we will believ your word but I fear the Indians above will not believe
your word.
I will think that 1/2 of the men who will return will Stay in this
Village 1/2 below in the other villages
what did the Seaus tell you--(we informd them)
[Clark, October 13, 1804]
13th of October Satturday 1804 Newmon Confined for Mutinous
expressions, proceeded on passed a Camp of Sioux on the S. S. those
people did not Speak to us. passed a Creek on the S. S. 18 miles above
the Ricaras I call Stone Idol Creek, this Creek heads in a Small lake
at no great distance, near which there is a Stone to which the Indians
asscribe great virtue &. &c. at 21 Miles passed a Creek 15 yds wide on
the L. S I call Pocasse, we observed great quantites of grapes, a fine
Breez from S E Camped on the L. S. Some rain thus evening, we formed a
Court Martial of 7 of our party to Try Newmon, they Senteenced him 75
Lashes and banishment from the party--The river narrow current jentle &
wood plenty on the Bottoms the up land is as usial Open divircified
plains, generally rich & leavel.
[Clark, October 13, 1804]
13th of October Satturday 1804
one man J. Newmon Confined for mutinous expression Set out early
proceeded on, passd. a Camp of Seauex on the S. S. those people only
viewed us & did not Speak one word--The visiters of last evening all
except one returned which is the Brother of the Chief we have on board
passed (1) a Creek on the S. S. 13 yds. at 18 me. above the Town
heading in Some Ponds a Short Diste. to the N. E we call Stone Idol C.
(well to observe here that the Yankton or R Jacque heads at about 2
Days March of this place Easterly, the R de Seauex one Day further, the
Chien a branch of R. Rouche Still beyend, and the River St. Peters 4
Days March from this place on the Same direction Informtn. of the
Rickores). passed 2 large willow (2) & Sand Islands above the mouth of
the last Creek--at 21 miles above the Village passed a (3) Creek about
15 yards wide on the L. S. we Call after 2d Chief Pocasse (or Hay)
nearly opposit this creek a fiew miles from the river on the S. S. 2
Stones resembling humane persons & one resembling a Dog is Situated in
the open Prarie, to those Stone the Rickores pay Great reverance make
offerings whenever they pass (Infomtn. of the Chief & Intepeter) those
people have a Curious Tredition of those Stones, one was a man in Love,
one a Girl whose parents would not let marry, the Dog went to mourn
with them all turned to Stone gradually, Commenceing at the feet. Those
people fed on grapes untill they turned, & the woman has a bunch of
grapes yet in her hand on the river near the place those are Said to be
Situated, we obsd. a greater quantity of fine grapes than I ever Saw at
one place.
The river about the Island on which the lower Rickores Village is
Situated is narrow and Conts. a great propotion of Timber than below,
the bottoms on both Sides is Covered with timber the up lands naked the
Current jentle and Sand bars Confined to the points Generally
We proceeded on under a fine Breeze from the S.E. and Camped late at
the upper part of Some wood on the Starboard Side, Cold & Some rain
this evening. we Sent out hunters Killed one Deer.
We Tried the Prisoner Newmon last night by 9 of his Peers they did
"Centence him 75 Lashes & Disbanded the party."
[Lewis and Clark, October 13, 1804]
Orders
13th of October 1804
A court Martial to Consist of nine members will set to day at 12 oClock
for the trial of John Newman now under Confinement Capt. Clark will
attend to the forms & rules of a president without giveing his opinion
Detail for the Court Martial
Sert. John Ordaway
Sergeant Pat. Gass
Jo. Shields
H. Hall
Jo. Collins
Wm. Werner
Wm. Bratten
Jo. Shannon
Silas Goodrich
Meriwether Lewis
Capt. 1st U S. Regt. Infty.
