University of Virginia Library

Chapter III

FROM THE VERMILION TO TETON RIVER

III. Clark's Journal, August 25–September 24, 1804
Entries and Orders by Lewis, August 26, 28, and September 16, 17

[Clark:]

25thAugust Satturday 1804.—

A CLOUDY morning Capt. Lewis & Myself concluded
to go and See the Mound which was Viewed with Such
turror by all the different Nations in this quarter,
we Selected Shields; J. Fields, W. Bratten, Sergt. Ordway,
J. Coller, Carr, and Corpl. Worbington & Frasure, also G.
Drewyer and droped down to the Mouth of White Stone
River, where we left the Perogue with two men and at 200
yards we assended a riseing ground of about Sixty feet, from
the top of this High land the Countrey is leavel & open as far
as can be Seen, except Some few rises at a great Distance, and
the Mound which the Indians Call Mountain of little people or
Spirits, this Mound appears of a conic form & is N. 20°. W.
from the mouth of the Creek,[1] we left the river at 8 oClock,
at 4 miles we Crossed the Creek 23 yards wide in an extensive
Valley and Contin[u]ed on at two miles further our Dog
was so Heeted and fatigued we was obliged [to] Send him back
to the Creek, at 12 oClock we arrived at the hill Capt. Lewis
much fatigued from heat the day it being verry hot & he being
in a debilitated State from the Precautions he was obliged to
take to prevent the effects of the Cobalt, & Min1 Substance
which had like to have poisoned him two days ago, his want
of water, and Several of the men complaining of Great thirst,
determined us to make for the first water which was the Creek

in a bend N. E. from the Mound, about 3 miles. after a
Delay of about 1 hour & a half to recrut our party we set out
on our return down the Creek thro: the bottom of about 1
mile in width, crossed the creek 3 times to the place we first
struck it, where we gathered some delisious froot such as
Grapes, Plumbs, & Blue Currents after a Delay of an hour
we set out on our back trail & arrived at the Perogue at Sun
set. We proceeded on to the Place we Campd last night and
Stayed all night.

This Mound is Situated on an elivated plain in a leavel and
extensive prarie, bearing N. 20° W. from the Mouth of White
Stone Creek nine miles, the base of the Mound is a regular
parallelagram the long Side of which is about 300 yards in
length the Shorter 60 or 70 yards. from the longer Side of
the Base it rises from the North & South with a Steep assent
to the hight of 65 or 70 feet, leaveing a leavel Plain on the
top of 12 feet in width & 90 in length. The North & South
part of this Mound is join[ed] by two regular rises, each in
Oval forms of half its hight, forming three regular rises from
the Plain the assent of each elivated part is as Suden as the
principal mound at the narrower sides of its Base.

The reagular form of this hill would in Some measure justify
a belief that it owed its orrigin to the hand of man; but as the
earth and loos pebbles and other substances of which it was
Composed, bore an exact resemblance to the Steep Ground
which border on the Creek in its neighbourhood we concluded
it was most probably the production of nature.

The only remarkable Charactoristic of this hill admiting it
to be a natural production is that it is insulated or Seperated a
considerable distance from any other, which is verry unusial in
the natural order or disposition of the hills.

The Surrounding Plains is open Void of Timber and leavel
to a great extent, hence the wind from whatever quarter it may
blow, drives with unusial force over the naked Plains and
against this hill; the insects of various kinds are thus involuntaryly
driven to the Mound by the force of the wind, or fly to
its Leeward Side for Shelter; the Small Birds whoes food they
are, Consequently resort in great numbers to this place in

Surch of them; Perticularly the Small brown Martin of which
we saw a vast number hovering on the Leward Side of the hill,
when we approached it in the act of catching those insects;
they were so gentle that they did not quit the place untill we
had arrivd within a fiew feet of them.

One evidence which the Inds- give for believeing this place
to be the residence of Some unusial Sperits is that they frequently
discover a large assemblage of Birds about this Mound
[this] is in my opinion a Sufficent proof to produce in the
Savage Mind a Confident belief of all the properties which they
ascribe [to] it.

from the top of this Mound we beheld a most butifull landscape;
Numerous herds of buffalow were Seen feeding in various
directions; the Plain to North N. W. & N. E. extends without
interuption as far as Can be seen.

From the Mound to the Mouth of Stone River is S. 20° E.
9 Miles. to the woods near the mouth of River Jacque is
West. to the Highland near the mouth of Soues River is S.
70°. E. to the highland opposit side or near the Maha Town
is S. 45 E.

Some high lands to be seen from the Mound at a Great
distance to the N. E. some nearer to the N. W. No woods
except on the Missourie Points.

if all the timber which is on the Stone Creek was on 100
acres it would not be thickly timbered, the Soil of those Plains
are delightfull.

Great numbers of Birds are seen in those Plains, Such as
black bird, ren, [wren] or Prarie burd, a kind of larke about
the sise of a Partridge with a Short tail, &c., &c.,

25th Augt—

the Boat under the Comd of Serjt. Pryor proceeded on in our
absence, (after jurking the Elk I Killed yesterday) Six Miles
and Camped on the Larboard Side R. Fields brought in five
Deer, George Shannon Killed an Elk Buck Som rain this
evening.

We Set the Praries on fire as a signal for the Soues to Come
to the River.

Course Dists. & Refrs. Augt. 25th.

         

S. 72° W.	1	Ml. on the pt. on S. S. opsd a Bluff of Blue Clay which is on the L. S.
West	1/2	Ml. on the pt. S. S. opsd the Bluff.
N. 22°. E.	3	Mls. to a pt. of high Willows on the L. S. opsd a Sand Island passed a Sand bar on the L. S.
N. 40°. W.	1	Ml. on the L. S. opsd Sand Island
S. 86°. W.	1/2 6	ml. on the L. S. to a Pt. of Willows the camp

26th August Sunday 1804.—

(Joined the Boat at 9 oClock A.M.) after jurking the meat
Killed yesterday and prepareing the Elk Skins for a Toe
Roape, we Set out Leaveing Drewyer & Shannon to hunt the
horses which was lost with directions to follow us keeping on
the high lands.

proceeded on passed a clift of White and Blue or Dark
Earth of 2 miles in extent on the L. S. and camped on a Sand
bar opposed the old village Called Pitite Arc. a Small Creek
falls into the river 15 yds. wide below the Village on the Same
Side L. S.[2] this Village was built by a Indian Chief of the
Maha nation by the name of Petite Arc (or little Bow) displeasd
with the Great Chief of that nation (Black Bird) Seperated
with 200 men and built a village at this place after his
death the two Villages joined, apt. Pat. Gass a Sergt.vice
Floyd Deceased.

Great qts. of Grapes, Plumbs of three Kinds, 2 yellow and
large one of which is long and a 3rd kind round & red all well
flavored, perticularly the yellow sort.

Course Distance & refrs. Augt. 26th.

     

S. 66° W.	2	Mls. to a Sand bar Makeing out from the S. S.
N. 82 W.	7	Mls. to a pt. of Willows on the S. S. passed an Island on S. S. and large Sand bar on both Sides of the river and Camped opposit the mouth of Arc Creek—the river below wide.
	9

[Orderly Book; Lewis:]

Orders August 26th. 1804.

The commanding officers have thought proper to appoint
Patric Gass, a Sergeant in the corps of volunteers for North
Western Discovery; he is therefore to be obeyed and respected
accordingly.

Sergt. Gass is directed to take charge of the late Sergt. Floyd's
mess, and immediately to enter on the discharge of such other
duties, as have by their previous orders been prescribed for the
government of the Sergeants of this corps.

The Commanding officers have every reason to hope from
the previous faithfull services of Sergt. Gass, that this expression
of their approbation will be still further confirmed by his
vigilent attention in future to his duties as a Sergeant. the
Commanding officers are still further confirmed in the high
opinion they had previously formed of the capacity, deligence
and integrety of Sergt. Gass, from the wish expressed by a large
majority of his comrades for his appointment as Sergeant.

[Clark:]

27th August Monday 1804.—

This morning the Star calld the morning Star much larger
than Common, G. Drewyer came up and informed that he
could neither find Shannon nor horses, we Sent Shields &
J Fields, back to hunt Shannon & the horses, with derections
to keep on the Hills to the Grand Calumet above on River
Kacure (quecure)[3]

We Set Sail under a gentle Breeze from the S. E. at 7
miles passed a White Clay Marl or Chalk Bluff under this
Bluff [which] is extensive I discovered large Stone much like
lime incrusted with a clear substance which I believe to be
Cobalt, also Ore is embeded in the Dark earth, resembling
Slate [but] much Softer, above this Bluff we had the Prarie

Set on fire to let the Soues See that we were on the river, and
as a Signal for them to Come to it.

At 2 oClock passed the Mouth of River Jacque [or Yeankton,][4]
one Indian at the mouth of this river Swam to the Perogue, we landed and two others Came to us, those Inds.
informed that a large Camp of Soues, were on R. Jacque near
the mouth. We sent Serjt. Pryor & a Frenchman with Mt.
Durion, the Soues interpeter to the Camp with directions to
invite the principal Chiefs to Council with us at a Bluff above
Called the Calumet. two of those Indians accompanied them
and the third continued in the Boat Showing an inclination to
Continue, this boy is a Mahar, and inform that his nation,
were gone to the Parnies [Panies] to make a peace with that
nation.

We proceeded on about one and a half miles and inCamped
on a bar makeing out from the S. S. the wind blew hard
from the South. A cool and Pleasent evening, The river
has fallen verry slowly and is now low.

Course Dist. & Refrs. August 27.

