May 1804 – November 1805
Westward Journey
The Corps of Discovery departed Camp Dubois on May 14, 1804, ascending the Missouri River through present-day Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and the Dakotas. They wintered with the Mandan and Hidatsa, then continued west across Montana, over the Rocky Mountains with Shoshone and Nez Perce guidance, and down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean.
712
Journal Entries
45
Key Figures
14
Wildlife & Plants
30
Artwork
26
Weapons & Equipment
13
Documents
1
Research Articles
1
Translations
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Journal Entries
712 items"Ocean in View! O! the Joy!"
Great joy in camp. We are in View of the Ocian, this great Pacific Octean which we been So long anxious to See, and the roreing or noise made by the waves brakeing on the rockey Shores (as I Suppose) may be heard distictly.
Arrival at the Mandan Villages
We came too and camped near the 1st village of Mandans on the L.S. of the River. Many men, women & children flocked down to see us. Capt Lewis and my Self walked up to the village.
Arrival at the Mouth of the Kansas River
The Mouth of the river Kanzas is 230 yds Wide. We Camped at the point. This river is Muddy at this time — rose a little. I observed a great number of Parrot queets this evening.
Arrival at the Platte River
At 4 oClock we came too at the mouth of the Great River Platt — this Great river being much more rapid than the Missourie forces its Current against the opposite Shore. The Current of this river is much more rapid than the Missourie, is about 600 yards wide at its mouth.
Birth of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau
About five Oclock this evening one of the wives of Chabono was delivered of a fine boy. I was informed that her labour was tedious and the pain violent. Mr. Jessume informed me that he had fequently administered a small portion of the rattle of the rattle-snake, which he assured me had never failed to produce the desired effect.
Clark: April 1, 1805
April 1st 1805 we have Thunder lightning hail and rain to day the first rain of note Sinc the 15 of October last, I had the Boat Perogus & Canos…
Clark: April 10, 1805
10th of April Wednesday 1805 Set out verry early. the morning cool and no wind proceeded on passed a camp of Inds. on the L. S. this day proved to…
Clark: April 11, 1805
11th of April Thursday 1805 Set out verry early I walked on Shore, Saw fresh bear tracks, one deer & 2 beaver killed this morning in the after part of…
Clark: April 12, 1805
12th April Friday 1805 a fine morning Set out verry early, the murcery Stood 56° above 0. proceeded on to the mouth of the Little Missouri river and formed a…
Clark: April 13, 1805
13th of April Satturday 1805 Set out this morning at 6 oClock, the Missouri above the mouth of Little Missouri widens to nearly a mile containing a number of Sand…
Clark: April 14, 1805
14th of April Sunday 1805. a fine morning, a dog came to us this morning we Suppose him to be left by the Inds. who had their camps near the…
Clark: April 15, 1805
15th of April Monday 1805 Set out at an early hour, Captn Lewis walked on Shore and Killed a goose, passed a Island in a bend to the L. S.…
Clark: April 16, 1805
16th of April Tuesday 1805 Wind hard from the S. E I walked on Shore and Killed an antilope which was verry meagre, Saw great numbers of Elk & some…
Clark: April 17, 1805
17th of April Wednesday 1805 a fine morning wind from the S E. Genly to day handsom high extencive rich Plains on each Side, the mineral appearances continue with greater…
Clark: April 19, 1805
19th of April Friday 1805 a blustering windey day the wind So hard from the N, W. that we were fearfull of ventering our Canoes in the river, lay by…
Clark: April 2, 1805
April the 2nd a Cold rain day we are writeing and prepareing dispatches all dayI conclude to Send my journal to the President of the United States in its original…
Clark: April 20, 1805
