I walked on Shore Saw Several foxes Several Villages of Prarie dogs,
and a number of Grouse
[Clark, September 12, 1804]
Septr. 12th Wednesday 1804
a Dark Cloudy Day the wind hard from the N. W. we passed (1) a Island
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 Squriels
I walked out in the morning 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. rains a
little all day.
[Clark, September 13, 1804]
13th Septr. Thursday 1804
a Dark Drizzley Day, G D Cought 4 Beaver last night the winds from the
N W. Cold Set out early and proceeded on verry well passed a number of
Sand bars, Capt Lewis killed a Porcupin on a Cotton treee fieeding on
the leaves & bowers of the Said tree, the water is verry Shallow being
Crouded with Sand bars Camped on the S. Side under a Bluff. the Bluffs
on the S. S. not So much impregnated with mineral as on the L. S.
muskeetors verry troublesom-.
[Lewis, September 13, 1804]
September 13th
Killed a bluewinged teal and a Porcupine; found it in a Cottonwood tree
near the river on the Lard. Shore--the leaves of the Cottonwood were
much distroyed--as were those of the Cottonwood trees in it's
neighbourhood. I therefore supposed that it fed on the folage of trees
at this season, the flesh of this anamal is a pleasant and whoalsome
food--the quills had not yet obtained their usual length--it has four
long toes, before on each foot, and the same number behind with the
addition of one short one on each hind foot on the inner side. the toes
of the feet are armed with long black nails particularly the fore feet-
they weigh from 15 to 20 lbs--they resemble the slowth very much in the
form of their hands, or fore feet. their teeth and eyes are like the
bever
[Clark, September 14, 1804]
Septr 14th Friday 1804 Course Dists & rifur. Set out early proceeded on
passed Several Sand bars water wide & Shallow N. 68° W. 23/4 mes. to a
pt. of high Land on the L. S. passed a round Island on the S S.--Caught
3 beaver last night, Some drizzeley rain Cloudy & Disagreeable and Som
hard Showers, I walked on Shore with a view to find an old Volcano Said
to be in this neghbourhood by Mr. McKey I was Some distance out Could
not See any Signs of a Volcanoe, I killed a Goat, which is peculier to
this Countrey about the hite of a Grown Deer Shorter, its horns Coms
out immediately abov its eyes broad 1 Short prong the other arched &
Soft the color is a light gray with black behind its ears, white round
its neck, no beard, his Sides & belly white, and around its taile which
is Small & white and Down its hams, actively made his brains on the
back of its head, his noisterals large, his eyes like a Sheep only 2
hoofs on each foot no antelrs (more like the antelope or gazella of
Africa than any other Specis of Goat). Shields Killed a Hare weighing
61/2 lb. verry pore, the head narrow and its ears 3 Inches wide and 6
long, from the fore to the end of the hind foot; is 2 feet 11 Inch.
hite 1 foot 13/4 its tail long & thick white, clearly the mountain Hare
of Europe, a rainy evening all wett The Soil of those Plains washes
down into the flats, with the Smallest rain & disolves & mixes with the
water we See back from the river high hills in a leavel plain,
evidently the remains of mountains, what mud washed into the river
within those few days has made it verry mudy, passed two Small Creeks
on the L. S. & Camped below a 3rd on the L. S. rained all evening
[Clark, September 14, 1804]
14th Septr. 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 this day, cloudy and disagreeable, I walked on
Shore with a view to find an old Vulcanio, 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 Villcanoe, in my walk I
Killed a Buck Goat 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 Jaw 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
Norstral 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 61/4 pounds (altho pore) his
head narrow, its ears large i, e, 6 Inches long & 3 Inchs 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 Inche & 3/4, his tail long thick & white.
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 run, 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 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) Some heavy
Showers of rain all wet, had the Goat & rabit Stufed rained all night
[Lewis, September 14, 1804]
September 14th 1804 this day Capt. Clark killed a male wild goat so
called--it's weight 65 lbs.