         

N. 73° W.	7	Miles to the upper part of a Calx or Chalk Bluff on the L. S. haveing passd a large Sand bar on the L. S. and two on the S. S. also some Small Bars in the R.
North	3	Mls. to a tree in a bend to the S. S. pass 2 Sand bars in the river.
West	2 1/2	Mls. to the Mouth of River Jacque on the S. S. two large Sand bars on the L. S.
S. 80°. W.	1 1/2	Mls. on the Side of a large Mud bar Makeing out above the River Jacque or Yeankton.
	14

This river about 85 or 90 yds. Wide and is navagable for
Perogues a Great distance, it heads with the St. Peters, of the
Misissippi & the red River which runs into Lake Winipeck
and Hudsons Bay.

28th August Tuesday 1804.—

Set out under a Stiff Breeze from the South and proceeded
on passd a Willow Island at 2 Miles several Sand bars, the
[river] Wide & Shallow at 4 miles passed a Short White Bluff
of about 70 or 80 feet high, below this Bluff the Prarie rises
gradually from the water back to the Hight of the Bluff which
is on the Starboard Side here the Indian who was in the boat
returned to the Soues [Sieoue] Camp on the R Jacque. Capt.
Lewis & my Self much indisposed owing to Some cause for
which we cannot account one of the Perogues run a Snag
thro her and was near Sinking in the opinions of the Crew.
we came too below the Calumet Bluff and formed a Camp in a
Butifull Plain near the foot of the high land which rises with
a gradual assent near this Bluff[5] I observe more timber in
the Valeys & on the Points than useal. The Perogue which
was injured I had unloaded and the Loading put into the
other Perogue which we intended to Send back & changed the
Crew after examoning her & finding that She was unfit for
service determined to Send her back by the party Some load
which was in the Perogue much Injur'd.

The wind blew hard this afternoon from the South. J.
Shields & J. Fields who was Sent back to look for Shannon
and the Horses joined us and informed that Shannon had the
horses ahead and that they Could not overtake him This
man not being a first rate Hunter, we deturmined to Send one
man in pursute of him with some Provisions.

Course Dis: & Reffrs. 28th Augt. 1804.

     

S. 76. W.	4 1/2	Mls. to the lower part of a Bluff of a Brownish red on S. S. passd. Sevl. Sand bars.
S. 60°. W.	4	Ml. to the lower part of the Calumet Bluff L. S. passed a pt. on east Side and Several Sand bars.
	8 1/2

[Orderly Book; Lewis:]

Orders, August 28th. 1804

The commanding officers direct that the two messes who
form the crews of the perogues shall scelect each one man
from their mess for the purpose of cooking, and that these
cooks as well as those previously appointed to the messes of
the Barge crew, shall in future be exempted from mounting
guard, or any detail for that duty; they are therefore no longer
to be held on the royaster.

[Clark:]

29th August Wednesday 1804.

Some rain last night & this morning, Sent on Colter with
Provisions in pursute of Shannon, had a Toe roap made of
Elk Skin, I am much engaged riteing. at 4 oClock P.M.
Sergt. Pryor & Mr. Dorion with 5 Cheifs and about 70 men &
boys arrived on the opposit Side we Sent over a Perogue
& Mr. Dorrion & his Son who was tradeing with the Indians
came over with Serjt. Pryor, and informed us that the Chiefs
were there we sent Serjt. Pryor & young Mr. Dorion[6] with
Som Tobacco, Corn and a few Kittles for them to Cook in,
with directions to inform the Chiefs that we would Speek to
them tomorrow.

Those Indians brought with them for their own use 2 Elk
& 6 Deer which the young men Killed on the way from their
Camp 12 Miles distant.

Serjt. Pryor informs me that when [they] came near the
Indian Camp they were met by men with a Buffalow roabe
to carry them, Mr. Dorion informed they were not the owners
of the Boats & did not wish to be carried" the Scioues
Camps are handsom of a Conic form Covered with Buffalow
Roabs Painted different colours and all compact & handsomly
arranged, Covered all round an open part in the Centre for
the fire, with Buffalow roabs, each Lodg has a place for

Cooking detached, the lodges contain from 10 to 15 persons.
a Fat Dog was presented as a mark of their Great respect for
the party of which they partook hartily and thought it good
and well flavored.

The River Jacque is Deep & is navagable for Perogues a
long distance up at the Mouth it is Shallow & narrow but
above it is 80 or 90 yards Wide passing thro: rich Praries
with but little timber this river passes the Souix River and
heads with the St. Peters and a branch of Red river which falls
into Lake Winepeck to the North.

30th of August Thursday 1804.

a verry thick fog this morning after Prepareing Some
presents for the Cheifs which we intended [to] make by giving
Meadels, and finishing a Speech which we intended to give
them, we sent Mr. Dorion in a Perogue for the Cheifs and
Warriers to a Council under an Oak Tree near where we had
a flag flying on a high flagstaff at 12 oClock we met and
Cap. L. Delivered the Speach & then made one great Chiff
by giving him a Meadel[7] & Some Cloathes, one 2d. Chief &
three Third Chiefs in the same way, they recd. those things
with the goods and tobacco with pleasure To the Grand
Chief we gave a Flag and the parole (certificate) & Wampom
with a hat & Chiefs. Coat,[8] We Smoked out of the pipe of
peace, & the Chiefs retired to a Bourey [Bowray] made of
bushes by their young men to Divide their presents and Smoke
eate and Council Capt. Lewis & My self retired to dinner
and consult about other measures. Mr. Daurion is much displeased
that we did not invite him to dine with us (which he
was Sorry for afterwards). The Souex is a Stout bold looking

people, (the young men handsom) & well made, the greater
part of them make use of Bows & arrows, Some fiew fusees I
observe among them, notwith standing they live by the Bow
and arrow, they do not Shoot So Well as the Northern Indians
the Warriers are Verry much deckerated with Paint Porcupine
quils & feathers, large leagins and mockersons, all with buffalow
roabs of Different Colours, the Squars wore Peticoats & a
White Buffalow roabe with the black hare turned back over
their necks and Sholders.

I will here remark a SOCIETY[9] which I had never before
this day heard was in any nation of Indians, four of which is
at this time present and all who remain of this Band. Those
who become Members of this Society must be brave active
young men who take a Vow never to give back let the danger
be what it may, in War Parties they always go forward
without screening themselves behind trees or anything else to
this Vow they Strictly adhier dureing their Lives. an instance
which happened not long sence, on a party in Crossing the
R Missourie on the ice, a whole was in the ice imediately in
their Course which might easily have been avoided by going
around, the foremost man went on and was lost the others wer
draged around by the party. in a battle with the Crow[10] [Kite]
Indians who inhabit the Cout Noir[11] or black Mountain out
of 22 of this Society 18 was Killed, the remaining four was
draged off by their Party Those men are likely fellows the[y]
Set together Camp & Dance together. This Society is in
imitation of the Societies of the de Curbo or Crow (De Corbeau,
Kite) Indians, whom they imitate.

after the Indians got their Brackfast the Chiefs met and
arranged themselves in a row with elligent pipes of peace all
pointing to our Seets, we Came foward and took our Seets,
the Great Cheif The Shake hand rose and Spoke to some length
aproving what we had said and promissing to pursue the advice.

Mar to ree 2d Cheif (White Crain) [White Crane] rose and
made a Short Speech and refured to the great Chief Par nar
ne arpar be (struck by the Pania) 3rd. Chief rose and made a
short speech Ar ea we char che (the half man) 3rd. Chief rose
& Spoke at some length much to the [same] purpose.[12] The
other Cheif said but little One of the Warriers Spoke after
all was don & promissed to Support the Cheifs, the[y]
promisd to go and See their Great father in the Spring with
Mr. Dorion, and to do all things we had advised them to do.
and all concluded by telling the distresses of their nation by
not haveing traders, & wished us to take pity on them, the[y]
wanted Powder Ball, & a little Milk [rum; milk of great father
means spirits.]

last night the Indians Danced untill late in their Dances
we gave them [throw into them as is usual] Som Knives Tobacco
& bells & tape & Binding with which they wer Satisfied.[13]

We gave a Certificate to two Men of War, attendants on
the Chief, gave to all the Chiefs a Carrot of Tobacco. had
a talk with Mr. Dorion, who agreed to Stay and Collect the
Chiefs from as Many Bands of Soux as he coud this fall &
bring about a peace between the suoex and their neighbours
&c. &c. &c.

After Dinner we gave Mr. Peter Dorion, a Commission to
act with a flag and some Cloathes & Provisions & instructions

to bring about a peace with the Seioux, Mahars, Panies, Poncaries,
[Poncas—Ed.] Ottoes & Missouries, and to employ
any trader to take Some of the Cheifs of each or as many of
those nations as he Could Perticularly the Seuouex (down to
Washn) I took a Vocabulary of the Suoux Language, and the
Answer to a fiew quaries such a[s] refured to their Situation,
Trade, Number, War, &c. &c. This Nation is Divided into
20 Tribes, possessing Seperate interests. Collectively they
are noumerous say from 2 to 3000 men, their interests are so
unconnected that Some bands are at war with Nations [with]
which other bands are on the most friendly terms. This Great
Nation who the French has given the Nickname of Suouex,
Call themselves Dar co tar [Dakota—Ed.] their language
is not peculiarly their own, they Speak a great number of
words, which is the Same in every respect with the Maha,
Poncarer, Osarge & Kanzas. which clearly proves that those
nations at some period not more that a century or two past
are of the Same nation. Those Dar ca ter's or Suoux inhabit
or rove over the Countrey on the Red river of Lake Winipeck,
St. Peters & the West of the Missi[ss]-ippie, above Prarie De
Cheen (Prairie de Chien) heads of River Demoin, and the Missouri
and its waters on the N. Side for a great extent. they
are only at peace with 8 nations, & agreeable to their Calculation
at War with twenty odd. Their trade coms from the
British, except this Band and one on Demoin who trade with
the Traders of St Louis. The[y] furnish Beaver, Martain,
Loups, (Wolfs) Pekon, (pichou) Bear & Deer Skins, and have about 40 Traders among them. The Dar co tar or Suouez rove
& follow the Buffalow raise no corn or any thing else the woods
& praries affording a suff[i]cency, the[y] eat Meat, and Substitute
the Ground potato which grow in the Plains for bread.