Win Clark Capt
or E. N W D
In conformity to the above order the Court martial convened this day
for the trial of John Newman, charged with "having uttered repeated
expressions of a highly criminal and mutinous nature; the same having a
tendency not only to distroy every principle of military discipline,
but also to alienate the affections of the individuals composing this
Detachment to their officers, and disaffect them to the service for
which they have been so sacredly and solemnly engaged."--The Prisonar
plead not guilty to the charge exhibited against him. The court after
having duly considered the evidence aduced, as well as the defense of
the said prisonor, are unanimously of opinion that the prisonar John
Newman is guilty of every part of the charge exhibited against him, and
do sentence him agreeably to the rules and articles of war, to receive
seventy five lashes on his bear back, and to be henceforth discarded
from the perminent party engaged for North Western discovery; two
thirds of the Court concurring in the sum and nature of the punishment
awarded. the commanding officers approve and confirm the sentence of
the court, and direct the punishment take place tomorrow between the
hours of one and two P.M.--The commanding officers further direct that
John Newman in future be attatched to the mess and crew of the red
Perogue as a labouring hand on board the same, and that he be deprived
of his arms and accoutrements, and not be permited the honor of
mounting guard untill further orders; the commanding officers further
direct that in lue of the guard duty from which Newman has been
exempted by virtue of this order, that he shall be exposed to such
drudgeries as they may think proper to direct from time to time with a
view to the general relief of the detachment.-
[Clark, October 14, 1804]
14th of October Sunday 1804 Some rain last night we Set out in the rain
which continued all day passed a Creek on the L. S. Piaheto 15 yds
Wide, halted on a Sand bar and had the punishmt inflicted on Newmon,
which caused the indian Chieif to cry untill the thing was explained to
him Camped opposit an antient fortification which is on the L. S, when
I explained to the Chief the Cause of whipping N--he observed that
examples were necessary & that he himself had made them by Death, but
his nation never whiped even from their bearth.
[Clark, October 14, 1804]
14th of October Sunday 1804.
Some rain last night all wet & Cold, we Set early the rain contind all
Day at ____ miles we passed a (1) Creek in the L. S. 15 yards wide this
Creek we Call after the 3rd Chief Piaheto (or Eagles feather) at 1
oClock we halted on a Sand bar & after Dinner executed the Sentence of
the Court Martial So far as giveing the Corporal punishment, &
proceeded on a fiew miles, the wind a head from N. E. Camped in a Cove
of the bank on the S. S. imediately opposit our Camp on the L. Side I
observe an antient fortification the walls of which appear to be 8 or
10 feet high, the evening wet and disagreeable, the river Something
wider more timber on the banks
The punishment of this day allarmd. the Indian Chief verry much, he
Cried aloud (or effected to Cry) I explained the Cause of the
punishment and the necessity He thought examples were also necessary, &
he himself had made them by Death, his nation never whiped even their
Children, from their burth.
[Clark, October 15, 1804]
15th of October Rained all last night, passed a Ricara hunting camp on
the S.S. & halted at another on the L.S, Several from the 1t Camp
visited us and gave meat as also those of the Camp we halted at, we
gave them fish hooks Some beeds &c. as we proceeded on we Saw a number
of Indians on both Sides all day, Saw L. S some Curious Nnobs high and
much the resemblance of a hiped rough house, we halted at a Camp of 10
Lodges of Ricaras on the S. S., we visited thier Lodges & were friendly
recved by all--their women fond of our men--&c.
[Clark, October 15, 1804]
15th of October Monday 1804
rained all last night, we Set out early and proceeded on at 3 Miles
passed an Ind. Camp on the S. S. we halted above and about 30 of the
Indians came over in their Canoos of Skins, we eate with them, they
give us meat, in return we gave fishhooks & Some beeds, about a mile
higher we came too on the L. S. at a Camp of Ricres of about 8 Lodges,
we also eate & they gave Some meat, we proceded on Saw numbers of
Indians on both Sides passing a Creek, Saw many Curious hills, high and
much the resemblance of a house with a hiped roof, at 12 oClock it
Cleared away and the evening was pleasent, wind from the N. E.--at
Sunset we arrived at a Camp of Ricares of 10 Lodges on the S. S. we
Came too and Camped near them Capt Lewis & my Self went with the Chief
who accompanis us, to the Huts of Several of the men all of whome
Smoked & gave us Something to eate also Some meat to take away, those
people were kind and appeared to be much plsd. at the attentioned paid
them.