F I
length from point of nose to point of tail 4 9
hight to the top of the wethers 3 -
do. behind 3 -
girth of the brest 3 1
girth of the neck close to the shoulders 2 2
do. near the head 1 7
Eye deep sea green, large percing and reather prominent, & at or near
the root of the horn within one 1/4 inches
[Lewis, September 14, 1804]
Sept. 14th 1804. Shields killed a hare of the prarie, weight six pounds
and 1/4
F. I.
Length from point of hind to extremity fore feet 2 11
hight when standing erect 1 1 3/4
length from nose to tale 2 1
girth of body 1 2 3/4
length of tale
length of the year -- 5 1/2
width of do. do. -- 3 1/8
from the extremity of the hip to the toe of the hind foot 1 3 1/2
the eye is large and prominent the sight is circular, deep sea green,
and occupyes one third of the width of the eye the remaining two thirds
is a ring of a bright yellowish silver colour. the years ar placed at
the upper part of the head and very near to each other, the years are
very flexable, the anamall moves them with great ease and quickness and
can contrat and foald them on his back or delate them at pleasure--the
front outer foald of the year is a redis brown, the inner foalds or
those which ly together when the years are thrown back and wich occupy
two thirds of the width of the year is of a clear white colour except
one inch at the tip of the year which is black, the hinder foald is of
a light grey--the head back sholders and outer part of the thighs are
of a ledcoloured grey the sides as they approache the belly grow
lighter becomeing gradually more white the belly and brest are white
with a shad of lead colour--the furr is long and fine--the tale is
white round and blounty pointed the furr on it is long and extreemly
fine and soft when it runs it carry's it's tale strait behind the
direction of the body--the body is much smaller and more length than
the rabbit in proportion to it's height--the teeth are like those of
the hair or rabbit as is it's upper lip split--it's food is grass or
herbs--it resorts the open plains, is extreemly fleet and never burrows
or takes shelter in the ground when pursued, I measured the leaps of
one which I suprised in the plains on the 17th Inst. and found them 21
feet the ground was a little decending they apear to run with more ease
and to bound with greater agility than any anamall I ever saw. this
anamal is usually single seldom associating in any considerable numbers.
[Clark, September 15, 1804]
September the 15th Satturday 1804 Set out early passed the Mouth of a
creek on the L S. where Shannon lived on grapes waiting for Mr.
Clintens boat Supposeing we had went on, Capt Lewis and my Self halted
at the mouth of White River & wend up a Short Crossed &, this river is
about 400 yards, the water Confined within 150 yards, the Current
regularly Swift, much resembling the Missourie, Sand bars makeing out
from the points, Some Islands we Sent up two men to go up this river
one Day and Meet us to morrow we proceeded on passed a Small Island
Covered with Ceder timber, & great number of rabits, no game except
rabits, and Camped on the S. S. opposit a large Creek, on which there
is more wood than usial on Creeks in this quaterr this creek raised 14
feet last rain I Killed a Buck elk & a Deer.
[Clark, September 15, 1804]
15th September Satturday 1804
Set out early passed the mo of the Creek, and the mouth of White river;
(1) Capt 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 yard wide, the water
confind within 150 yards, the current regular & Swift much resemblig
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 usial, we concluded to Send Some distance up this river
detached Sjt. Gass & R. Fields. we proceeded on passed a Small (2)
Island Covered with Ceeder on 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 usial 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 Different Sorts howling about us. the wind is hard
from the N W this evening
[Lewis, September 16, 1804]
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 11/4 miles above the mouth of a small creek which we
named Corvus, 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 this 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 on 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 quanty of a
small species of white oak which is loaded with acorns of an excellent
flavor 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,
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, pigegians and even
the wolves feed on them; we sent three hunters out who soon added eight
deer and two Buffaloe 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 foil
meanders of that stream about 12 miles r's general course West, the
present or principal channel iro yards wide; the coulour of the water
and rapidity and manner of runing resembled the Missouri presisely; 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.
[Clark, September 16, 1804]
September 16th Sunday, we proceeded on 11/4 Miles and Camped on the L.
