th Thursday 1804
Set out early passed the head of the Island opposit which we Camped
last night, and brackfast at the Mouth of a large Creek on the S. S. Of
30 yds wide Called big Monetou, from the pt. of the Isd. or Course of
last night to the mouth of this Creek is N 61° W 41/2 ms. a Short
distance above the mouth of this Creek, is Several Courious Paintings
and Carveing in the projecting rock of Limestone inlade with white red
& blue flint, of a verry good quallity, the Indians have taken of this
flint great quantities. We landed at this Inscription and found it a
Den of rattle Snakes, we had not landed 3 minutes before three verry
large Snakes wer observed on the Crevises of the rocks & Killed--at the
mouth of the last mentioned Creek Capt. Lewis took four or five men &
went to Some Licks or Springs of Salt water from two to four miles up
the Creek on Rt. Side the water of those Springs are not Strong, Say
from 4 to 600 Gs. of water for a Bushel of Salt passed Some Small
willow Islands and Camped at the Mouth of a Small river called Good
Womans River this river is about 35 yards wide and Said to be navagable
for Perogues Several Leagues Capt. Lewis with 2 men went up the Creek a
Short distance. our Hunters brought in three Bear this evening, and
informs that the Countrey thro which they passed from the last Creek is
fine rich land, & well watered.
[Clark, June 8, 1804]
June 8th Friday
Set out at Daylight proceeded on the Course of last night S 87° W 3
ms passed a Willow Island, from the Point of last Course S 81° W. 3 ms.
to a pt. on S. S. passd a ____ Isd. in the middle of the river, passd a
run
on the Ld S. above a pt. of rocks 3 ms. on which thir is a number of
Deer Licks, N 88° W. 3 Ms. to a pt L S. N. 83° W 2 ms. to the Mo of Mine
River, psd an Isd.--This river is 90 yards wide & navagable for
Perogues about 90 Ms. I went out on the L S. about 4 ms. below this R.
and found the Countrey for one mile back good Land and well watered the
hills not high with a gentle assent from the river, well timbered with
oake, walnit Hickory ash, &c. the land Still further back becoms thin
and open, with Black & rasp Berries, and Still further back the Plains
Commence, The french inform that Lead ore is found on this river in
Several places, it heads up between the Osagees & Kansas River the
right hand folk passes in a Short distance of the Missourie at the
antient Little Ozages Villages our hunter Killed, 2 Deer, after Staying
one hour at the mouth of this River, Cap Lewis went out & proceeded on
one Mile & came in, he fount the land in the point high and fine Course
N. 64° W 1 Ms. to a pt. on S. S. N. 80° W to the Lower pot a Id. on L. S.
passed a Small Isd. in the m. R. at (3 Ms.) met 3 men on a Caussee from
R Dis Soux, above The Mahar Nation loaded with fur. Camped on the Lower
point of an Id. L. S. called the Mills, here I found Kegs an Pummey
stone, and a place that fur or Skins had been burred by the hunters our
Hunters Killed 5 Deer, Some rain, the Countrey on the S. S. is Verry
fine
[Clark, June 8, 1804]
8th of June, Friday 1804
Set out this morning at Daylight proceeden on the Course of last night
Passed two willow Islands & a Small Creek above a Rock point on the L.
S. at 6 miles on which there is a number of Deer Licks, passed the Mine
River at 9 ms. this river is about 70 yards wide at its mouth and is
Said to be navagable for Perogues 80 or 90 ms. the main branch passes
near the place where the Little osage Village formerly Stood on the
Missouries, & heads between the Osarge & Kansias Rivers, the left hand
fork head with nearer Branches of the Osage River, The french inform
that Lead Ore has been found in defferent parts of this river, I took
Sjt. Floyd and went out 4 Ms. below this river, I found the land Verry
good for a Mile or 11/2 Ms. back and Sufficiently watered with Small
Streams which lost themselves in the Missouries bottom, the Land rose
gradeuelly from the river to the Summit of the high Countrey which is
not more that 120 foot above High Water mark, we joined the Boat &
Dined in the point above the mouth of this River, Capt. Lewis went out
above the river & proceeded on one mile, finding the Countrey rich, the
wedes & Vines So thick & high he came to the Boat--proceeded on passed
an Island and Camped at the lower point of an Island on the L. S.
Called the Island of mills about 4 ms. above Mine River at this place I
found Kanteens, Axs, Pumey Stone & peltrey hid & buried (I suppose by
some hunters) none of them (except the pumey Stone) was teched by one
of our party, our hunters Killed 5 Deer to day, Commenced raining Soon
after we Came too which prevented the party Cooking their provisions-
our Spies inform that the Countrey they passed thro on S. S. is a fine
high bottom, no water.
This day we met 3 men on a Cajaux from the River of the Soux above the
Mahar nation those men had been hunting 12 mo. & made about 900$ in
pelts. & furs they were out of Provesions and out of Powder. rained
this night
[Clark, June 9, 1804]
9th of June Satterday Set out early, water verry Swift got fast on a
log, detained us 1/4 hour Hard rain last night. N 39° W 31/2 Ms. to a pt.
on the S. S. opposit the Commencement of the 1st Prarie, Called Prarie
of the Arrows,1 the river at this place about 300 yds. Wide passed a
Small Creek, Arrow Creek 8 yds. wide L. Sd. the Current exceedingly
Strong
N 34° E 2 ms. to the Belg of a Small Island Situated on the L. Sd. Passed
the mo. of Arrow Creek N 83°W 11/2 ms. to a pt on L. S. opposit Black
bird C Small passed the head of the Isd. & a small Willow one to the L.
S. (Os merdn. altd. back obsvn. 37 00' 00) N. 39° W 2 Ms. to a pt. of
High Land on the L. Side opst. a pt. on St. S. River about 350 yds.
wide at this pt. a Wind from the S at 4 oClock (Handson Sutn) on the
High pt. a prarie & Small Lake below N 32° E 31/2 Ms. to a pt. on L. S.
passed an Isld. in the mid R--in passing up on the S. S. opsd. the Isd.
the Sturn of the boat Struck a log which was not proceiveable the Curt.
Struck her bow and turn the boat against Some drift & Snags which below
with great force; This was a disagreeable and Dangerous Situation,
particularly as immense large trees were Drifting down and we lay
imediately in their Course,--Some of our men being prepared for all
Situations leaped into the water Swam ashore with a roap, and fixed
themselves in Such Situations, that the boat was off in a fiew minits,
I can Say with Confidence that our party is not inferior to any that
was ever on the waters of the Missoppie we Crossed to the Island and
Camped, our hunters lay on the S. S. the wind from the S. W. the river
continue to rise Slowly Current excessive rapid--The Countrey on the S.
S. high bottom & Delghtfull land that on the L. S. is up land or hills
of from 50 to 100 foot higher than the bottom & a thinly wooded,
Countrey, Lands tolerably Good; Comminced raining at 5 oClock and
continued by intervales the greater part of the night. We discovered
that one of our French hands had a Conpt.--We Commsd Doctering, I hope
the Success in this case, usial to
[Clark, June 9, 1804]
9th of June 1804 Satturday
a fair morning, the River rise a little we got fast on a Snag Soon
after we Set out which detained us a Short time passed the upper Point
of the Island Several Small Chanels running out of the River below a
Bluff & Prarie (Called the Prariee of Arrows) where the river is
confined within the width of 300 yds. Passed a Creek of 8 yds. wide
Called Creek of Arrows, this Creek is Short and heads in the Praries on
the L. S. passed a Small Creek Called Blackbird Creek S. S. and One
Islands below & a Prarie above on the L. S. a Small Lake above the
Prarie--opposit the Lower point of the 2d. Island on the S. S. we had
like to have Stove our boat, in going round a Snag her Stern Struck a
log under Water & She Swung round on the Snag, with her broad Side to
the Current expd. to the Drifting timber, by the active exertions of
our party we got her off in a fiew Mints. without engerey and Crossed
to the Island where we Campd. our hunters lay on the S. S. the Perogue
Crossed without Seeing them & the banks too uncertain to Send her over-
Some wind from the S accompanied with rain this evening--The Lands on
the S. S. is a high rich bottom the L. S. appears oven and of a good
quallity runing gradually to from fifty to 100 foot.
[Clark, June 10, 1804]
June 10th Sunday 1804 Some rain last night we set out early Saw a
number of Goslings this morning, Continued on the Course of last night,
thence N. 8 E. 21/2 ms. to a pt. on the L. S. passed a part of the
River that the banks are falling in takeing with them large trees of
Cotton woods which is the Common groth in the Bottoms Subject to the
flud North 1 Me along the L. Side N. 40° W. 1 ms. along the L, S. opposit
the two Charletons, on the N. Side, those rivers mouth together, the
1st 40 yds. wide the next 90 yds. Wide and navagable Some distance in
the Countrey, the land below is high & not verry good. Came to and took
Mdnl. altd. of Sons U. L. back obsvn. with the octant Made it 37° 12'
00", delayed 11/2 Hour. N. 70° W 1/2 of a me. along the L. Sd.--S 60° W 1/2
m. on L. S. the Same Course to the Pt. S. S. 11/2 Ms. We halted and
Capt Lewis Killed a Buck the Current is excessively Swift about this
place N. 80° W. 3 ms to a pt. on S. S. passed a Isd. Called Sheeco Islan
wind from the N W Camped in a Prarie on the L. S., Capt Lewis & my Self
Walked out 3 ms. found the Country roleing open & rich, with plenty of
water, great qts of Deer I discovered a Plumb which grows on bushes the
hight of Hasle, those plumbs are in great numbers, the bushes beare
Verry full, about double the Sise of the wild plumb Called the Osage
Plumb & am told they are finely flavoured.
[Clark, June 10, 1804]
10th of June 1804
A hard rain last night, we Set out this morning verry early passed Some
bad placies in the river Saw a number of Goslings morning pass near a
Bank which was falling in at the time we passed, passed the two River
of Charletons which mouth together, above Some high land which has a
great quantity of Stone Calculated for whetstons the first of those
rivers is about 30 yds. Wide & the other is 70 yds wd. and heads Close
to the R.
Dumoin The Aieways Nation have a Village on the head of these River
they run through an even Countrey and is navagable for Perogues Cap
Lewis took Medn. altd. of sun U. L with Octant, back obsvn. made it 37°
12' 00"--delayd 11/2 hours.
Capt. Lewis Killed a large Buck, passed a large Isd. called Shecco and
Camped in a Prarie on the L. S. I walked out three miles, found the
prarie composed of good Land and plenty of water roleing & interspursed
with points of timberd land, Those Praries are not like those, or a
number of those E. of the Mississippi Void of every thing except grass,
they abound with Hasel Grapes & a wild plumb of a Superior quallity,
called the Osages Plumb Grows on a bush the hight of a Hasel and hang
in great quantities on the bushes I Saw great numbers of Deer in the
Praries, the evening is Cloudy, our party in high Spirits.
[Clark, June 11, 1804]
11 June Monday--as the wind blew all this day from the N, W. which was
imedeately a head we Could not Stur, but took the advantage of the
Delay and Dried our wet articles examined provisons and Cleaned arms,
my Cold is yet verry bad--the river begining to fall our hunters killed
two Deer, G Drewry killed 2 Bear in the Prareie to day, men verry
lively Danceing & Singing &c.
[Clark, June 11, 1804]
11th June 1804 Monday
The N W. wind blew hard & Cold as this wind was imediately a head, we
Could not proceed we took the advantage of this Delay and Dried our wet
articles examin'd Provisions &c. &c. the river begining to fall the
hunters killed two Deer G. Drewyer Killed two Bear in the Prarie, they
were not fat. we had the meat Jurked and also the Venison, which is a
Constant Practice to have all the fresh meat not used, Dried in this
way.
[Clark, June 12, 1804]
12th of June, Tuesday We Set out early, passed thro a verry bad bend N.
25° W. 31/2 to apt. L. S. N. 70° W. 21/2 ms to apt. on S. S. passed a Sand
bar-N 60° W 31/2 ms. to a pt. on S. S. passed Plumb. C at 1/2 a me. on L.
S. and halted to Dine, and 2 Caussease Came Down from the Soux nation,
we found in the party an old man who had been with the Soux 20 years &
had great influence with them, we provld. on this old man Mr. Duriaur
to return with us, with a view to get Some of the Soux Chiefs to go to
the U. S. purchased 300 lb. of Voyagers Grece @ 5$ Hd. made Some
exchanges & purchuses of Mockersons & found it Late & concluded to
incamp.
Those people inform that no Indians are on the river, The Countrey on
each Side of the river is good
[Clark, June 12, 1804]
12th of June, Tuesday 1804
Set out early passed Some bad Placies, and a Small Creek on the L. S.
Called plumb Creek at abt. 1 me. at 1 oClock we brought too two
Chaussies one Loaded with furs & Pelteries, the other with Greece
buffalow grease & tallow We purchased 300 lb. of Greese, and finding
that old Mr. Durioun was of the party we questioned him untill it was
too late to Go further and Concluded to Camp for the night, those
people inform nothing of much information Colcluded to take old Durioun
back as fur as the Soux nation with a view to get some of their Chiefs
to Visit the Presdt.
of the United S. (This man being a verry Confidential friend of those
people, he having resided with the nation 20 odd years) and to
accompany them on
[Clark, June 13, 1804]
13th June Wednesday we Set out early passed a verry round bend to L. S.
passed two Creeks 1 me. apt. Called Creeks of the round Bend, between
those Creeks Stbd S. is a butifull Prarie, in which the antient
Missourie Indians had a Village, at this place 300 of them were killed
by the Saukees, a fair Day. Passed the antient Missouries villages on
right Course N 40° W 21/2 pt. L S., S 29° W 3 ms. pt. S. S., this nation
once the Most Noumerous is now almost extinct, about 30 of them,
liveing with Otteaus on the R. Platt, the remainder all distroyed, took
altd. of S. U L with qdt. which gave N 28 W. 11/2 ms to a pt. S. S.
Passed some Charming land, I have not Seen any high hils above
Charliton and the hits below for Several days Cannot to turmed hills
but high Land, not exceeding 100 abov the high water mark N 30° W, to a
pt. L. S. 2 ms. passed a verry bad Sand bar, where the boat was nearly
turning & fastening in the quick Sand and came too in the mouth of
Grand R. S. S. this River is about 120 yards wide and navigable for
Purogues a great distance, it heads with the River Dumoine, passing the
river Carlton. a Butifull open Prarie Coms to the river below its
mouth, we landed and walked to the hills which is abt. 1/2 a mile. the
Lower prarie over flows. the hunters Killd. a Bare & Dere, this is a
butifull place the Prarie rich & extinsive, Took Some Looner
Observations which Kept Cap L. & my Self up untill half past 11 oClock.
[Clark, June 13, 1804]
13th June Wednesday, 1804
We Set out early passed a round bend to the S. S. and two Creeks Called
the round bend Creeks between those two Creeks and behind a Small
willow Island in the bend is a Prarie in which the Missouries Indians
once lived and the Spot where 300 of them fell a Sacrifise to the fury
of the Saukees This nation (Missouries) once the most noumerous nation
in this part of the Continent now reduced to about 80 fes. and that
fiew under the protection of the Otteaus on R Platt who themselves are
declineing passed Som willow Isds. and bad Sand bars, Twook Medn.
altitude with Octent back observation it gave for altd. on its Low L 36°
58' 0" the E Enstrement 2° 00' 00" +. the Hills or high land for Several
days past or above the 2 Charletons does not exceed 100 foot passed a
Batteau or Sand roleing where the Boat was nearly turning over by her
Strikeing & turning on the Sand. We came too in the Mouth of Grand
River on S. S. and Camped for the night, this River is from 80 to 100
yards wide at its Mouth and navagable for Perogues a great distance
This river heads with the R. Dumoine below its mouth is a butifull
Plain of bbttom land the hills rise at 1/2 a mile back
The lands about this place is either Plain or over flown bottom Capt
Lewis and my Self walked to the hill from the top of which we had a
butifull prospect of Serounding Countrey in the open Prarie we Caught a
racoon, our hunters brought in a Bear & Deer we took Some Luner
observation this evening.
[Clark, June 14, 1804]
14th June, Thursday We set out at 6 oClock after a thick fog proceeded
on verry well S. 33 W 2 Ms. to the lower pt of an Isld. S. S. S. 60° W.
thro a narrow 1 me channel to a Small prarie S. S. opposit this Isd. on
L. L. is a Butifull high Plain. from the Isd. S. 70'W. to a pt. L. S.
21/2 ms. just below a piec of High Land on the S. S. Called the place
of Snakes, passed the worst place I have Seen on L. S. a Sand bar
makeing out 2/3 Cross the river Sand Collecting &c forming Bars and
Bars washg a way, the boat Struck and turned, She was near oversetting
we saved her by Some extrodany exertions of our party (ever ready to
inconture any fatigue for the premotion of the enterpris), I went out
to walk on the Sand Beech, & Killed a Deer & Turky during the time I
was from the boat a Caussee came too from the Pania nation loaded with
furs We gave them Some whiskey and Tobacco & Settled Some desputes &
parted S. 5 E. 3 ms. to pt. on S. S. passed a Creek S. S. 25 yds. wd.
Called Snake Creek or (____) passed a bad Sand bar S. S. in passing
which we were obliged to run great Sesque of Loseing both Boat & men,
Camped above, G. Drewyer tels of a remarkable Snake inhabiting a Small
lake 5 ms. below which gobbles like a Turkey & may be herd Several
miles, This Snake is of Size.
[Clark, June 14, 1804]
14th, June Thursday we Set out at 6 oClock, after a thick fog passed
thro a narrow pass on the S. S. which forms a large Isd. opposit the
upper point of this Island on the L. S. is one of the worst quick or
moveing Sand bars which I have Seen not withstanding all our
precaustons to Clear the Sands & pass between them (which was the way
we were Compd. to pass from the immens Current & falling banks on the
S. S.) the Boat Struck the point of one from the active exertions of
the men, prevented her turning, if She had turned She must have
overset. we met a Causseu from the Pania on the River Platt, we
detained 2 hours with a view of engageing one of the hands to go to the
Pania nation with a View to get those people to meet us on the river. I
went out (Shot a Deer) we passd a highland &clay bluff on the S. S.