The Names of the Defferent Tribes or bands of the Sceoux,
or Dar co tar Nation.

1st

• Che cher ree Yankton (or bois ruley) (brulé) now present inhabit
  the Suouex & Demoin Rivers and the Jacque. (200 men.)

2nd.

• Ho in de borto (Poles) they live [rove] on the heads of Souex
  and Jacques Rivers.

---

133





3rd.

• Me Ma car jo (Make fence on the river) rove on the Country
  near the big bend of the Missouries.

4th.

• Sou on, Te ton (People of the Prarie) the[y] rove in the Plains
  N. of the Riv Missourie above this.

5th.

• Wau pa coo tar (Leaf Beds) the[y] live near the Prarie de
  Chain Near the Missippi.

6th.

• Te Car ton (or Village of Prarie) rove on the waters of the
  Mississippi above Prarie de Chain.

7th.

• Ne Was tar ton (big Waters Town) rove on the Missippi above
  the St. Peters River.

8th.

• Wau pa tone (Leaf Nation) live 10 Leagues up St. Peters River.

9th.

• Cas Carba (White Man) live 35 Leagues up St. Peters river.

10th.

• Mi ca cu op si ba (Cut bank) rove on the head of St. Peters.

11th.

• Sou on (—) rove on St. Peters river in the Praries.

12th.

• Sou se toons (—) live 40 Leages up the St. Peters river.

The names of the other bands neither of the Souex's interpters
could inform me.[14] in the evening late we gave Mr.
Dourion a bottle of whiskey, & he with the Cheifs & his Son
Crossed the river and Camped on the Opposit bank. Soon
after night a violent wind from the N. W. with rain the rain
Continud the greater part of the night. The river a riseing a
little.

September 1st Satturday 1804—

Mr. Dourion lift his Kittle & Sent back for it &c. we Set
out under a jentle Breeze from the S. (It rained half the last
night) proceeded on pass the Bluffs compsd. of a yellowish
red, & Brownish (&) White Clay which is a[s] hard as Chalk
(and much resembling it) this Bluff is 170 or 180 feet high,

here the High lands approach near the river on each Side, that
on the S. S. not so high as that on the L. S. opposit the
Bluffs is Situated a Large Island Covered with timber close
under the L. S. above the Isd. the high land approach & form
a Clift to the river on the S. S. this Clift is Called White
Bear Clift one of those animals haveing been kiled in a whole
in it.

1st of September Satturday 1804—

Some hard wind and rain, cloudy all day, the river Wide
& hills on each Side near the river, passd a large (1) Island
which appeared to be composed of Sand, Covered with Cotton
wood close under the S. S. we landed at the lower point of a
large Island on the S. S. Called bon homme or Good Man, here
Cap. Lewis & my self went out a Short distance on the L. S.
to See a Beaver house, which was Said to be of Great hite &
Situated in a Pond We could not find the house and returned
after night Drewyer Killed an Elk, & a Beaver. numbers of
Cat fish cought, those fish is so plenty that we catch them at
any time and place in the river.

Course Dists. & refrs. 1st Sept.

         

N. 88 W.	4	Mls. to a high point of on the S. S. haveing passd an 1sd. (1) on the L. S. & Several Sand bars.
S. 75°. W.	2	Mls. to the lower pt. of a large Island on S. S. passed a pt. on the L. S. and a Sand bar.
S. 68°. W.	4	Mls. to a pt. on L. S. passd. the upper pt. of the Isld. SS. and some land with bows [boughs—Ed.] and evident marks of being made 24 [feet—Ed.] above water.
S. 80. W.	5	Mls. to a tree at the lower pt. of Bon homme Island on S. S. haveing psd. a pt. on the S. S. a Deep bend of Sand and Willows on L. S.
	16

2nd September Sunday 1804.—

Set out early and proceeded on passed the Island and Landed
on the S. S. above under a Yellow Clay bluff of 110 feet high,
the wind blew verry hard ahead from the N. W. with Some
rain and verry cold, G. Drewnyer R. Fields, Newman &
howard Killed four fine Elk we had the meat all jurked and

the Skins Dried to Cover the Perogue, on the Side of the
Bluff I observed Bear Grass & Rhue, at Sun Set the wind
luled and cleared up Cold, the high land on the L. S. is verry
high, & uneaven, that on the S. S. from 80 to 120 foot & is
leavel back but fiew Small Streams falling into the river.

Course Distance & reffs 2d Spt.

     

N. 75° W.	3	Mls. to the lower part of an antient fortification (1) in a bend to the L. S. this Course passed over a pt. of the Isd & Sand.
N. 45 W.	1	Mls. on the L. pt. passd the head of the Island at 3/4 of a mile opsd. a yellow bank S. S.
	4

I went out and made a Survey of the antient Works which
is Situated in a level Plain about 3 Miles from the hills which
are high.

A Discreption of the Fortification

                 

(1) Commenceing on the river opsi'd the Good Mans Island, first Course from the river is
S. 76°. W.	96	yards thence
S. 84. W.	53	yards (at this angle a kind of angle or horn work)
N. 69 W.	300	yards to a high part, passing the gateway Covered by two half Circler works one back of the other lower than the main work the Gate forms a right angle projecting inward.
N. 32 W.	56	yards
N. 20 W.	73	yards. This part of the work appears to have [been] either double, or a covered way. from this Some irregular works appear to have been on mounds between this and the river, with a Deep round whole in the center of a Gorge formed by another angle. This part of the work is from 10 to 15 feet 8 Inches—the Mounds of Various hights the base of the work is from 75 to 105 feet, Steep inward and forming a kind of Glassee [Glacis] outwards.
	578
N. 32°. W.	96	yards to the Commencement of a Wall from 8 to 10 feet high this Course not on the Wall but thro to the commencement of another detached
N. 81°. W.	1830	yards to the river & above where this bank Strikes the river is the remains of a Circular work.

in this Course at 533 yards a Deep Pond of 73 yards Diameter perfectly
round is in the Course of the bank which is about 8 feet high,
from this Pond the bank lowers gradually. a bank about the same
hight runs near the river, and must have joined the main work at a part
which is now washed into the river, this is also perfectly Streight and
widens from the main work, as the river above has washed in its banks
for a great distance I cannot form an Idear How those two long works
joined. where they Strike the river above, they are about 1100 yds apart,

[Another Description.[15] ]

No. 1

• a Wall of the Antient Work Commencing on the bank of the
  River and running on a direct line S. 76° W. 96 yard, about
  75 feet baice and 8 feet high.

2.

• Wall Continued, and Course S. 84°. W. 53 yards from an
  angle formed by a slopeing decent No. 13. has the appearance
  of a hornwork of nearly the same hight of the former angle
  No. 1.

3.

• the Wall Continued on a Course N. 69°. W. for 300 yards in
  which there is a low part of the wall which is Covered by two
  Circular and lower Walls one back of the other. 8. 8. which
  covers the gate way Completely, between those outer Walls
  8. 8. there appears to have been a Covered way out of the
  Main work into the vacancy between those two Walls No. 9.
  This Wall No. 3 is 8 feet high and about 75 feet Bace.

4.

• a Wide part of the Wall which is about 12 feet high and 105
  feet base on the Course N. 69°. W. Continued from the gate
  way.

5.

• The Wall about 15 feet high and about 90 feet bace on a
  course N. 32° W. for 56 yds.

6.

• the Wall Continus on a Course N. 20°. W. for 73 yards and
  ends abruptly near a whole near Several Mounds prismiscusly
  in the Gorge of the Work between this and the river.

10.

• N. 32°. W. 96 yards across a low place much lower than the
  Common leavel of the plain to the Commencement of a wall of
  8 feet high this is an open Space, from whence there is Some
  appearance of a Covered way to the Water.

---

137





10.

• is a large hollow place much lower then the plain

12.

• 12. Several little Mounds in the gouge

7.

• the gateway to the Strong work.

14.

• a redoubt Situated on an Island which is makeing on the Side
  next to the Main Work, the wall forming this redoubt is 6 feet
  high

15.

• 15. The river banks at the waters edge

16.

• a thick Wall of about 6 feet high passing from the Rivers edge
  at the gouge of the Work perfectly streight to the bend of the
  River above and there ends abruptly where the Missouri is
  under mineing its banks on this Wall maney large Cotton
  Trees of two & 3 feet diameter, the Bank passes thro'a wood
  in its whole Course

No. 17.

• 19. a Streight wall of 1830 yard extending from the Gouge of
  the strong work on a Course N. 81° W. This wall is 8 feet
  high to a round pon (No. 18) from then it becoms lower and
  strikes the Missouri at a place where that river has the aplc. [appearance]
  of haveing incroached on its banks for a great distance.
  this wall passes in it's whole course thro' a leavel plain.

18.

• a Deep pond of 73 yards diameter in the Wall, perfectly
  round

20.

• Thro from the extremity of one Wall to the other 1100
  yards.

