Names of the nations who come to the Ricares to trafick and bring
Horses & robes
1. * Kun-na-nar-wesh Gens de vash
Blue beeds
2. ° Noo-tar-wau
Hill Climbers
3. * Au ner-hoo
the people who pen Buffalow to Catch them
4. * To-che-wah-Coo
Fox Indians
5. * To-pah-cass
White hair's
6. * Cat-tar kah
Paducar
7. * Kie-wah
Tideing Indians
8. * Too war Sar
Skin pricks
9. Shar ha (Chien)
the village on the other Side
10. We hee Shaw (Chien)
The villages on this Side
Those nation all live on the praries from S W. by S. to West of the
Ricaries, all Speek different languages and are numerous all follow the
Buffalow and winter in the mountains. The Mandans Call a red berry
common to the upper part of the Missouri As-say the engages call the
Same berry grease de Buff--grows in great abundance a makes a
Delightfull Tart
[Clark, October 2, 1804]
2nd of October Tuesday 1804, Mr. Vallie Came on board, Lat. 44° 19' 36 N.
we observed Some Indians on a hill on the S. S. one Came to the river &
fired off his gun and asked us to come he wish us to go to his Camp
near at hand we refused, passed a large Island on the S. S., here we
expected the Tetons would attempt to Stop us, and prepared for action,
&c. opposit this Island on the L. S. a Small Creek comes in, we call
this Caution Island, Camped on a Sand bar 1/2 mile from the main Shore
the wind hard from the N W. Cold, the current of the river less rapid,
& retains less Sediment than below.
[Clark, October 2, 1804]
2nd of Octr.
2nd of October Tuesday 1804
a Violent wind all night from the S. E. Slackened a little and we
proceeded on. Mr. Jon Vallee Came on board and proceeded on 2 miles
with us, a verry Cold morning Some black clouds flying took a meridian
altitude & made the Lattitude 44° 19' 36" North this was taken at the
upper part of the gouge of the Lookout bend, the Sentinal heard a Shot
over the hills to the L. S. dureing the time we were Dineing on a large
Sand bar. the after part of this day is pleasent, at 2 oClock opposit a
wood on the L. S. we observed some Indians on a hill on the S. S. one
Came down to the river opposit to us and fired off his gun, & beckind.
to us to Come too, we payed no attention to him he followed on Some
distance, we Spoke a few words to him, he wished us to go a Shore and
to his Camp which was over the hill and Consisted of 20 Lodges, we
excused our Selves advised him to go and here our talk of Mr. Durion he
enquired for traders we informed him one was in the next bend below &
parted, he returned--& we proceeded on (1) passed a large Island, the
S. S. here we expected the Tetons would attempt to Stop us and under
that Hear we prepared our Selves for action which we expected every
moment. opsd. this Island on the L. S. a Small Creek Comes in, This
Island we call Isd. of Caution we took in Some wood on a favourable
Situation where we Could defend our men on Shore & (2) Camped on a Sand
bar 1/2 a mile from the main Shore. the wind changed to the N. W. &
rose verry high and Cold which Continud. The Current of the Missourie
is less rapid & contains much less Sediment of the Same Colour.
[Clark, October 2, 1804]
2nd of October Tuesday 1804
Proceeded on as mentioned in journal No. 2 twelve miles Camped above a
large Island on a Sand bar, verry windy and Cold the after part of this
day, the mid day verry worm, The Lattitude as taken to day is 44° 19'
36"--observe great Caution this day expecting the Seaux intentions Some
what hostile towards our progression, The river not So rapid as below
the Chien, its width nearly the Same 12 miles
[Clark, October 3, 1804]
3rd of October Wednesday 1804 The N W. wind blew verry hard all night
with Some rain, we Set out early, at 12 examoned our Stores & goods,
Several bags Cut by the mice and Corn Scattered, Some of our Cloth also
cut by them also papers &c. &c. at 1 oClock an Indian Came to the Bank
S. S, with a turkey on his back 4 other soon joined him Some rain, Saw
Brant & white guts flying Southerly
[Clark, October 3, 1804]
3rd of October Wednesday 1804 wind blew hard all night from the N W.