Called the Snake bluff from the number of Snakes about this place, we
passd a Creek above the Bluff about 18 yds. wide, This Creek is Called
Snake Creek, a bad Sand bar Just below which we found difficuelty in
passing & Campd above, our Hunters Came in. George Drewyer, gives the
following act. of a Pond, & at abt. 5 miles below the S. S. Passed a
Small Lake in which there was many Deer feeding he heard in this Pond a
Snake makeing Goubleing Noises like a turkey. he fired his gun & the
noise was increased, he has heard the indians Mention This Species of
Snake one Frenchman give a Similar account
[Clark, June 15, 1804]
15 June Friday 1804, we Set out early proceeded on about 1 me. and the
Boat turned on a Sawyer which was near doeing her great damage, the
river is riseing fast & the water exceedingly Swift, passd. a bad Sand
bar on which we Stuck for a Short time this is Said to be the worst
part of the river and Camped opsd. the bend in which the Antient
Villages of the little Osarge & Missouries, the lower or first of those
villagies (L. Osages) is Situated in Butifull Plain at the foot of Some
riseing land, in front of their Viliges next the river is a butifull
bottom Plain in which they raised their Corn &c. back of the Village
the high Prarie extends back to the Osarge River, about 3 Ms. above &
in view the Missouries Nation resided under the protection of the
Osarges, after their nation was riducd by the Saukees below, thos built
their Village in the Same low Prarie and lived there many years, the
war was So hot & both nations becom So reduced that the Little Osage &
a fiew of the Missoures moved & built a village 5 ms near the Grand
Osage, the rest of the Missoures went and took protection under the
Otteaus on Platt river
[Clark, June 15, 1804]
15th, June, Friday 1804 Set out early and had not proceeded far e'er we
wheeled on a Sawyer which was near injuring us Verry much, passed a
plain on the L. S. a Small Isd. in the midle the river riseing, water
verry Swift Passed a Creek on the L. S. passed between two Islands, a
verry bad place, Moveing Sands, we were nearly being Swallowed up by
the roleing Sands over which the Current was So Strong that we Could
not Stem it with our Sales under a Stiff breese in addition to our
ores, we were Compelled to pass under a bank which was falling in, and
use the Toe rope occasionally, Continued up pass two other Small
Islands and Camped on the S. S. Nearly opposit the Antient Village of
the Little Osarges and below the Antt. Village of the Missoures both
Situations in view an within three Ms. of each other, the Osage were
Settled at the foot a hill in a butifell Plain which extends back quite
to the Osage River, in front of the Vilg. Next to the river is an
ellegent bottom Plain which extends Several miles in length on the
river in this low Prarie the Missouries lived after They were reduced
by the Saukees at Their Town Some Dists. below. The little osage
finding themselves much oppressed by the Saukees & other nations, left
this place & built a village 5 ms. from the Grand Osarge Town about
____ years ago. a few of the Missoures accompanied them, the remainder
of that nation went to the Otteaus on the River Platt. The River at
this place is about 1 ms. wide our hunters did not Come in this evening
the river beginning to fall
[Clark, June 16, 1804]
16th June Satterday Set out at 7 oClock Proceed on N. 68°W. 21/2 ms.
passed a Isd. close on the S. S. at the lower point Drewer & Willard
had camped & had with them 2 bear & 2 Deer we took in the meat &
proceeded on. Some rain this morning West 2 Ms. pass an Isd on S. S. &
prarie, to a Belge of Snag Isd. L. S. a butifull extensive Prarie on S.
S. Hills to about 9 ms. distant. Mr. Mackey has Laid down the rems. of
an old fort in this Prarie, which I cannot find S 85 W. 1 me. along the
Isd. L. S.--S 61° W alg L. S. 1 me. S 30° W, 3, ms. to pt. S. S. opsd. an
Isd. & head of the last S 40° W 1 me. S. S. Passed a verry bad place
where the Sand was moving constantly, I walked on Shore obsd. fine high
Bottom land on S. S. Camped late this evening.
[Clark, June 16, 1804]
16th, June Satturday 1804
Set out at 7 oClock at about a mile 1/2 we Came to the Camp of our
hunters, they had two Bear & two Deer proceeded on pass a Island on the
S. S. a heavy rain came on & lasted a Short time, we came to on the S.
S. in a Prarie at the place where Mr. Mackey lay down a old french
fort, I could See no traces of a Settlement of any Kind, in this plain
I discovered a Kind of Grass resembling Timothey which appeared well
calculated for Hay, this Plain is verry extensive in the evening I
walked on the S. S. to see if any timber was Convt. to make Oars, which
we were much in want of, I found Som indifferent timber and Struck the
river above the Boat at a bad Sand bar the worst I had Seen which the
boat must pass or Drop back Several Miles & Stem a Swift Current on the
opsd Side of an Isd. the Boat however assended the middle of the Streem
which was diffucult Dangerious We Came to above this place at Dark and
Camped in a bad place, the misquitoes and Ticks are noumerous & bad.
[Clark, June 17, 1804]
June 17 1804 Rope walk Camp
The Current of the River at this place is a Stick will float 48 poles 6
feet in the rapidest part in 23 Seconds, further out is 34, Still
further 65--74--78 & 82 are the Trials we have made.
[Clark, June 17, 1804]
June 17 Sunday 1804 Cloudy Wind, S. E. Set out early S. 65° W 1 Me. Came
too to Make ores, and a Cord for a Toe Rope all this day imployed in
getting out Ores, & makeing for the use of the Boat out of a large
Cable rope which we have, G Drewyer Came up a Bear & 2 Deer, also a
fine horse which he found in the woods, Supposed to have been left by
Some war party from the osages, The Ticks are numerous and large and
have been trousom all the way and the Musquetors are beginning to be
verry troublesome, my Cold Continues verry bad the French higherlins
Complain for the want of Provisions, Saying they are accustomed to eat
5 & 6 times a day, they are roughly rebuked for their presumption, the
Country about abounds in Bear Deer & Elk and the S. S. the lands are
well timbered and rich for 2 ms. to a butifull Prarie which risies into
hills At 8 or 9 ms. back--on the L. S a Prarie coms. on the bank which
is high and contines back rich & well watered as far
[Clark, June 17, 1804]
June 17th Sunday 1804 (S. 65°W. me. S. Side-)
Cloudy morning wind from the S. E. we Set out early and proceeded on
one mile & came too to make oars, & repair our Cable & toe rope &c. &c.
which was necessary for the Boat & Perogues, Sent out Sjt. Pryor and
Some men to get ash timber for ores, and Set Some men to make a Toe
Rope out of the Cords of a Cable which had been provided by Capt Lewis
at Pitts burg for the Cable of the boat--George Drewyer our hunter and
one man came in with 2 Deer & a Bear, also a young Horse, they had
found in the Prarie, this horse has been in the Prarie a long time and
is fat, I suppose he has been left by Some war party against the Osage,
This is a Crossing place for the war partis against that nation from
the Saukees, Aiaouez, & Souix. The party is much aflicted with Boils
and Several have the Decissentary, which I contribute to the water
The Countrey about this place is butifull on the river rich & well
timbered on the S. S. about two miles back a Prarie coms. which is rich
and interspursud with groves of timber, the County rises at 7 or 8
miles Still further back and is roleing--on the L. S. the high lands &
Prarie Corns. in the bank of the river and Continus back, well watered
and abounds in Der Elk & Bear The Ticks & Musquetors are verry
troublesom.
[Clark, June 18, 1804]
June 18th Monday Some raind last night, Sent out 6 Hunters to day
across the R. they Killed 5 Deer & Colter a Bear verry fat we continue
to repare our ropes & make oars all day, heavy rain all the fore pt. of
the day, the party Drying meat & greesing themselves, Several men with
the Disentary, and two thirds of them with ulsers or Boils, Some with 8
or 10 of those Turners Mesquetors verry bad we finish our Cords & oars
this evening Men in Spirits
[Clark, June 18, 1804]
June 18th Monday
Some rain last night, and Some hard Showers this morning which delay
our work verry much, Send out Six hunters in the Prarie on the L S.
they kill 5 Deer & Coltr a Bear, which verry large & fat, the party to
wok at the oars, make rope, & jurk their meat all Day Dry our wet Sales
&c. in the evening, The misquiter verry bad
[Clark, June 19, 1804]
June 19th Tuesday
rain last night after fixing the new Oars and makeing all necessary
arrangements, we Set out under a jentle breese from the S. E. and
proceeded on passed two large Islands on the S. S. leaving J. Shields
and one man to go by land with the horses Some verry hard water, passed
Several Islands & Sand bars to day at the head of one we were obliged
to cleare away Driftwood to pass, passed a Creek on the L. Side Called
Tabboe 15 yds. wide passed a large Creek at the head of an Island
Called Tiger River on the S. S. The Island below this Isd. is large and
Called the Isle Of Panters, formed on the S. S. by a narrow Channel, I
observed on the Shore Goose & Rasp berries in abundance in passing Some
hard water round a Point of rocks on the L. S. we were obliged to take
out the roape & Draw up the Boat for 1/2 a mile, we Came too on the L.
S. near a Lake of the Sircumfrance of Several miles Situated on the L.
S. about two miles from the river this Lake is Said to abound in all
kinds of fowls, great quanties of Deer frequent this Lake dureing
Summer Season, and feed on the hows &c. &c. they find on the edgers the
Lands on the North Side of the river is rich and Sufficiently high to
afford Settlements, the Lds. on the South Side assends Gradually from
the river not So rich, but of a good quallity and appear well watered
[Clark, June 20, 1804]
June 20th, Wednesday
Set out after a heavy Shower of rain and proceeded on the Same Course
of last night passed a large butifull Prarie on the S. S. opposit a
large Island, Calld Saukee Prarie, a gentle breese from the S. W. Some
butiful high lands on the L. S. passed Som verry Swift water to day, I
saw Pelicans to day on a Sand bar, my servant York nearly loseing an
eye by a man throwing Sand into it, we came too at the lower Point of a
Small Island, the party on Shore we have not Seen Since we passed Tiger
R--The Land appeard verry good on each Side of the River to day and
well timbered, we took Some Loner observations, which detained us
untill 1 oClock a butifull night but the air exceedingly Damp, & the
mosquiters verry troublesom
[Clark, June 21, 1804]
21st June Thursday 1804 river raised 3 Inches last night after our bow
man Peter Crousat a half Mahar Indian examined round this Small Isd.
for the best water, we Set out determined to assd. on the North Side,
and Sometimes rowing Poleing & Drawing up with a Strong Rope we
assended without wheeling or receving any damige more than breakeing
one of my S. Windows, and looseing Some oars which were Swong under the
windows
Two men Sent out to hunt this afternoon Came in with a Deer, at Sun Set
The ellement had every appearance of wind, The hunters inform me that
the high Countrey on the S. S. is of a good quallity, and well timbd.
The High lands on the L. Side is equally good The bottom land on this
river is alike, 1st low and covd. with Cotton wood & willows Subject to
over flow the 2nd is higher groth Cotton Walnut ash Mulberry Linn &
Sycomore
[Clark, June 21, 1804]
21st June Thursday
The river rose 3 Inches last night after the Bows man Peter Crousat
viewed The water on each Side of the Island which presented a most
unfavourable prospect of Swift water over roleing Sands which rored
like an immence falls, we Concluded to assend on the right Side, and
with much dificuilty, with the assistance of a long Cord or Tow rope, &
the anchor we got the Boat up with out any furthr dang. than Bracking a
Cabbin window & loseing Some oars which were Swong under the windows,
passed four Isds to day two large & two Small, behind the first large
Island two Creeks mouth Called (1) Eue-bert Creek & River & Isd. the
upper of those Creeks head against the Mine River & is large, passed a
verry remarkable bend in the River to the S. forming an accute angle,
the high lands come to the river on the S. S. opposit the upper large
Island, this Isd. is formed by a narrow chanel thro. the Pt. of the
remarkable bend just mentiond below this Isd. on the L. S. is a
Couenter Current of about a mile--passed between Several Small Islands
Situated near the L. Side and camped above on the Same Side, Two men
Sent out to hunt this evening brought in a Buck & a pore Turkey.
at Sun Set the atmespier presented every appearance of wind, Blue &
white Streeks Centering at the Sun as She disappeared and the Clouds
Situated to the S. W, Guilded in the most butifull manner. The Countrey
and Lands on each Side of the river is various as usial and may be
classed as follows. viz: the low or over flown points or bottom land,
of the groth of Cotton & Willow, the 2nd or high bottom of rich furtile
Soils of the groth of Cotton, Walnut, Som ash, Hack berry, Mulberry,
Lynn & Sycamore. the third or high Lands risees gradually from the 2nd
bottom (cauht whin it Coms to the river then from the river) about 80
or 100 foot roleing back Supplied with water the Small runs of (which
losees themselves in the bottom land) and are covered with a variety of
timber Such as Oake of different Kinds Blue ash, walnut &c. &c. as far
as the Praries, which I am informed lie back from the river at some
places near & others a great Distance
[Clark, June 22, 1804]
22nd June Friday after a Violent gust of wind accompanied with rain
from the West, which commenced at Day brake, and lasted about one hour,
we Set out under a gentle Breeze from the N W. and proceeded on S. 14°W.
21/2 ms. to pt. on L. S. Ord Killed a goose, S 25 W 3 Ms. to a pt. on
S. S. psd. Snags and Swift water on the S. S.--S. 66° W. 1/2 a me. on S
pt. N 60 W 41/2 me. to pt. L. S. passed a large Isd. on the S. S.-
(Ferenthiers Thermometr at 3 oClock P.M. 87 d which is 11 d above Summr
heat) and one on the L. S. opposit against which there is a handsom
Prarie of high Bottom & up Land, Capt Lewis went out in this Prarie &
walked Several miles, Come to opposit the mouth of a large Creek on the
S. S. Called River of the Fire Prarie at the mouth of this creek the
party on Shore Shields & Collins was camped waiting for our arrival &
inform that they Pass'd thro Some fine Lands, and well watered G D.
Killed a fine Bear to day
[Clark, June 22, 1804]
22nd June Friday river rose 4 Inchs last night. I was waken'd before
day light this morning by the guard prepareing the boat to receve an
apparent Storm which threttened violence from the West at day light a
violent wind accompanied with rain cam from the W. and lasted about one
hour, it Cleared away, and we Set out and proceeded on under a gentle
breeze from the N. W. passed Some verry Swift water Crouded with Snags,
pass two large Island opposit each other, and immediately opposit a
large & extensive Prarie on the Labd Side, This Prarie is butifull a
high bottom for 11/2 a mile back and risees to the Common leavel of the
Countrey about 70 or 80 feet and extends back out of view. Capt. L
walked on Shore a few miles this after noon (at 3 oClock P M. Ferents
Thermometer Stood at 87°: = to 11 d above Summer heat) we came to on the
L. Side opposit the mouth of a large Creek Called the River of the Fire
Prarie, at the mouth of this Creek the Party on Shore were waiting our
arrival, they informed that the Lands thro which they passed was fine &
well watered
[Clark, June 23, 1804]
23rd June Satturday Some wind this morning from the N W. Set out at 7
oC Proceeded on N. 70 d. W 2 Ms. to an Isd. Close on the S. S. I went
on Shore & walked up thro a rich bottom for about Six miles, Killed a
Deer & much fatigued N. 75 E. to a point in a bend L. S. 11/2 the river
fell 8 Inches last night.
[Clark, June 23, 1804]
23rd June Satturday Some wind this morning from the N. W. we Set out at
7 oClock, and proceeded on to the head of a Island on the S. S. the
wind blew hard and down the river which prevented the Pty moveing from
this Island the whole day, Cap. Lewis had the arms examined &c. at the
lower end of this Island I got out of the boat to walk on Shore, &
expected the party on Shore would overtake me at the head of the
Island, they did not & I proceeded on round a round and extensive bend
in the river, I Killed a Deer & made a fire expecting the boat would
Come up in the evening. the wind continueing to blow prevented their
moveing, as the distance by land was too great for me to return by
night I concluded to Camp, Peeled Some bark to lay on, and geathered
wood to make fires to Keep off the musquitor & Knats. Heard the party
on Shore fire, at Dark Drewyer came to me with the horses, one fat bear
& a Deer, river fell 8 Inches last night
[Lewis and Clark, June 24, 1804]
Sunday June 24th set out at 1/2 after six continuing the course on the
Lard. side N. 80 E 1/4 of a mile to point Lard. N. 551/4 of a mile to
point Lard. Due west to a point Stard 3 miles good water
(I joined the Boat theis morning with a fat Bear & two Deer, last
evining I Struck the river about 6 miles (by land) abov the Boat, and
finding it too late to get to the Boat, and the wind blowing So hard
Down the river that She could not assend, I concluded to Camp, altho I
had nothing but my hunting Dress, & the Musquitors Ticks & Knats verry
troublesom, I concid to hunt on a Willow Isd. Situated close under the
Shore, in Crossing from an Island, I got mired, and was obliged to
Craul oat, a disegreeable Situation & a Diverting one of any one who
Could have Seen me after I got out, all Covered with mud, I went my
Camp & Craped off the Mud and washed my Clothes, and fired off my gun
which was answered by George Drewyer who was in persute of me & came up
at Dark we feasted of meet & water the latter we made great use of
being much fatigued & thirsty--The meet which hung up near the water a
large Snake made Several attempts to get to it and was so Detirmined
that I Killed him in his attempt, the Snake appeared to make to that
part of the meet which Contained the milk of a Doe, On this part of the
River I observe great quantites of Bear Sign, they are after Mulbiries
which are in great quantities)
N 85 d W. 41/2 ms. to a pt. on L Side, Came to above the mouth of a
Creek on the L. S. abt. 20 yds. Wide Called Hay Cabbin Creek Latd. of
this place is 38° 37'5" North--Capt. Lewis took Sergt. Floyd and walked
on Shore, George Drewyer Killed 2 Deer R Fields Killed a Deer dureing
the time we wer Jurking the meet I brought in, West 1/2 ml. along the
L. S.
S 21° W. 3 ms. to a pt. on the S. S. pass 2 Creek on the S. S. just above
Some rocks Some distance from Shore 1 of These Creek is Called
Sharriton-Cartie, a Prarie on the L. S. near the river. Capt Lewis
Killed a Deer, & Collins 3. emince number of Deer on both Sides of the
river, we pass between two Sand bars at head of which we had to raise
the boat 8 Inch to get her over, Camped at the Lower point of a Isd. on
the L S. the Party in high Spirits.
[Clark, June 24, 1804]
24th, June Sunday Set out at half after Six. I joined the boat this
morng at 8 oClock (I will only remark that dureing the time I lay on
the band waiting for the boat, a large Snake Swam to the bank
imediately under the Deer which was hanging over the water, and no
great distance from it, I threw chunks and drove this Snake off Several
times. I found that he was So determined on getting to the meet I was
Compelld to Kill him, the part of the Deer which attracted this Snake I
think was the milk from the bag of the Doe.) I observed great quts. of
Bear Signs, where they had passed in all Directions thro the bottoms in
Serch of Mulberries, which were in great numbers in all the bottoms
thro which our party passed.)