20th of April Satturday 1805 wind a head from the N W. we Set out at 7 oClock proceeded on, Soon after we Set out a Bank fell in near…
Clark: April 21, 1805
21st of April Sunday 1805 Set out early the wind gentle & from the N. W. the river being verry Crooked, I concluded to walk through the point, the Countrey…
Clark: April 22, 1805
22nd of April Monday 1805 a verry cold morning Some frost, we Set out at an early hour and proceeded on verry well untill brackfast at which time the wind…
Clark: April 23, 1805
23rd of April 1805 a cold morning at about 9 oClock the wind as usial rose from the N W and continued to blow verry hard untill late in the…
Clark: April 24, 1805
24th of April Wednesday 1805 The wind rose last night and continued blowing from the N. & N W. and Sometimes with great violence, untill 7 oClock P. M, Several…
Clark: April 25, 1805
25th of April Thursday 1805 The wind was moderate & ahead this morning, we Set out at an early hour The morning cold, Some flying Clouds to be Seen, the…
Clark: April 26, 1805
26th of April Friday 1805 last night was verry Cold. the Thermometer Stood at 32 abov 0 this morning. I Set out at an early hour, as it was cold…
Clark: April 27, 1805
27th of April Satturday 1805 after take the azmuth of the Sun & brackfasting we Set out wind moderate & a head, at 11 oClock the wind rose and continued…
Clark: April 28, 1805
28th of April Sunday 1805 a fine day river falling, wind favourable from the S. E. and moderate, I walked on Shore to view the Countrey, from the top of…
Clark: April 3, 1805
3rd of April we Shall pack up to day and Set out tomorrow. [Clark, April 3, 1805] April the 3rd Thursday 1805 a white frost this morning, Some ice on…
Clark: April 30, 1805
30th of April Tuesday 1805 The wind blew hard from the N E all last night, we Set out at Sunrise the wind blew hard the greater part of the…
Clark: April 5, 1805
April the 5th 1805 Thursday we have our 2 perogues & Six Canoes loaded with our Stores & provisions, principally provisions. the wind verry high from the N W. a…
Clark: April 6, 1805
April the 6th Friday Saturday 1805 a fine day visited by a number of mandans, we are informed of the arrival of the whole of the ricarra nation on the…
Clark: April 8, 1805
8th of April Monday 1805 Set out verry early wind hard a head from the N. W. proceeded on passed all the villages the inhabitents of which flocked down in…
Clark: April 9, 1805
9th of April Tuesday 1805. Set out this morning verry early under a gentle breeze from the S. E. at Brackfast the Indian deturmined to return to his nation. I…
Clark: August 1, 1804
August the 1st 1804 a fair morning, Sent out two men after the horses & one back to examine if the Indians have been there, ____ Beever Cought last night,…
Clark: August 1, 1805
August 1st Wednesday 1805 A fine day Capt. Lewis left me at 8 oClock just below the place I entered a verrey high mountain which jutted its tremedious Clifts on…
Clark: August 10, 1804
The expedition continued up the Missouri River through present-day Nebraska. The men hunted and made observations of the surrounding prairie landscape. The river was filled with sandbars requiring constant vigilance…
Clark: August 10, 1805
August 10th Satturday 1805 Some rain this morning at Sun rise and Cloudy we proceeded on passed a remarkable Clift point on the Stard. Side about 150 feet high, this…
Clark: August 11, 1804
August 11th Satturday 1804 about day this morning a hard wind from the N. W. followed by rain, we landed at the foot of the hill on which Black Bird…
Clark: August 11, 1805
August 11th Sunday 1805. a Shower of rain this morning at Sun rise, Cloudy all the morning wind from the S W passed a large Island which I call the…
Clark: August 12, 1804
12th August Sunday 1804 a South wind We Set out early the river wider than usial, and Shallow, at 12 we halted in a bend to the left to take…
Clark: August 13, 1804