Side in a butifull Plain Surounded with timber in which we Saw Severall
Der, we delayed here for the purpose of Drying the articles which were
wet & the cloathes to Load the Perogue which we had intended to send
back, finding the water too Shoal Deturmind to take on the Perogue also
to make Some observations for Longitude &c. the two men G. & R. F.
joined us and informed "that the river as far as they were up had much
the Appearance of the river about the mouth, but little timber and that
chiefly elm", the up land between this river & the White river is fine,
Great numbers of Goat, Deer of three kinds, Buffalow, & wolves, &
Barking Squrels, The fallow Deer, Cloudy, all day Cleaning out the boat
examining & Drying the goods, & loading the Perogue, I killed 2 Deer
Capt Lewis one & a Buffalow, one Buffalow & five other Deer Killed. I
observed Pine Burs & Burch Sticks in the Drift wood up white river
which Coms in on the L. S. imedeately in the point is a butifull
Situation for a town 3 Gentle rises, & more timber about the mouth of
this river than usial
[Clark, September 16, 1804]
16th of September Sunday 1804
We Set out verry early & proceed'd on 11/4 miles between Sand bars and
Came too on the L. S. (1)--deturmined to dry our wet thig and liten the
boat which we found could not proceed with the present load 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 articles which was wet,
Clean'd the boat & perogus, examined all the Locker Bails &. &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
Missourie Som Islands & Sands little Timber Elm, (much Signs of Beaver,
Great many buffalow) & Continud its width, they Saw & 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 Deer, & the Barking Squrels Villages Capt. 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 the we kill for the Skins
to Cover the Perogus, the meet too pore to eat. Capt Lewis went on an
Island above our Camp, this Island is abt. one mile long, with a Great
purpotion ceder timber near the middle of it
I gave out a flannel Shirt to each man, & powder to those who had
expended thers
[Lewis, September 17, 1804]
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 bottoms 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 between 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 lelivated 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 is intirely occupyed by the burrows of
the barking squril hertefore discribed; this anamal appears here in
infinite numbers, and the shortness and virdue of grass gave the plain
the appearance throughout it's whole extent of beatifull bowlinggreen
in fine order. it's aspect is S. E. a great number of wolves of the
small kind, balks 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 reveries and
steep irregular hills of 100 to 200 feet high; at the tops of these
hills the country breakes of 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 virdue 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
compreed 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 jirk 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 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 approach
them was, I made the best of my way towards them, frequently 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 eminece 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 revesne 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 saws
[Clark, September 17, 1804]
17th of Septr. Monday 1804 above White river Dried all those articles
which had got wet by the last rain, a fine day Capt Lewis went hunting
with a vew to seethe Countrey &its productions, he was out all Day
Killed a Buffalow & a remarkable bird of the Spicies of Corvus, long
tail of a Greenish Purple, Varigated a Beck like a Crow white round its
neck comeing to a point on its back, its belley white feet like a Hawk
abt. the size of a large Pigeon Capt Lewis returned at Dark. I took the
Meridian & equal altitudes to day made the Lattitude.
Colter Killed a Goat, & a Curious kind of Deer, a Darker grey than
Common the hair longer & finer, the ears verry large & long a Small
resepitical under its eye its tail round and white to near the end
which is black & like a Cow in every other respect like a Deer, except
it runs like a goat. large.
The hunters brought in 8 fallow Deer & 5 Common Deer to day, Great
numbers of Buffalow in the Praries, also a light Coloured woolf Covered
with hair & corse fur, also a Small wolf with a large bushey tail--Some
Goats of a Different Kind Seen to day,--Great many Plumbs, rabits,
Porcupines & barking Squrels, Capt Lewis Killed a rattle Snake in a
village of the Squirel's and Saw a Hair to day. Wind from the S. W. we
finished Drying our Provisions Some of which was wet and Spoiled,
[Clark, September 17, 1804]
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 of the Corvus Species long tail
the upper part of the feathers & also the wing is of a purplish
variated Green, the black, a part of the wing feather are white edjed
with black, white belley, white from the root of the wings to Center of
the back is white, the head nake breast & other parts are black the
Becke like a Crow. abt. the Size of a large Pigion. a butifull thing
(See Suplement in No. 3)
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 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 Speces 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. squerels The wind from
S. W. Dryed our provisions, Some of which was much Damaged.
[Lewis, September 17, 1804]
Sept. 17th
one of the hunters killed a bird of the Corvus genus and order of the
pica & about the size of a jack-daw with a remarkable long tale.
beautifully variagated. it note is not disagreeable though loud it is
twait twait twait, twait; twait, twait twait, twait.