Passed the mouth of a Creek 20 yds. wide name Hay Cabbin Creek from
camps of Straw built on it came to about 1/2 me. above this Creek &
jurked, the meet killed yesterday and this morning Lattitude of this
place 38° 37' 5" N. Capt. Lewis walked on Shore & Killed a Deer, pass a
bad part of the river, on the S. S. the rocks projected into the river
Some distance, a Creek above Called Sharston Carta, in the evening we
Passed thro betwen two Sand bars at the head we had to raise the Boat 8
Inches together over, Camped near the lower point of an Island on the
L. Side, party in high Spirrits. The Countrey on each Side of the river
is fine interspersed with Praries, in which imence herds of Deer is
Seen, on the banks of the river we observe numbers of Deer watering and
feeding on the young willow, Several Killed to day
[Clark, June 25, 1804]
Monday June 25th a heavy fog Detaind us about an hour Set out passed
the Isd on a course from the last point S 49° W, 3 Ms to a point on the
S. S. S 55° W 1/2 Me. S. S. a Coal-Bank on the opposit or L. S Side, this
bank appears to Contain great quantity of excellente CoaL the wind from
the N. W a Small Creek Called Coal or (Chabonea)3 N 50° W to the Pt, L.
S. 31/2 Miles Hard water & logs, Bank falling in, Passed a Small Creek
L. S. Called Labeenie a Prarie is Situated on the S. S. a Short
Distance from the river, which contains great quantities of wild apples
of the Size of the Common apple, the French Say is well flavered when
ripe, which is the time the leaves begin to fall N 70°W 1/2 me. along the
right Side of a Willow Isd. Situated on the L. Side S. 80° W 1/2 me. L.
S. S 55° W. 1/2 me. to Pt. of Smal Isd. L. S. S 15° W 1/2 me. L. S.--S. 2° E
2 me. pt on Lbd S. (here I will only remark that the Deer in the
Morning & evening are feeding in great numbers on the banks of the
River, they feed on young willow, and amuse themselves running on the
open beeches or points) We have hard water this afternoon round the
heads of Small Islds. on the L. Side below a Small High Prarie S. 48° W.
2 Ms. pt. S. S. passd. a small Isd. on which we Camped The party on
Shore did not join us to day, or have we Seen or her of them river
falling fast about 8 Inches in 24 hours, the Hills on the L. S. this
evening higher than usial about 160 or 180 feet. the lands appear of a
Simalier to those passed
[Clark, June 25, 1804]
25th, June Monday a thick fog detained us untile 8 oClock, passed a
Island, at 3 miles passed a Coal-mine, or Bank of Stone Coal, on the
South Side, this bank appears to Contain great quantity of fine Coal,
the river being high prevented our Seeeing that contained in the Cliffs
of the best quallity, a Small Creek mouth's below This bank Call'd
after the bank Chabonea Creek the Wind from the N. W. passed a Small
Creek on the L. Side at 12 oClock, Called Bennet's Creek The Praries
Come within a Short distance of the river on each Side which Contains
in addition to Plumbs Raspberries & vast quantities of wild apples,
great numbs. of Deer are seen feeding on the young willows & earbage in
the Banks and on the Sand bars in the river. our party on Shores did
not join us this evening we Camped on an Island Situated on the S.
Side, opposit some hills higher than Common, Say 160 or 180 feet above
the Bottom. The river is Still falling last night it fell 8 Inches
[Clark, June 26, 1804]
June 26th Tuesday 1804 we Set out early, the river falling a little,
the wind from the S. W. Passed the mouth of a Small river on the L.
Side above the upper point of a Small Island, Called Blue water river,
this river heads in Praries back with the Mine River about 30 yds. wide
Lattitude of a pt. 4 ms. above this river is 38° 32' 15" North, the high
lands which is on the Northe Side does not exceed 80 feet high, at this
Place the river appears to be Confd. in a verry narrow Channel, and the
Current Still more So by Couenter Current or Whirl on one Side & high
bank on the other, passed a Small Isd. in the bend to the L. Side we
Killed a large rattle Snake, Sunning himself in the bank passed a bad
Sand bar, where our tow rope broke twice, & with great exertions we
rowed round it and Came to & Camped in the Point above the Kansas River
lobserved a great number of Parrot queets this evening, our Party
Killed Several 7 Deer to day
[Clark, June 27, 1804]
June 27th, Wednesday a fair warm morning, the river rose a little last
night. we determin to delay at this Place three or four Days to make
observations & recruit the party Several men out Hunting, unloaded one
Perogue, and turned her up to Dry with a view of repairing her after
Completeing a Strong redoubt or brest work frome one river to the
other, of logs & Bushes Six feet high, The Countrey about the mouth of
this river is verry fine on each Side as well as the North of the
Missouries the bottom, in the Point is low, & overflown for 250 yards.
it rises a little above high water mark and Continus up that hight of
good quallity back to the hills ____ A high Clift, on the upper Side of
the Kansis 1/2 a mile up below the Kanses the hills is about 11/2 miles
from the point on the North Side of the Missouries the Hill or high
lands is Several miles back, we compareed the instrmts Took equal
altitudes, and the Meridian altituade of the Suns L L to day Lattitude
38° 31' 13" Longitude ____ Measured The width of the Kansas River by an
angle and made it 230 yds 1/4 wide, it is wider above the mouth the
Missouries at this place is about 500 yards wide, The Course from the
Point down the midle. of the Missourie is S. 32° E, & turns to the North.
up is N 21°W. up the right side of the Kansas is S. 54° E, & the river
turns to the left, Several Deer Killed to day.
[Clark, June 28, 1804]
28 June Thursday took equal altitudes &c. &c. &c. & varaitian of the
Compass repaired the Perogue Cleaned out the Boat Suned our Powder
wollen articles examined every thing 8 or 10 huntrs. out to day in
different direction, in examineing our private Store of Provisions we
found Several articles Spoiled from the wet or dampness they had
received, a verry warm Day, the wind from the South, The river
Missourie has raised yesterday last night & to day about 2 foot. this
evening it is on a Stand, Capt. Lewis weighed the water of the Two
rivers The Missouris 78° The Kansais 72° To Describe the most probable of
the various accounts of this great river of the Kansas, would be too
lengthy & uncertain to insert here, it heads with the river Del Norid
in the black Mountain or ridge which Divides the waters of the Kansas
Del Nord, & Callarado & oppsoitly from those of the Missoureis (and not
well assertaind) This River recves its name from a nation which dwells
at this time on its banks & 2 villages one about 20 Leagues & the other
40 Leagues up, those Indians are not verry noumerous at this time,
reduced by war with their neighbours, &c. they formerly liveid on the
South banks of the Missouries 24 Leagues above this river in a open &
butifull plain and were verry noumerous at the time the french first
Settled the Illinois, I am told they are a fierce & warlike people,
being badly Supplied with fire arms, become easily conquered by the
Aiauway & Saukees who are better furnished with those materials of war,
This nation is now out in the plains hunting the Buffalow our hunters
Killed Several Deer and Saw Buffalow, men impd Dressing Skins & makeing
themselves Comfortable, the high lands Coms to the river Kanses on the
upper Side at about a mile, full in view, and a butifull place for a
fort, good landing place, the waters of the Kansas is verry
disigreeably tasted to me.
[Clark, June 29, 1804]
29th of June 1804, Set out from the Kansas river 1/2 past 4 oClock,
proceeded on passed a Small run on the L. S. at 1/2 Mile a (1) Island
on the S. S. at 11/2 me. Hills above the upr. pt of Isd. L. S. a large
Sand bar in the middle. Passed a verry bad place of water, the Sturn of
the Boat Struck a moveing Sand & turned within 6 Inches of a large
Sawyer, if the Boat had Struck the Sawyer, her Bow must have been
Knocked off & in Course She must hav Sunk in the Deep water below Came
to & camped on the S. S. late in the eveninge.
[Clark, June 29, 1804]
29th June Friday obsvd. the distance of (D & )),took Equal & maridinal
altd. and after makeing Some arrangements, and inflicting a little
punishment to two men we Set out at 1/2 past 4 oClock and proceeded on
(i ) passed a large Island on the S. Side, opposit a large Sand bar,
the Boat turned and was within Six Inches of Strikeing the rapidity
with which the Boat turned was so great that if her bow had Struck the
Snag, She must have either turned over or the bow nocked off S W wind
[Clark, June 29, 1804]
Camp mouth of the Kanseis June 29th 1804. Ordered
a Court martial will Set this day at 11 oClock, to Consist of five
members, for the trial of John Collins and Hugh Hall, Confined on
Charges exhibited against them by Sergeant Floyd, agreeable to the
articles of War.
Detail for the Court
Sergt Nat. Pryor presd.
mbs:
2 John Colter
3 John Newmon
4 Pat. Gass
1 J. B. Thompson
John Potts to act as judge advocate.
The Court Convened agreeable to order and proceeded to the trial of the
Prisoners Viz John Collins Charged "with getting drunk on his post this
morning out of whiskey put under his Charge as a Sentinal and for
Suffering Hugh Hall to draw whiskey out of the Said Barrel intended for
the party"
To this Charge the prisoner plead not guilty.
The Court after mature deliveration on the evidence abduced &c. are of
oppinion that the prisoner is Guilty of the Charge exibited against
him, and do therefore Sentence him to recive one hundred Lashes on his
bear Back.
Hugh Hall was brought with "takeing whiskey out of a Keg this morning
which whiskey was Stored on the Bank (and under the Charge of the
guard) Contrary to all order, rule, or regulation"
To this Charge the prisoner "Pleades Guilty."
The Court find the prisoner guilty and Sentence him to receive fifty
Lashes on his bear Back.
The Commanding Officers approve of the Sentence of the Court and orders
that the Punishment take place at half past three this evening, at
which time the party will Parrade for inspection-
[Clark, June 29, 1804]
at the Mouth of the River Kansies
June 26" 27" 28 & 29th-
This river is 366 miles above the mouth of Missouri it is in Lattitude
38° 31' 13" North
it is 230 yds. wide at its mouth & wider above from the point up the
Missourie for about 3 ms. N. 21° W, Down the Middle of the Missourie is
S. 32° E, up the upper bank of the Kansais, is S. 54° E the river turns to
the East above a pt. of high land, well Situated for a fort & in view
of the Missouris one mile up & on the upper Side, the width of the
Missouris at this place is about 500 yds.
Missourie Water weighs 78. The Kanseis weghs 72 river Miss raised in
the time at the Kanseis 2 foot and begun to fall.
The wood land on each side of the Mouth of this river is extensive and
of a good quallity as far as our hunters was back, but badly watered
with Springs, only two being Seen by them
Some punishment of two men Hall & Collins for takeing whiskey out of
the Barrel last night agreeable to the Sentences of a Court Mtl of the
party who we have always found verry ready to punish Such Crimes
Many Deer Killed to day
Allarm post or order of Battle arms to be Situated & the Duty &c.
Messes of men under a Serjiant who is to detail for every day one man
of his Squad to Cook &c. who Shall have the management of the
provisions dureing that day or issue, each Days rations must be divided
&c. &c Order of encampment, Tents, fires & Duty
[Clark, June 30, 1804]
30th June, Set out verry early this Morng Saw a verry large wolf on the
Sand bar this morning walking near a gange of Turkeys (1) at 10 miles
above the Kansis passed the mouth of a Small River Call the (Petite
Plate) or the little Shole river, this river is about 70 yds. Wide and
has Several rapids & falls, well Calculatd for mills, the land on this
river is Said to be Roaling, Killed 2 Deer Bucks Swinging the river the
wind from the S. W. here we opened the Bag of Bread given us by which
we found verry good, our Bacon which was given us by we examined and
found Sound and good Some of that purchased in the Illinois Spoiled, a
relish of this old bacon this morning was verry agreeable, Deer to be
Seen in every direction and their tracks ar as plenty as Hogs about a
farm, our hunts. Killed 9 Deer to day the land below the last river is
good, that above, between the two rivers which is near together is
Slaik'y and bad on the N. Side, the other Side is good land, Landed on
the L. S. below an Isd called Dimond Island
[Clark, June 30, 1804]
30th June Satturday 1804
Set out verry early this morning, a verry large wolf Came to the bank
and looked at us this morning, passd the (1) mouth of a Small river 10
ms. above the Kanseis Called by the french Petite River Platte (or
Shoal river) from the number of falls in it, this river is about 60
yards wide at its mouth and runs Parrilel with the Missouries for ten
or twelve miles, I am told that the lands on this Small river is good,
and on its Several falls well Calculated for mills, the wind from S. W.
came to at 12 oClock & rested three hours, the... being hot the men
becom verry feeble, Farnsts. Thermometer at 3 oClock Stood at 96° above
0, emence numbs. of Deer on the banks, Skipping in every derection, the
party Killed nine Bucks on the river & Bank to day, The Countrey on the
S. S. between the Shoal River & Missouris is indifferent Subject to
overflow, that below and on the L. S. is high & appers well timbered,
Camped on the L. S. opsd. the Lower point of a Isd. Called diamond
Island, Broke our mast
[Clark, July 1, 1804]
July 1st 1804, last night one of the Sentinals Chang'd either a man or
Beast, which run off, all prepared for action, Set out early passed the
Dimond Isd. pass a Small Creek on the L. S. as this Creek is without
name we Call it Biscuit Creek Brackfast on the upper point of a Sand
beech, The river still falling a little a verry warm Day. I took Some
medison last night which has worked me very much party all in helth
except Boils-
passed a Sand bar in the river above the Isd. Covered for a me. with
Drift Wood, Came to Capt Lewis took Medn. altitude & we delayed three
hours, the day being excessively hot, Turkeys are plenty on the Shore,
G. Drewyer inform that he Saw PueCanns Trees on S. S. yesterday great
quantities of raspburies an Grapes, (2) pass a Creek on the L. S.
called remore (Tree Frog) Creek, an Isd above in the Mid. and 2 Willow
Isds on the S. S. all of the Same name; The two Willow Isds. has been
made within 3 years & the Main Chant. runs now on the L S. of the large
Island where there was no runing water at low water from this Island
the range of Hills up the river to the N, W, pass a run on the L. S. a
Butifull extensive Prarie, Two Islands just above Called (Isles des
Parques) or Field Islands, those Islands are, one of our French hands
tels me that the French intended to Settle here once & brought their
Cows and put them on those Islands, Mr Mackey Says the first village of
the Kanseis was a little above this Island & made use of as fields, no
trace of anything of that Kind remains to be Seen on the Isds. fine
Land on the L. Side, Hills near the river all day, Camped on the lower
pot. of 1st Isd.-
[Clark, July 1, 1804]
July 1st, Sunday 1804
a Small allarm last night all prepared for action, Set out early this
morning passed on the North Side of Dimond Island, a Small Creek mouths
opposit I call Biscuit Creek,--a large Sand bar in the middle of the
river 11/2 ms. above the Isd. Covered with Drift wood. river fall a
little. The wind from S. W. Came to above this Drift and delayed three
hours to refresh the men who were verry much over powered with the
heat, Great quantity of Grapes & raspberries, (2) passed a Small Creek
on the L. S. below one large and two small Islands. This Creek and
Isds. are Called Remore (or Tree Frog) a large Pond on the S. S., the
main Current of Water run'g on the L. S. of the Island, I am told that
Three years ago the main Current run on the S. S. of the Island and no
appearance of the two Smaller Islands, Camped on the lower point of one
of the two large & 2 Small Isds. Called Isles des Parques or field
Islds a high butifull Prarie on the L. S. one of the french hands Says
"that the french Kept their Cattle & horses on those Islands at the
time they had in this quarter a fort & trading establishment."
paecaun Trees Seen on the S. S. Deer and turkeys in great quantities on
the bank
[Clark, July 2, 1804]
July the 2nd 1804 Set out verry early this morning passd on the Left of
the Isles des parques High butifull Situation--on the L S. the land
indifferent lands a Creek coms in on the S. S. Called parques, all at
once the river became Crowded with drift that it was dangerous to cross
this I Suppose was from the caveing in of the banks at the head of Some
Island above, (3) passed a Creek on the L. S. called Turquie or Turkey
Creek passed a verry bad Sand bar on the L. S. the 20 Oars & Poals
could with much dificuelty Stem the Current, passed a large Island on
the S. S. Called by the Inds. Wau-car-ba war-con-da or the Bear Medison
Island, at 12 oClock came to on the Island and put in a mast, detained
four hours, exceedingly hot, wind in forepart of the day from the S. E,
George Drewyer informs that the Lands he pass through yesterday & to
day on the S. S. was generally Verry fine he Saw two Springs of fresh
water near the Island, Deer Sign has become So Common it is hardly
necessary to mention them, we Camped after dark on the S. S. opposit
the 1st old Village of the Kanzas which was Situated in a Valley
between two points of high land, on the river back of their village
commenced an extensive Prarie a large Island in front which appears to
have made on that Side and thrown the Current of the river against the
place the Village formerly Stood, and washes away the bank in that
part. The french formerly had a Fort at this place, to protect the
trade of this nation, the Situation appears to be a verry elligable one
for a Town, the valley rich & extensive, with a Small Brook Meanding
through it and one part of the bank affording yet a good Landing for
Boats The High Lands above the Fere river on each Side of the
Missouries appear to approach each other much nearer than below that
plaice, being from 3 to 6 miles between them, to the Kansas, above that
place from 3 to 5 Ms. apart and higher Some places being 160 or 180
feet the river not So wide We made a Mast of Cotton wood, to day in the
Course of the evening & night it turned of a butifull red Colour
[Clark, July 2, 1804]
July 2nd, 1804 Set out early and proceeed on the left of the islands,
two of which are large a high bottom Situated on the L. S. passed the
mouth of a Creek on the S. S. Called Turquie Creike, at this place I
observed that the river was Crouded with Drift wood, and dangerous to
pass as this dead timber Continued only about half an our, I concluded
that Some Island of Drift had given way (3) passed a Creek on the L. S.
called Turky Creek, a bad Sand bar on the L. S. we could with
dificuelty Stem the Current with our 20 oars & and all the poles we
had, passed a large Island on the S. S. Called by the Indians
Wau-car-ba war-cand-da or the Bear Medesin Island, at 12 oClock landed
on the Island & put up a mast which detained us four hours--a verry hot
day winds from the S. E.--George Drewyer inform's that the Lands he
passed through yesterday and to day on the S. S. was verry fine, few
Springs, we Camped after dark on the S. S. above the Island & opposit
the 1st old village of the Kanzes which was Situated in a valley,
between two points of high Land, and imediatly on the river bank, back
of the village and on a riseing ground at about one mile The French had
a garrison for Some time and made use of water out of a Spring running
into Turkey Creek. an extensive Prarie, as the Current of the river
Sets against the banke and washes it away the landing place for Boats
is indifferent--The high lands above the Fire river, approaches nearer
each than below, being from 3 to 6 miles distant and above Kansas from
3 to 5 miles distant and the Hills at Some places are from 160 to 180
feet above the bottom
[Clark, July 3, 1804]
July 3rd 1804 Set out verry early this morning and proceeded on under a
gentle Breeze from the South passed two Islands one a Small Willow
Island on the L. S. (1) The other a large Island Called Cow 1. (Isle
Vache), this Island is large, opposit to the head on the S. S. is a (2)
large Pond, a Bad Sand bar on the S. S. we attemptd without Success, &
was oblige to Cross back, I Saw a White horse on the L. S. in view of
the upper point of the Island, (3) passed a large Sand bar at the S.
point, we halted to day about a mile above the Island and found a
horse, which had been lost by the Indians, verry fat and jentle, Sent
him on to join the others which was ahead on the L S at this place, the
french had a tradeing house, for to trade with the Kanzes on a high
bottom on the L. S. near the hills which is Prarie proceeded on round a
large Sand bar on the L. S. & Camped (opposit a large Sand bar in the
middle of the river). on the L. S. a Butifull Small Stream passes back
of the trading house, before mentioned
[Clark, July 3, 1804]
July 3rd, Tusday 1804
Set out verry early this morning and proceeded on under a gentle Breeze
from the S. passed two Islands (1) one a Small willow Island on the L.