Those people are much pleased with my black Servent--Their womin verry
fond of carressing our men. &.
[Clark, October 16, 1804]
16th of October Tuesday 1804 Some rain this morning 2 Squars verry
anxious to accompany us we Set out with our Chief on Board by name Ar
ke tar nar shar (or Chief of the Town) a little above our Camp on the
L. S. passed an old Shyenne Village, which appears to have been
Serounded with a wall of earth; this is the retreat & first Stand of
this nation after being reduced by the Sioux and drove from their
Countrey on the heads of red River of L Winipic where they Cultivated
the landspassed a Creek I call So-harch or Girl Creek L. S. 2 miles
higher passed Woman Crreek or Char-parts passed an Island Situated in a
bend to the S. S. at the lower point of this Island a Creek comes in
Called Kee-tooth
Sar-kar-nar--or the place of Beaver above the Island a Small River on
the Same S. Side Called War-re-Con nee Elk shed their horns, this river
is 35 yards wide & heads near the River au Jacque, Carp Island wind
hard a head from the N W. Saw great numbers of goats or Antelope on
Shore, Capt Lewis one man & the Ricara Chief walked on Shore, in the
evening I discovered a number of Indians on each Side and goats in the
river or Swiming & on Sand bars, when I came near Saw the boys in the
water Swiming amongst the goats & Killing them with Sticks, and then
hauling them to the Shore those on Shore Kept them in the water, I saw
58 Killed in this way and on the Shore, the hunter with Cap Lewis Shot
3 goats I came too and Camped above the Ricara Camp on the L. S.
Several Indians visited us duereing the night Some with meat, Sang and
were merry all night.
[Clark, October 16, 1804]
16th October Tuesday 1804
Some rain this morning, 2 young Squars verry anxious to accompany us,
we Set out with our Chief on board by name Ar ke tar na Shar or Chief
of the Town, a little above our Camp on the L. S. passed a Circular
work, where the, Shar ha (or Chien, or Dog Indians) formerly lived, a
Short distance abov passed a Creek which we Call Chien Creek, above is
a willow Island Situated near (i ) the L. Side a large Sand bar above &
on both Sides (2) passed a Creek above the Island on the L. S. call
So-harch (or Girls) Creek, at 2 miles higher up (3) passed a Creek on
L. S. call Char part (or womins) Creek passed (5) an Island Situated in
a bend to the S. S. this Isd. is about 11/2 miles long, Covered with
timber Such as Cotton wood, opsd. the lower point a creek coms in on
the S. S. called by the Indians Kee tooth Sar kar nar (or place of
Beavr) above the Island a Small river about 35 yards wide corns in
Called War re con ne or (Elk Shed their horns). The Island is Called
Carp Island by Ivens. wind hard from the N. W. Saw great numbers of
Goats on the Shore S. S. proceeded on Capt. Lewis & the Indian Chief
walked on Shore, Soon after I discovered Great numbers of Goats in the
river, and Indians on the Shore on each Side, as I approached or got
nearer I discovered boys in the water Killing the Goats with Sticks and
halling them to Shore, Those on the banks Shot them with arrows and as
they approachd. the Shore would turn them back of this Gangue of Goats
I counted 58 of which they had killed & on the Shore, one of our
hunters out with Cap Lewis killed three Goats, we passed the Camp on
the S. S. and proceeded 1/2 mile and Camped on the L. S. many Indians
came to the boat to See, Some Came across late at night, as they
approach they hollowed and Sung, after Staying a Short time 2 went for
Some meat, and returned in a Short time with fresh & Dried Buffalow,
also goat, those Indians Strayed all night, They Sung and was verry
merry the greater part of the night
[Lewis, October 16, 1804]
October 16th
This day took a small bird alive of the order of the ____ or goat
suckers. it appeared to be passing into the dormant state. on the
morning of the 18th the murcury was at 30 above 0. the bird could
scarcely move.--I run my penknife into it's body under the wing and
completely distroyed it's lungs and heart--yet it lived upwards of two