Some rain and verry Cold. we Set out at 7 oClock & proceeded on
[Clark, October 3, 1804]
3rd of October Wednesday 1804
The N. W. wind blew verry hard all night with Some rain a Cold morning,
we Set out at 7 oClock and proceeded on at 12 oClock landed on a Bare
L. S. examined the Perogus & factle of the boat to see if the mice had
done any damage, Several bags Cut by them Corn Scattered &. Some of our
Clothes also Spoiled by them, and papers &c. &. at 1 oClock an Indian
Came to the bank S. S. with a turkey on his back, four others Soon
joined him, we attempted Several Chanels and Could not find water to
assend, landed on a Sand bar & Concluded to Stay all night, & Send out
and hunt a Chanell, Some rain this after noon--Saw Brant & white gulls
flying Southerly in large flocks-
[Clark, October 4, 1804]
4th of October Thursday--the Wind blew all night from the N W. Some
rain we were obliged to drop down 3 miles to get a Channel Sufficient
Deep to pass Several Indians on the bank, Call'd to us frequently to
Land, one gave 3 yels & Sciped a Ball before us, we payed no attention
to them, while at Brackfast one Swam across to us, beged for Powder, we
gave him a Small piece of Tobacco & put him over on a Sand bar, passed
a large Island in the middle of the river Good hope I. Passed a small
Creek L. S. passed a creek L S Camped on a Sand bar at the upper point
of an Island on which is the remains of an old ricara Village fortified
Called La hoo It was circular, this Village appears to have been
deserted about 5 or 6 years, 17 houses yet remain, the Island Contains
but little timber, the evening verry Cold and wood Scerce, make use of
Drift wood
[Clark, October 4, 1804]
4th of October Thursday 1804
the wind blew all night from the NW. Some rain, we were obliged to Drop
down 3 miles to get the Chanel Suft. deep to pass up, Several Indians
on the Shore viewing of us Called to us to land one of them gave 3 yels
& Sciped a ball before us, we payed no attention to him, proceeded on
and Came too on the L. S. to brackft one of those Indians Swam across
to us beged for Powder, we gave him a piece of Tobacco & Set him over
on a Sand bar, and Set out, the wind hard a head (1) passed a Island in
the middle of the river about 3 miles in length, we call Goodhope
Island, (2) at 4 miles passed a (2) Creek on the L. S. about 12 yards
wide Capt. Lewis and 3 men walked on Shore & crossed over to an (3)
Island Situated on the S. S. of the Current & near the Center of the
river this Isld. is about 11/2 miles long & nearly 1/2 as wide, in the
Center of this Island was an old Village of the rickeries Called La ho
catt it was Circular and walled Containing 17 lodges and it appears to
have been deserted about five years, the Island Contains but little
timber. we Camped on the Sand bar makeing from this Island, the day
verry Cool.
[Clark, October 5, 1804]
5th of October Friday 1804 Frost this morning, Set out early passed a
Small Creek on the L. S. saw 3 Tetons on the S. S. they beged Some
Tobacco, we proceed on passed a Creek on the S. S. I Saw a white brant
in a gangue on the Sand bar Saw a large herd of Cabra or antelopes
Swiming the River, we Killed four of them passed a Small Island on the
L. S. a large Creek on the L. S. at the head of the Island White Brant
Creek, I walked on the Island which is covered with wild rye, I Killed
a Buck & a Small wolf this evening, Clear pleasant evening, Camped on a
mud bar S. S. refreshd the men with whiskey.