13th of August Munday 1804. Set out this morning at Day light the usial time and proceeded on under a gentle Breeze from the S. E. passed the Island. From…
Clark: August 13, 1805
August 13th Tuesday 1805 a verry Cool morning the Thermometer Stood at 52 a 0 all the fore part of the day. Cloudy at 8 oClock a mist of rain…
Clark: August 14, 1804
14th of August at 12 oClock the Party Sent yesterday to the Towns returned, and informed that they Could not find any Indians, they had not returned from hunting the…
Clark: August 14, 1805
August 14th Wednesday 1805. a Cold morning wind from the S. W. The Thermometer Stood at 51° a 0, at Sunrise the morning being cold and men Stiff. I deturmind…
Clark: August 15, 1804
August 15th Wendesday I took ten men & went out to Beaver Dam across a Creek about a mile S W from Camp, and with a Brush Drag caught 308…
Clark: August 15, 1805
August 15th Thursday 1805 a Cool windey morning wind from the S W we proceeded on thro a ruged low mountain water rapid as usial passed a bold running Stream…
Clark: August 16, 1804
Aug. 16th 1804 a Verry cool morning the winds as usial from the N W. Capt Lewis with men went out to the Creek & Pond & Caught about 800…
Clark: August 16, 1805
August 16th Friday 1805 as this morning was cold and the men fatigued Stiff and Chilled deturmined me to detain & take brackfast before I Set out. I changed the…
Clark: August 17, 1804
17th August 1804. a fine morning Wind from the S. E. I will here annex the Latds & Distances of the Different notable placies from the River Dubois or Mouth…
Clark: August 18, 1805
August 18th Sunday 1805 Purchased of the Indians three horses for which we gave a Chiefs Coat Some Handkerchiefs a Shirt Legins & a fiew arrow points &c. I gave…
Clark: August 19, 1804
19th of August Sunday 1804 a fine morning wind from the S. E I prepd. a present from the Chiefs & Warriers, the main Chief Brack fast with us naked;…
Clark: August 19, 1805
August 19th Monday 1805 A verry Cold morning Frost to be Seen we Set out at 7 oClock and proceeded on thro a wide leavel Vallie the Chief Shew me…
Clark: August 2, 1804
August 2nd 1804 wind from the SE G. Drewery returned with the horses & one Doe Elk the countrey thro which he passed is like what we See from the…
Clark: August 2, 1805
August 2nd Friday 1805 a fine day Set out early the river has much the Same kind of banks Chanel Current &c. as it had in the last vallie, I…
Clark: August 20, 1805
August 20th Tuesday 1805 Set out at half past 6 oClock and proceeded on (met maney parties of Indians) thro a hilley Countrey to the Camp of the Indians on…
Clark: August 21, 1804
21st August Tuesday we Set out verry early this morning under a Gentle Breeze from the S. E Course S. 82° E 3 mes to the upper pt. of a…
Clark: August 21, 1805
August 21st Wednesday 1805 Frost last night proceeded on with the Indians I met about 5 miles to there Camp, I entered a lodge and after Smokeing with all who…
Clark: August 22, 1804
22nd of August Wendesday 1804 Set out early wind from the South. G Shannon joined the Boat last night. Course this morning is S 47° W. 11/4 on the S.…
Clark: August 22, 1805
August 22d Thursday 1805 We Set out early passed a Small Creek on the right at 1 mile and the points of four mountains verry Steap high & rockey, the…
Clark: August 23, 1804
23rd August Thursday 1804 Set out this morning verry early, the two men R. Fields & Shannon did not Come up last night, I went out and Killed a fine…
Clark: August 23, 1805
August 23rd Friday 1805 We Set out early proceed on with great dificuelty as the rocks were So Sharp large and unsettled and the hill sides Steep that the horses…
Clark: August 24, 1804
24th August Friday 1804. Some rain last night & this morning, we Set out at the usial time and proceeded on the Same Course of last night Continued S. 48°…
Clark: August 24, 1805
August 24th Satturday 1805 Set out verry early this morning on my return passed down the Creek at the mouth marked my name on a pine Tree, proceed on to…
Clark: August 25, 1804