21.

• a Small redoubt on the bank of the river.

The Strong part of this work which must be about 2/3 of it's original
Size Contains Twenty acres.

The part Contained between the two Walls is about 500 acres, and
it is Certain that those Walls have been longer and must have contained
a much greater Space

I am informed by our french interpeters that a great number
of those antient works are in Defferent parts of the Countrey,
on the Plate River, Kansas, Jacque, Osarge, Mine river &c.
A Small one is on [an] Island opposit the one I have
Discribed, and two of our Party Saw two of those Antient
f[o]rtresses on the Petteet Arc Creek on the upper Side near
the Mouth, each angle of which were 100 yards and about 8
feet high.[16]

3rd. of September Monday 1804.—

a verry Cold morning wind from N. W. we Set out at Sun
rise, & proceeded on to a Bluff below the Mouth of Plumb
Creek [12 yds] on the S. S. and took an obsevation of the
Suns altitude.

This Creek is Small it "abounds with plumbs of a Delicious
flavour" the River is Wide and Crowded with Sand bars.
it is riseing a little but little timber in this Countrey all that
is, is on the river in the Points. we came too on the L. S. in
the edge of a Plain an[d] Camped for the night, we Saw
Some signs of the two men Shannon & Colter, Shannon appeared
to be ahead of Colter. The White banks appear to
continue on both sides of the river. Grapes plenty and finely
flavered.

Course Dist. & refrs. 3rd. Septr.

           

West	1/2	Ml. on the L. S. opsd. a Bluff
S. 35 W.	3	Mls. to the Upper point of some wood at the foot of the high land on the L. S. in a bend of the river pass a large Sand bar 400 yds. wide on the L. S. and a pt. & Sand bar from the S. S.
West	5 1/2	Mls. to a objt. in a Deep bend to the S. S. passd. a pt. S. S. and a large Sand bar on the L. S.
S. 45. W.	1	Ml. the to Mouth of Plumb Cr. on the S. S. psd. undr. White bank.
South	5	Mls. to a pt. on the S. S. passd. Several Sand bars & two pts. on the L. S.
	15

4th September Tuesday 1804.—

a verry Cold Wind from the S. S. E. we Set out early and
proceeded on [to] the Mouth of a Small Creek in a bend to
the L. S. Called White lime, at 1 1/2 Miles higher up passed a
large Creek on the L. S. Called R. au Platte or White Paint[17]
between those two Creeks (the latter of which is abt. 30 yds.
Wide) we passed under a Bluff of red Ceeder, at 4 Mls.. 1/2
passed the mouth of the River Que Courre (rapid R) on the
L. S. and Came to a Short distance above, this River is 152

yards Wide at the Mouth & 4 feet Deep Throwing out Sands
like the Platt, (only Corser) forming bars in its mouth. I
went up this river three Miles to a butifull Plain on the upper
Side where the Panias once had a Village this River widens
above its mouth and is divided by sands and Islands, the
Current verry rapid, not navagable for evin Canoes without
Great dificuelty owing to its Sands; the colour like that of
the Plat is light, the heads of this river is not known [in the
Black Mountns & waters a hilly country of indifferent soil] it
coms into the Missourie from the S. W. by West, and I am
told that i[t]s Gen1. Course Some distance up is parrelel with
the Missourie.

Course Dists & refrs. the 4th of Septr.

           

S. 5°. W.	1 1/2	Ml. to the Mo. of a Creek on the L. S. below a Ceeder Clift.
S. 35°.	1 1/2	Mls. to the Mo. of White Paint River on the L. S. Passing under a Ceeder Clift.
West	3	Mls. to the Upper pt. of Wood on the L. S. opsd. a Bluff of bluish Clay, a Sd. bar L. S.
N. 72° W.	1 1/4	Mls. to a Mound on the L. S. a Bluff on the S. S. several Sand bars in the river
West	3/4	Ml. to the Mouth of the river Que Courre on the L. S. the hills leave the river on the S. S. river Crouded with Sand bars, & wind hard.
	8

[At the end of Codex B, written on the inside of the cover,
is the following memorandum:]

U S. Due 4° Sept. 1804

       

	$
John Potts as p[er Duebill	20.5
Thos. P. Howard	8.10
Alexander Willard	13.55

☞after this I will put the Course Destance & refferences of
each day first and remks. after.

Course Dists. & Refrs.—Septr. 5th.

           

N. 85°. W.	2	Mls. to a Willow pt. on the S. S. a Bluff opsd.
N. 35°. W.	3	Mls. to a high part of a Bluff on the S. S. a large Isld. Called Pania Isd. in Middle of the river.
N. 58° W.	3 1/2	to a Creek on the S. S. psd. the Isd at 1 Ml. a Sand bar makeing from it. Poncarar [Ponca] River opposit on the L. S. 30 yds.
West	3 1/2	Mls. to the Lower point of a large Island near the L. Side (1)
N. 70°. W.	1 3/4	Mls. to the right Side of the Sd. Island to the head passed a Willow Isd. & a Sand bar
	13 3/4

September 5th. Wednesday 1804—

Set out early the wind blew hard from the South, Goats,
turkeys Seen today, passed a large Island (1) opsd. this
Island near the head the Poncarars River Coms into the Missourie
from the West this river is about 30 yards wide. dispatched
two men to the Poncaries Village Situated in a
handsom Plain on the lower Side of this Creek about two
miles from the Missourie the Poncarars Nations is Small[18]
and at this time out in the praries hunting the Buffalow, one
of the men Sent to the Village Killed a Buffalow in the town,
the other, a large Buck near it, Some Sign of the two men
who is a head, above the Island on the S. S. we passed under
a Bluff[19] of Blue earth, under which Several Mineral Springs
broke out the water of which had a taste like Salts, We
Came too on the upper point of a large Island (which I call
No preserves Island) here we made a Ceeder Mast, our
hunters brought in three bucks, and two elks this evening
which we had jurked.

One of the hunters Shields, informed that he Saw Several
black tailed Deer, near the Poncarer Village

Course Distance and refferrencies.—6th. Sept. 1804.

     

West	1 1/2	Mls. to a pt. of Wood on the S. S. opposit a Bluff.
N. 85° W.	7	Mls. passed a pt. on the S. S. at 1 1/2 Mls. above which is a large Sand bar on L. S. a high Clift of Blue & redish soft rock, Colter joined us.
miles	8 1/2

Sept. 6th. Thursday 1804.—

a Storm this morning from the N. W. which lasted a fiew
minits, we Set out and proceeded on passed the head of the
Isd. which is Seperated from the L. S. by a narrow Channel, a
hard wind from the N. W. a Verry Cold day. we camped on
the S. S. at the upper point of Some timber, Sometime before
Night, no timber, [being in reach.]

I saw Several goats[20] on the hills on the S. S. also Buffalow
in great numbers.

Course Distance & refferrences.—7th. Sept. 1804.

     

N. 60° W.	3	Mls. to the pt. of a Bluff on the S. S. opsd. a pt. on L. S.
West	2 1/2	Miles to a tree in a bend to the L. S. near the foot of a round mountain resembling a Cupola (1) passed 2 Small Islds. S. S.
	5 1/2

Sept. 7th. Friday —

a verry Cold morning wind S. E. Set out at day light we
landed after proceeding 5 1/2 Miles, near the foot of a round
Mounting, which I saw yesterday, resembling a dome.[21] Cap.
Lewis & Myself walked up to the top which forms a Cone and
is about 70 feet higher than the high lands around it, the Base
is about 300 foot in decending this Cupola, discovered a Village
of Small animals that burrow in the grown (those animals
are Called by the french Petite Chien) Killed one and Caught
one a live by poreing a great quantity of Water in his hole[22]
we attempted to dig to the beds of one of those animals, after

diging 6 feet, found by running a pole down that we were not
half way to his Lodge, we found 2 frogs in the hole, and
Killed a Dark rattle Snake near with a Ground rat (or prairie
dog) in him, (those rats are numerous) the Village of those
animals Covd. about 4 acres of Ground on a gradual decent of
a hill and Contains great numbers of holes on the top of which
those little animals Set erect make a Whistleing noise and whin
allarmed Step into their hole, we por'd into one of the holes
5 barrels of Water without filling it. Those Animals are about
the Size of a Small Squ[ir]rel Shorter (or longer) & thicker, the
head much resembling a Squirel in every respect, except the
ears which is Shorter, his tail like a ground squirel which they
shake & whistle when allarmd. the toe nails long, they have
fine fur & the longer hairs is gray[23] , it is Said that a kind of
Lizard also a Snake reside with those animals. (did not find
this correct.) Camped.

Course Destance & refferrences.—8th. Septr.

     

N. 35. W.	7	Mls. to a pt. on L. S. opsd. the house of Mr. Troodo where he wintered in 96 & Seven Called the Pania hos. in a woo[d] to the S. S. (1)
N. 88° W.	10	Mls. to a pt. of woods S. S. one mile above the commencement of this Course the Lowr pt. of a Willow Isld. this Isld. is 1 1/4 Mls. in length, in the middle of the R. a Small Sand Isd. at its upper extremity.
	17

8th. of September Satturday—

Set out early and proceeded on under a gentle Breeze from
the S. E. at 3 Mls. passed the house of Troodo where he wintered
in 96. Called the Pania house, above is high hills on
the S. S. on the S. S. much higher hills than useal appear to
the North distant 8 Miles recently burnt, pass 3 Small Islands
at about 5 Miles on this Course on the S. S. here Cap. Lewis
Killed a Buffalow in the river, and the Men one other Came
to on the lower point of an Island in the midlle of the river
Called Boat Island[24] and incamped, jurked the meat Killed

to day Consisting of 2 buffalow, one large Buck Elk, one
Small, 4 Deer 3 Turkeys & a Squirel, I joined the boat at
this Camp, the Countrey on the S. S. is pore & broken.