S. the other large Called by the french Isle de Vache or Cow Island,
opposit the head on the S. S. is a large Pond Containg Beever, & fowl,
a bad Sandbar on the S. S. above the Island, on the L. S. we halted at
an old Tradeing house, here we found a verry fat horse, which appears
to have been lost a long time a butifull Small run passes back of the
Tradeing house near the high land, we came to at a round bend on the L.
S. and Camped
[Clark, July 4, 1804]
July 4th Wednesday 1804, Set out early passed the mouth of a Beyeue
leading from a Lake on the S. S. this Lake is large and was once the
bend of the River, it reaches Parrelel for Several miles, Came to on
the L. S. to Dine & rest a Short time, a Snake bit Jo. Fields on the
Side of his foot which Swelled much, apply Barks to the wound, pass a
Creek on the L. S. about 15 yards wide cuming out of an extensive
Prarie as this Creek has no name, and this day is the 4th of July, we
name this Independance us. Creek above this Creek the wood land is
about 200 yards, back of those wood is an extensive Prarie open and
high, which may be Seen six or seven below--Saw great Nos. of Goslins
to day nearly Grown, the last mentioned prarie I call Jo Fields Snake
Prarie, Capt Lewis walked on Shore & Saw a large moun & 3 roads leading
We Camped in the plain one of the most butifull Plains, I ever Saw,
open & butifully diversified with hills & vallies all presenting
themselves to the river covered with grass and a few scattering trees a
handsom Creek meandering thro at this place the Kansaw Inds. formerly
lived and had a verry large Town passed a Creek (4) I observed Spring
braking out of the bank, a good Situation for a fort on a hill at the
upper part
The Plains of this countrey are covered with a Leek Green Grass, well
calculated for the sweetest and most norushing hay-interspersed with
Cops of trees, Spreding ther lofty branchs over Pools Springs or Brooks
of fine water. Groops of Shrubs covered with the most delicious froot
is to be seen in every direction, and nature appears to have exerted
herself to butify the Senery by the variety of flours Delicately and
highly flavered raised above the Grass, which Strikes & profumes the
Sensation, and amuses the mind throws it into Conjecterng the cause of
So magnificent a Senerey in a Country thus Situated far removed from
the Sivilised world to be enjoyed by nothing but the Buffalo Elk Deer &
Bear in which it abounds & Savage Indians
The names of the french Ingishees, or Hirelens-
in Perogue
1 Battist de Shone Patrn
2 Joseph Le bartee
3 Lasoness
4 Paul Preemau
5 Chalo
6 E. Cann
7 Roie
8 Charlo Cougee
in the large Boat
*J. Le bartee
Rivee
bow men
Pieter Crousatt half Indian
William La Beice Mallat
3 Sergts. & 23 men for the Boat
George Drewyer. Hunter & 4 Horses
1 Corpl & 4 Privates in a Perogue to be Sent back from Plate
river
Mr. Dueron inteptr for the Sues Capt. Lewis my Self & York
in all 46 men July 4th 4 horses & a Dog
[Clark, July 4, 1804]
July 4th Wednesday ussered in the day by a discharge of one shot from
our Bow piece, proceeded on, passed the mouth of a (1) Bayeau lading
from a large Lake on the S. S. which has the apperance of being once
the bed of the river & reaches parrelel for Several Miles Came to on
the L. S. to refresh ourselves &. Jos. Fields got bit by a Snake, which
was quickly doctered with Bark by Cap Lewis. (2) Passed a Creek 12 yds.
wide on L. S. comeing out of an extensive Prarie reching within 200
yards of the river, as, this Creek has no name, and this being the we
Dine (on corn) the 4th of July the day of the independance of the U. S.
call it 4th of July 1804 Creek, Capt. Lewis walked on Shore above this
Creek and discovered a high moun from the top of which he had an
extensive view, 3 paths Concentering at the moun Saw great numbers of
Goslings to day which Were nearly grown, the before mentioned Lake is
clear and Contain great quantities of fish an Gees & Goslings, The
great quantity of those fowl in this Lake induce me to Call it the
Gosling Lake, a Small Creek & Several Springs run in to the Lake on the
East Side from the hills the land on that Side verry good--(3) We came
to and camped in the lower edge of a Plain where 2d old Kanzas village
formerly Stood, above the mouth of a Creek 20 yds wide this Creek we
call Creek Independence as we approached this place the Praree had a
most butifull appearance Hills & Valies interspsd with Coops of Timber
gave a pleasing deversity to the Senery. the right fork of Creek
Independence Meandering thro the middle of the Plain a point of high
Land near the river givs an allivated Situation. at this place the
Kanzas Indians formerley lived. this Town appears to have covd. a large
Space, the nation must have been noumerous at the time they lived here,
the Cause of their moveing to the Kanzas River, I have never heard, nor
Can I learn; war with their neghbors must have reduced this nation and
Compelled them to retire to a Situation in the plains better Calculated
for their defence and one where they may make use of their horses with
good effect, in persueing their enemey, we Closed the by a Discharge
from our bow piece, an extra Gill of whiskey.
[Clark, July 5, 1804]
July the 5th 1804 Set out verry early this morning, Swam the horse
across the river, proceeded on for two miles under the bank where the
old Kansas town formerly stood The Cause of those people moveing from
this place I cannot learn, but naterally conclude that War has reduced
their nation & compelled them to retire further into the Plains with a
view of defending themselves & opposeing their enemey (more effectuall)
on hors back (I neglected to mention yesterday that the Lake on the S.
S. was large Say 3/4 me. wide & 7 or 8 long one creek & Several brooks
running into it from the hills, it contains Great quantities of Sun
fish & Gosling's from which we gave it the name,) passed Some verry bad
Sand bars Situated parrelel to each other, (1) the Boat turned three
times once on the ____ of a Drift wood. She recved no proceiviable
damage, we came to for Dinner at a Beever house, Cap Lewis's Dog Seamon
went in & drove them out. the high Lands on the L. S. is open, a few
trees Scattering (2) passed a Small Creek on the L. S. in the 1s bend
to the left I call yellow oaker creek from a bank of that Mineral just
above. we camped on the L. S. under a high bank Latd. 39° 25' 41" North
on the banks of this river I observe great quants of Grapes, berries &
roses Deer is not So plenty in this three days past as they were below
that. Elks are plenty about those Praries. Some Buffalow Sign.
[Clark, July 5, 1804]
July 5th Thursday 1804
Set out verry early, proceeded on near the bank where the old village
Stood for two miles, (Swam the hors found a few days ago) passed Some
bad Sand bars, The Origan of this old village is uncertain M. de
Bourgmont a French officer who Comdd. a fort near the Town of the
Missouris in about the year 1724 and in July of the Same year he
visited this Village at that time the nation was noumerous & well
desposed towards the french Mr. Du Pratz must have been badly informed
as to the Cane opposd this place we have not Seen one Stalk of reed or
cane on the Missouries, he States that the "Indians that accompanied M
De Bourgmont Crossed to the Canzes Village on floats of Cane"
Those people must have been verry noumerous at that time as Mr. De B.
was accompanied by 300 Warriers, 500 young people & 300 Dogs of burthen
out of this Village
The Cause of Those Indians moveing over to the Kanzis river I have
never lernt--we passed Some bad Sand bars, Situated parrelel to each
other (1) The Boat turned twice on the quick Sand & once on a raft of
Drift, no procievable damage Prarie Contine on the high land on the L.
S. passd a Small Creek (2) on L. S. in the first bend to the L S. I
call Yellow-Oaker Creek from a quantity of that Mineral in a bank a
little above
The river Continue to fall a little--I observe great quantities of
Summer & fall Grapes, Berries & Wild roases on the banks--Deer is not
so plenty as usual, great Deel of Elk Sign. (Wind from S E)
[Clark, July 6, 1804]
6th July Friday. We Set out early this morning & Proceeded on (the
river falls Slowly) wind S. W) passed a Sand bar in 1st bend to the
right (1) passed a Small Island at the S. pt. a verry warm day (worthy
of remark that the water of this river or Some other Cause, I think
that the most Probable throws out a greater preposn. of Swet than I
could Suppose Could pass thro the humane body Those men that do not
work at all will wet a Shirt in a Few minits & those who work, the Swet
will run off in Streams) opposit the 3rd point passed a Prarie on the
S. S. Called Reeveys Prarie (fro a man of that name being Killed in it)
opposit this Prarie the river is Confined in a verry narrow Space
Crowded on S. S. by Sands which were moveing and difficuelt to pass.
the Hunts. Sent in 3 Deer Jurked on the 4th point of to day is a Small
Island & a Sand bar 2 miles out in the river, this is Called the Grand
Bend, or Grande de Tour, I walked on this Sand bar found it a light
Sand intersperced with Small Pebbles of various Kinds, also pit Coal of
an excellent quallity was lodged on the Sand, We camped on the L. S. at
a small creek a whiper will perched on the boat for a Short time, I
gave his name to the Creek
[Clark, July 6, 1804]
July 6th, Friday We Set out early this morning, wind from the S. W.
passed a large Sand bar in the 1st. bend to the right. (1) passed a
Small Island at the S. point opposit the 3rd point we passed a Prarie
on the S. S. Called Reeveys Prarie at this place the river is Confined
in a verry narrow Channel Crouded by a Sand bar from the L. Point This
Sand bar from the L. Point, this Sand bar is verry bad, at the 4th
Point from the S. S. is a verry extensive bar, at the Point of which is
a Small willow Island this is Called the Grand Detour or Great bend
I walked on this Sand bar and found the Sand was light, with Collection
of Small pebble, & some Pit Coal I observe that the men Swet more than
is Common from Some Cause, I think the Missouries water is the
principal Cause our hunters Sent in 3 Bucks today The river Still fall
a little
[Clark, July 7, 1804]
7th of July Satturday 1804 Set out early passed Some verry Swift water
on the L. S. which Compelled us to Draw up by the Cord. a verry warm
morning, passed a butifull Prarie on the right Side which extends back,
those Praries has much the appearance from the river of farms, Divided
by narrow Strips of woods those Strips of timber grows along the runs
which rise on the hill & pass to the river a Cleft above, one man sick
(Frasure) Struck with the Sun, Saw a large rat on the Side of the bank,
Killed a wolf on the Bank passed (2) a verry narrow part of the river,
all confined within 200 yards, a yellow bank above, passed a Small
willow Island on the S. point, (in Low water those Small Willow Islands
are joined to the Sand bars makeing out from the Points) a pond on the
S. S near the prarie we passed yesterday in which G D. Saw Several
young Swans we Came to and Camped on the L. S. and two men Sent out
last evening with the horses did not join us this evening agreeable to
orders--a hard wind with Some rain from the N, E at 7 oClock which
lasted half an hour, with thunder & lightning. river fall a little
[Clark, July 7, 1804]
July the 7th Satturday 1804 Set out early passed Some Swift water,
which obliged us to draw up by roapes, a Sand bare at the point opposit
a butifull Prarie on the S. Side Calld. (1) St. Michul, those Praries
on the river has verry much the appearence of farms from the river
Divided by narrow Strips of wood land, which wood land is Situatd. on
the runs leading to the river. passed a Bluff of yellow Clay above the
Prarie. Saw a large rat on the bank. Killed a Wolf. at 4 oClock pass a
Verry narrow part of the river water Confd. in a bead not more than 200
yards wide at this place the Current runs against the L. Side. no Sand
to Confine the Current on the S. S. passed a Small sand Island above
the Small Islds. Situated at the points, in low water form a part of
the Sand bars makeing out from those points
Incamped on the S. S. at 7 oClock a Violent Ghust of wind from the N.
E. with Some rain, which lasted half an hour (G D. informs me that he
Saw in a Pond on the S. S. which we passed yesterday; a number of young
Swans-,) one man verry Sick, Struck with the Sun, Capt. Lewis bled him
& gave Niter which has revived him much
[Clark, July 8, 1804]
8th of July Sunday Set out early this morning, the Sick man much
better, Serjt. Oddeway was waiting at a Creek on the S. S. below an
Island, passed (1) two Island on the S. S. and came to at the upper
point, G Drewyer went out R. Fields & Guterich, five men Sick to day
with a violent Head ake &c. and Several with Boils, we appoint a Cook
to each mess to take Charge of the Provisions. in Serjt. Pryor's =
Collens in Sjt. Ordway's Werner in Sergt. Floyd's Thompson, The french
men Killed a young Deer on the Bank, (2) passed up a narrow Channel of
about 80 or 100 yds wide about 5 miles to the mouth of Nadawa River
which corns in to this channel from the N W. and is abt. 70 yards wide
at its mouth ____ feet Deep and has a jentle Current, Perogues can
navagate this river near its head, which is between the Missourie & the
Grand River, passed up the gut 3/4 of a mile to the river at the head
of the Island & camped opposit the head of this Island is another
nearest the Middle R this Island Nadawa is the largest I have Seen,
formed by a Channel washing into the Nadawa river.--"8 or 10000 acrs"
[Clark, July 8, 1804]
July the 8th Sunday 1804
Set out early passed a Small Creek on the S. S. and two (1) Small
Islands on the S S. five men Sick to day with a violent head ake &c. we
made Some arrangements as to provisions & Messes, came to for Dinner at
the lower point of a very large Island Situated near the S. S. after a
delay of two hours we passed a narrow channel of 45 to 80 yds wide five
miles to the mouth of (3) Nkdawa River, This river Coms in from the
North and is navagable for Perogues Some distance. it is about 70 yards
wide a little above the mouth, at the mouth not So wide, the mud of the
Gut running out of the Missourie is thrown and Settles in the mouth
half a mile higher up this Channel or gut is the upper point of the
Said Island, This Island is Called Nadawa, & is the largest I have Seen
in the river, containing 7 or 8000 acres of Land Seldom overflowed we
Camped at the head of this Island on the S. S. opposit the head or our
Camp is a Small Island near the middle of the river, river Still
falling. our flank party did not join us this evening
[Lewis, July 8, 1804]
Detachment Orders
Nadawa Island July 8th 1804.-
In order to insure a prudent and regular use of all provisions issued
to the crew of the Batteaux in future, as also to provide for the equal
distribution of the same among the individuals of the several messes,
The Commanding Officers Do appoint the following persons to recieve,
cook, and take charges of the provisions which may from time to time be
issued to their respective messes, (viz) John B. Thompson to Sergt.
Floyd's mess,
William Warner to Sergt. Ordway's mess, and John Collins to Sergt.
Pryor's Mess.--These Superintendants of Provision, are held immediately
respon sible to the commanding Officers for a judicious consumption of
the provi sion which they recieve; they are to cook the same for their
several messes in due time, and in such manner as is most wholesome and
best calculated to afford the greatest proportion of nutriment; in
their mode of cooking they are to exercise their own judgment; they
shall allso point out what part, and what proportion of the mess
provisions are to be consumed at each stated meal (i. e.) morning, noon
and night; nor is any man at any time to take or consume any part of
the mess provisions without the privity, knowledge and consent of the
Superintendant. The superintendant is also held responsible for all the
cooking eutensels of his mess. in considera tion of the duties imposed
by this order on Thompson, Warner, and Collins, they will in future be
exempt from guard duty, tho they will still be held on the royster for
that duty, and their regular tour-shall be per formed by some one of
their rispective messes; they are exempted also from pitching the tents
of the mess, collecting firewood, and forks poles &c. for cooking and
drying such fresh meat as may be furnished them; those duties are to be
also performed by the other members of the mess.
M. Lewis
Wm. Clark
[Clark, July 9, 1804]
July the 9th Monday 1804 Sent one man back to the mouth of the River to
mark a tree, to let the party on Shore See that the Boat had passed the
river, Set out early passed (1) the head of the Island Situated in the
middle of the river a Sand bar at the head, (2) passed the mouth of a
Creek or Bayou on the S. S. leading from a large Pond of about three
miles in length, at 8 oClock it commenced raining, the wind changed
from N E. to S. W. (3) at 6 miles passed the mouth of a Small Creek on
the L. S. called Monters Creek, the river at this place is wide with a
Sand bar in the Middle, passed a place on the L. S. about 2 miles above
the Creek, where Several french men camped two years to hunt--(4)
passed a Island on the S S. of the river in a bend, opsd. a high Land
on the L. S. wind Shifted to the N. W. in the evining, opsd. this
Island, and on the L. S. Loup or Wolf River Coms in, this river is
about 60 yards Wide, but little water running at the mouth, this river
heads with the waters of the Kanzas, and has a perogue navigation Some
distance, it abounds with Beaver, Camped opposit the head of the Island
on the L. S. Saw a fire on the S. S. Supposedly the four flankers, to
be theire, Sent a perogue for them, the Patroon & Bowman of the Perogue
French, they returned & informed, that when they approached the fire,
it was put out, which caused them to return, this report causd. us to
look out Supposeing a pty. of Soux going to war, firierd the bow piec
to allarm & put on their guard the men on Shore everey thing in
readiness for Defence.