Augt. 25th Satturday 1804 This morning Capt Lewis & my Self G D. Sjt. Ouderway Shields J. Fields colter Bratten Cane Labeeche corp Wovington Frasure & York Set out to…
Clark: August 25, 1805
August 25th Sunday 1805 Set out verry early and halted one hour at the Indian Camp, they were kind gave us all a little boiled Sarnmon & dried buries to…
Clark: August 26, 1804
26th August Sunday 1804 arrived at the boat at 9 oClock A.M. Set out at 10 oClock after Jurking the meet & Cutting the Elk Skins for a Toe Roap…
Clark: August 26, 1805
August 26th Monday 1805 a fine morning Despatched three men a head to hunt, our horses missing Sent out my guide and four men to hunt them, which detained me…
Clark: August 27, 1804
27th August Monday, this morning the Morning Star was observed to be very large, G Drewyer Came up and informed that he Could neither find Shannon or the horses, he…
Clark: August 27, 1805
August 27th Tuesday 1805 Some frost this morning every Man except one, out hunting, a young man Came from the upper Village & informed me that Capt Lewis would join…
Clark: August 28, 1804
28th August Tuesday, 1804 The wind blew hard last night one Indian Stayed with us all night, Set out under a Stiff Breeze from S and proceedd on passe a…
Clark: August 28, 1805
August 28th Wednesday 1805 a frost this morning. The Inds. Cought out of their traps Several Sammon and gave us two, I purchased two others which we made last us…
Clark: August 29, 1804
29th August Wednesday 1804rained last night and Some this morning verry cloudy Set Some men to work to make a Toe rope of Elk Skin, and my Self to write,…
Clark: August 29, 1805
August 29th Thursday 1805 a Cold morning Some frost. the Wind from the South, I left our baggage in possession of 2 men and proceeded on up to join Capt…
Clark: August 3, 1805
August 3rd Saturday1805 a fine morning wind from the N E I walked on Shore & killed a Deer in my walk I saw a fresh track which I took…
Clark: August 30, 1805
August 30th Friday 1805 a fine Morning, finding that we Could purchase no more horse than we had for our goods &c. (and those not a Sufficint number for each…
Clark: August 31, 1804
31st of August Friday rose early a fair Daya curioes Society among this nation worthey of remark, ie, formed of their active deturmined young men, with a vow never to…
Clark: August 31, 1805
August 31st 1805 Satturday A fine morning Set out before Sun rise, as we passed the lodges at which place I had encamped for thre nights and left 2 men,…
Clark: August 4, 1804
August 4th at 7 oClock the heavens darkened and a violent wind from the N W. Suckceeded which lasted about an hour, with a little rain. Set out this morning…
Clark: August 4, 1805
August 4th Sunday 1805 a fine morning cool proceeded on verry early and Brackfast at the Camp Capt Lewis left yesterday morning, at this Camp he left a note informing…
Clark: August 5, 1804
August 5th Set out early wind from N E. Great appearance of Wind & rain, (I have remarked that I have not heard much thunder in this Countrey) a verry…
Clark: August 5, 1805
August 5th Monday 1805 a Cold Clear morning the wind from the S. E. the river Streight & much more rapid than yesterday, I Sent out Jo. & R. Fields…
Clark: August 6, 1804
August 6th Monday 1804 at 12 oClock last night a Violent Storm of wind & rain from the N. W. one perogue (Bapteest Le joness Patroon) lost her Colours Set…
Clark: August 6, 1805
August 6th Tuesday 1805 a Clear morning Cool wind from the S W we proceeded on with much dificuelty and fatigue over rapids & Stones; river about 40 or 50…
Clark: August 7, 1804
August 7th Tuesday last night about 8 oClock a Storm of wind from the N. W. which lasted 3/4 of an hour mosquitors more troublesom last night than I ever…
Clark: August 7, 1805
August 7th Wednesday 1805 a fine morning put out our Stores &c. to dry & took equal altitudes with the Sextant,as our Store were a little exorsted and one Canoe…
Clark: August 8, 1804