Course Distance & referrence. – 9th. Septr.

         

N. 34° W.	3	Mls. to apt on an Island on the L. S. of an Isd. passed Sand bars.
N. 40. W.	3	Mls. to an upper pt. of a Wood in a bend S. S.
N. 83°. W.	4 1/4	Mls. to a pt. on S. S.
N. 44°. W.	4	Mls. to the upper pt. of a Wood L. S.
	14 1/4

9th. September Sunday 1804—

Set out at Sunrise and proceeded on passed the head of the
Island on which we Camped, passed three Sand & Willow
Islands, the Sand bars So noumerous, it is not worth mentioning
them, the river Shoal or Shallow wind S. E. Came too
and Camped on a Sand bar on the L. S. Capt. Lewis went
out to kill a buffalow. I walked on Shore all this evening
with a view to Kill a goat or Some Prarie Dogs in the evening
after the boat landed, I Derected My Servent York with
me to kill a Buffalow near the boat from a Numbr. then Scattered
in the Plains. I saw at one view near the river at least
500 Buffalow, those animals have been in View all day feeding
in the Plains on the L. S. every Copse of timber appear to
have Elk or Deer. D. Killed 3 Deer, I Kiled a Buffalow
Y. 2, R. Fields one.

Course Distance & Referrence—10th. Sept.

             

North	5	Mls. to a Sand. Isd. undr. a Bluff to the S. S. passed Isd. on L. S.
N. 65°. W.	2	Ml. to a pt. on the L. S. passd. the Isd. on the L. S.
N. 80°. W.	1/2	Ml. on the L. S.
S. 80 W.	3	Mls. to Ceder Island in the Middle of the R. found a fish back bone pitrefied also the hd. just below the Isd. on the top of a hill Situated on the L. S.
N. 70°. W.	8 1/2	Mls. to the Lowr. pt. of an Isd. in a bend to the L. S. pass the hd. of Ceeder Island (2) and a large Isd. on the S. S. (3) & Many Sand bars. Shallow.
N. 35. W.	1	Ml. to the Lower pt. of a Small Island seperated by a Narrow Channel.
	20

10th. September Monday 1804—

a cloudy dark morning Set out early, a gentle breeze from
the S. E. passed two Small Islands on the L. S. and one on
the S. S. all in the first Course at 10 1/2 Miles passed the lower
point of an (2) Island Covered with red Ceeder Situated in a
bend on the L. S. this Island is about 2 Miles in length (1)
below this on a hill on the L. S. we found the back bone of a
fish, 45 feet long tapering to the tale, Some teeth &c. those
joints were Seperated and all Petrefied. opposit this Island
1 1/2 Miles from the river on the L. S. is a large Salt Spring of
remarkable Salt Water. one other high up the hill 1/2 Ml. not
So Salt. we proceeded on under a Stiff Breeze. three Miles
above Ceder Island passed a large Island on the S. S. no water
on that Side. (3) Several elk Swam to this Island passed
a Small Island near the center of the river, of a Mile in length,
and Camped on one above Seperated from the other by a Narrow
Chanel, those Islands are Called Mud Islands. the
hunters killed 3 Buffalow & one Elk to day. The river is
falling a little. Great number of Buffalow & Elk on the hill
Side feeding deer scerce

Course Distance & reffr. 11th. Septr.

           

N. 35°. W.	4 1/2	Mls. to the lower pt. of an Island, passed the Isd. on which we Campd.
N. 70°. W.	2	Mls. to the head of the Island on its L. S.
N. 45°. W.	3	Mls. to a pt. on the L. S. below an Island (1)
N. 50°. W.	2	Mls. to the Upper pt. of an Island on the S. S.; passed one on the L. S. opsd. to which at 1/4 of a Mile is a Village of the Barking Squirel L. S.
West	4 1/2	Mls. to a pt. on the L. S. passed an Isd. on the S. S. just above the one mentioned in the last Course.
	16

Sept. 11th. Tuesday 1804—

A cloudy morning, Set out verry early, the river wide &
Shallow the bottom narrow, & the river crouded with Sand
bars, passed the Island on which we lay at one mile, Passed
three Islands one on the L. S. and 2 on the S. S. opposit the
Island on the L. S. I saw a Village of Barking Squirel

[prairie-dog—Ed.] 970 yds. long, and 800 yds. Wide Situated
on a jentle Slope of a hill, those anamals are noumerous, I
killed 4 with a View to have their Skins Stufed.

here the Man who left us with the horses 22 (16) days ago
George Shannon He started 26 Augt.) and has been a head ever
since joined us nearly Starved to Death, he had been 12 days
without any thing to eate but Grapes & one Rabit, which he
Killed by shooting a piece of hard Stick in place of a ball.
This Man Supposeing the boat to be a head pushed on as long
as he could, when he became weak and feable deturmined to
lay by and waite for a tradeing boat, which is expected, Keeping
one horse for the last resorse, thus a man had like to have
Starved to death in a land of Plenty for the want of Bullitts or
Something to kill his meat. we Camped on the L. S. above
the mouth of a run a hard rain all the afternoon, & most
of the night, with hard wind from the N. W. I walked on
Shore the forepart of this day over Some broken Country
which Continues about 3 Miles back & then is leavel & rich
all Plains, I saw Several foxes & Killed a Elk & 2 Deer &
Squirels. the men with me killed an Elk, 2 Deer & a Pelican

Course Distance & reffrs. Septr. 12th.

   

N. 45°. W.	4	Miles to a point of wood on the L. S. Passed an Island in the Center of the river and several Sand bars (1) on which we found great dificuelty in passing the Water being verry Shallow
	4

Sept. 12th. Wednesday 1804—

A Dark Cloudy Day the wind hard from the N. W. We
Passed (1) a Island in the middle of the river at the head of
which we found great dificuelty in passing between the Sand
bars the Water Swift and Shallow, it took 3/4 of the day to
make one mile, we Camped on the L. S. opsd. a Village of
Barking Prarie Squirels

I walked out in the morn:g and Saw Several Villages of
those little animals, also a great number of Grous & 3 Foxes,
and observed Slate & Coal Mixed, Some verry high hills on
each Side of the river. rain a little all day.

Course Distance and refferences Septr. 13th.

             

N. 45°. E.	1 1/2	Mls. on the L. S. a Sand bar Makeing out.
N. 30°. E.	1	Ml. on the L. Side.
N. 60°. W.	1	Ml. on the L. S. to a Clift.
N. 64°. W.	2 3/4	Mls. on the L. S. to the Commencement of a wood passing under a Bluff of Slate & Coal, & a Sand bar opposit.
North	1 3/4	Mls. to a pt. of high Land on the S. S. passd. Sand bars on both Sides, Shallow
N. 10°. W.	4	Mls. to the lower pt. of a timber passing under a Bluff, a Sand & Willow Island on the L. S.
	12

13th. Septr. Thursday 1804—

A Dark drizzley Day, G. D. Cought 4 Beaver last night
the wind from the NW. Cold Set out early and proceeded
on verry well, passed a number of Sand bars, Capt. Lewis
Killed a Porcupin on a Cotton tree feeding on the leaves &
bowers [boughs —[Ed.] of the said tree, the water is verry
Shallow (in places) being Crowded with Sand bars Camped
on the S. Side under a Bluff. the Bluff on the S. S. not so
much impregnated with mineral as on the L. S. Muskeetors
verry troublesom.

Course Distance and refurences Sept. 14

         

N. 68°. W.	2 3/4	Mls. to a pt. of high Land on the L. S. passd. a round Island on the S. S.
S. 70°. W.	2 1/2	Mls. to a tree in the pt. on the L. S. passed the Mo. of a run on the L. S.
N. 4°. W.	2 1/2	Mls. to the mouth of a Small Creek[25] on the bend to the L. S.
N. 10° E.	1 1/4	Mls. to to the Mouth of a Creek on the L. S. passed a bad Sand bar.
	9

14th. Sept. Friday 1804.—

Set out early proceeded on Passed several Sand bars the
river wide and Shallow. 3 beaver caught last night, Drizeley
rain in the forepart of the day, Cloudy and disagreeable. I

walked on Shore with a view to find an old Vulcanoe, Said
to be in this neighbourhood by Mr. J. McKey of St. Charles.
I walked on Shore the whole day without Seeing any appearance
of the Vulcanoe, in my walk I Killed a Buck Goat
[antelope—Ed.] of this Countrey, about the hight of the
Grown Deer, its body Shorter the Horns which is not very
hard and forks 2/3 up one prong Short the other round &
Sharp arched, and is imediately above its Eyes the Colour is
a light gray with black behind its ears down its neck, and its
face white round its neck, its Sides and its rump round its tail
which is Short & white: Verry actively made, has only a
pair of hoofs to each foot, his brains on the back of his head,
his Norstrals large, his eyes like a Sheep he is more like the
Antilope or Gazella of Africa than any other Species of Goat.
Shields killed a Hare like the mountain hare of Europe, waighing
6 1/4 pounds (altho pore) his head narrow, its ears large i, e.
6 Inches long & 3 Inches Wide one half of each White, the
other & out part a lead Grey from the toe of the hind foot
to toe of the for foot is 2 feet 11 Inches, the hith is 1 foot 1
Inch & 3/4, his tail long thick & white.[26]

The rain Continued the Greater part of the day in My
ramble I observed, that all those parts of the hills which was
clear of Grass easily disolved and washed into the river and
bottoms, and those hils under which the river runs, Sliped
into it and disolves and mixes with the water of the river, the
bottoms of the river was covered with the water and mud
frome the hills about three Inches deep, those bottoms under
the hils which is covered with Grass, also receives a great
quantity of mud.