F I
from tip to tip of wing 1 10
Do. beak to extremity of tale 1 8 1/2
of which the tale occupys 1 1
from extremity of middle toe to hip 5 1/2
it's head, beak, and neck are large for a bird of it's size; the beak
is black, and of a convex and cultrated figure, the chops nearly equal,
and it's base large and beset with hairs--the eyes are black encircled
with a narrow ring of yellowish black it's head, neck, brest & back
within one inch of the tale are of a fine glossey black, as are also
the short fathers of the under part of the wing, the thies and those
about the root of the tale. the belly is of a beatifull white which
passes above and arround the but of the wing, where the feathers being
long reach to a small white spot on the rump one inch in width--the
wings have nineteen feathers, of which the ten first have the longer
side of their plumage white in the midde of the feather and occupying
unequal lengths of the same from one to three inches, and forming when
the wing is spead a kind of triangle the upper and lower part of these
party coloured feathers on the under side of the wing being of dark
colour but not jut or shining black. the under side of the remaining
feathers of the wing are darker. the upper side of the wing, as well as
the short side of the plumage of the party coloured feathers is of a
dark blackis or bluish green sonetimes presenting as light orange
yellow or bluish tint as it happens to be presented to different
exposures of ligt--the plumage of the tale consits of 12 feathers of
equal lengths by pairs, those in the center are the longest, and the
others on each side deminishing about an inch each pair--the underside
of the feathers is a pale black, the upper side is a dark bluefish
green which like the outer part of the wings is changable as it
reflects different portions of light. towards the the extremely of
these feathers they become of an orrange green, then shaded pass to a
redish indigo blue, and again at the extremity assume the predominant
colour of changeable green--the tints of these feathers are very
similar and equally as beatiful and rich as the tints of blue and green
of the peacock--it is a most beatifull bird.--the legs and toes are
black and imbricated. it has four long toes, three in front and one in
rear, each terminated with a black sharp tallon from 3/8ths to 1/2 an
inch in length.--these birds are seldom found in parties of more than
three or four and most usually at this season single as the balks and
other birds of prey usually are--it's usual food is flesh--this bird
dose not spread it's tail when it flys and the motion of it's wings
when flying is much like that of a Jay-bird-
The White turkey of the black hills from information of a french lad
who wintered with the Chien Indians About the size of the common wild
turkey the plumage perfectly white--this bird is booted as low as the
toes-
[Clark, September 18, 1804]
Septr. 18
I Killed a prarie wolf to day about the Sise of a Gray fox with a
bushey tail the head and ears like a Fox wolf, and barks like a Small
Dog--The annimale which we have taken for the Fox is this wolf, we have
seen no Foxes.
18 Septr. Tuesday Set out early wind from the N W. Modrt. our boat
being much litened goes much better than usial
[Clark, September 18, 1804]
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 I a Island about the middle
of the river at 1 Mile this Island is about a mile long, and has a
great perpotion of red Cedir on it, 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 & ear 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 Corrs fur.
Some Goats of a Different Kind Wer Seen yesterday Great many Porcupin
rabits & Barking Squirils in this quarter. Plumbs & grapes.