hours this fanominon I could not account for unless it proceeded from
the want of circulation of the blood.--the recarees call this bird
to'-na it's note is at-tah-to'-nah'; at-tah'to'-nah'; to-nah, a
nocturnal bird, sings only in the night as does the whipperwill.--it's
weights oz 17 Grains Troy
[Clark, October 17, 1804]
17th of October 1804 Wind S. W. I walked on Shore with the Ricara Chief
and an Inteprieter, they told me maney extroadenary Stories, I Killed 3
Dear & a Elk, the Chief Killed a Deer and our hunters Killed 4 Deer, in
my absenc the wind rose So high that the Boat lay too all Day; Latd 46°
23' 57" N, I caught a Small uncommon whiperwill we observe emence herds
of Goats, or Antelopes flocking down from the N E Side & Swiming the
River, the Chief tels me those animals winter in the Black Mountain,
and in the fall return to those mounts from every quarter, and in the
Spring disperse in the planes, those emence herds we See all of which
is on the N E Side of the River is on their way to the mountain, and in
the Spring they will be as noumeroes on their return (some ganges
winter on the Missouri)--camped on the L. S.
note from the Ricares to the River Jacque near N. E. is about 40 mes.
to the Chien a fork of R Rogue 20 passing the Souix River near the
Chien this from information of Mr. Graveline who passed through this
Countrey
[Clark, October 17, 1804]
17th October Wednesday 1804.
Set out early a fine morning the wind from the N W. after brackfast I
walked on Shore with the Indian Chief & Interpeters, Saw Buffalow Elk
and Great numbers of Goats in large gangues (I am told by Mr. G. that
those Animals winter in the Black mountains and this is about the
Season they Cross from the East of the Missouris to go to that
Mountain, they return in the Spring and pass the Missourie in Great
numbers). This Chief tells me of a number of their Treditions about
Turtles, Snakes, &. and the power of a perticiler rock or Cave on the
next river which informs of everr thing none of those I think worth
while mentioning--The wind So hard a head the boats Could not move aftr
10 oClock, Capt Louis Took the altitude of the Sun Laid. 46° 23' 57" I
Killed 3 Deer and the hunters with me killed 3 also the Indian Shot one
but Could not get it--I Scaffeled up the Deer & returned & met the boat
after night on the L. S. about 6 miles above the place we Camped last
night--one of the men Saw a number of Snakes, Capt Lewis Saw a large
Beaver house S. S. I Cought a Whipprwill Small & not Common-. the
leaves are falling fast-. the river wide and full of Sand bars,-. Great
numbers of verry large Stone on the Sides of the hills & Some rock of a
brownish Colour in the Ld. Bend below this-.
Great numbers of Goats are flocking down to the S. Side of the river on
their way to the Black Mountains where they winter those animals return
in the Spring in the Same way & Scatter in different directions.
[Clark, October 18, 1804]
18th of October 1804. at 6 miles passed the mouth of La Bullet or
Cannon Ball River on the L. Side about 140 yards Wide, and heads near
the Black Mountains above the mouth of this River, in and at the foot
of the Bluff, and in the water is a number of round Stones, resembling
Shells and Cannon balls of Different Sises, and of excellent grit for
Grindstons--the Bluff continus for about a mile, The water of this
River is confined within 40 yards--we met 2 french men in a Canoe, who
informed us they wer trapping near the mandans and were robed of 4
Traps, & part of their Skins and Several other articles by Indians he
took to be Mandans those men return with us, Saw emence numbers of
Goats all Day S. S. our hunters Kill Sevral passed a large Creek Called
Che wah or fish Creek on the S. S. 28 yds. wide, passed a Small Creek
at 2 m on the L. S. Camped on the L. S. Saw a no of Buffalow, & in one
gangue 248 Elk our hunters Killed 6 Deer & 4 Elk this evening, The
Countrey is leavel and fine Some high Short hills, and ridges at a
Distance, Bottoms fine and Partially timbered with Cotton wood
principally Some ash & Elm.