Passed 2 Small Creeks on the L. S. and Camped below
the third, (the place that Shannon the man who went a head lived
on grapes) Som heavy Showers of rain all wet, had the
Goat & rabit Stufed rained all night.

Course Distance & refferences 15th. Sept.

           

N. 50°. E.	2	Mls. to the pt. Mouth of White River (1) L. S. passed Sand bars, &c.
N. 26°. E.	1 1/2	Mls. to a pt. on the L. S. a Bluff on the S. S.
N. 10°. W.	1/2	Mls. on the L. S. to the Commencement of a Bluff of black Slate
N. 30°. W.	2	Mls. to the lower pt. of an Island Situated near the L Side (2)
North	2	Miles to the Mouth of a Creek on the L. S. a point of high land opposit under which we camped.
	8

15th. September Satturday 1804—

Set out early passed the mo. of the Creek, and the mouth
of White river. (1) Cap. Lewis and my self went up this
river a Short distance and crossed, found that this differed
verry much from the Plat or que courre, threw out but little
Sand, about 300 yards wide, the water confind. within 150
yards, the current regular & Swift much resembling the
Missourie, with Sand bars from the Points, a Sand Island in
the mouth, in the point is a butifull Situation for a Town 3
gradual assents, and a much greater quantity of timber about
the mouth of this river than useal, we concluded to send
Some distance up this river detached Sjt. Gass & R. Fields.
We proceeded on passed a Small (2) Island Covered with
Ceeders on [it] I saw great Numbers of Rabits & Grapes,
this Island is Small & Seperated from a large Sand Isd. at its
upper point by a narrow Channel, & is Situated Nearest the
L. Side. Camped on the S. S. opposit the mouth of a large
Creek on which there is more timber than is useal on Creeks
of this Size, this Creek raised 14 feet the last rains. I killed a
Buck Elk & Deer, this evening is verry Cold, Great Many
Wolves of Diffrent sorts howling about us. the wind is hard
from the NW. this evening.

16th. Sept.

 

N. 72°. E.

1 1/4

Miles to a pt. on the L. S. and came too (1)

16th. of September Sunday 1804—

We Set out verry early & proceed'd on 1 1/4 Miles between
Sand bars and Came too on the L. S. (1) deturmoned to dry
our wet thi[n]gs and liten the boat which we found Could not
proceed with the present load [as fast as we desired owing to
Sand bars] for this purpose we concluded to detain the
Perogue we had intended to send back & load her out of
the boat & detain the Soldiers untill Spring & Send them
from our Winter quarters. We put out those articls which
was wet, Chan'd the boat & perogues, examined all the
Lockers Bails &c &c &c.

This Camp is Situated in a butifull Plain Serounded with
Timber to the extent of 3/4 of a mile in which there is great
quantities of fine Plumbs The two men detachd. up the
White river joined us here & informed that the [river] as far
as they were up had much the appearance of the Missuorie
Som Islands & Sands little Timber, [Elm] (much Signs of
Beaver, Great many buffalow) & Continud its width, they
Saw as well as my self Pine burs & Sticks of Birch in the
Drift wood up this river, they Saw also Number of Goats,
Such as I Killed, also Wolves near the Buffalow. falling
[fallow] Deer, & the Barking Squrils Villages. Cap. Lewis
went to hunt & See the Countrey near the Kamp he Killed
a Buffalow & a Deer

Cloudy all day I partly load the empty Perogue out of the
Boat. I killed 2 Deer & the party 4 Deer & a Buffalow
this we Kill for the Skins to Cover the Perogues, the meat too
pore to eat. Cap. Lewis went on an Island above our Camp,
this Island is abt. one mile long, with a great perpotion Ceder
timber near the middle of it.

I gave out a flannel Shirt to each man, & powder to those
who had expended thers.

[Lewis:[27] ]

Sunday, September 16th, 1804.

This morning set out at an early hour, and come too at 1/2
after 7 A. M. on the Lard. shore 1 1/4 miles above the mouth
of a small creek which we named Corvus,[28] in consequence of
having kiled a beatiful bird of that genus near it. we concluded
to ly by at this place the ballance of this day and the
next, in order to dry our baggage which was wet by the heavy
showers of rain which had fallen within the last three days,
and also to lighten the boat by transfering a part of her lading
to the red perogue, which we now determined to take on with
us to our winter residence wherever that might be; while
some of the men were imployed in the necessary labour others
were dressing of skins washing and mending their cloaths &c.
Capt. Clark and myself kiled each a buck immediately on
landing near our encampment; the deer were very gentle and
in great numbers in this bottom which had more timber on it
than any part of the river we had seen for many days past,
consisting of Cottonwood Elm, some indifferent Ash and a
considerable quan[ti]ty of a small species of white oak which
[was][29] loaded with acorns of an excellent flavor [having][29] very
little of the bitter roughness of the nuts of most species of
oak, the leaf of this oak is small pale green and deeply
indented, (not copied for Dr. Barton) it seldom rises higher
than thirty feet is much branched, the bark is rough and thick
and of a light colour; the cup which contains the acorn is
fringed on it's edges and imbraces the nut about one half;
the acorns were now falling, and we concluded that the number
of deer which we saw here had been induced thither by the
acorns of which they are remarkably fond. almost every
species of wild game is fond of the acorn, the Buffaloe Elk,
Deer, bear, turkies, ducks, pigians and even the wolves feed
on them; we sent three hunters out who soon added eight
deer and two Buffalo to our strock of provisions; the Buffaloe

were so pour that we took only the tongues skins and marrow
bones; the skins were particularly acceptable as we were in
want of a covering for the large perogue to secure the baggage;
the clouds during this day and night prevented my making
any observations. Sergt. Gass and Reubin Fields whom we
had sent out yesterday to explore the White river returnd at
four oclock this day and reported that they had followed the
meanders of that stream about 12 miles it's general course
[is] West, the present or principal channel 150 yards wide;
the coulour of the water and rapidity and manner of runing
resembled the Missouri precisely; the country broken on the
border of the river about a mile, when the level planes commence
and extend as far as the eye can reach on either side;
as usual no timber appeared except such as from the steep
declivities of hills, or their moist situations, were sheltered
from the effects of the fire. these extensive planes had been
lately birnt and the grass had sprung up and was about three
inches high. vast herds of Buffaloe deer Elk and Antilopes
were seen feeding in every direction as far as the eye of the
observer could reach.

White River 17th. Sept. Plomb Camp.
Course Distance & refferrence
[Not given.—Ed.]

17th. of September Monday 1804—

Dried all our wet articles, this fine Day, Capt. Lewis went
out with a View to See the Countrey and its productions, he
was out all day he killed a Buffalow and a remarkable Bird
(Magpy) of the Corvus Species long tail the upper part of the
feathers & also the wings is of a purplish variated Green, the
back & a part of the wing feathers are white edged with black,
white belly, while from the root of the wings to Center of the
back is White, the head nake [neck—Ed.] breast & other
parts are black the Beeke like a Crow, abt. the Size of a large
Pigion. a butifull thing.

I took equal altitudes and a meridian altitude. Capt. Lewis
returned at Dark, Colter Killed a Goat like the one I killed
and a curious kind of Deer (Mule Deer) of a Dark gray Colr.
more so than common, hair long & fine, the ears large & long,
a Small reseptical under the eyes; like an Elk, the Taile about
the length of Common Deer, round (like a Cow) a tuft of
black hair about the end, this Spec[i]es of Deer jumps like a
goat or Sheep

8 fallow Deer 5 Common & 3 Buffalow killed to day.
Capt Lewis saw a hare & killed a Rattle snake in a village of
B.[arking—Ed.] Squarels the wind from S. W. Dryed
our provisions, Some of which was much Damaged.

[Lewis:]

Monday September 17th. 1804.

Having for many days past confined myself to the boat, I
determined to devote this day to amuse myself on shore with
my gun and view the interior of the country lying between the
river and the Corvus Creek, accordingly before sunrise I set
out with six of my best hunters, two of whom I dispatched to
the lower side of Corvus creek, two with orders to hunt the
bottums and woodland on the river, while I retained two
others to acompany me in the intermediate country. one
quarter of a mile in rear of our camp which was situated in a
fine open grove of cotton wood passed a grove of plumb trees
loaded with fruit and now ripe, observed but little difference
betwen this fruit and that of a similar kind common to the
Atlantic States. the trees are smaller and more thickly set.
this forrest of plumb trees garnish a plain about 20 feet more
elivated than that on which we were encamped; this plain
extends back about a mile to the foot of the hills one mile
distant and to which it is gradually ascending this plane
extends with the same bredth from the creek below to the
distance of near three miles above parrallel with the river,
and it is intirely occupyed by the burrows of the barking
squiril hertefore described; this anamal appears here in infinite
numbers and the shortness and virdu[r]e of grass gave the