[Lewis, September 18, 1804]
Sept. 18th this day saw the first brant on their return from the north-
[Clark, September 19, 1804]
(1) & (2) passed a large Island Situated nearest the S. S. 1/2 a mile
from the Lower pt. of this Island, the 1st of the 3 rivers mouths which
is about 35 yards wide, running from the N E. one mile above the 2nd
Comes in this is Small not more that 15 yards wide a Short Distance
above a 3d comes in scattering its waters thro a bottom. I walked on
Shore to See this great Pass of the Sioux and Calumet ground, found it
a handsom Situation, and Saw the remains of their Campt on the 2d
river, for many years passed--(3) passed a Creek on the L. S. 15 yds
wide we (4) passed a Creek 20 yds wide (5) passed a Creek 20 yd. wide
on the L. S. I call Night C. as I did not get to it untill late at
night, above the mouth of this Creek we camped, the wind being
favourable, for the boat I Killed a fat Buffalow Cow, and a fat Buck
elk, york my Servent Killed a Buck, the Huntes Killed 4 Deer, & the
boat Crew killed 2 Buffalow Swiming the river, handsom Countrey of
Plains, I saw many trovs of Buffalow & a Gangue of 30 or 40 Elk and
othr Scattering elk &c. a find evening I hurt my hands & feet last night
[Clark, September 19, 1804]
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 op
posit 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 Seaux has
frequently Camped, as appears by the Signs--the lands betwen those two
Creeks in a purpindicular 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 Seaux
pass of the 3 rivers.
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. wide above which the boat Came too, I joined them late at
night, and Call this Creek Night Creek the winds 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 men Prongs on each Side
forked equally, which I never before Seen. I saw Several large gangs of
Buffaloes 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 quantities 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 or Big Bend of the Missourie.
[Clark, September 20, 1804]
September the 20th Thursday 1804 Detchd. 3 men across the Big bend
(Called the Grand deTour) with the horse, to stay and hunt & jurk
provisions untill we get around (1) passed a Island on the S. S. the
river Crouded with Sand bars,
20th of September 1804 Thursday (Continued)
(1) at the N W. extremity of this bend passed an Small Island on the L.
S. opposit the upper Point of this Solitary Island Came too to _____ at
the mouth of a Small run on the S. S. & Newmon & Tomson picked up Some
Salt mixed with the Sand in the run, Such as the ottoes Indians Collect
on the Sands of the Corn de Cerf R. & make use of, Camped on a Sand bar
on the S. S. above the Island--I went out to examine the portage which
I found quit Short 2000 yards only, the Prarie below & Sides of the
hills containing great quantites of the Prickly Piar which nearly ruind
my feet, I saw a hare, & I beleve he run into a hole, he run on a hill
& disapeared, I Saw on this hill several holes. I Saw Several Goats Elk
Ders &c. & Buffalow in every Detection feeding. R. Fields Killed a Deer
& 2 Goats one a female, which differs from the male as to Size being
Something Smaller, Small Straight horns without any black about the
neck Camped late
[Clark, September 20, 1804]
20th of September, Thursday 1804
a fair morning wind from the S E detached 2 men to the 1st. Creek abov
the big bend with the horse to hunt and wait our arrival proceeded on
passed the lower Island opposit which the Sand bars are verry thick &
the water Shoal. I walked on Shore with a view of examining this bend
Crossed at the narost part which is a high irregular hills of about 180
or 190 feet, this place the gorge 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 numbrs
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 bind 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 feemale--She
Differs from the mail as to Size being Smaller, with Small Horns,
Stright with a Small prong without any black about the neck None of
those Goats has any Beard, they are all Keenly made, and is butifull
[Lewis, September 20, 1804]
Septr. 20th
on the lard. shore at the commencement of the big bend observed a clift
of black porus rock which resembled Lava tho on a closer examination I
believe it to be calcarious and an imperfect species of the French
burr--preserved a specemine, it is a brownish white, or black or
yellowish brown-
[Clark, September 21, 1804]
21st of September 1804 Friday 1804, last night or reather this morng at
a half past one oClock the Sand bar on which we Camped began to give
way, which allarmed the Serjt on guard & the noise waked me, I got up
and by the light of the moon observed that the Sand was giving away
both above & beloy and would Swallow our Perogues in a few minits,
ordered all hands on board and pushed off we had not got to the opposit
Shore before pt. of our Camp fel into the river. we proceeded on to the
Gorge of the bend & brackfast, the Distance of this bend around is 30
miles, and 11/4 miles thro, the high lands extinds to the gauge and is
about 200 feet the plain in the bend as also the two opposit Sides abov
and below is delightfull plains with graduel assents from the river in
which there is at this time Great number of Buffalow Elk & Goats feedg
The Course from the gauge on the L. S. is S. 70 W. 41/2 Miles to the
pt. of Ceder Timber on the L. S. pass Sands. worthy of remark the Cat
fish not So plenty abov white river & much Smaller than usial, Great
nunbers of Brant & plover, also goat and black tail Deer.