[Clark, October 5, 1804]
5th of October Friday 1804
Frost this morning, we Set out early and proceeded on (1) passed a
Small Creek on the L. S. at 7 oClock heard Some yels proceeded on Saw 3
Indians of the Teton band, they called to us to Come on Shore, beged
Some Tobacco, we answd. them as usial and proceeded on, passed (2) a
Creek on the S. S. at 3 mes. abov the mouth we Saw one white Brant in a
gang of about 30, the others all as dark as usial, a Discription of
this kind of Gees or Brant Shall be given here after Saw a Gang of
Goats Swiming across the river out of which we killed four they were
not fatt. in the evening passed a Small (3) Island Situated Close to
the L. Side, at the head of this Isd. a large Creek coms in on the L.
S. Saw white or Brants, we Call this Creek white Brant Creek--I walked
on the Isd. found it Covered with wild rye, I Shot a Buck, Saw a large
gang of Goat on the hills opposit, one Buck killed, also a Prarie wolf
this evening, the high Land not So high as below, river about the Same
width, the Sand bars as noumerous, the earth Black and many of the
Bluffs have the appearance of being on fire, we Came too and Camped on
a mud bar makeing from the L. S. The evening is Calm and pleasant,
refreshed the men with a glass of whiskey-
[Clark, October 6, 1804]
6th of October Satturday 1804 Cold Wind from the N. Saw many large
round Stones near the middle of the River passed an old Ricara village
of 80 Lodges Picketed in those lodges in nearly an octagon form, 20 to
60 feet Diameter Specious Covered with earth and as Close as they Can
Stand, a number of Skin Canoes in the huts, we found Squashes of 3
different Kinds growing in the Village Shields Killed an Elk Close by-
The Magpy is common here, we Camped off the mouth of Otter Creek on the
S. S. this Creek is 22 yds. wide & heads near the R. Jacque,--contains
much water.
[Clark, October 6, 1804]
6th October Satturday 1804
a cool morning wind from the North Set out early passed a willow
Island (1) Situated near the S. Shore at the upper point of Som timber
on
the S. S. many large round Stones near the middle of the river, those
Stones appear to have been washed from the hills (2) passed a village
of about 80 neet Lodges covered with earth and picketed around, those
loges are Spicious of an Octagon form as close together as they can
possibly be placed and appear to have been inhabited last Spring, from
the Canoes of Skins Mats buckets & found in the lodges, we are of
appinion they were the recrereis we found Squashes of 3 Different Kinds
growing in the Village, one of our men killed an Elk Close by this
Village, I saw 2 wolves in persute of another which appeared to be
wounded and nearly tired, we proceeded on found the river Shole we made
Severl. attempts to find the main Channel between the Sand bars, and
was obliged at length to Drag the boat over to Save a league which we
must return to get into the deepest Channel, we have been obgd to hunt
a Chanl. for Some time past the river being devided in many places in a
great number of Chanels, Saw Gees, Swan, Brants, & Ducks of Different
kinds on the Sand bars to day, Capt Lewis walked on Shore Saw great
numbers of Prarie hens, I observe but fiew Gulls or Pleaver in this
part of the river, The Corvos or Magpye is verry Common in this quarter
We Camped on a large Sand bar off the mouth of Otter Creek on the S. S.
this Creek is about 22 yards wide at the mouth and contains a greater
perpotion of water than Common for Creeks of its Sise
[Clark, October 7, 1804]
7th of October Sunday 1804 frost last night, passed a River 90 yds.
wide the Ricaras Call Sur-war-kar-ne all the water of this river runs
in a chanel of 20 yards, the Current appears jentle, I walked up this
River a mile, Saw the tracks of white bear, verry large, also a old
Ricara village partly burnt, fortified about 60 Lodges built in the
Same form of those passed yesterday, many Canoes & Baskets about the
huts--about 10 oClock we Saw 2 Indians on the S. S. they asked for
Something to eat & told us they were Tetons of the band we left below
on ther way to the Ricaras we gave them meat & wind hard from the
South, passed a large open Island covered with grass and wild rye, I
walked on the Isd & 4 men they Killed a Braroe & a Black tale Doe with
a black breast, the largest Deer I ever saw, the great numbers of Grous
on it, we call it Grous Island, Camped opposit the Island near the S.
Side.