[Clark, October 18, 1804]
18th of October Thursday 1804
Set out early proceeded on at 6 mes. passed the mouth of (1) la Boulet
(or Cannon Ball River) about 140 yards wide on the L. S. this river
heads in the Court not or Black mountains) (a fine Day) above the mouth
of this river Great numbers of Stone perfectly round with fine Grit are
in the Bluff and on the Shore, the river takes its name from those
Stones which resemble Cannon Balls.--The water of this river is
Confined within 40 yards. We met 2 french men in a perogue Desending
from hunting, & complained of the Mandans robing them of 4 Traps ther
fur & Seeveral othr articles Those men were in the imploy of our
Ricaree interpeter Mr. Gravelin they turned & followered us.
Saw Great numbers of Goats on the S. S. Comeing to the river our
hunters Killed 4 of them Some run back and others crossed & prosceed on
their journey to the Court Noir, at (3) passed a Small River Called Che
wah or fish river on the S. S. this river is about 28 yards wide and
heads to the N. E, passed a Small creek on the L. S. 1 mile abov the
last, and Camped on a Sand bar on the L. S. opposit to us we Saw a
Gangue of Buffalow bulls which we did not think worth while to kill-
our hunters Killd. 4 Goats 6 Deer 4 Elk & a pelican & informs that they
Saw in one Gang 248 Elk, (I walked on Shore, in the evining with a view
to See Some of those remarkable places mentioned by evens, none of
which I could find,) The Countrey in this quarter is Generally leavel &
fine Some high Short hills, and some ragid ranges of Hills at a Distans
The ricara Indians inform us that they find no black tail Deer as high
up as this place, those we find are of the fallow Deer Kind
The Ricareis are not fond of Spiritous liquers, nor do they apper to be
fond of receiveing any or thank full for it
[Clark, October 19, 1804]
19th of October Friday 1804. Set out early under a gentle Breeze from
the S. E. more timber than Common in the bottoms passed a large Pond on
the S. S. I walked out on the high land L. Side and observed great
numbers of Buffalows, I counted in view at one time 52 gangues of
Buffalow & 3 of Elk, besides Deer & goats &c. all the Streems falling
from the hills or high lands So brackish that the water Can't be Drank
without effecting the person making use of it as Globesalts-, I saw in
my walk Several remarkable high Conocal hills, one 90 feet, one 60 and
others Smaller-the Indian Chief Say that the Callemet Bird live in the
hollows of those hills, which holes are made by the water passing from
the top & &. I also Saw an old Village fortified Situated on the top of
a high Point, which the Ricarra Chief tels me were Mandans, we Camped
on the L. S. I Killed a Deer & Saw Swans &c. our hunters Killed 4 Elk
and 6 Deer to Day
[Clark, October 19, 1804]
19th October Friday 1804
a fine morning wind from the S. E. we Set out early under a gentle
Breeze and proceeded on verry well, more timber than Common on the
banks on this part of the river--passed a large Pond on the S. S.--I
walked out on the Hills & observed Great numbers of Buffalow feedeing
on both Sides of the river I counted 52 Gangues of Buffalow & 3 of Elk
at one view, all the runs which come from the high hills which is
Generally about one or 2 miles from the water is brackish and near the
Hills (the Salts are) and the Sides of the Hills & edges of the
Streems, the mineral salts appear I saw Som remarkable round hills
forming a Cone at top one about 90 foot one 60 & Several others
Smaller, the Indian Chief Say that the Callemet bird live in the holes
of those hills, the holes form by the water washing thro Some parts in
its passage Down from the top--near one of those noles, on a point of a
hill 90 feet above the lower plane I observed the remains of an old
village, which had been fortified, the Indian Chief with us tels me, a
party of Mandins lived there, Here first saw ruins of Mandan nation we
proceeded on & Camped on the L. S. opposit the upper of those Conocal
hills our hunters killed 4 Elk 6 Deer & a pelican, I saw Swans in a
Pond & Killed a fat Deer in my walk, Saw above 10 wolves. This day is
pleasent
[Clark, October 20, 1804]
20th of October 1804 wind from the S E, I walked out to view those
remarkable places pointed out by Evens, and continud all day Saw an old
Village of the Mandans below the Chess chi ter R. appear to have been
fortified above the village on the Same L. S. is a coal bank where we
Campd. passed a Small Creek on the S. S. and an Island on the L. S