[Clark, September 21, 1804]
21st of September Friday 1804
at half past one oClock this morning the Sand bar on which we Camped
began to under mind and give way which allarmed the Sergeant on Guard,
the motion of the boat awakened me; I get up & by the light of the moon
observed that the land 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 minets 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 2000 yds.
The distance arround is 30 mes. The hills extend thro the gouge and is
about 200 foot above the water--in the bend as also the opposite Sides
both abov 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 corns
in on the L. S. 6 miles above the Gorge 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 wolfwe 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
Stones of different Sides, which has roled from the hills & out of
Small brooks, Ceder is comon here, This day is worm, 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, he complains verry much we are makeing every
exertion to releiv him The Praries in this quarter Contains Great qts.
of Prickley Pear.
[Clark, September 22, 1804]
22nd September Satturday 1804
a thick fog this morning untill 7 oClock which detained us, Saw Some
old tracks of the Indians on the S. S. proceeded on--one French man
with a abscess on his thigh which pains him verry much for 10 or 12
Days a butifull Plain on both Sides low high land under which there is
a number of lage Stone, we See great numbers of Buffalow feeding
[Clark, September 22, 1804]
A continuation of notes taken assending the Missourie in 1804-by W.
Clark
Satturday the 22nd of September 1804-
A Thick fog this morning detained us untill 7 oClock, The plains on
both Sides of the River is butifull and assends gradually from the
river; noumerous herds of Buffalow to be Seen in every derections, (1)
Took the altitude of the Sun & found the Lattitude to be 44° 11' 33" N-
(2) passed a Small Island on the L. S. and one on the S. S. imediately
above, & about 3 m. long, on the L. S. opposit this Island a Creek of
about 15 yds wide mouthes, Called the Creek of the 3 Sisters (3) passed
Cedar Island 11/2 M. long & 1 M. wide Situated a little above the last
and nearest the S. S.near the upper part of this Island on its S. Side
a Tradeing fort is Situated built of Cedar-by a Mr. Louiselle of St
Louis, for the purpose of Tradeing with the Teton Bands of Soues (or
"Sieux") about this Fort I saw numbers of Indians Temporary Lodges, &
horse Stables, all of them round and to a point at top, I observed also
numbers of Cotton Trees fallen for the purpose of feeding their horses
on the Bark of the limbs of those trees which is Said to be excellent
food for the horses--we came too on the S. S. below a Small Island
called Goat island, passed a no. of large round Stones, Som distance in
the river as also in the Sides of the hills,--I walked on the Shore
this evening and Killed a verry large Deer--our hunters Killed 2 Deer &
a Beaver, they Complain of the Mineral quallities of the high land
distroying their mockersons-.
[Clark, September 22, 1804]
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 Leimb. 92° 50'
00" the SexSecnt the Latd. produced from this Obsivation 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 Islands are Called the 3 Sisters a butifull Plain on both Sides of
the river (3) passed a Island Situated nearest the S. S. imedeately
above the last Called Ceder Island this Island is about 11/2 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 & a good
house to trate with the Seaux & wintered last winter; about this fort I
observed a number of Indian Camps in a Conicel form,--they fed their
horses on Cotton limbs as appears. here our hunters joined us havening
killed 2 Deer & a Beaver, they Complain much of the Mineral Substances
in the barren hills over which they passed distroying their mockersons.
(4) we proceeded on and Camped 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 &.