[Clark, July 9, 1804]
July 9th Monday 1804
one man Sent back to the river we passed last night to Blase a tree
with a view to notify the party on Shore of our passing Set out and
passed the head of the (1) Island which was Situated opposit to our
Camp last night a Sand bar at the head (2) opsd. this Island a Creek or
Bayaue Corns in from a large Pond on the Starboard Side, as our
flanking party Saw great numbers of Pike in this Pond, I have laid it
down with that name anex'd,v at 8 oClock the wind Shifted from the N, E
to S W and it commenced raining. (3) at Six miles passed the mouth of
Creek on the L. S. Called Monter's Creek, about two mile above is some
Cabins where our Bowman & Several frenchmen Campd. two years (4) passed
an Island on the S. S. in a Bend of the river opposit Some Clifts on
the L. S. the wind Shifted to the N W opposit this Island and on the L.
Side (Loup) or Wolf River Coms in, this river is about 60 yards wide
and heads with the waters of the Kansis, and is navagable for Perogues
"Some destance up" Camped at a point on the L. S. opposit the head of
the Island, our party was incamped on the Opposit Side, their not
answering our Signals Caused us to Suspect the persons Camped opposit
to us was a war party of Soux, we fired the Bow piece to alarm the
party on Shore, ailed prepared to oppose if attacted
[Clark, July 10, 1804]
July 10th Tuesday Set out this morning with a view to Land near the
fire Seen last night, & recornetre, but Soon discovered that our men
were at the fire, they were a Sleep early last evening, and from the
Course of the Wind which blew hard, their yells were not heard by party
in the perogue, a mistake altogether-. proceeded on, passed Prarie on
the upper Side of Woolf River, at 4 miles passed (1) a Small Creek L.
S. Called R. Pape this Creek is about 15 yds. Wide-and called after a
Spanierd who killed himself at the mouth. (2) Dined on an Island Called
de Selamen and delayed 3 hours, and proceeded on, opposit this Isld. on
the L. S. is a (3) butifull Bottom Prarie whuch will Contain about 2000
acres of Land covered with wild rye & wild Potatoes, gread numbers of
Goslings on the Banks & in the Ponds near the river, Capt Lewis Killed
two this evening, we came to & Camped for the night. at a point on the
S. S. opposit a yellow Clay Clift.--our men all getting well but much
fatigued, the river is on a Stand nether rise nor fall, The bottom on
the S. S. is verry extensive & thick. the Hills or high land is near
the river on the L. S. and but thinly timbered, back of those hills is
open plains.
[Clark, July 10, 1804]
July 10th Tuesday 1804
Set out early this morning and Crossd the river with a view to See who
the party was that Camped on the other Side, we Soon discovered them to
be our men,--proceeded on passed a Prarie on the L. S. at 4 miles
passed a Creek L. S Called (1) Pappie after a man who Killed himself at
its mouth, this Creek is 15 yds wide--(2) Dined on an Isld. Called de
Salamin Delayed 3 hours on this Island to recruit the men opposit on
the L. S. is a butifull bottom Plain of about 2000 acres (3) Covered
with wild rye & Potatoes, intermix't with the grass, we camped on the
S. S. opposit a yellow Clay Clift, Capt. Lewis Killed two young Gees or
Goslings this evening--The men of the party getting better, but much
fatigued--The river on a Stand--The bottom is verry extensive on the S.
S. and thickly intersperced with Vines The High Land approaches near
the river on the L. S. and well timbered next to the river, back of
those hills the Plains Commence.
[Clark, July 11, 1804]
July 11th Wednesday, Set out early proceeded on passed a Willow (1)
Island in a bend to the S. S. Sent out Dreweyer & Jo. Fields to hunt,
Back of this Island a creek corns in on the S. S. called by the Indians
Little Tarkio Creek I went on Shore above this Island on the S. S.
found the bottom Subject for overflow wet and verry thickly interwoven
with grape Vines--proceeded on at about 1/2 a miles from the river
about 3 ms. and observed fresh Sign of a horse, I prosueed the track,
with an expectation of finding a Camp of Indians on the river, when I
got to the river, I saw a horse on the Beech, this horse as appears was
left last winter by Some hunting party, probable the Othouez, I joined
the Boat on the Sand Island Situated opposit the mouth of the Ne Ma har
River, this river Coms in on the L. S. is about 80 yds Wide and
navagable for Perogues Some Distance up the praries Commnce above the
mouth and Continus on both Sides of this R Drewyer killed 6 Deer to day
J. Field one Several hunters Sent out up the Nemahar R
[Clark, July 11, 1804]
July 11th, Wednesday 1804
Set out early passed a Willow Island (1) in a bend on the S. S. back of
this Island a Creek Corns in Called by the Indians Tar-ki-o
I went on Shore above this Creek and walked up parrelel with the river
at ab ut half a mile distant, the bottom I found low & Subject to
overflow, Still further out, the under groth & vines wer So thick that
I could not get thro with ease after walking about three or 4 miles I
observed a fresh horse track where he had been feeding I turned my
course to the river and prosud the track and found him on a Sand beach
This horse Probably had been left by Some party of Otteaus hunters who
wintered or hunted in this quarter last fall or Wintr. I joined the
party on a large Sand Island imediately opposit the mouth of Ne Ma haw
River, at which place they had Camped, this Island is Sand about half
of it Covered with Small Willows of two different Kinds, one Narrow &
the other a Broad Leaf. Several hunters Sent out to day on both Sides
of the river, Seven Deer Killed to day. Drewyer Killd Six of them, made
Some Luner observations this evening.
[Clark, July 12, 1804]
July 12th Thursday Som hunters out on the S. S. those on the L. S. did
not return last night, our object in delaying here is to tak Some
Observations and rest the men who are much fatigued made Sundery
observations, after an early Brackfast I took five men and went up the
River Ne Ma har about three miles, to an open leavel part of an emence
prarie, at the Mouth of a Small Creek on the Lower Side, I went on
Shore, & passed thro the plain passed Several noles to the top of a
high artificial Noal from the top of this noal I had an emence,
extensive & pleaseing prospect, of the Countrey around, I could See the
meandering of the Little River for at least 10 miles winding thro a
meadow of 15 or 20000 acres of high bottom land covered with Grass
about 41/2 feet high, the high lands which rose irregularly, & were
toped with Mounds or antent Graves which is to me a Strong evidence of
this Countrey haveing been thickly Settled-.This River is about 80
yards wide with a gentle Current and heads up near the Parnee Village
on River Blue a branch of Kansas, a little timbered land near the mouth
for 1 mile above, only a fiew Trees, and thickets of Plumbs Cheres &c
are Seen on its banks the Creeks & little reveens makeing into the
river have also Some timber--I got grapes on the banks nearly ripe,
observed great quantities, of Grapes, plums Crab apls and a wild
Cherry, Growing like a Comn. Wild Cherry only larger & grows on a Small
bush, on the side of a clift Sand Stone 1/2 me. up & on Lower Side I
marked my name & day of the month near an Indian Mark or Image of
animals & a boat Tried Willard for Sleeping on his post, our hunters
killed some Deer, Saw Elk & Buffalow.
[Clark, July 12, 1804]
July 12th, Thursday 1804
Concluded to Delay here to day with a view of takeing equal altitudes &
makeing observations as well as refreshing our men who are much
fatigued--after an early Brackfast I with five men in a Perogue
assended the River Ne-Ma-haw about 2 miles to the mouth of a Small
Creek on the Lower Side, here I got out of the Perogue, after going to
Several Small Mounds in a leavel plain, I assended a hill on the Lower
Side, on this hill Several Artificial Mounds were raised, from the top
of the highest of those Mounds I had an extensive view of the
Serounding Plains, which afforded one of the most pleasing prospects I
ever beheld, under me a Butifull River of Clear water of about 80 yards
wide Meandering thro a leavel and extensive Meadow, as far as I could
See, the prospect Much enlivened by the fine Trees & Srubs which is
bordering the bank of the river, and the Creeks & runs falling into
it,-. The bottom land is covered with Grass of about 41/2 feet high,
and appears as leavel as a Smoth Surfice, the 2 bottom is also covered
with Grass and rich weeds & flours, interspersed with Copses of the
Osage Plumb. on the riseing lands, Small groves of trees are Seen, with
a numbers of Grapes and a Wild Cherry resembling the Common Wild
Cherry, only larger and grows on a Small bush on the tops of those
hills in every derection. I observed artifical mounds (or as I may more
justly term Graves) which to me is a Strong indication of this Country
being once Thickly Settled. (The Indians of the Missouris Still Keep up
the Custom of Burrying their dead on high ground) after a ramble of
about two miles about I returned to the perogue and decended down the
River, gathd. Som grapes nearly ripe, on a Sandstone Bluff about 1/4 of
a mile from its mouth on the Lower Side I observed Some Indian marks,
went to the rock which jutted over the water and marked my name & the
day of the month & year--This river heads near one of the Villages of
the Pania on the River Blue, a branch of the Kansas River.--above this
river about half a mile the Prarie Comes to the Missouri after my
return to Camp on the Island Completed Som observations, Tred tried a
man for sleeping on his Post & inspected the arms amunition &c. of the
party found all complete, Took Some Luner Obsevations. three Deer
killed to day. Latd. 39° 55' 56" N.
[Lewis and Clark, July 12, 1804]
Camp New Island July 12th 1804.
A Court matial consisting of the two commanding officers will convene
this day at 1 OCk. P.M. for the trial of such prisoners as may be
brought before them; one of the court will act as judge Advocate.
M. Lewis
Wm. Clark
The Commanding officers. Capt. M. Lewis & W. Clark constituted
themselves a Court martial for the trial of Such prisoners as are
Guilty of Capatol Crimes, and under the rules and articles of War
punishable by Death,
Alexander Willard was brought foward Charged with "Lying down and
Sleeping on his post whilst a Sentinal, on the night of the 11th.
Instant" (by John Ordway Sergeant of the Guard)
To this Charge the prisoner pleads. Guilty of Lying Down, and not
Guilty, of Going to Sleep. The Court after Duly Considering the
evidence aduced, are of oppinion that the Prisoner Alexdn. Willard is
guilty of every part of the Charge exhibited against him. it being a
breach of the rules and articles of War (as well as tending to the
probable distruction of the party) do Sentence him to receive One
hundred lashes on his bear back, at four different times in equal
propation.--and order that the punishment Commence this evening at
Sunset, and Continue to be inflicted, (by the Guard) every evening
untill Completed
Wm Clark
M. Lewis
[Clark, July 13, 1804]
My notes of the 13th of July by a Most unfortunate accident blew over
Board in a Storm in the morning of the 14th obliges me to refur to the
Journals of Serjeants, and my own recollection the accurrences Courses
Distance &c. of that day--last night a violent Storm from the N. N, E.-
(1) passed Tar-ki-o River, at 2 miles a chant. running into this river
3 ms. abov forms St Josephs Isld. Passed an elegt Prarie in the 1st
bend to the left. Containg a grass resmlg Timothy, with Seed like flax,
(2) passed a Island in a bend to the S. S. at 12 ms. I walked on Shore
S. S. lands, low & overflows, Killed two Goslings nearly Grown, Sailed
under a Wind from the South all day, Camped on a Sand Island on the L.
Pt. opposit a high & extensiv Prarie, on the S. S. the Hills about 4 or
5 me. off, this Plain appears extensive, great appearance of a Storm
from the North W. this evening verry agreeable the wind Still from the
South-
from the Osagies Nation with twenty odd of the Natives or chiefs of the
Nation with him sailed dowen the Mississippi bound to St Louis & 3 guns
fired showers of rain Showers of Rain all that night
[Clark, July 13, 1804]
July 13th Friday 1804
Set out at Sun rise, and prosd. on under a gentle Breeze, at two miles
passed the mouth of a Small river on the S. S. Called by the Indians
Tarki-o, a Channel running out of the river three miles above (which is
now filled up with Sand) runs into this Creek & and formed a Island
Called St.
Josephs Several Sand bars parralel to each other above--In the first
bend to the left is Situated a Butifull & extensive plain, Cover'd with
Grass resembling Timothy except the Seed which resembles Flax Seed,
this plain also abounds in Grapes of defferent Kinds Some nearly ripe.
I Killed two Goslings nearly Grown, Several others Killed and cought on
Shore, also one old Goose, with pin fethers, She Could not fly--at
about 12 miles passd. a Island Situated in a bend on the S. S. above
this Island is a large Sand bar Covered with willows. The wind from the
South, Camped on a large Sand Bar makeing out from the L. P. opposit a
high hanson Prarie, the hills about 4 or 5 miles on S. S. this plain
appeard extensive, the Clouds appear to geather to the N. W. a most
agreeable Breeze from the South (I walked on Shore on the S. S. the
lands are low Subject to overflow)
Last night at about 10 oClock a violent Storm of wind from the N. N. E.
which lasted with Great violence for about one hour, at which time a
Shower of rain Succeeded.
The men on Shore did not join us this after noon--The river nearly on a
Stand--the high lands on the S. S. has only been Seen at a Distance
above the Nordaway River, those on the S. L. aproaching the river at
every bend, on the Side next to the river well timbered, the opsd. Side
open & the Commencmt. of Plains.
[Clark, July 14, 1804]
July the 14th Satturday Some hard Shours of rain accompaned with Some
wind detained us untill about 7 oClock, we then Set out and proceeded
on about a mile and th atmispeir became Suddenly darkened by a blak &
dismal looking Cloud, we wer in a Situation, near the upper point of a
Sd. Isd. & the opsd Shore falling in in this Situation a Violent Storm
of Wint from the N, E (passing over an Open plain, Struck the boat
nearly Starboard, quatering, & blowing down the Current) the exerssions
of all our Men who were out in an instant, aded to a Strong Cable and
Anchor was Scrcely Sufficent to Keep the boat from being thrown up on
the Sand Island, and dashed to peices the Waves dasthed over on the
Side next to the wind the lockers which was covered with Tarpoling
prevented them coming into the boat untill the Boat was Creaned on the
Side from the Wind in this Situation we continued about 40 minits, the
two perogues about a quater of a mile above, one of them in a Similer
Situation with the Boat, the other under the charge of George Gibson in
a much better position, with her Ster faceing the wind, this Storm
Suddenly Seased, & 1 minit the river was as Smoth as glass, the wind
Shifted to the S. E and we Set Sail, and proceeded on passed (1) a
Small Island on the S. S. and Dined--R. Fields who has charge of the
horses &c. on Shore did not join us last night-. passed a old fort
where Mr. Bennet of St Louis winttered 2 years & traded with the
Otteaus & Parties on the S. S. 1 me. abov the little Island, I went out
on the L. S. and observed two Elk on a land in the river, in attempting
to get near those elk obseved one near us I Shot one. continued on
Shore & thro the bottom which was extensive, Some Small Praries, and a
peponce of high rich & well timbered bottom, in the Glades I saw wild
Timothy, Lams quarter Cuckle burs & rich weed, on the edges Plumbs of
different kinds Grapes, and Goose berries, Camped on the L. S. Ruben
Fields and Gulrich joined the Party two men unwell, one a Felin on his
finger, river fall
[Clark, July 14, 1804]
July 14th, Satturday 1804
Some hard Showers of rain this morning prevented our Setting out untill
7 oClock, at half past Seven, the atmispr. became Sudenly darkened by a
black and dismal looking Cloud, at the time we were in a Situation (not
to be bettered) near the upper point of the Sand Island, on which we
lay, and the opposit Shore, the bank was falling in and lined with
Snags as far as we could See down,-. in this Situation The Storm which
passd over an open Plain from the N. E. Struck the our boat on the
Starbd. quarter, and would have thrown her up on the Sand Island dashed
to peces in an Instant, had not the party leeped out on the Leward Side
and kept her off with the assistance of the ancker & Cable, untill the
Storm was over, the waves Dashed over her windward Side and She must
have filled with water if the Lockers which is covered with Tarpoling &
Threw of the water & prevented any quantity Getting into Bilge of the
Boat
In this Situation we continued about 40 Minits. when the Storm Sudenly
Seased and the river become Instancetaniously as Smoth as Glass.
The two perogus dureing this Storm was in a Similar Situation with the
boat about half a mile above--The wind Shifted to the S. E & We Saled
up passed a Small (1) Isld. Situated on the S. S. and Dined & Continud
two hours, men examine their arms--about a Mile above this Island,
passed a Small Tradeing fort on the S. S. where, Mr. Bennet of St.
Louis Traded with the Otteaus & Panies two years. I went on Shore to
Shoot Some Elk on a Sand bar to the L. S. I fired at one but did not
get him, went out into a large extensive bottom the greater part of
which overflows, the part that dose not overflow, is rich and well
timbered, Some Small open Praries near the hills, the Boat passed the
lower part of a large Island Situated on the S. S. above the Lower
point of this Island on the S. S. a (2) large Creek corns into the
river Called by the Maha's Indians Neesh-nah-ba-to-na 50 yds this is a
considerable Creek nearly as large as the Mine River, and runs parrelel
with the Missouri, the Greater part of its Course. In those Small
Praries or glades I saw wild Timothey, lambs-quarter, Cuckle burs; &
rich weed. on the edges Grows Sumr. Grapes, Plum's, & Gooseberries. I
Joined the boat which had Came to and Camped in a bend opposd. the
large Island before mentioned on the L. S. Several men unwell with
Boils, Felns, &c. The river falls a little.
[Clark, July 15, 1804]
July 15th Sunday 1804. a heavy fog this morning which Detained us
untill 7 oClock, put Drewyer Sgt. Floyd on Shore, at 9 I took two Men
and went on Shore, with a view to Kill Some elk, passed thro open
plains, and barroney lands Crossed three butifull Small Streams of
water, Saw great quantity of Cherres Plums, Grapes & Berries of Difft.
Kinds, the lands Generally of a good quallity, on the Streams the wood
escapes the fire, at about 7 miles I Struck the river at the mouth Ne
ma har Creek about 40 yds wide, near this Creek on a high part of the
Prarie I had a extensive View of the river & Countrey on both Sides. on
S. a contnuation of the plain as far as I could See, on the N. a bottom
Prarie of about 5 ms. wide & 18 or 20 long, hills back of this Plain. I
Swam across the Creek and waited for the Boat about three miles above,
we camped opsd. an Island.