[Clark, October 7, 1804]
7th of October Sunday 1804
a Cloudy morning, Some little rain frost last night, we Set out early
proceeded on 2 miles to the mouth of a (1) river on the L. S. and
brackfast this river whin full is 90 yards wide the water is at this
time Confined within 20 yards, the Current appears jentle, this river
throws out but little Sand at the mouth of this river we Saw the Tracks
of White bear which was verry large, I walked up this river a mile-
below the (2) mouth of this river, is the remains of a Rickorrie
Village or Wintering Camp fortified in a circular form of a bout 60
Lodges, built in the Same form of those passed yesterday This Camp
appears to have been inhabited last winter, many of their willow &
Straw mats, Baskets & Buffalow Skin Canoes remain intire within the
Camp, the Ricares Call this river Sur-war-kar-na or Park from this
river we proceeded on under a gentle Breeze from the S. W. at 10 oClock
we Saw 2 Indians, on the S. S. they asked for Something to eate, &
informed us they were part of the Beiffs De Medisons Lodge on their way
to the Rickerreis, passed (3) a willow Island in a bind to the S. S.
(4) at 5 miles passd. a willow Island on the S. S.--wind hard from the
South in the evening I walked on an (5) Island nearly the middle of the
river Called Grous Island, one of the men killed a Shee Brarrow,
another man killed a Black tail Deer, the largest Doe I ever Saw (Black
under her breast) this Island is nearly 11/4 ms. Squar no timbr high
and Covered with grass wild rye and Contains Great numbers of Grouse,
we proceeded on a Short distance above the Island and Camped on the S.
S. a fine evening.
[Clark, October 8, 1804]
8th of October Monday 1804 a cool Morning wind from the N. W. passed
the mouth of a Small Creek on the L. S. about 21/2 Miles above the Isd.
Passed the Mouth of a River on the L. S. called by the Ricaries
We-tar-hoo. this river is 120 yards wide, the water Confined within 20
yards, throws out mud with little Sand, great quanties of red Berries,
resembling Currents near the mouth of this river Latd. 45° 39' 5 N. this
river heads in the 1s Black Mountain, 2 Miles higher up passed a Small
River on the L. S. Called Maropa 25 yards wide Chocked up with mud--our
hunters discovered a Ricara village on an Island a fiew miles above we
passed the 1s Ricara Village about the center of the Island, in
presence of Great numbers of Spectators and Camped above the Island on
the L. S. at the foot of Some high land. (Mr. Gravotine a French man
joined us as an interpeter) The Island on which is Ricara Village is
Situated, is about 3 miles long Seperated from the Main L. Side by a
Narrow Deep Channel, those Indians Cultivate on the Island Corn Beens
Simmins, Tobacco &c &c. after Landing Capt. Lewis with Mr. Gravelin and
3 men went to the Village, I formd a Camp on Shore with the Perogue
crew & guard, with the Boat at Anchor, Capt Lewis returned late, a
french man and a Spaniard accompanied him
[Clark, October 8, 1804]
8th of October Monday 1804
a Cool morning Set out early the wind from the N. W. proceeded on
passed the mouth of a Small Creek on the L. S. about 21/2 miles above
Grouse Island, (3) passed a willow Island which Divides the Current
equilly. (2) passed the mouth of a River called by the ricares We tar
hoo on the L. S. this river is 120 yards wide, the water of which at
this time is Confined within 20 yards, dischargeing but a Small
quantity, throwing out mud with Small propotion of Sand, great
quantities of the red Berries, ressembling Currents, are on the river
in every bend--77° 33' 0" Lattitude from the Obsevation of to day at the
mouth of this river is 45° 39' 5"-North--proceeded on passed a (3) Small
river of 25 yards wide Called (4) or Beaver Dam R this river is
intirely Chocked up with mud, with a Streem of 1 Inch Diamiter passing
through, discharging no Sand, at 1 (5) mile passed the lower pint of an
Island close on the L. S. 2 of our men discovered the reckerrei
village, about the Center of the Island on the L. Side on the main
Shore. this Island is about 3 miles long, Seperated from the L. S. by a
Channel of about 60 yards wide verry Deep, The Isld. is covered with
fields, where those people raise their Corn Tobacco Beens &c. &c. Great
numbers of those People came on the Island to See us pass, we passed
above the head of the Island & Capt. Lewis with 2 interpeters & 2 men
went to the Village I formed a Camp of the french & the guard on Shore,
with one Sentinal on board of the boat at anchor, a pleasent evening
all things arranged both for Peace or War, This Village (6) is Situated
about the Center of a large Island near the L. Side & near the foot of
Some high bald uneaven hills, Several french men Came up with Capt
Lewis in a Perogue, one of which is a Mr. Gravellin a man well versed
in the language of this nation and gave us Some information relitive to
the Countrey naton &c
[Clark, October 8, 1804]
Orders
October the 8th 1804
Robert Frazer being regularly inlisted and haveing become on of the
Corps of Vollenteers for North Western Discovery, he is therefore to be
viewed & respected accordingly; and will be anexed to Sergeant Gass's
mess.