August the 8th 1804 Set out this morning at the usial time at about 2 miles (1) passed a part of the river So choked up with Snags that we…
Clark: August 8, 1805
August 8th Thursday 1805 We proceeded on early wind from the S W. The Thermometer at 52 a 0 at Sunrise at 5 miles by water & 41/2 on a…
Clark: August 9, 1804
9th Augt Thursday 1804 The fog of this morning detained us untill 1/2 passed 7 oClock at which time we left our moreing and proceeded on under a gentle Breeze…
Clark: August 9, 1805
August 9th Friday 1805 a fine morning wind from the N. E we proceeded on verry well rapid places more noumerous than below, Shannon the man whome we lost on…
Clark: December 1, 1804
1s Decr. a young Chief arrived 7 Chiens Came to the Village with a pipe & the 3 Ricares who Came here a fiew days ago & Sent off yesterday…
Clark: December 10, 1804
10th Monday Decr. 1804 Fort Mandan a verry Cold Day The Thermometer to day at 10 & 11 Degrees below 0., Capt. Lewis returned, to day at 12 oClock leaveing…
Clark: December 11, 1804
11th December Tuesday 1804 a verry Cold morning Wind from the north The Thermomettr at (4 oClock A M at 21°) Sunrise at 21° See list. below 0 which is…
Clark: December 12, 1804
12th December Wednesday 1804 a Clear Cold morning wind from the north the Thormometer at Sun rise Stood at 38° below 0, moderated untill 6 oClock at which time it…
Clark: December 13, 1804
13th December Thursday 1804 The last night was verry Clear & the frost which fell Covered the ice old Snow & thos parts which was naked 1/6 of an inch,…
Clark: December 14, 1804
14th December Friday 1804 a fine morning. wind from the S. E. the murckerey Stood at ‘0’ this morning I went with a party of men down the river 18…
Clark: December 15, 1804
15th of December 1804 Satturday a Cold Clear morning, Saw no buffalow, I concluded to return to the Fort & hunt on each Side of the river on our return…
Clark: December 16, 1804
Fort Mandan 16th December, Sunday 1804 a clear Cold morning, the Thermtr. at Sun rise Stood at 22° below 0, a verry Singaler appearance of the Moon last night, as…
Clark: December 17, 1804
17th December Monday 1804 a verry Cold morning the Thrmt. Stood a 43° below 0. We found Mr. Henny a verry intelligent man from whome we obtained Some Scetches of…
Clark: December 18, 1804
18th December Tuesday 1804 The Themometer the Same as last night Mr. Haney & La Rocke left us for the Grossventre Camp, Sent out 7 men to hunt for the…
Clark: December 19, 1804
19th December Wednesday 1804 The wind from S. W. the weather moderated a little, I engage my self in Connecting the Countrey from information. river rise a little
Clark: December 2, 1804
2d of Decr. 1804 Visited by Several Mandan Chiefs and 4 Chyannes Inds. who Came with a pipe to the Mandans, Sent a Speech to ther Nation a flag &…
Clark: December 20, 1804
20th December Thursday 1804 The wind from the N W a moderate day, the Thermometr 37° above 0, which givs an oppertunity of putting up our pickets next the river,…
Clark: December 21, 1804
21st December Friday 1804 a fine Day worm and wind from the N W by W, the Indian whome I stoped from Commiting murder on his wife, thro jellousy of…
Clark: December 22, 1804
22nd December Satturday 1804 a number of Squars womn & men Dressed in Squars Clothes Came with Corn to Sell to the men for little things, we precured two horns…
Clark: December 23, 1804
23rd December Sunday 1804 a fine Day great numbers of indians of all discriptions Came to the fort many of them bringing Corn to trade, the little Crow, loadd. his…
Clark: December 24, 1804
24 December Monday 1804 Several Chiefs and members of men womin and Children at the fort to day, Some for trade, the most as lookers on, we gave a fellet…
Clark: December 25, 1804
25th December Christmass Tuesday I was awakened before Day by a discharge of 3 platoons from the Party and the french, the men merrily Disposed, I give them all a…
Clark: December 26, 1804
26th Decr. Wednesday 1804 a temperate day no Indians to day or yesterday. A man from the N W Company Came Down from the Gross Vintres to Get one of…