[Clark, July 15, 1804]
July 15th, Sunday a heavy Fog this morning prevented our Setting out
before 7 oClock, at nine I took two men and walked on the L. S. I
crossed three butifull Streems of runnig water heading in the Praries
on those Streem the lands verry fine covered with pea Vine & rich weed
the high Praries are also good land Covered with Grass entirely void of
timber except what grows on the water, I proceeded on thro those
praries Several miles to the mouth of a large Creek on the L. S. called
(2) Ne ma har this is a Small river, about 100 yds. above the mouth it
is 40 yards wide, at the mouth (as all other Creeks & rivers falling
into the Missourie are) much narrower than a little distance up. after
continueing at the mouth of this Creek about an hour, I Swam across and
proceeded on about 3 miles and halted to wate for the boat, which was
Some distance below--In all this days march thro woods & Praries, I
only Saw three Deer & 3 fawns--I had at one part of the Prarie a verry
extensive view of all the Countrey around up and down the river a
Considerable distance, on the Larbd. Sd. one Continul Plain, on the S.
S. Some timber on the bank of the river, for a Short distance back of
this timber is a bottom Plain of four or five miles back to the hills
and under the hills between them & the river this plain appeared to
extend 20 or 30 miles, those Hills have but little timber, and the
Plain appears to Continu back of them--I Saw Great quantities of
Grapes, Plums, or 2 Kinds wild Cherries of 2 Kinds, Hazelnuts, and
Goosberries.
we Camped in a point of woods on the Larboard S. opsd. a large Island.
[Lewis, July 15, 1804]
Sunday July 15th
This evening I discovered that my Chronometer had stoped, nor can I
assign any cause for this accedent; she had been wound up the preceding
noon as usual. This is the third instance in which this instrument has
stopt in a similar manner since she nas been in my possession, tho the
first only since our departure from the River Dubois. in the two
preceding cases when she was again set in motion, and her rate of going
determined by a series of equal altitudes of the sun taken for that
purpose, it was found to be the same precisely as that mentioned in the
preliminary remarks to these observations, or 15 s & 5 tenths too slow
in 24 h-as her rate of going after stoping, and begin again set in
motion has in two instances proved to be the same, I have concluded,
that whatever this impediment may procede from, it is not caused by any
material injury which her works have sustained, and that when she is in
motion, her error on mean time above stated, may be depended on as
accurate. In consequence of the chronometer's having thus accedentally
stoped, I determined to come too at the first convenient place and make
such observations as were necessary to ascertain her error, establish
the Latitude & Longitude, and determine the variation of the nedle, in
order to fix a second point of departure.
[Clark, July 16, 1804]
July 16 1804 Monday
Set out verry early and proceeded on the Side of a Prarie passd the
head of the Island opsd. which we Camped last night, (1) passed a Small
willow Island off the L. point, hills make near the river (2) passed a
large Island nearest the L. S. below the pt. a Small willow Isd. also
one on the Side. this large Island is called fair Sun the wind
favourable from the South. Boat run on a Sawyer, (4) pass a place on
the L. S. where the hill abt. 20 acres has Sliped into the river lately
just above passed under a clift of Sand Stone L. S. a number of Burds
Nests in the holes & crevises of this rock which Continus 2 miles, (5)
passed a willow Island in a Deep bend to the S. S. river 2 mile wide at
this place, note Deed Snags across, passed the Lower point of a Island
called Isle Chauvin Situated on the L. Point opposit an extensive
Prarie on the S. S., This prarie I call Ball pated Prarie from the
range ball hills, at from 3 to 6 miles from the river as far as my
Sight will extend, we camped in a point of woods opsd. the Isd. on S.
S. in a bend.
[Clark, July 16, 1804]
July 16th Monday 1804
Set out this morning verry early and proceeded on under a gentle breeze
from the S passed the upper point of the Island an extensive Prarie on
the L. S. passed a large (1) Island Called Fair Sun Isd. a Small willow
Isld. at the lower point on the L. S. the boat passd on the L. S. of
those Islands Several Small Sand Islands in the Channel, the Boat run
on the point of a Snag, (2) passed a place above the Island L. S. where
about 20 acres of the hill has latterly Sliped into the river above a
clift of Sand Stone for about two miles, the resort of burds of
Different Kinds to reare their young. (5) Passed a willow Island in a
Deep Bend to the S. S. opposit the river is about two miles wide, and
not verry Deep as the Snag may be Seen across, Scattering, passed the
Lower point of an Island called by French Chauvin's Situated off the L.
Point opposit an extensive Prarie on the S. S. This Prarie I call Ball
gated Prarie, from a range of Ball Hills parrelel to the river & at
from 3 to 6 miles distant from it, and extends as far up & Down as I
Can See, we Camped in a point of woods on the L. S. above the Lower
point of the Island. river falling.
[Lewis, July 16, 1804]
Monday 16th we set out at an early hour; the morning was cloudy; could
find no convenient situation for observation; proceeded untill a little
before noon when we came too On the Lard. Shore opposite to the center
of good Island where I observed the meridian altitude of O's L. L. with
Octant by the back observation, wich gave me the Latitude--40° 20' 12" N.
I now set the Chronometer as near noon as this observation would enable
me, and proceeded untill evening, when we came too on the Stard. shore
opposite the lower point of the Island of the Bald prarie where we
encamped.
[Clark, July 17, 1804]
July 17th Tuesday, we concluded to lay by today to fix the Longitude,
and get the Cronometer right, (She run down Day before yesterday),
Several men out hunting to day Capt. Lewis rode out to Neesh-nahba-to
na Creek which passes thro. the Prarie (on which there is Some few
trees) within ____ Mile of the Missoureis, wind from the S E. Several
of the party have tumers of different Kinds Some of which is verry
troublesom and dificuilty to cure. I took a meridian altitude (43° 27')
which made the Lattitude of this place 40° 27' 6" 4/10 North.--(The Ball
Hills bear N 25° W for 30 mes. The bend on L. S. passing the Isd. on the
right Side is N. 28° W. 4 ms.) Took equal altitudes Tried a part of the
comn pt. of the Current in 40 Seconds the water run 50 fathem 30" & 20"
in places
Cap Lewers returned, Saw Some hand Som Countrey, the Creek near the
high land is rapid and nearly as muddy as the river, & rising Gutrich
caught two verry fat Cat fish G Drewyer Killed 3 Deer, & R Fields one,
a puff of wind brought Swarms of Misquitors, which disapeared in two
hours, blown off by a Continuation of the Same brees.
[Clark, July 17, 1804]
Bald Pated Prarie July 17th, Tuesday 1804 We Concluded lay by at this
place to day to fix the Lattitude & Longitude of this place to Correct
the cromometer run down Sunday) Several men out by day light hunting
Capt. Lewis Concid. to ride out to Neesh-nah-ba-to-na Creek which
passes under the ball hills near this place and at one place a little
above this Camp is within 300 yards of the Missouris on this Creek
grows Some few trees of oake walnut & mulberry. I took Meridian
altitude of sun L. L. (43° 27') which made the Lattitude 40° 27' 5" 4/10
North--wind from the South E. Several of the party much aflicted with
turners of different Kinds, Som of which is verry troublesom and
dificuelt to cure. Capt. Louis returned in the evening. he Saw Som hand
Some Countrey & Says that the aforesaid Creek is rapid muddey and
running--This Creek which is at 10 or 12 from its mouth, within 300 yds
of the river is at least 16 foot Lower than the river--The high Lands
from our Camp in this Bald Pated Prarie bears N 25° W. up the R.
The Common Current taken with a Log runs 50 fathen in 40"Some places
much Swifter in 30" and even 20 Seconds of time--five Deer killed to day
[Clark, July 18, 1804]
July 18th Wednesday a fair morning the river falling fast, Set out at
Sunrise under a gentle Breeze from S. E by S. at 3 miles passed the
head of the Island on L. S. called by the French Chauve or bald pate
(1) opsd. the middle of this Island the Creek on L. S. is within 300
yds. of the river. back of this Island the lower point of (2) another
Island in the bend to the L. S. passed large Sand bar making out from
each point with many channels passing through them, "Current runs 50
fathm. in 41 Seconds" but little timber on either Side of the river,
except the Isds. & points which are low wet & Covered with lofty trees,
Cotton wood Mulberry Elm &c. &c. passed the head of a long Island in
high water at this time no water passes thro the Channel (3) opposit
the Lower point of a Island on the L. S. pass the Island and opsd. the
point (4) above & on the L. S. the hills come to the river, This Hill
has Sliped into the river for about 3/4 of a mile, and leaves a Bluff
of considerable hight back of it this Hill is about 200 foot high
compsd. of Sand Stone inter mingled with Iron ore of an inferior
quallity on a bed of Soft Slate Stone.
We passed a verry bad Sand bar (4) a little above the hill and incmpd
on the L. S. opposit a Small Island in the river, Saw a Dog this
evening appeared to be nearly Starved to death, he must have been left
by Some party of Hunters we gave him Some meet, he would not come near,
G Drewrer brought in 2 Deer this evening
[Clark, July 18, 1804]
July 18th Wednesday 1804 a fair morning the river falling fast Set out
this morning at Sun rise under a Gentle Breeze from the S. E. by S.
passing over the Prarie, at about 3 Miles we passed the head of the
Island L. S. Called by the French Chaube or Bald pate opposit the
middle of (1) This Island the Creek on the S. S. is nearest the river,
In high water an Island is formed in the bind above the last (2)-
Measured the Current and found that in forty one Seconds it run yo
fathoms but little timber is to be Seen except in the Low points on
Islands & on Creeks, the Groth of timber is generally cotton Mulberry
Elm Sycomore &c &c. passed a Island on the 2d point to the S. S.
opposite the water (3) whin high passes out in the Plain oppsid this
Island on the L. S. the hills jut to the river (4) this Hill has Sliped
from the top which forms a Bluff above & 200 foot above the water,
about 3/4 of a mile in length & about 200 feet in Depth has Sliped into
the river it is Composed of Sand Stone intermixed with an indiffert.
Iron ore near the bottom or next to the water is a Soft Slate Stone,
Som pebble is also intermixt, we passed a verry bad Sand bar and
incamped on the L. S. at the lower point of the oven Islands & opposit
the Prarie Calld. by the french Four le Tourtue Saw a Dog nearly
Starved on the bank, gave him Som meet, he would not follow, our
hunters killed 2 Deer to day
[Clark, July 19, 1804]
July 19th after breakfast which was on a rosted Ribs of a Deer a little
and a little Coffee I walked on Shore intending only to Keep up with
the Boat, Soon after I got on Shore, Saw Some fresh elk Sign, which I
was induced to prosue those animals by their track to the hills after
assending and passing thro a narrow Strip of wood Land, Came Suddenly
into an open and bound less Prarie, I Say bound less because I could
not See the extent of the plain in any Derection, the timber appeared
to be confined to the River Creeks & Small branches, this Prarie was
Covered with grass about 18 Inches or 2 feat high and contained little
of any thing else, except as before mentioned on the River Creeks &c,
This prospect was So Sudden & entertaining that I forgot the object of
my prosute and turned my attention to the Variety which presented
themselves to my view after continueing on this rise for Some minits, I
deturmined to make my course to a line of woods to S. E. I found in
this wood a butifull Streem of running water, in prosuing it down
Several others Joined it and at 3 miles fell into the river between 2
clifts, I went up & under one clift of dark rich Clay for 1/2 me. above
this a Clay bank which had Sliped in here I found Sand Stone Containing
Iron ore, this ore appears to be inbeded under the Clay just above the
water
[Clark, July 19, 1804]
July 19th Thursday 1804
Set out early pass between 2 Islands one in mid. & the other L. S.
opsd. wher Prarie aproaches the river S. S. This place is called the
Bakers oven or in french Four le Tour tere passd. Some highlands 41/2
ms. above the Isds. on the L. S. forming a Clift to the river of yellow
earth, on the top a Prarie, passd. many a bad Sand bar in this
distance, & the river wide & Shallow, above this Clift 2 Small
butiffull runs Come from the Plains & fall into the river, a Deer lick
on the first, above those two Creeks, I found in my walk on Shore Some
ore in a bank which had Sliped in to the river 3/4 me. above the
Creeks, I took a cerequite around & found that those two runs mentioned
contained a good proposion of wood Surrounded by a plain, with grass
about 18 Inchs. high, (Capt Lewis walked on Shore after Dinner) in the
first bind to the right above those Runs passed a Small Island opsd. is
a Sand bar I call this Island Butter Island, as at this place we mad
use of the last of our butter, as we approach this Great River Platt
the Sand bars are much more noumerous than they were, and the quick &
roleing Sands much more danjerous, where the Praries aproach the river
it is verry wide, the banks of those Plains being much easier to
undermine and fall than the wood land passed (4) a willow Island
Situated near the middle of the river, a Sand bar on the S. S. and a
Deep bend to the L S. camped on the right Side of the Willow Island-W.
Bratten hunting on the L. S Swam to the Island. Hunters Drewyer killed
2 Deer, Saw great numbers of young gees. The river Still falling a
little Sand bars thick always in view.
[Clark, July 19, 1804]
July 19th, Thursday 1804
Set out early passed between two Small Islands, one in the middle of
the river, the other Close on the L S. opposit a prarie S. S. Called
(1) by the french Four le tourtre, The Bakers oven Islands, passed (2)
Some high Clift 41/2 miles above the Islands on the L. S. of yellow
earth passed Several Sand bars that were wide and at one place verry
Shallow (two Small butifull runs falls into the river near each other
at this Clift, a Deer Lick 200 yards up the Lowest of those runs) Those
runs head at no great distance in the plains and pass thro of timber to
the river. In my walk on Shore I found Some ore in the bank above those
runs which I take to be Iron ore (3) at this place the Side of the hill
has Sliped about half way into the river for 3/4 of a Mile forming a
Clift from the top of the hill above. In the first bend to the right
passed a Small Island a Sand bar opposit,--worthey of remark as we
approach this great River Plate the Sand bars much more numerous and
the quick or moveing Sands much worst than they were below at the
places where Praries approach the river it is verry wide those places
being much easier to wash & under Mine than the wood Land's. (4) passed
a Willow Isd. Situated near the Middle of the river and a large Sand
makeing out from the S. S. a Deep bend to the L S. we Camped at the
head of this Island on the Starboard Side of it, Hunters Killed Two
Deer. Saw great numbers of young Gees River falling a little.
[Clark, July 20, 1804]
July 20th Friday 1804, a fog this morning and verry Cool George Drewyer
Sick proceed on over a Sand bar, Bratten Swam the river to get his gun
& Clothes left last night psd a large willow Isd. on the L. S. (1)
passed the mouth of l'Eau que pleure the English of which is the water
which Cry's this Creek is about 20 yards wide falls into the river
above a Gift of brown Clay L. S. opposit a willow Island, at this Creek
I went on Shore took R Fields with me and went up this Creek Several
miles & crossed thro the plains to the river above with the view of
finding Elk, we walked all day through those praries without Seeing
any, I killed an emence large yellow Wolf-The Countrey throu which we
walked after leaveing the Creek was good land covered with Grass
interspersed with Groves & Scattering timber near and about the heads
of Branches one of them without Suckcess, Camped above the bar on the
L. S. a verry agreeable Breeze all night Serjt. Pryor & Jo. Fields
brought in two Deer river Still falling. a large Spring 3/4 me. below
camp
[Clark, July 20, 1804]
July 20th, Friday 1804
a cool morning passed a large willow Island (1) on the S. S. and the
mouth of Creek about 25 yds. wide on the L. S. Called by the french
l'Eue-que pleure, or the the Water Which Cry's this Creek falls into
the river above a Clift of brown Clay opposit the Willow Island, I went
out above the mouth of this Creek and walked the greater part of the
day thro Plains interspesed with Small Groves of Timber on the branches
and Some Scattering trees about the heads of the runs, I Killed a Verry
large yellow wolf, The Soil of Those Praries appears rich but much
Parched with the frequent fires-" after I returned to the Boat we
proceeded around a large Sand bar makeing out from the L. S. opsd. a
fountain of water comeing out of a hill L. S. and affording water
Suffient to turn a mill
The Praries as far as I was out appeared to be well watered, with Small
Streems of running water Serjt. Pryor & Jo. Fields brought in two Deer
this evening--a verry Pleasent Breeze from the N. W. all night--river
falling a little, It is wothey of observation to mention that our party
has been much healthier on the Voyage than parties of the Same Number
is in any other Situation Turners have been troublesom to them all
From this evenings incampment a man may walk to the Pane Village on the
S bank of the Platt River in two days, and to the Otteaus in one day
all those Indians are Situated on the South bank of the Plate River, as
those Indians are now out in the praries following & Hunting the
buffalow, I fear we will not See them.