Win Clark Cpt &.
Meriwether Lewis
River Marapa Capt. 1st U.S. Regt. Infty
[Clark, October 9, 1804]
9th of October Tuesday 1804 a windey night Some rain, and the wind
Continued So high & cold We could not Speck in Council with the
Indians, we gave them Some Tobacco and informed them we would Speek
tomorrow, all the grand Chiefs visited us to day also Mr Taboe, a
trader from St. Louis--Many Canoes of a Single Buffalow Skin made in
the form of a Bowl Carrying generally 3 and Sometimes 5 & 6 men, those
Canoes, ride the highest Waves--the Indians much asstonished at my
Black Servent and Call him the big medison, this nation never Saw a
black man before, the wind verry high, I saw at Several times to day 3
Squars in single Buffalow Skin Canoes loaded with meat Cross the River,
at the time the waves were as high as I ever Saw them in the Missouri
[Clark, October 9, 1804]
9th of October 1804 Tuesday
a windey rainey night, and Cold, So much So we Could not Speek with the
Indians to day the three great Chiefs and many others Came to See us to
day, we gave them Some tobacco and informed them we would Speek on
tomorrow, the day Continued Cold & windey Some rain Sorry Canoos of
Skins passed down from the 2 villages a Short distance above, and many
Came to view us all day, much asstonished at my black Servent, who did
not lose the oppertunity of his powers Strength &c. &. this nation
never Saw a black man before.
Several hunters Came in with loads of meat, I observed Several Canoos
made of a Single buffalow Skin with 2 & 3 Thre Squars Cross the river
to day in Waves as high as I ever Saw them on this river, quite
uncomposed I have a Slite Plurise this evening Verry Cold &c. &.
1st Chiefs name Ka kawissassa (lighting Crow.)
2d do do Pocasse (or Hay)
3d do do Piaa he to (or Eagles feather)
[Clark, October 10, 1804]
10th of October 1804 at 11 oClock the wind Shifted from S. E to N W.
Mr. Taboe visited us--we hear that Some jealousy exists as to the
Chiefs to be made--at 1 oclock the Cheifs all assembled under an orning
near the Boat, and under the American Flag. we Delivered a Similar
Speech to those delivered the Ottoes & Sioux, made three Chiefs, one
for each Village and gave them Clothes & flags--1 s Chief is name
Ka-ha-wiss assa lighting ravin 2d Chief Po-casse (Hay) & the 3rd
Piaheto or Eagles Feather--after the Council was over we Shot the Air
gun, which astonished them, & they all left us, I observed 2 Sioux in
the Council one of them I had Seen below, they Came to interceed with
the Ricaras to Stop us as we were told--the Inds. much astonished at my
black Servent, who made him Self more turrible in thier view than I
wished him to Doe as I am told telling them that before I cought him he
was wild & lived upon people, young children was verry good eating
Showed them his Strength &c. &c.--Those Indians are not fond of Licquer
of any Kind-
[Clark, October 10, 1804]
10th of October Wednesday 1804.
a fine forming wind from the S. E at about 11 oClock the wind Shifted,
to the N. W. we prepare all things ready to Speak to the Indians, Mr.