Clark: December 27, 1804
27th December 1804 Thursday a little fine Snow weather something Colder than yesterday Several Indians here to Day, much Surprised at the Bellos & method of makeing Sundery articles of…
Clark: December 28, 1804
28th of December Friday 1804 blew verry hard last night, the frost fell like a Shower of Snow, nothing remarkable to day, the Snow Drifting from one bottom to another…
Clark: December 29, 1804
29th December Satturday 1804 The frost fell last night nearly a 1/4 of an inch Deep and Continud to fall untill the Sun was of Some bite, the Murcurey Stood…
Clark: December 3, 1804
3rd December Monday 1804. a fine morning the after part of the day Cold & windey the wind from the N W. The Father of the Mandan who was killed…
Clark: December 30, 1804
30th December Sunday 1804 Cold the Termtr. at 20 d below 0 a number of Indians here to day they are much Supprised at the Bellows one Deer Killed
Clark: December 31, 1804
Fort Mandan 31st of December Monday 1804 a fine Day Some wind last night which mixed the Snow and Sand in the bend of the river, which has the appearance…
Clark: December 4, 1804
4th of December Tuesday 1804 a Cloudy raw Day wind from the N. W. the Black Cat and two young Chiefs Visit us and as usial Stay all Day the…
Clark: December 5, 1804
5th December Wednesday 1804 a Cold raw morning wind from the S. E. Some Snow, two of the N W. Companey Came to See us, to let us Know they…
Clark: December 6, 1804
Fort Mandan 6th of December Thursday 1804 The wind blew violently hard from the N, N W. with Some Snow the air Keen and Cold. The Thermometer at 8 oClock…
Clark: December 7, 1804
at Fort mandan 7th of December 1804, we were informed by a Chief that great numbers of Buffalow were on the hills near us Cap Lewis with a party went…
Clark: December 8, 1804
8th December Satturday 1804 a verry Cold morning, the Thermometer Stood at 12 d. below 0 which is 42 d. below the freesing point, wind from the N W I…
Clark: December 9, 1804
9th December Sunday 1804 The Thermometer Stood this morning at 7° above 0, wind from the E. Capt Lewis took 18 men & 4 horses and went out Send in…
Clark: February 1, 1805
1st of February Friday 1805 a cold windey Day our hunters returnd. haveing killed only one Deer, a war Chief of the Me ne tar ras Came with Some Corn…
Clark: February 13, 1805
I returned last night from a hunting party much fatigued, haveing walked 30 miles on the ice and through of wood land Points in which the Snow was nearly Knee…
Clark: February 14, 1805
14th Sent 4 men with the Horses Shod & 2 Slays down for the meat I had left, 22 miles below those men were rushed on by 106 Sioux who…
Clark: February 15, 1805
15th Capt. Lewis with a party of men & 4 Indians went in pursute of the Sioux, the Indians returned the next Day & informed me that the Sioux had…
Clark: February 16, 1805
16th of February Satturday 1805 a fine morning, visited by but fiew Indians to day, at Dusk two of the Indians who wint down with Capt. Lewis returned, Soon after…
Clark: February 17, 1805
17th of February Sunday 1805 this morning worm & a little Cloudy, the Coal & his Son visited me to day with about 30 w. of Drid Buffalow meat, &…
Clark: February 18, 1805
18th of February Monday 1805 a cloudy morning Some Snow, Several Indians here today Mr. McKinsey leave me, the after part of the day fine I am much engaged makeing…
Clark: February 19, 1805
19th of February Tuesday 1805 a fine Day visited by Several of the Mandans to day, our Smiths are much engaged mending and makeing Axes for the Indians for which…
Clark: February 2, 1805
2nd of February Satturday 1805 a find Day one Deer Killed our interpeter Still unwell, one of the wives of the Big belley interptr taken SickMr. Larocke leave us to…
Clark: February 20, 1805
Fort Mandan 20th February Wednesday 1805 a Butifull Day, visited by the Little raven verry early this morning I am informed of the Death of an old man whome I…