[Lewis, July 21, 1804]
July 21, 1804
by a boiling motion or ebolition of it's waters occasioned no doubt by
the roling and irregular motion of the sand of which its bed is
entirely composed. the particles of this sand being remarkably small
and light it is easily boied up and is hurried by this impetuous
torrent in large masses from place to place in with irristable forse,
collecting and forming sandbars in the course of a few hours which as
suddingly disapated to form others and give place perhaps to the
deepest channel of the river. where it enters the Missouri it's
superior force changes and directs the courant of that river against
it's northern bank where it is compressed within a channel less than
one third of the width it had just before occupyed. it dose not furnish
the missouri with it's colouring matter as has been asserted by some,
but it throws into it immence quantities of sand and gives a celerity
to it's courant of which it abates but little untill it's junction with
the Mississippy. the water of this river is turbid at all seasons of
the year but is by no means as much so as that of the Missourie. The
sediment it deposits, consists of very fine particles of white sand
while that of the Missoury is composed principally of a dark rich
loam-in much greater quantity
21st July from the experiments and observations we were enabled to make
with rispect to the comparative velocities of the courants of the
rivers Mississippi Missouri and Plat it results that a vessel will
float in the Mississippi below the entrance of the Missouri at the rate
of four miles an hour. in the Missouri from it's junction with the
Mississsippi to the entrance of the Osage river from 51/2 to 6 from
thence to the mouth of the Kanzas from 61/2 to 7. from thence to the
Platte 51/2 while the Plat is at least 8.--The Missouri above the
junction of the river plat is equal to about 31/2 miles an hour as far
as the mouth of the Chyenne where its courant still abates and becomes
equal to about three miles an hour from information it dose not
increase it's volocity for
[Clark, July 21, 1804]
July 21st Satturday, Set out verry early and a Gentle Breeze from the
S. E proceeded on very well, passed a (1) Willow Island L. S. opsd. a
bad Sand bar passed Some high land covered with Timber, in this Hill is
Semented rock & Limestone the water runs out and forms Several little
Islands in (2) high water on the S. S. a large Sand bar on the S. S.
above and opposit the wooded High Land, at about 7 oClock the wind
Seased and it Commenced raining passed many Sand bars opposit or in the
Mouth of the Great River Plate this river which is much more rapid than
the Missourie has thrown out imence quantities of Sand forming large
Sand Banks at its mouth and forced the Missourie Close under the S. S.
the Sands of this river Comes roleing down with the Current which is
Crowded with Sand bars and not 5 feet water at any place across its
mouth, the Rapidity of the Current of this river which is greater than
that of the Missourie, its width at the Mouth across the bars is about
3/4 of a mile, higher up I am told by one of the bowmen that he was 2
winters on this river above and that it does not rise 7 feet, but
Spreds over 3 miles at Some places, Capt Lewis & my Self went up Some
Distance & Crossed found it Shallow. This river does not rise over 6 or
7 feet
Proceeded on passed the mouth of Papillion or Butter fly Creek 3 miles
on the L. S. a large Sand bar opposit on that Side Camped above this
baron L. S. a great number of wolves about us all night R. Fields
killed a Deer hard wind N. W. cold
[Clark, July 21, 1804]
July 21st, Satturday 1804
Set out early under a gentle breeze from the S. E. proceeded on verry
well, passed (1) a willow Island on the L. S. opposit a bad Sand bar,
Some high lands covered with timber L. S in this hill is limestone &
Seminted rock of Shels &c. (2) in high water the opposit Side is cut
thro by Several Small Channels, forming Small Islands, a large Sand bar
opposit the Hill at 7 oClock the wind luled and it Commnc'd raining,
arrived at the lower Mouth of the Great River Platt at 10 oClock (about
3 ms. above the Hill of wood land, the Same range of High land Continus
within 3/4 of a mile of the mouth below) This Great river being much
more rapid than the Missourie forces its current against the opposit
Shore, The Current of This river Comes with great Velocity roleing its
Sands into the Missouri, filling up its Bend & Compelling it to
incroach on the S Shore--we found great dificuelty in passing around
the Sand at the mouth of this River Capt Lewis and My Self with 6 men
in a perogue went up this Great river Plate about 1 miles, found the
Current verry rapid roleing over Sands, passing through different
Channels none of them more than five or Six feet deep, about 600 yards
Wide at the mouth--I am told by one of our Party who wintered two
winters on This river that "it is much wider above, and does not rise
more than five or Six feet" Spreds verry and from its rapidity &
roleing Sands Cannot be navagated with Boats or Perogues--The Indians
pass this river in Skin Boats which is flat and will not turn over. The
Otteaus a Small nation reside on the South Side 10 Leagues up, the
Panies on the Same Side 5 Leagus higher up--about 10 Leagus up this
river on the S. Side a Small river Comes into the Platt Called Salt
River, "The waters So brackish that it Can't be Drank at Some Seasons"
above this river & on the North Side a Small river falls into the Platt
Called Elk River This river runs Parralal withe the Missouri--at 3
miles passed a Small river on the L. S. Called Papillion or Butterfly
C. 18 yds. wide a large Sand bar off the mouth, we proceeded on to get
to a good place to Camp and Delay a fiew days, passed around this Sand
bar and Came to for the night on the L. S. a verry hard wind from the
N. W. I went on Shore S. S. and proceeded up one mile thro high Bottom
land open a Great number of wolves about us this evening
[Clark, July 22, 1804]
July 22nd Sunday Set out verry early with a view of getting Some
timbered land & a good Situation to take equil altitudes in time
proceeded on nearly a North 15° W 7 ms. to a pt. S. S. opposit Some high
Lands on L. S. above the upper point of a long willow Island in the
middle of the river 6 Deer killed to Day we deturmined to Stay here 4
or 5 days to take & make obsvts. & refresh our men also to Send
Despatches back to govement--Wind hard N. W. Cold
[Clark, July 22, 1804]
22nd of July 1804
Completlly arranged our Camp, posted two Sentinals So as to Completely
guard the Camp, formd bowers for the min $cc. &. Course from R Plate N
15° W. 10 Ms.
[Clark, July 22, 1804]
July 22nd, Sunday 1804
Set out verry early with a view of Getting to Some Situation above in
time to take equal altitudes and take Observations, as well as one
Calculated to make our party Comfortabl in a Situation where they Could
recive the benifit of a Shade--passed a large Sand bar opposit a Small
river on the L. S. at 3 miles above Plate Called Papillion or Butterfly
Creek a Sand bar & an Willow Island opposit a Creek 9 ms. above the
Plate on the S. S. Called Mosquitos Creek Prarie on both Sides of the
river. Came too and formed a Camp on the S. S. above a Small Willow
Island, and opposit the first Hill which aproach the river on the L. S.
and covered with timbers of Oake Walnut Elm &c. &. This being a good
Situation and much nearer the Otteaus town than the Mouth of the Platt,
we concluded to delay at this place a fiew days and Send for Some of
the Chiefs of that nation to let them Know of the Change of Government,
The wishes of our Government to Cultivate friendship with them, the
Objects of our journy and to present them with a flag and Some Small
presents
Some of our Provisions in the French Perogue being wet it became
necessary to Dry them a fiew days--Wind hard from N W. five Deer Killed
to day--The river rise a little
[Lewis, July 22, 1804]
July 22nd 1804.
A summary discription of the apparatus employed in the following
observations; containing also some remarks on the manner in which they
have been employed, and the method observed in recording the
observations made with them.
1st--a brass Sextant of 10 Inches radius, graduated to 15 which by the
assistance of the nonius was devisible to 15"; and half of this sum by
means of the micrometer could readily be distinguished, therefore-7.5"
of an angle was perceptible with this instrument; she was also
furnished with three eye-pieces, consisting of a hollow tube and two
telescopes one of which last reversed the images of observed objects.
finding on experiment that the reversing telescope when employed as the
eye-piece gave me a more full and perfect image than either of the
others, I have most generally imployed it in all the observations made
with this instrument; when thus prepared I found from a series of
observations that the quantity of her index error was 8' 45"-; this sum
is therefore considered as the standing error of the instrument unless
otherwise expressly mentioned. the altitudes of all objects, observed
as well with this instrument as with the Octant were by means of a
reflecting surface; and those stated to have been taken with the
sextant are the degrees, minutes, &c shewn by the graduated limb of the
instrument at the time of observation and are of course the double
altitudes of the objects observed.
2ed--A common Octant of 14 Inches radius, graduated to 20', which by
means of the nonius was devisbile to 1', half of this sum, or 30" was
perceptible by means of a micrometer. this instrument was prepared for
both the fore and back observation; her error in the fore observation
is 2°+, & and in the back observtion 2° r 1' 40.3" + at the time of our
departure from the River Dubois untill the present moment, the sun's
altitude at noon has been too great to be reached with my sextant, for
this purpose I have therefore employed the Octant by the back
observation. the degrees ' & ", recorded for the sun's altitude by the
back observation express only the angle given by the graduated limb of
the instrument at the time of observation, and are the complyment of
the double Altitude of the sun's observed limb; if therefore the angle
recorded be taken from 180° the remainder will be the double altitude of
the observed object, or that which would be given by the fore
observation with a reflecting surface.
3rd--An Artificial Horizon on the construction recommended and
practiced by Mr. Andrw. Ellicott of Lancaster, Pensyla., in which water
is used as the reflecting surface; believing this artificial Horizon
liable to less error than any other in my possession, I have uniformly
used it when the object observed was sufficiently bright to reflect a
distinct immage; but as much light is lost by reflection from water I
found it inconvenient in most cases to take the altitude of the moon
with this horizon, and that of a star impracticable with any degree of
accuracy.
4th--An Artificial Horizon constructed in the manner recommended by Mr.
Patterson of Philadelphia; glass is here used as the reflecting
surface. this horizon consists of a glass plane with a single
reflecting surface, cemented to the flat side of the larger segment of
a wooden ball; adjusted by means of a sperit-level and a triangular
stand with a triangular mortice cut through it's center sufficiently
large to admit of the wooden ball partially; the stand rests on three
screws inserted near it's angles, which serve as feet for it to rest on
while they assist also in the adjustment. this horizon I have employed
in taking the altitude of the sun when his image he has been reather
too dull for a perfect reflection from water; I have used it generally
in taking the altitude of the moon, and in some cases of the stars
also; it gives the moon's image very perfectly, and when carefully
adjusted I consider it as liable to but little error.
5th--An Artificial Horizon formed of the index specula of a Sextant
cemented to a flat board; adjusted by means of a sperit level and the
triangular stand before discribed. as this glass reflects from both
surfaces it gives the images of all objects much more bright than
either of the other horizons; I have therefore most generally employed
it in observing the altitudes of stars
6th--A Chronometer; her ballance-wheel and escapement were on the most
improved construction. she rested on her back, in a small case prepared
for her, suspended by an universal joint. she was carefully wound up
every day at twelve oclock. Her rate of going as asscertained by a
series of observations made by myself for that purpose was found to be
15 Seconds and a 5 tenths of a second too slow in twenty four howers on
Mean Solar time. This is nearly the same result as that found by Mr.
Andrew Ellicott who was so obliging as to examine her rate of going for
the space of fourteen days, in the summer 1803. her rate of going as
ascertained by that gentleman was 15.6 s too slow M. T. in 24 h. and
that she went from 3 to 4 s. slower the last 12 h, than she did the
first 12 h. after being wound up.
at 12 OCk. on the 14th day of may 1804 (being the day on which the
detachment left the mouth of the River Dubois) the Chronometer was too
fast M. T. 6 m. 32 s. & 2/10.--This time-piece was regulated on
meantime, and the time entered in the following observations is that
shewn by her at the place of observation. the day is recconed on Civil
time, (i e) commencing at midnight.
7th--A Circumferentor, circle 6 Inches diameter, on the common
construction; by means of this instrument adjusted with the sperit
level, I have taken the magnetic azimuth of the sun and pole Star. It
has also been employed in taking the traverse of the river:--from the
courses thus obtained, together with the distances estimated from point
to point, the chart of the Missouri has been formed which now
accompanys these observations. the several points of observation are
marked with a cross of red ink, and numbered in such manner as to
correspond with the celestial observations made at those points
respectively.
[Clark, July 23, 1804]
Camp 10 Ms. above the river Plate Monday July the 23rd
a fair morning--Sent out a party of 5 men to look to timber for Ores
two other parties to hunt at 11 oClock Sent, G. Drewyer & Peter Crusett
1/2 Indn. to the Otteaus Village about 18 ms. West of our Camp, to
invite the Chiefs & principal men of that nation to come & talk with us
&. &., also the panic if they Should meet with any of that nation (also
on the S. Side of the Plate 30 ms. higher up) (at this Season of the
year all the Indians in this quater are in the Plains hunting the
Buffalow from Some Signs Seen by our hunter and the Praries being on
fire in the derection of the Village induce a belief that the Nation
have returned to get green Corn) raised a flag Staff put out Some
provisions which got wet in the french Perogue to Sun & Dry--I
commenced Coppying my map of the river to Send to the Presdt. of U S.
by the Return of a pty of Soldiers, from Illinois five Deer Killed--one
man a bad riseing on his left breast. Wind from the N. W.
[Clark, July 23, 1804]
Camp White Catfish 10 Miles above the Platt River
Monday the 23rd of July 1804
A fair morning Set a party to look for timber for Ores, two parties to
hunt. at 11 oClock Sent off George Drewyer & Peter Crousett with Some
tobacco to invite the Otteaus if at their town and Panies if they Saw
them to Come and talk with us at our Camp &c. &c. (at this Season the
Indians on this river are in the Praries Hunting the Buffalow but from
Some Signs of hunters near this place & the Plains being on fire near
their towns induce a belief that they this nation have returned to get
Some Green Corn or rosting Ears) raised a flag Staff Sund & Dryed our
provisions &c. I commence Coppying a map of the river below to Send to
the P. ____ U S five Deer Killed to day one man with a turner on his
breast, Prepared our Camp the men put their arms in order
Wind hard this afternoon from the N. W.
Equal altitudes taken at the White Catfish Camp, 10 miles above the
river Platt-
[Clark, July 24, 1804]
White Catfish Camp 24th of July Tuesday. a fair morning the wind rose
with the Sun & blows hard from the S. thos Southerley Breezes are dry
Cool & refreshing. the Northerley Breezes which is more frequent is
much Cooler, and moist, I continue my Drawing. Cap Lewis also ingaged
prepareing Som paper to Send back, one of the men cought a white
Catfish, the eyes Small, & Tale resembling that of a Dolfin.
[Clark, July 24, 1804]
White Catfish Camp 10 Ms. above Platt
24th, of July 1804 Tuesday a fair day the wind blows hard from the
South, the Breezes which are verry frequent on this part of the
Missouri is cool and refreshing. Several hunters out to day; but as the
game of all Kinds are Scarce only two Deer were brought in--I am much
engaged drawing off a map, Capt. Lewis also much engaged in prepareing
Papers to Send back by a pirogue--Which we intended to Send back from
the river Plate--observations at this place makes the Lattitude 41° 3'
19" North
This evening Guthrege Cought a white Catfish, its eyes Small & tale
much like that of a Dolfin
[Clark, July 25, 1804]
White Catfish Camp 25th of July Wednesday. Several hunters Sent out. at
2 oClock the Two men Sent to the Otteaz Village returned and informed
that no Indians were at the Town they Saw Some fresh Sign near that
place which they persued, but Could not find them, they having taken
precausions to Conceal the rout which they went out from the Villagethe
Inds. of the Missouries being at war with one & the other or other
Indians, move in large bodies and Sometimes the whole nation Continue
to Camp together on their hunting pls. Those men inform that they
passed thro a open Plain all the way to the Town a feiw Trees excepted
on the watercourses--they Cross the papillion or the Butterfly Creek
within a feiw miles of Camp and near the Village a handsm. river of 100
yards Wide Called the Corne de chearf or the Elkhorn, which mouths
below the Town in the Plate N. Side. Wind from the S. E. 2 Deer & a
Turkey Killed to Day Several Grous Seen in the Prarie
[Clark, July 25, 1804]
White Catfish Camp
25th of July Wednesday a fair morning Several hunters out today at 2
oClock Drewyer & Peter returned from the Otteaus Village; and informs
that no Indians were at their towns, They Saw Some fresh Signs of a
Small party but Could not find them. in their rout to the Towns (Which
is about 18 miles West) they passed thro a open Prarie Crossed
papillion or Butterfly Creek and a Small butifull river which run into
the Platt a little below the Town Called Corne de charf or Elk Horn
river this river is about 100 yards wide with Clear water & a gravely
Channel.--wind from the S. E two Deer Killed to day 1 Turkey Several
Grous Seen to day.
[Clark, July 26, 1804]
Whit Catfish Camp 26th of July Thursday. the wind blew Verry hard all
Day from the South with Clouds of Sand which incomoded me verry much in
my tent, and as I could not Draw in the Boat was obliged Combat with
the Misqutr. under a Shade in the woods-. I opened the Breast of a man
the discharge gave him ease &c. 5 beaver Caught near Camp-only 1 Deer
Killed to day. The Countrey back from Camp on the S. S. is a bottom of
about 5 ms. wide one half the Distn. timber, the other high bottom
Prarie, the opsd. Side a high Hill about 170 foot rock foundatio.
Timbered back & below. a Prarie
[Clark, July 26, 1804]
Catfish which is White Camp
26th of July Thursday 1804 the wind blustering and hard from the South
all day which blowed the Clouds of Sand in Such a manner that I could
not complete my pan in the tent, the Boat roled in Such a manner that I
could do nothing in that, I was Compessed to go to the woods and Combat
with the Musqutors, I opened the Turner of a man on the left breast,
which discharged half a point.
five Beever Cought near this Camp the flesh of which we made use of-
This evening we found verry pleasent--only one Deer Killed to day. The
Countrey back from Camp on the S. S. is a bottom of about five mile
wide, one half the distance wood & the ball. plain high & Dry. the
opposed Side a high Hill about 170 foot rock foundation, Covd. with
timber, back & below is a Plain.
[Lewis, July 27, 1804]
white Catfish Camp July 27th Friday,
Charged the Boat and Perogue after a Small Shower of rain, Completed
our ores & poles, Crossed over the two horses, with a View of their
going on the S W. Side of the Missouri and Set out at Half past 1
oClock proceeded on Verry well under a gentle Breeze. passed a high
Island of high wood land on the L. Side just above Camp, this Island is
formed by a pond Supplied by a great number of Springs from this hill,
this Pond has 2 out lets, & when the river is high the water passes
thro the pond, passed a Sand Island in the 2nd bend to the right.
Camped in a bend to the L. S. in Some wood, I took R. Fields & walked
on Shore & Killed a Deer, and did not get to the Boat untile after
night a butifull Breeze from the N W. this evening which would have
been verry agreeable, had the Misquiters been tolerably Pacifick, but
thy were rageing all night, Some about the Sise of house flais
[Clark, July 27, 1804]
White Catfish Camp 10 ms above Platt
27th of July Friday, a Small Shower of rain this morning, at 10 oClock
Commence Loading the Boat & perogue; had all the Ores Completely fixed;
Swam over the two remaining horses to the L. S. with the view of the
Hunters going on that Side, after Getting everry thing Complete, we Set
Sale under a gentle breeze from the South and proceeded on, passed a
Island (formd by a Pond fed by Springs) on the L. S. of high Land
Covered with timber, in the 2nd bend to the right a large Sand Island
in the river a high Prarie on the S. S.-. as we were Setting out to day
one man Killed a Buck & another Cut his Knee verry bad Camped in a Bend
to the L. Side in a Coops of Trees, a verry agreeable Breeze from the N
W. this evening. I Killed a Deer in the Prarie and found the Misquitors
So thick & troublesom that it was disagreeable and painfull to Continue
a moment Still.
I took one man R. Fields and walked on Shore with a View of examoning
Som mounds on the L. S. of the river--those mounds I found to be of
Deffirent hight Shape & Size, Some Composed of Sand Some earth & Sand,
the highest next to the river all of which covered about 200 acres of
land, in a circular form on the Side from the river a low bottom &
Small Pond. The Otteaus formerly lived here I did not get to the boat
untile after night.
[Clark, July 28, 1804]
July 28th Satturday Set out this morning early, the wind blou from the
N. W. by N. a Dark Smokey Morning, Some rain at 1 me. passed a Bluff on
the S. S. it being the first high land approachig the river above the
Nodaway, a Island and Creek S. S. just abov this creek I call Indian
Knob G. Drewyer Came with a Deer &informs he heard fireing to the S. W.