Tabo & Mr. Gravolin Came to brackfast with us the Chiefs &. came from
the lower Town, but none from the 2 upper Towns, which is the largest,
we Continue to delay & waite for them at 12 oClock Dispatchd Gravelin
to envite them to Come down, we have every reason to believe that a
jellousy exists between the Villages for fear of our makeing the 1st
Cheif from the lower Village, at one oClock the Cheifs all assembled &
after Some little Cerrimony the Council Commenced, we informd them what
we had told the others before i e Ottoes & Seaux. made 3 Cheif 1 for
each Village. gave them presents.
after the Council was Over we Shot the air guns which astonished them
much, they then Departed and we rested Secure all night, Those Indians
wer much astonished at my Servent, They never Saw a black man before,
all flocked around him & examind. him from top to toe, he Carried on
the joke and made himself more turibal than we wished him to doe. (Thos
Indians were not fond of Spirits Licquer. of any kind)
[Clark, October 11, 1804]
11th of October Thursday 1804 wind S. E. at 11 oClock met the 1s Chief
in Council, he Thanked us for what we had given him & his people
promised to attend to our advise, and Said the road was open for us and
no one Dare Shut it &c. &. we took him and one Chief on board and Set
out, on our way took in the 2d Chief at the mo of a Small Creek, and
Came too off the 2d village which is 3 miles above the Island, we
walked up with the 2 & 3 Chiefs to their villages which is Situated on
each Side of a Small Creek, they gave us Something to eat in thier way,
after Conversations on various Subjects & Beareing the civilities of
those people who are both pore & dirtey we informed the Chiefs we would
here what they had to Say tomorrow and returned on board about 10
oClock P M. Those people gave us to eat Corn & Beans, a large well
flavoured Been which they rob the Mice of in the Plains and is verry
nurishing-all tranquillity
[Clark, October 11, 1804]
11th October Thursday 1804
a fine morning the wind from the S. E. at 11 oClock we met the Grand
Chief in Council & and he made a Short Speech thanking us for what we
had Given him & his nation promisseing to attend to the Council we had
given him & informed us the road was open & no one dare Shut it, & we
might Departe at pleasure, at 1 oClock we Set out for the upper
villages 3 miles distant, the Grand Chief & nephew on board, proceeded
on at 1 mile took in the 2d Chief & Came too off the first Second
village Seperated from the 3rd by a Creek after arrangeing all matters
we walked up with the 2d Chief to his village, and Set talking on
various Subjects untile late we also visited the upper or 3rd Village
each of which gave us Something to eate in their way, and a fiew
bushels of Corn Beens &. &c.
after being treated by everry civility by those people who are both
pore & Durtey we returned to our boat at about 10 oClk. P M. informing
them before we Departed that we would Speek to them tomorrow at there
Seperate Villages. Those people gave us to eate bread made of Corn &
Beens, also Corn & Beans boild. a large Been, which they rob the mice
of the Prarie which is rich & verry nurrishing also
[Clark, October 11, 1804]
(Ricares)
October the 11th Thursday 1804 we met in Council to hear what the Grand
Chief Ka kaw issassa had to Say in answer to the Speech of yesterday
The Grand Chief rose and spoke as follows i, e,
My Fathers-! My heart is glader than it ever was before to See my
fathers.--a repetition.
If you want the road open no one Can provent it it will always be open
for you.
Can you think any one Dare put their hands on your rope of your boat.
No! not one dar
When you Get to the mandans we wish you to Speak good words with that
Nation for us. we wish to be at peace with them.
It gives us pain that we do not Know how to work the Beaver, we will
make Buffalow roabs the best we Can.
when you return if I am living you will See me again the same man The
Indian in the prarie know me and listen to my words, when you come they
will meet to See you.