Covered with willows Small Cotton the Countrey thro which I passed this
day is Delightfull, Timber in the bottoms, Saw great nos. of Buffalow
Elk Goats & Deer as we were in want of them I Killed 3 Deer, our
hunters 10 Deer and wounded a white Bear, I Saw Several fresh tracks of
that animal double the Sise of the largest track I ever Saw, great
numbers of wolves, those animals follow the buffalow and devour, those
that die or are Killed, and those too fat or pore to Keep up with the
gangue
[Clark, October 20, 1804]
20th of October Satterday 1804
Set out early this morning and proceeded on the wind from the S. E
after brackfast I walked out on the L. Side to See those remarkable
places pointed out by Evins, I saw an old remains of a villige on the
Side of a hill which the Chief with us Too ne tels me that nation lived
in a number villages on each Side of the river and the Troubleson
Seauex caused them to move about 40 miles higher up where they remained
a fiew years & moved to the place they now live, (2) passed a Small
Creek on the S. S. (3) and one on the L. S. passed (4) a Island Covered
with willows laying in the middle of the river no current on the L. S.
Camped on the L. S. above a Bluff containing Coal (5) of an inferior
quallity, this bank is imedeately above the old village of the Mandans-
The Countrey is fine, the high hills at a Distanc with gradual assents,
I Kild 3 Deer The Timber Confined to the bottoms as usial which is much
larger than below. Great numbers of Buffalow Elk & Deer, Goats. our
hunters killed 10 Deer & a Goat to day and wounded a white Bear I saw
Several fresh track of those animals which is 3 times as large as a
mans track-, The wind hard all Day from the N. E. & East, great numbers
of buffalow Swiming the river
I observe near all large gangues of buffalow wolves and when the
buffalow move those Anamals follow and feed on those that are killed by
accident or those that are too pore or fat to Keep up with the gangue.
[Lewis, October 20, 1804]
20th October
Peter Crusat this day shot at a white bear he wounded him, but being
alarmed at the formidable appearance of the bear he left his tomahalk
and gun; but shortly after returned and found that the bear had taken
the oposite rout.--soon after he shot a buffaloe cow broke her thy, the
cow pursued him he concealed himself in a small raviene.-
[Clark, October 21, 1804]
21t of October Sunday 1804 a verry Cold night wind hard from the N. E.
Some rain in the night which feesed as it fell, at Day began to Snow
and Continued all the fore part of the day, at 1/4 of a mile passed the
Mouth of Chess-che tar (or Heart) River L. S. 38 yards wide, this river
heads near Turtle mountain with Knife River on this River is a Smothe
Stone which the Indians have great fath in & Consult the Stone on all
great occasions which they Say Marks or Simblems are left on the Stone
of what is to take place &c. an old mandan Village above the mouth of
this Little River, I saw a Single tree in the open Plains which the
Mandans formerly paid great Devotion to run Cords thro their flesh &
tie themselves to the tree to make them brave, passed an old Village on
a Small run on the S S. one on the bank L. and Camped, I Killed a fat
Buffalow this evening--Little gun all my hunting
[Clark, October 21, 1804]
21st October Sunday 1804
a verry Cold night wind hard from the N. E Some rain in the night which
frosed up it fell at Day light it began to Snow and Continud all the
fore part of the Day passed just above our Camp (1) a Small river on
the L. S. Called by the Indians Chiss-Cho-tar this river is about 38
yards wide Containing a good Deel of water Some Distance up this River
is Situated a Stone which the Indians have great fath in & Say they See
painted on the Stone, "all the Calemites & good fortune to hapin the
nation & partes who visit it"--a tree (an oak) which Stands alone near
this place about 2 miles off in the open prarie which has with Stood
the fire they pay Great respect to, make Holes and tie Strings thro the
Skins of their necks and around this tree to make them brave (all this
is the information of Too ne is a whipper will) the Chief of the
Ricares who accompanied us to the Mandins, at 2 miles (2) passed the
2nd Villages of the Manden, which was in existance at the Same time
with the 1st this village is at the foot of a hill on the S. S. on a
butifull &extensive plain--at this time Covered with Buffalow--a
Cloudy afternoon, I killed a fine Buffalow, we Camped on the L. S.