I walked out this evening and killed a fine Deer, the musquiters is
verry troublesom in the bottoms
[Clark, September 23, 1804]
23rd Septr. Sunday 1804 (days and nights equal) Set out early under a
gentle Breeze from the S E N. 46°W 33/4 Miles to the mo. of a Creek on
the S. S. passd. a pt. on the L. S. (1) a Small Island opsd. in the
bend to the S. S. This Island is Called goat Island, (1) this Creek is
10 yards wide. passed bad Sand bars--S. 46°W 23/4 mes. a wood at a Spring
in the bend to the L. S. Saw the Prarie a fire behind us near the head
of Ceder Island L. S. N. 80° W. 41/2 to the lower pt of Elk Island pass 2
Willow Islands & Sand I saw this morning 12 of those Black & white
birds of the corvus Species.
Capt Lewis went out to hund on the Island a great number of Buffalow in
Sight I must Seal up all those Scrips & draw from my Journal at Some
other time Win Clark Cpt.
[Clark, September 23, 1804]
Sunday the 23rd September 1804
Set out under a Gentle breeze from the S. E--(1) passed Goat Island
Situated in a bend to the S. S--above passed a Small Creek 12 yards
wide on the S. S.--we observed a great Smoke to the SW. which is an
Indian Signal of their haveing discovered us, I walked on Shore and
observed great numbers of Buffalows. (2) passed 2 Small Willow Islands
with large Sand bars makeing from their upper points (3) passed Elk
Island Situated near the L. S. about 21/2 mes. long & 3/4 wide, Covered
with Cotton wood, a red berry Called by the French "grise de buff,"
Grapes &c. the river is wide Streight & contains a great numr of Sand
bars, (4) passed a Small Creek on the S. S. 16 yds wide I call Reubens
Cr.--R. Fields was the first who found it--Came too & Camped on the S.
S. in a Wood. Soon after we landed three Soues boys Swam across to us,
those boys informed us that a Band of Sieux called the Tetons of 80
Lodges wer Camped near the mouth of the next River, and 60 Lodges more
a Short distance above them, they had that day Set the praries on fire
to let those Camps Know of our approach--we gave those boys two twists
of Tobacco to carry to their Chiefs & Warriors to Smoke, with
derections to tell them that we wished to Speak to them tomorrow, at
the mouth of the next river--Capt Lewis walked on Shore, R F. Killed a
She Goat or "Cabbra."
[Clark, September 23, 1804]
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 corns 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 (3) Elk
Island about 21/2 miles long & 3/4 mile wide Situated near the L. S.
covered with Cotton wood the read Current Called by the French Gres de
Butiff & 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 Reubens Creek, 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 Soauex called the Teton 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 derections to tell them that we would Speek to them
tomorrow Capt Lewis walked on Shore this evening, R. F Killed a Doe
Goat,-
[Clark, September 24, 1804]
Monday the 24th of September 1804
a fair morning Set out early, wind from the East, passed the mouth of a
Creek on the L. S. Called Creek in high water. passed a large (1)
Island on the L. S. about 21/2 Miles long on which Colter had Camped &
Killed 4 Elk. the wind from the S. E.--we prepared Some Clothes a few
medal for the Chiefs of the Teton band of Sioux we expected to meet at
the next River--much Stone on the S. S. of the River, we Saw one hare
to day--our Perogues Called at the Island for the Elk, Soon after we
passed the Island Colter ran up the bank & reported that the Sioux had
taken his horse, we Soon after Saw five indians on the bank; who
expressed a wish to come on board, we informed them we were friends,
and wished to Continue So, we were not abraid any Indians--Some of
their young Men had Stolen a horse Sent by their Great Father to their
great Chief, and we Should not Speak to them any more untill the horse
was returned to us again--passed a Island about 11/2 m. long on which
we Saw maney elk & Buffalow, we Came too off the Mouth of a Small
river, The Teton of the burnt woods is Camped 2 Miles up this river,
this river we Call Teton is 70 Yds wide and corns in on the S W Side-I
went on Shore and Smoked with a Chief, Called Buffalow Medison, who
Came to See us here. The Chief Said he Knew nothing of the horse &c &.
I informed them we would call the grand Chiefs in Council tomorrow, all
continued on board all night
[Clark, September 24, 1804]
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 on high water; passed (i ) 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 hand of Seaux 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 Some 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 ther Chief 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
11/2 miles long Called Good humered Islds. Came to about 11/2 miles
above off the mouth of a Small river about 70 yards wide Called by Mr.