I walked on Shore on the S. S. found some good Prarie out from the S.
pt. The High Lands approach the river 1st bend to left The party on
Shore brought in a Missouri Indian who resides with the Otteauz, this
Indian & 2 others were Hunting in the Prarie their Camp is about 4
miles off. This Indian informs that his nation is in the Plains hunting
the Buffalow, the party with which he is encamped is about 20 familey
Hunting the Elk, we landed on S. S. below an Island
[Clark, July 28, 1804]
July the 28th, Satturday 1804
Set out this morning early, the wind from the N W. by N. a Dark Smokey
morning Some rain passed at 1 me. a Bluff on the S. S. the first high
land above the Nodaway aproaching the river on that Side a Island and
Creek 15 yds. wide on the S. S. above this Bluff, as this Creek has no
name call it Indian Knob Creek our party on Shore Came to the river and
informs that they heard fireing to the S W. below this High Land on the
S. S. the Aiawuay Indians formerly lived, The flank came in & informed
they heard two Guns to the S. W. the highland approaches in the 1st
bend to the left, we camped on the S. S. below the point of an Island,
G Drewyer brought in a Missourie Indian which he met with hunting in
the Prarie This Indian is one of the fiew remaining of that nation, &
lives with the Otteauz, his Camp about 4 miles from the river, he
informs that the great gangue of the nation were hunting the Buffalow
in the Plains. hs party was Small Consisting only of about 20 Lodges,
____ miles furthr a nother Camp where there was a french man, who lived
in the nation, This Indian appeard spritely, and appeared to make use
of the Same pronouncation of the Osarge, Calling a Chief Inca
July 29th SundayWe Sent one frenchman le Liberty & the Indian to the
Camp to envite the party to meet us at the next bend of High Land on
the L. S. a Dark morning wind from the W. N. W. rained all last night
Set out at 5 oClock &, proceeded on passed the Island, opposit this
Island on the S. S. the Creek called Indian Knob Creek which mouths
Several miles on a Direct line below, is within 20 feet of the Missouri
& about 5 feet higher
Cought three large Cat fish to day verry fat one of them nearly white
those Cat are So plenty that they may be Cought in any part of this
river but fiew fish of any other Kind.
(4) at the commencement of this course passed much fallen timber
apparently the ravages of a dreadful haricane which had passed
obliquely across the river from N. W. to S. E. about twelve months
since. many trees were broken off near the ground the trunks of which
were sound and four feet in diameter.
Willard lost his gun in Bowyers R. R. Fields Dive & brought it up All
the Wood Land on this part of the Missouries Appear to be Confined to
the Points & Islands.
Boyers River is provably 25 yds. Wide, Willard near loseing his Gun in
this river, two men Sick & Sevral with Boils, a Cold Day Wind from the
N W. Som rain the fore part of the Day.
[Clark, July 29, 1804]
July 29th Sunday 1804
Sent a french man la Liberty with the Indian to Otteaze Camp to invite
the Indians to meet us on the river above--a Dark rainey morning wind
from the W. N. W.--rained all the last night--Set out at 5 oClock
opposit the (1) Island, the bend to the right or S. S. is within 20
feet of Indian Knob Creek, the water of this Creek is 5 feet higher
than that of the River. passed the Isld. we Stoped to Dine under Some
high Trees near the high land on the L. S. in a fiew minits Cought
three verry large Catfish (3) one nearly white, Those fish are in great
plenty on the Sides of the river and verry fat, a quart of Oile Came
out of the Surpolous fat of one of these fish (4) above this high land
& on the S. S. passed much falling timber apparently the ravages of a
Dreadfull harican which had passed obliquely across the river from N.
W. to S E about twelve months Since, many trees were broken off near
the ground the trunks of which were Sound and four feet in Diameter,
(2) about 3/4 of a Me. above the Island on the S. S. a Creek corns in
Called Boyers R. this Creek is 25 yards wide, one man in attempting to
Cross this Creek on a log let his gun fall in, R. Fields Dived &
brought it up proceeded on to a Point on the S. S. and Camped.
[Clark, July 30, 1804]
July the 30th Monday Set out early & proceeded on West 33/4 mes. passd.
one pt. to the L. S and one to the S. S. to a Clear open Prarie on the
L. S. which is on a rise of about 70 feet higher than the bottom which
is also a prarie covered with high grass Plumbs Grape Vine & Hezel-both
forming a Bluff to the River, the Lower Prarie is above high water mark
at the foot of the riseing ground & below the High Bluff we came to in
a grove of timber and formed a Camp raised a flag Pole, and deturmind
to waite for the Ottu Indians--The white Horse which we found below
Died last night, after posting out the Guards &c. &. Sent out 4 men to
hunt I am ingaged in ____ and Drawing off my courses to accompany the
map Drawn at White Catfish Camp, Capt. Lewis and my Self walked in the
Prarie on the top of the Bluff and observed the most butifull prospects
imagionable, this Prarie is Covered with grass about 10 or 12 Inch
high, (Land rich) rises about 1/2 a mile back Something higher and is a
Plain as fur as Can be Seen, under those high Lands next the river is
butifull Bottom interspersed with Groves of timber, the River may be
Seen for a great Distance both above & below meandering thro the plains
between two ranges of High land which appear to be from 4 to 20 ms.
apart, each bend of the river forming a point which Contains tall
timber, principally Willow Cotton wood some Mulberry elm Sycamore &
ash. the groves Contain walnit coffeenut & Oake in addition & Hickory &
Lynn Jo. Fields Killed Brarow or as the Ponie call it Cho car tooch,
this animale burrows in the ground & feeds on Bugs and flesh
principally the little Dogs of the Prarie, also Something of Vegetable
Kind his Shape & Size is like that of a Beever, his head Mouth &c. is
like a Dog with its ears Cut off, his tale and hair like that of a
Ground hog Something longer and lighter, his interals like a Hogs, his
Skin thick & loose, white & hair Short under its belly, of the Species
of the Bear, and it has a white Streake from its nose to its Sholders,
the Toe nails of its fore feet which is large is 1 Inch and 3/4 qtr.
long and those of his hind feet which is much Smaller is 3/4 long. We
have this animale Skined and Stuffed. Short legs, raseing himself just
above the ground when in motion Jo & R. fields Killed Som Deer at a
Distance and Came in for a horse to bring them in, they have not
returned this evening, a gred number of Swans in a pond above L. S. to
our Camp. Serjt. Floyd verry unwell a bad Cold &c. Several men with
Boils, great qts. of Catfish G. D. Cought one Small Beever alive. Som
Turkey & Gees Killed to day. arms & all things in order. a fair
evining, and Cool.
[Clark, July 30, 1804]
July 30th Monday 1804
Set out this morning early proceeded on to a Clear open Prarie on the
L. S. on a rise of about 70 feet higher than the bottom which is also a
Prarie both forming Bluffs to the river of High Grass & Plumb bush
Grapes &c. and Situated above high water is a Small Grove of timber at
the foot of the Riseing Ground between those two priraries, and below
the Bluffs of the high Prarie we Came too and formed a Camp, intending
to waite the return of the french man & Indians--the white horse which
we found near the Kanzeis River, Died Last night
posted out our guard and Sent out 4 men, Captn. Lewis & went up the
Bank and walked a Short Distance in the high Prarie. this Prairie is
covered with Grass of 10 or 12 inches in hight. Soil of good quallity
&, Still further back at the Distance of about a mile the Countrey
rises about 80 or 90 feet higher, and is one Continual Plain as fur as
Can be Seen, from the Bluff on the 2d rise imediately above our Camp
the most butifull prospect of the River up & Down and the Countrey
opsd. prosented it Self which I ever beheld; The River meandering the
open and butifull Plains, interspursed with Groves of timber, and each
point Covered with Tall timber, Such as willow Cotton Sun Mulberry,
Elm, Sucamore, Lynn & ash (The Groves Contain Hickory, Walnut,
Coffeenut & Oake in addition)
Two ranges of High Land parrelel to each other and from 4 to 10 miles
Distant between which the river & its bottoms are Contained. (from 70
to 300 feet high)
Joseph Fields Killed and brought in an Anamale Called by the French
Brarow, and by the Ponies Cho car tooch this Anamale Burrows in the
Ground and feeds on Flesh, (Prarie Dogs), Bugs, & vigatables--"His
Shape & Size is like that of a Beaver, his head mouth &c. is like a
Dogs with Short Ears, his Tail and Hair like that of a Ground Hog, and
longer, and lighter. his Interals like the interals of a Hog," his Skin
thick and loose, his Belly is White and the Hair Short--a white Streek
from his nose to his Sholders.
The toe nails of his fore feet is one Inch & 3/4 long, & feet large;
the nails of his hind feet 3/4 of an Inch long, the hind feet Small and
toes Crooked, his legs are Short and when he Moves Just Suffcent to
raise his body above the Ground He is of the Bear Species. we hav his
Skin Stuffed
Jo. & R. Fields did not return this evening, Several men with Verry bad
Boils--Cat fish is Cought in any part of the river Turkeys Gees & a
Beaver Killed & Cought every thing in prime order men in high Spirits.
a fair Still evening Great no. misquitors this evening
[Lewis, July 30, 1804]
July the 30th
this day Joseph Fields killed a Braro as it is called by the French
engages. this is a singular anamal not common to any part of the United
States. it's weight is sixteen pounds.--it is a carniverous anamal. on
both sides of the upper jaw is fexed one long and sharp canine tooth.-
it's eye are small black and piercing.
[Clark, July 31, 1804]
July 31st Tuesday a fair Day 3 hunters out this morning G. Drewyer
Killed a verry fat Buck one Inch fat on the ribs Merdn. altd Latd. is 41°
18' 0" 5/10-North. R & Jo. Fields returned at 10 oClock the Killed 3
Deer, and lost the horses, Cought a Small Beever which is already taim,
Several men out hunting the horses without Sukcess, The Ottoes not yet
arrived, I complete the Copy of the Courses &c. &c. Musqueters verry
troubleson
[Clark, July 31, 1804]
July 31st, Tuesday a fair Day three Hunters out, Took meridian altitude
made the Lattd. 41° 18' 1" 5/10 N. R. & Jo. Fields returned to Camp They
Killed 3 Deer.--The Horses Strayed off last night. Drewyer Killed a
Buck one inch of fat on the ribs, R. & Jo. Fields returned without any
meet haveing been in persuit of the horses--The Indians not yet
arrived. Cought a young Beever alive which is already quit tame-.
Cought a Buffalow fish--The evening verry Cool, The Musqutors are yet
troublesom.-
[Clark, August 1, 1804]
August the 1st 1804 a fair morning, Sent out two men after the horses &
one back to examine if the Indians have been there, ____ Beever Cought
last night, the air is Cool and pleasing
Prepared the Pipe of Peace verry flashey. wind rose at 10 oClock and
blowed from the W. S. W. very pleasent all day Several men geathering
grapes &c. two men after the horses which Strayed the night before
last. those Praries produce the Blue Current Common in the U. S. the
Goose Berry Common in the U. S, two Kind of Honeysuckle, the Bush which
I have Seen in Kentucky, with a paile Pink flower, also one which grow
in Clusters about 4 or 5 feet high bearing a Short flour in clusters of
the like Colour. the leaves Single. 3 Deer & an Elk Killed to day. This
being my birth day I order'd a Saddle of fat Vennison, an Elk fleece &
a Bevertail to be cooked and a Desert of Cheries, Plumbs, Raspberries
Currents and grapes of a Supr. quallity. The Indians not yet arrived. a
Cool fine eveninge Musquetors verry troublesom, the Praries Contain
Cheres, Apple, Grapes, Currents, Rasp burry, Gooseberris Hastlenuts and
a great Variety of Plants & flours not Common to the U S. What a field
for a Botents and a natirless
[Clark, August 1, 1804]
August the 1st 1804 a fair morning Despatched two men after the horses
lost yesterday, one man back to the place from which the messinger was
Sent for the Ottoes to See if any Indians was or had been there Since
our deptr. he return'd and informed that no person had been there Sence
we left it. The Prarie which is Situated below our Camp is above the
high water leavel and rich Covered with Grass from 5 to 8 feet high
intersperced with Copse of Hazel, Plumbs, Currents (like those of the
U.S.) Rasberries & Grapes of Dift. Kinds. also produceing a Variety of
Plants and flowers not Common in the United States, two Kind of honey
Suckle one which grows to a kind of a Srub. Common about Harrods burgh
in Kentucky the other are not So large or tall and bears a flower in
Clusters Short and of a light Pink Colour, the leaves differ from any
of the othe Kind in as much as the Lieves are Distinkd & does not
Surround the Stalk as all the other Kind does one Elk and three Deer
Killed to day also two Beever Cought
The wind rose at 10 oClock from the W. S. W. and blew a Steedy and
agreeable Breeze all Day.
The Musqutors verry troublesom this evening in the bottoms.
Took equal altitudes to day and the azmuth with the Commencement of the
A.M.
[Clark, August 2, 1804]
August 2nd 1804 wind from the SE G. Drewery returned with the horses &
one Doe Elk the countrey thro which he passed is like what we See from
the Bluff above Camp three men out Hunting one Beaver caught this
morning.
at Sunset 6 chiefs and their warries of the Ottos, and Missoures, with
a french man by the name of Far fonge, we Shook hands and gave them
Some Tobacco & Provisions, they Sent us Water Millions Three verry
large & fat Bucks Killed to day the wind Continue hard from the S. E.-
the 4 qtr. of one Buck weigh'd 147 wt 11/2 Inch fat on the ribs
[Clark, August 2, 1804]
August 2nd Thursday 1804
A verry pleasent Breeze from the S. E. The Two men Drewyer & Colter
returned with the horses loaded with Elk, those horses they found about
12 miles in a Southerly Derection from Camp.
The Countrey thro which they passed is Similar to what we See from
Camp. one Beaver & a foot of Beaver caught in trap Cought this morning
at Sunset Mr. Fairfong and a pt. of Otteau & Missourie Nation Came to
Camp, among those Indians 6 were Chiefs, the principal Chiefs Capt.
Lewis & myself met those Indians & informed them we were glad to See
them, and would Speak to them tomorrow, Sent them Som rosted meat Pork
flour & meal, in return they Sent us Water millions. every man on his
Guard & ready for any thing Three fat Bucks Killed this evening the 4
qtrs. of one weighed 147 lbs.
[Lewis, August 2, 1804]
August 2ed 1804.
This day one of our Hunters brought me a white Heron. this bird as an
inhabitant of ponds and Marasses, and feeds upon tadpoles, frogs, small
fish &c--they are common to the Mississipi and the lower part of the
ohio River, (ie) as high as the falls of that river.
this bird weighed two lbs.--it's plumage is perfectly white and very
thin
F I.
from extremity of beak to the extremity of toe 4 71/4
from tipp to tip of wing on the back 4 11
it's beak is yellow pointed, flated crosswise and 5 Inches in length
from the upper region of the bill to the eye is one inch in length,
covered with a smoth yellow skin the plumage of the head projecting
towards the upper bill and coming to a point a an Inch beyond the eyes
on the center of the upper bill. The mouth opens to distance of the
eyes--The eye is full and projecting reather, it is 7/10 of half an
inch. four joints in the wing
Inches
1st joint from body in length 6
2ed Do. 81/4
3rd Do. 31/2
4th Do. 1
1st joint Number of feathers 7 Length of 3
2nd 18 6
3 6 from 10 to 12
4th 5 12
it's legs are black--the neck and beak occupy 1/2 it's length. it has
four toes on a foot--the outer toe on the right foot is from the
joining of the leg to extremity of toe nale 4 Inch & 1/4 has four
joints exclusive of the nail joint--the next is 43/4 inches has three
joints exclusive of the nale joint. the next is 33/4 and has two
joints, the heel toe has one joint only and is 3 Inches in length. the
nails are long sharp and black--the eye is of a deep seagreen colour,
with a circle of of pale yellow around the sight forming a border to
the outer part of the eye of about half the width of the whole eye. the
tale has 12 feathers of six inches in length.--the wings when folded
are the same length with the tale.
has 2 remarkable tufts of long feathers on each side joining the body
at the upper joint of the wing. these cover the feathers of the 1st
joint of the wings when they are over extended
[Clark, August 3, 1804]
August 3rd Friday prepare a Small preasent for those Indians and hold a
Councul Delivered a Speech & made 8 6 chief... gave a fiew preasents
and, a Smoke a Dram, Some Powder & Ball--the man we Sent not yet come
up, Those people express great Satisfaction at the Speech Delivered
they are no Oreters, big, open Counternances, ottoes large Missor Small
at 4 oClock Set out under a gentle Breeze from the S. E proceeded on N.
5° E 5 Ms. Passed a Pt. on the S. S. and round a large Sand bar on the L.
S. and Camped above, below a great number of Snags quit across the
river, The Musquitors more numerous than I ever Saw them, all in
Spirrits, we had Some rough Convasation G. Dr. about boys.
The Osage & Kansies are the Same language
the Ottoes & Mahars Speek many words of the Osarge language
The Ottos, Aiaways, & Missouries Speake the Same language the Panies &
Recreries Speak the Same language also the Loups & repub. the Mahar, &
Poncarar the Same Language The Cheaun, Mandin & Grovanter the Same The
Probibility is that those defferant tribes have once formed 3 great
nats. Viz: the Missouries, Osarge, Kanzes, Ottoes, Mahars, & Poncaras &
Aiauaies one nation.
The Panies, Loups, Republican, Recrerees the 2nd
The Mandans Cheeons, & Grovanters the 3rd The tribes of the Soux all
retain the name 4th
It is possible that the, Mahar & Poncarear may have been a Distinct
nation, as they only Speek Some words of the osage which have the Same
Signification 25 Days to St Ta fee S. of W. Cross the heads of
Arkansies around the head of Kanzies River after Delivering a Speech
informing thos Children of ours of the Change which had taken place,
the wishes of our government to Cultivate friendship & good
understanding, the method of have good advice & Some Directions, we
made 1 Great Chief to the who was not present, to whom we adresed the
Speech & Sent Some presents or Meadels & flag, we made 2 Second Chiefs
one for the Missouris & another for the Ottos (those two tribes are
nearly equal 1'70 each) and 4 principal men, to thos principal men to
thos we gave a Small Comtn. to each man to whom we gave authority, a
preasn of Br. Ch. Gart. g. Paint & a med. or Contn a Small Corns. was
delivered for the whole each Chief & principal man delivered a Speech
acknowledging ther approbation to what they had heard and promised to
prosue the good advice and Caustion, they were happy w new fathers who
gave good advice & to be Depended on all Concluded by asking a little
Powder & a Drop of Milk.
I answered those Speeches gave them 50 balls one Canister of Powder & a
Dram--after Cap Lewis Shot his air gun a few times which astonished the
nativs, we Set Sail. recved from thos people water millions & The
Cheifs & Principal men of the Ottoes & Missouris made by M L. & W C the
3rd August 1804
Viz. Indian Names Tribe English
Signifiation
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