University of Virginia Library

Wensday July 4th 1804

Set out verry erley this morning passed the mouth of a
Beyeu leading from a Lake on the N. Side this Lake is Large
and was once the Bead of the River it reaches Parrelel for
Several miles Came to on the South Side to Dine rest a
Short time a Snake Bit Jo. Fieldes on the Side of the foot
which Sweled much apply Barks to Coor [cure] and passed a
Creek on the South Side a bout 15 yards wide Coming out of
an extensive Prarie as the Creek has no name and this Day
is the 4th of July we name this Independance Creek above
this Creek the wood Land is about 200 yards Back of these
wood is an extensive Praria open and High whigh may be
Seen Six or Seven below saw Grat nomber of Goslins to day
nearley Grown the Last mentioned prairie I call Jo. Fieldes
Snake prarie Capt. Lewis walked on Shore we camped at one
of the Butifules Praries I ever Saw open and butifulley Divided
with Hills and vallies all presenting themselves