Evins the Little Mississou River, The Tribes of the Scouix Called the
Teton, is Camped about 2 miles up on the N W Side and we Shall Call the
River after that nation, Teton 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 morning, the other did not get up
untill in the evening Soon after we had Came too. I went & Smoked with
the Chief 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.
[Clark, September 25, 1804]
25th of September 1804 off Teton River
a fair Morning the wind from the S. E. raised a Flagg Staff and formed
an orning & Shade on a Sand bar in the Mouth of Teton R to Council
under, the greater portion of the party to Continue on boardabout 11
oClock the 1st & 2d Chief arrived, we gave them to eat; they gave us
Some meat, (we discover our interpeter do not Speak the language well)
at 12 oClock the Councill Commenced & after Smokeing agreeable to the
usial custom C. L. Delivered a written Speech to them, I Some
explinations &c. all party Paraded, gave a Medal to the grand Chief in
Indian Un-ton gar-Sar bar, or Black Buffalow--2d Torto-hongar, Partezon
(Bad fellow) the 3d Tar-ton-gar-wa-ker, Buffalow medison--we invited
those Chiefs & a Soldier on board our boat, and Showed them many
Curiossites, which they were much Surprised, we gave they 1/2 a wine
glass of whiskey which they appeared to be exceedingly fond of they
took up an empty bottle, Smelted it, and made maney Simple jestures and
Soon began to be troublesom the 2d Chief effecting Drunkness as a Cloak
for his vilenous intintious (as I found after wards,) realed or fell
about the boat, I went in a perogue with those Chief who left the boast
with great reluctians, my object was to reconsile them and leave them
on Shore, as Soon as I landed 3 of their young ment Seased the Cable of
the Perogue, one Soldiar Huged the mast and the 2d Chief was
exceedingly insolent both in words and justures to me declareing I
Should no go off, Saying he had not recived presents Suffient from us-
I attempted to passify but it had a contrary effect for his insults
became So personal and his intentions evident to do me injurey, I Drew
my Sword at this motion Capt Louis ordered all in the boat under arms,
the fiew men that was with me haveing previously taken up their guns
with a full deturmination to defend me if possible--The grand Chief
then took hold of the Cable & Sent all the young men off, the Soldier
got out of the perogue and the 2nd Chief walked off to the Party at
about 20 yards back, all of which had their bows Strung & guns Cocked-
I then Spoke in verry positive terms to them all, principaly addressing
myself to the 1st Chief, who let the roape go and walked to the Indian,
party about, 100 I again offered my hand to the 1st Chief who refused
it--(all this time the Indians were pointing their arrows blank-) I
proceeded to the perogue and pushed off and had not proceeded far
before the 1st & 3r Chief & 2 principal men walked into the water and
requested to go on board, I took them in and we proceeded on abot a
Mile, and anchored near a Small Island, I call this Island Bad humered
Island
[Clark, September 25, 1804]
25th Septr
a fair morning the wind from the S. E. all well, raised a Flag Staff &
made a orning or Shade on a Sand bar in the mouth of Teton River for
the purpose of Speeking with the Indians under, the Boat Crew on board
at 70 yards Distance from the bar The 5 Indians which we met last night
Continued, about 11 oClock the 1 s & 2d Chief Came we gave them Some of
our Provsions to eat, they gave us great quantites of meet Some of
which was Spoiled we feel much at a loss for the want of an interpeter
the one we have can Speek but little.
Met in council at 12 oClock and after Smokeing, agreeable to the usial
Custom, Cap Lewis proceeded to Deliver a Speech which we oblige to
Curtail for want of a good interpeter all our Party paraded. gave a
medal to the Grand Chief Calld. in Indian Un ton gar Sar bar in French
Beefe nure Black Buffalow Said to be a good man, 2 Chief Torto hon gar-
or the Partisan-or Partizan-bad the 3rd is the Beffe De Medison his
name is Tar ton gar wa ker