plain the appearance throughout it's whole extent of beatifull
bowling-green in fine order. it's aspect is S. E. a great
number of wolves of the small kind, halks [hawks—Ed.] and
some pole-cats were to be seen. I presume that those anamals
feed on this squirril. found the country in every direction for
about three miles intersected with deep revenes and steep
irregular hills of 100 to 200 feet high; at the tops of these
hills the country breakes of[f] as usual into a fine leavel plain
extending as far as the eye can reach. from this plane I had
an extensive view of the river below, and the irregular hills
which border the opposite sides of the river and creek. the
surrounding country had been birnt about a month before and
young grass had now sprung up to hight of 4 Inches presenting
the live green of the spring to the West a high range of
hills, strech across the country from N. to S. and appeared
distant about 20 miles; they are not very extensive as I could
plainly observe their rise and termination no rock appeared
on them and the sides were covered with virdu[r]e similar to
that of the plains this senery already rich pleasing and beatiful
was still farther hightened by immence herds of Buffaloe,
deer Elk and Antelopes which we saw in every direction feeding
on the hills and plains. I do not think I exagerate when
I estimate the number of Buffaloe which could be compre[hend]ed
at one view to amount to 3000. my object was
if possible to kill a female Antelope having already procured a
male; I pursued my rout on this plain to the west flanked by
my two hunters untill eight in the morning when I made the
signal for them to come to me which they did shortly after.
we rested our selves about half an hour, and regailed ourselves
on half a bisquit each and some jirks of Elk which we had
taken the precaution to put in our pouches in the morning
before we set out, and drank of the water of a small pool
which had collected on this plain from the rains which had
fallen some days before. we had now after various windings
in pursuit of several herds of antelopes which we had seen on
our way made the distance of about eight miles from our camp.
we found the Antelope extreemly shye and watchfull insomuch
that we had been unable to get a shot at them; when at rest
they generally seelect the most elivated point in the neighbourhood,
and as they are watchfull and extreemly quick of sight
and their sense of smelling very accute it is almost impossible
to approach them within gunshot; in short they will frequently
discover and flee from you at the distance of three
miles. I had this day an opportunity of witnessing the agility
and the superior fleetness of this anamal which was to me
really astonishing. I had pursued and twice surprised a small
herd of seven, in the first instance they did not discover me
distinctly and therefore did not run at full speed, tho' they
took care before they rested to gain an elivated point where it
was impossible to approach them under cover, except in one
direction and that happened to be in the direction from which
the wind blew towards them; bad as the chance to approch
them was, I made the best of my way towards them, freqeuntly
peeping over the ridge with which I took care to
conceal myself from their view the male, of which there was
but one, frequently incircled the summit of the hill on which
the females stood in a group, as if to look out for the approach
of danger. I got within about 200 paces of them when they
smelt me and fled; I gained the top of the eminence on which
they stood, as soon as possible from whence I had an extensive
view of the country the antilopes which had disappeared
in a steep reveene now appeared at the distance of about three
miles on the side of a ridge which passed obliquely across me
and extended about four miles, so soon had these antelopes
gained the distance at which they had again appeared to my
view I doubted at ferst that they were the same that I had just
surprised, but my doubts soon vanished when I beheld the
rapidity of their flight along the ridge before me it appeared
reather the rappid flight of birds than the motion of quadrupeds.
I think I can safely venture the asscertion that the
speed of this anamal is equal if not superior to that of the
finest blooded courser. this morning I saw[30]

Course Distance & refference 18th. Septr.

           

N. 45. E.	1	M. to the lower pt. of an Island (1)
N. 25°. E.	2	Miles to a pt. on the L. S. passed the Isld. at one mile and some Sand bars making from it, a Creek on the S. S. opsd. the upper point.
N. 14°. E.	1 1/2	Mls. to a pt. of Willows on the L. Side.
N. 10. W.	1 1/2	Mls. to a point of wood on the L. S.
N. 22. W.	1	Mile to a pt. on the L. S. and the upper part of the timber.
	7

September 18th. Tuesday 1804—

Wind from the N W. we Set out early the boat much
lightened, the wind a head proceed on verry Slowly (1)
Passed an Island about the middle of the river at 1 Mile this
Island is about a Mile long, and has a great perpotion of red
Ceder on it,[31] a Small Creek comes in on the S. S. opposit the
head of the Island, proceeded on passed many Sand bars and
Camped on the L. S. before night the wind being verry hard
& a head all Day. the hunters Killed 10 Deer to day and a
Prarie wolf, had it all jurked & Skins Stretchd. after Camping.

I walked on Shore Saw Goats, Elk, Buffalow, Black tail
Deer, & the Common Deer, I Killed a Prarie Wollf, about
the Size of a gray fox bushey tail head & ears like a Wolf,
Some fur Burrows in the ground and barks like a Small Dog.

What has been taken heretofore for the Fox was those
Wolves, and no Foxes has been Seen; The large Wolves
are verry numourous, they are of a light colr. large & has long
hair with Coarse fur.[32]

Some Goats of a Different Kind wer Seen yesterday great
many Porcupin rabits & Barking Squirils in this quarter.
Plumbs & grapes.

Course Distance & refferences Sept. 19th.

                 

N. 50° W.	3	Miles to a pt. of wood on the S. S. opposit is a Bluff on L. S. (1)
North	4	Miles to the Lower pt. of prospect Island opsd. the 3 rivers on the S. S. (2)
N. 30° W.	2 1/2	Miles to the Upper pt. of the Island psd. the 3 rivers. (2)
N. 43°. W.	2	Miles on the L. S. passd. a Creek (3)
N. 54°. W.	3	Mls. to a pt. on the S. S.
N. 70°. W.	5	Mls to a Bluff on the L. S. passed a Creek (4)
West -	3 1/2	Mls. to a timber on the L. S. passed a Creek (5)
N. 50°. W.	3 1/4	Mls. to the Upper pt. of an Island at the Commencemt of the Big bend. (6)
	26 1/4

19th. of September Wednesday 1804—

Set out early, a cool morning verry clear the wind from the
S. E. a Bluff on the L. S. here commences a Butifull Countrey
on both Sides of the Missourie. (2) passed a large Island
called Prospect Island opposit this Isd. the 3 rivers Coms in,
passing thro a butifull Plain, here I walked on Shore &
Killed a fat Cow & Sent her to the boat and proceeded on to
the first of the 3 rivers, this river is about 35 yards wide contains
a good deel of water, I walked up this river 2 miles &
cross, the bottom is high and rich Some timber, I crossed &
returned to the mouth, & proceeded up one mile to the 2d. river
which is Small 12 yards wide, and on it but little timber, on
this Creek the Sioux has frequently Camped, as appears by
the Signs. the lands between those two Creeks is a purpendicular
bluff of about 80 feet with a butifull Plain & gentle
assent back. a Short distance above the 2nd. a 3rd. Creek Comes
into the river in 3 places scattering its waters over the large
timbered bottom, this Creek is near the Size of the Middle
Creek Containing a greater quantity of water, those rivers is
the place that all nations who meet are at peace with each other,
called the Seoux pass of the 3 rivers.[33]

The boat proceeded on passd. the Island (3) passed a Creek
15 yds. Wide on the L. Side (4) passed a Creek on the L.
S. 20 yards wide which I call Elm Creek passing thro' a high
Plain (5) passed a Creek on the L. S. 18 yds. above which the
boat Came too, I joined them late at night, and Call this
Creek Night Creek the wind favourable all Day, I killed
a fat buck Elk late and could only get his Skin and a Small
part of his flesh to Camp. My Servent Killed a Buck, the
Crew in the boat Killed 2 buffalow in the river. The Hunters
on Shore Killed 4 Deer with black tails one of which was a
Buck with two main Prongs on each Side forked equally,
which I never before Seen. I saw Several large gangs of
Buffalow 2 large Herds of Elk & goats &c. (6) pass a Small
Island on the S. S. opposit to this Island on the L. S. a
Creek of about 10 yards wide Coms in passing thro a plain in
which great quantites of the Prickley Pear grows, I call this
Creek Prickley Pear Creek, this Isld. is called the lower Island
it is Situated at the Commencement of what is Called &
Known by the Grand de Tortu [Detour] or Big Bend of the
Missourie.

Course Distance and refferences—20th. Sept. (Big Bend)
From the lower Islands upper pt.

                     

North	4	Mls. to a pt. on the L. S. Passed one on the S. S. above the Island about one & 1/2 Mls.
N. 10°. W.	1 1/2	Mls. on the L. Side
N. 22°. W.	3	Mls. on the L. Side pd. a sd. br.
N. 60°. W	2	Mls. on the L. Side.
West	3	Mls. on the L. S.
S. 73° W.	3 1/2	Mls. on the L. Side
South	4	Mls. on the L. S. passed a Small Island on the L. S. a Small run opsd. S. S. (1)
S. 74°. E.	3 1/2	Mls. to a pt. of wood on the L. S. Camped (2)
S. 56°. E.	3 1/2	Mls. to a pt. on the S. S. opsd. a high hill (3)
S. 28°. E.	2	Mls. to a Ceder Valey in a bend on the L. S. at this place the gorge is 2000 yds.
	30

20th. of September, Thursday 1804—

a fair morning wind from the S. E. detached 2 men to the
1st. Creek above the big bend with the horse to hunt and wait
our arrival proceeded on passed the lower Island opposit
which the Sand bars are very thick & the water Shoal. I
walked on Shore with a view of examening this bend crossed
at the Narost part which is a high irregular hills of about 180
or 190 feet, this place the gouge of the bend is 1 Mile & a
quarter (from river to river or across,) from this high land
which is only in the Gouge, the bend is a Butifull Plain thro
which I walked, Saw numbers of Buffalow & Goats, I saw
a Hare & believe he run into a hole in the Side of a hill, he
run up this hill which is Small & has several holes on the Side
& I could not see him after, I joined the boat in the evening.
passed a Small Island on the L. S. in the N. W. extremity of
the bend Called Solitary Island, and Camped late on a Sand
Bar near the S. S. R. Fields Killed 1 Deer & 2 Goats one
of them a female She Differs from the Mail as to Size being
Smaller, with Small Horns, Streght with a Small Prong without
any black about the Neck. None of those Goats has any
Beard, they are all Keenly made [delicately formed.— Biddle],
and is butifull.