verry Cold ground Covered with Snow. one orter KIM.
[Clark, October 22, 1804]
22nd of October 1804 last night at about 1 oClock I was violently
attacked with Rhumetism in my neck, which was so violently I could not
move, Cap L. applied a hot Stone raped in flannel which gave temperry
ease, we passed a War party of Tetons on their way as we Supposed to
the Mandans of 12 men on the L. S. we gave them nothing and refused to
put them across the river, passed 2 old Villages at the mouth of a
large Creek L. S and a Small Island at the head of which is a bad
place, an old Village on the S. S. and the upper of the 6 Villages the
Mandans occupied about 25 years ago this village was entirely cut off
by the Sioux & one of the others nearly, the Small Pox distroyed great
Numbers
[Clark, October 22, 1804]
22nd October Monday 1804
last night at 1 oClock I was violently and Suddinly attacked with the
Rhumitism in the neck which was So violent I could not move Capt.
applied a hot Stone raped in flannel, which gave me some temporry
ease,-. we Set out early, the morning Cold at 7 oClock we Came too at a
Camp of Teton Seaux on the L. S. those people 12 in number were naikd
and had the appearanc of war, we have every reason to believ that they
are going or have been to Steel horses from the Mandins, they tell two
Stories, we gave them nothing after takeing brackfast proceeded on--my
Neck is yet verry painfull at times Spasms.
Camped on the L Side, passed an Island Situated on the L. Side at the
head of which & Mandans village S. S. we passd a bad place--The hunters
killed a buffalow bull, they Say out of about 300 buffalow which they
Saw, they did not See one Cow. Great Deel of Beaver Sign. Several
Cought every night.
[Clark, October 23, 1804]
23rd of October 1804 Some Snow, passed 5 Lodges fortified the place the
two french men were robed Those are the hunting Camps of the mandans,
who has latterly left them. we camped on the L. S.
[Clark, October 23, 1804]
23rd of October Tuesday 1804
a cloudy morning Some Snow Set out early pass five Lodges which was
Diserted, the fires yet burning we Suppose those were the Indians who
robed the 2 french Trappers a fiew days ago those 2 men are now with us
going up with a view to get their property from the Indians thro us.
cold & Cloudy camped on The L. S. of the river
[Clark, October 24, 1804]
24th of October Cloudy Some little Snow (my Rhumetism Continue, not So
bad as the 2 last days,) a butufull Countrey on both Sides, bottoms
covered with wood, we See no game to day, passed an old village of a
Band of Me ne tarres Called Mah har ha where they lived 40 year ago on
the L. S. Came too on an Island Caused by the river cutting through a
narrow point 7 years ago, on this Island we wer visited by the grand
Chief of the mandans a 2d Chief and Some other, who wer Camped on the
Island, those Chief met our Ricarra Chief with great Corduallity, &
Smoked together Cap Lewis Visited the Camps 5 Lodges, and proceeded on
& Camped near a 2d Camp of Mandans on the S. S. nearly opposit the old
Ricara & Manden Village which the Ricarras abandaned in the year 1789
[Clark, October 24, 1804]
24th October Wednesday 1804
Set out early a Cloudy day Some little Snow in the morning I am
Something better of the Rhumutim in my neck--a butifull Countrey on
both Sides of the river. The bottoms Covd. with wood, we have Seen no
game on the river to day a prof of the Indians hunting in the
neighbourhod (1) passed a Island on the S. S. made by the river Cutting
through a point, by which the river is Shortened Several miles--on this
Isld. we Saw one of the Grand Chiefs of the Mandins, with five Lodges
hunting, this Cheif met the Chief of the Ricares who accompanied us
with great Cordiallity & Sermony Smoked the pipe & Capt. Lewis with the
Interpeter went with the Chiefs to his Lodges at 1 mile distant, after
his return we admited the Grand Chief & his brother for a few minits on
our boat. proceeded on a Short distance and Camped on the S. S. below
the old Village of the Mandins & ricares.--Soon after our landg. 4
Mandins Came from a Camp above, the Ricares Chief went with them to
their Camp,
25th of October Thursday 1804.
a Gentle Breeze from the S. E by E passed an (1) old Village on a high
Plain where the Mandans onced lived & after they left the Village &
moved higher the Ricaras took possession & live until 1799 when they
abandoned it & flew from the just revenge of the Mandans, a verry
extensive Bottom above the Village above the Center of which (2) the
Mandans lived in the 2 villages on the L. 5., but little timber-
Several parties of Indians on each Side of the River going up. in view
in every directions--we are informed that the Sioux has latterly taken
horses from the Big Bellies or Minitaries and on their way homerwards
they fell in with the Assinniboins who killed them and took the horses
& a frenchman Menard who resided with the Mandan for 20 years past was
Killed a fiew days ago on his way from the Britishment astablishments
on the Assineboin River, 150 miles N. of this place to the mandans by
the assinniboin Indians--we were frequently Called to by parties of
Indians & requested to land & talk, passed a verry bad place & Camped
on a Point S S. opposit a high hill Several Indians visit us this
evening the Sun of the late great Chief of the Mandans who had 2 of his
fingers off and appeared to be pearced in maney places on inquiring the
reason, was informed that it was a testimony to their grief for
Deceased freinds, they frequently Cut off Sevral fingers & pierced
themselves in Different parts, a Mark of Savage effection, wind hard
from the S. W. verry Cold R Fields with a Rhumitisum in his Neck one
man R. in his hips my Self much better, Those Indians appear to have
Similar Customs with the Ricaras, their Dress the Same more mild in
their language & justures &c. &c.
[Clark, October 25, 1804]
25th of October Thursday 1804
a Cold morning Set out early under a gentle Breeze from the S. E. by E
proceeded on, passed (1) the 3rd old Village of the Mandans which has
been Desd. for many years, This village was Situated on an eminance of
about 40 foot above the water on the L. S. back for Several miles is a
butifull plain (2) at a Short distance above this old village on a
Continuation of the Same eminance was Situated the which have been
avacuated only Six years, above this village a large and extensive
bottom for Several miles in which the Squars raised ther Corn, but
little timber near the villages, on the S. S. below is a point of
excellent timber, and in the point Several miles above is fine timber,
Several parties of Mandins rode to the river on the S. S. to view us
indeed they are continuelly in Sight Satisying their Curiossities as to
our apperance &c. we are told that the Seaux has latterly fallen in
with & Stole the horses of the Big belley, on their way home they fell
in with the Ossiniboin who killed them and took the horses--a frenchman
has latterly been killed by the Indians on the Track to the tradeing
establishment on the Ossinebine R. in the North of this place (or
British fort) This frenchman has lived many years with the Mandins--we
were frequently called on to land & talk to parties of the Mandins on
the Shore, wind Shifted to the S. W at about 11 oClock and blew hard
untill 3 OCk. clouded up river full of Sand bars & we are at a great
loss to find the Channel of the river, frequently run on the Sand bars
which Detain us much passed a verry bad riffle of rocks in the evining
by takeing the L. S. of a Sand bar and Camped on a Sand point on the S.
S. opposit a high hill on the L. S. Several Indians Come to See us this
evening, amongst others the Sun of the late great Cheif of the Mandins,
this man has his two little fingers off-; on inqureing the Cause, was
told it was Customary for this nation to Show their greaf by Some
testimony of pain, and that it was not uncommon for them to take off 2
Smaller fingers of the hand and Some times more with ther marks of
Savage effection