Course Distance and reffrs.—21st. Sept.

       

S. 70°. W.	4 1/2	Miles to the Upper part of a Ceder bottom on the L. S. passed Several Sand bars on both Sides.
N. 50°. W.	2 1/2	Miles to a tree on the S. S. passing over a Willow Island & a Creek on the L. S. (1)
West	4 1/2	Miles to a point of Timber on the L. S. Passed Sand bars the river here is verry Shoal and about a Mile Wide. (2) Passed large hard Stone on the Shore on each Side, a Mock Island on the S. S.
	11 1/2

21st. of September Friday 1804—

at half past one o'clock this morning the Sand bar on which
we Camped began to under mind and give way which allarmed
the Serjeant on Guard, the motion of the boat awakened me;
I got up & by the light of the moon observed that the Sand

had given away both above and below our Camp & was falling
in fast. I ordered all hands on as quick as possible & pushed
off, we had pushed off but a few minits before the bank under
which the Boat & perogus lay give way, which would Certainly
have Sunk both Perogues, by the time we made the opsd. Shore
our Camp fell in, we made a 2d. Camp for the remainder of the
night. & at Daylight proceeded on to the Gouge of this Great
bend and Brackfast, we Sent a man to Measure (step off) the
Distance across the gouge, he made it 2,000 yds., The distance
arround is 30 Mls. The hills extend thro: the Gouge and is about
200 foot above the water. in the bend as also the opposit Sides
both above and below the bend is a butifull inclined Plain, in
which there is great numbers of Buffalow, Elk & Goats in
view feeding & scipping on those Plains Grouse, Larks &
the Prarie bird is Common in those Plains.

We proceeded on passed a (1) Willow Island below the
mouth of a Small river called Tylors R about 35 Yds. wide
which Coms in on the L. S. 6 Miles above the Gouge of the
bend, at the Mouth of this river the two hunters a head left
a Deer & its Skin also the Skin of a White wolf. We observe
an emence number of Plover of Different kind collecting and
takeing their flight Southerly, also Brants, which appear to
move in the Same Direction. The Cat fish is Small and not
so plenty as below.

(2) The Shore on each Side is lined with hard rough Gulley
Stone of different Sises, which has roled from the hills & out
of Small brooks, Ceder is Common here, This day is warm,
the wind which is not hard blows from the S. E., we Camped
at the lower point of the Mock Island on the S. S. this now
Connected with the main land, it has the appearance of once
being an Island detached from the main land Covered with tall
Cotton Wood. We Saw Some Camps and tracks of the Seaux
which appears to be old, three or four weeks ago, one frenchman
I fear has got an abscess on his they [thigh—Ed.], he
Complains verry much we are makeing every exertion to
reliev him

The Praries in this quarter Contains great qts. of Prickley
Pear.

Course Distance & refferences—22nd

           

S. 72°. W.	5	Miles to a point on the S. S. Passing under a high bluff on the L. Side (1)
West	1	Mile on the S. S. a bottom commencing on the L. S. at the end of this Course
N. 38°. W.	4 1/2	Miles to a pt. of timber on the S. S. opposit the Lower pt. of Ceder Island passed two Islands on the L. S. one 1/2 a Mile & the other 3 Miles long called the 3 Sisters opsd. a large Creek coms in (2)
N. 30°. W.	3	Miles to a pt. on S. S. passed Ceeder Island Situated nearest the S. S. a trading house (3)
N. 22°. E.	2 1/2	Miles to a timber opposit the Lower (L. S.) pt. of a Small Island called Goat Island. (4)
	16

22nd. of September Satturday 1804—

a thick fog this morning detained us untill 7 oClock passed
a butifull inclined Prarie on both Sides in which we See great
numbers of Buffalow feeding. (1) took the Meridean altitude
of the Suns Upper Limb 92°. 50′ 00″. [with] the Sextent the
Latd. produced from this Obsevation is 44° 11′ 33″ 3/10 North.

(2) passed a Small Island on the L. S. imediately above
passed a Island Situated nearest the L. S. abt. 3 Miles long,
behind this Isd. on the L. S. a Creek Comes in about 15 yards
wide, this Creek and Island are Called the 3 Sisters, a butifull
Plain on both Sides of the river.

(3) passed a Island Situated nearest the S. S. imediately
above the last Called Ceder Island this Island is about 1 1/2
miles long & nearly as wide Covered with Ceder, on the
South Side of this Island Mr. Louiselle a trader from St. Louis
built a fort of Ceder[34] & a good house to trade with the Seaux
& Wintered last winter; about this fort I observed a number
of Indian Camps in a Conecal form. they fed their horses on
Cotton limbs as appears. here our hunters us joined haveing

killed 2 Deer & a Beaver, they Complain much of the Mineral
Substances in the barren hills over which they passed
Distroying their mockessons.

(4) we proceeded on and Campd. late on the S. Side below a
Small Island in the bend S. S. Called Goat Island, The large
Stones which lay on the Sides of the banks in Several places
lay some distance in the river, under the water and is dangerous.
&c.

I walked out this evening and killed a fine Deer the Musquiters
is verry troublesom in the bottoms.

Course Distance & refferencies.—23rd. Septr.

           

N. 46°. W.	3 3/4	Miles to the Mouth of a Creek in the bend to the S. S. passed an Isld. on the S. S. (1) & Sands.
S. 46°. W.	1 3/4	Miles to a Coaps of Wood at a Spring in a bend to the L. S.
N. 80°. W.	4 1/2	Miles to the lower pt. of a large Island (2) passed 2 Willow Islands & Several Bars.
N. 85°. W.	5	Miles to a pt. on the L. S. pass upper p. of Elk Island at 2 1/2 Miles. Several Sands
West	5	Miles to a pt. on the S. S. below a Creek on the L. S. passed a Creek on the S. S. (3)
	20

23rd. of September Sunday 1804—

Set out under a gentle breeze from the S. E. (1) passed a
Small Island Situated in a bend to the L. S. Called Goat
Island, a Short distance above the upper point a Creek of 12
yards wide Coms in on the S. S. we observed a great Smoke
to the S. W. I walked on Shore & observed Buffalow in great
Herds at a distance

(2) passed two Small Willow Islands with large Sand bars
makeing out from them, passed (2) Elk Island about 2 1/2
Miles long & 3/4 Mile Wide Situated near the L. S. Covered
with Cotton Wood the read Currents Called by the french
Gres de Beuff.[35] & grapes &c. &c.

the river is nearly Streight for a great distance wide and
Shoal (4) passed a Creek on the S. S. 16 yards wide we Call
Reuben Creek,[36] as R. Fields found it. Camped on the S. S.
below the mouth of a Creek on the L. S. three Souex boys
Came to us Swam the river and informd that the Band of
Seauex called the Tetongues (Tetons) of 80 Lodges were Camped
at the next Creek above, & 60 Lodges more a Short distance
above, we gave those boys two Carrots of Tobacco to Carry
to their Chiefs, with directions to tell them that we would Speek
to them tomorrow

Capt. Lewis walked on Shore this evening, R. F. Killed a
Doe Goat,

Course Distance & reffurence—24th.. Septr

         

N. 80 W.	3	Miles a pt. on the S. S.
West	2 1/2	Miles to the S. S. right of a Isld. Situated on the L. S. (1)
West	4	Miles to a Point on the S. S. passed the Island on the L. S.
S. 85° W.	4	Miles to the Mouth of a River Called by Evens[37] Little Missourie I call it the Teton river as the Teton Bands of the Soux reside on it (2)
	13

24th. September Monday 1804—

Set out early a fair day the wind from the E. pass the
mouth of Creek on the L. S. Called Creek on high Water,
(High Water) passed (1) a large Island on the L. S. about 2
Miles & 1/2 long on which Colter had Camped & Killed 4
Elk, the wind fair from the S. E. we prepared Some Clothes
and a fiew Meadels for the Chiefs of the Teton's bands of
Seoux which we expect to See to day at the next river, observe
a great Deel of Stone on the Sides of the hills on the
S. S. we Saw one Hare, to day, prepared all things for

Action in Case of necessity, our Perogus went to the Island
for the Meet, Soon after the man on Shore run up the bank
and reported that the Indians had Stolen the horse We Soon
after Met 5 Inds. and ankered out Som distance & Spoke to
them informed them we were friends, & Wished to Continue
So but were not afraid of any Indians, Some of their young
men had taken the horse Sent by their Great father for their
Cheif and we would not Speek to them untill the horse was
returned to us again.

passed (2) a Island on the S. S. on which we Saw Several
Elk, about 1 1/2 Miles long Called Good humered [humoured]
Isld. Came to about 1 1/2 Miles above off the Mouth of a
Small river about 70 yards wide Called by Mr. Evens the
Little Mississou [Missouri] River, The Tribes of the Seauex
Called the Teton, is Camped about 2 Miles up on the N. W.
Side, and we Shall Call the River after that Nation, Teton[38]
This river is 70 yards wide at the mouth of Water, and has a
considerable Current we anchored off the mouth

the french Perogue Come up early in the day, the other did
not Get up untill in the evening Soon after we had Come too.
I went & Smoked with the Chiefs who came to See us here
all well, we prepare to Speek with the Indians tomorrow at
which time we are informed the Indians will be here, the
French Man who had for Some time been Sick, began to
blead which allarmed him 2/3 of our party Camped on board
the remainder with the Guard on Shore.