Clark: February 21, 1805
21st February Thursday 1805 a Delightfull Day put out our Clothes to SunVisited by the big white & Big man they informed me that Several men of their nation was…
Clark: February 23, 1805
23rd of February 1805 Satturday All hands employed in Cutting the Perogus Loose from the ice, which was nearly even with their top; we found great difficuelty in effecting this…
Clark: February 24, 1805
24th February Sunday 1805 The Day fine, we Commenced very early to day the Cutting loose the boat which was more difficuelt than the perogus with great exertions and with…
Clark: February 25, 1805
25th of February Monday 1805 we fixed a Windlass and Drew up the two Perogues on the upper bank and attempted the Boat, but the Roap which we bade made…
Clark: February 26, 1805
26th of Feby 1805 Drew up the Boat & perogus, after Cutting them out of the ice with great Dificuelty-& trouble — 26th February Tuesday 1805 a fine Day Commencd…
Clark: February 27, 1805
27th of February Wednesday 1805 a fine day, prepareing the Tools to make perogues all daya feiw Indians visit us to day, one the largest Indian I ever Saw, &…
Clark: February 28, 1805
28th of February 1805 Thursday Mr. Gravilin 2 frenchmen and 2 Ricaras arrived from the Ricaras with letters from Mr. Tahoe &c. informing us of the Deturmination of the Ricaras…
Clark: February 3, 1805
3rd of February 1805 our provisions of meat being nearly exorsted I concluded to Decend the River on the Ice & hunt, I Set out with about 16 men 3…
Clark: January 1, 1805
Fort Mandan on the N E bank of the Missouries 1600 miles up January the 1st 1805 Tuesday The Day was ushered in by the Discharge of two Cannon, we…
Clark: January 10, 1805
10th Of January 1805 This morning a boy of 13 years of age Came to the fort with his feet frozed, haveing Stayed out all night without fire, with no…
Clark: January 11, 1805
11th January Friday 1805 verry Cold, Send out 3 men to join 3 now below & hunt, Pose-cop se ha or Black Cat came to See us and Stay all…
Clark: January 12, 1805
Fort Manden 12th of January Satturday 1805 a verry Cold Day three of our hunters J. & R Fields withe 2 Elk on a Slay Sent one more hunter out.
Clark: January 13, 1805
13th of January Sunday (1805) a Cold Clear Day (great number of Indians move Down the River to hunt) those people Kill a number of Buffalow near their Villages and…
Clark: January 14, 1805
14th of January 1805 Monday This morning early a number of indians men womin children Dogs &c & passed down on the ice to joine those that passed yesterday, we…
Clark: January 15, 1805
Fort Mandan 15th January Tuesday 1805 between 12 & 3 oClock this morning we had a total eclips of the moon, a part of the observations necessary for our purpose…
Clark: January 16, 1805
16th January Wednesday 1805 about thirty Mandans Came to the fort to day, 6 Chiefs. Those Me ne to rees told them they were liars, had told them if they…
Clark: January 17, 1805
17th January Thursday 1805 a verry windey morning hard from the North Thermometer at 0, Several Indians here to day
Clark: January 18, 1805
18th January Friday 1805 a fine worm morning, Mr. La Rock & McKinzey Came down to See us with them Several of the Grosse Venrees.
Clark: January 19, 1805
19th January Satturday 1805. a find Day Messrs. Larock & McKinzey returned home, Sent three horses down to our hunting Camp for the meet they had killed, Jussoms Squar, left…
Clark: January 2, 1805
2nd of January Wednesdey 1805 a Snowey morning a party of men go to Dance at the 2nd Village to Dance, Capt Lewis & the interptr visit the 2d Village,…
Clark: January 20, 1805
20th a Cold fair day Several Indians at the fort to day a miss understanding took place between the two inturpeters on account of their Squars, one of the Squars…
Clark: January 21, 1805
Fort Mandan 21st Monday January 1805 a number of Indians hereto day a fine day nothing remarkable one ban verry bad with the pox
Clark: January 22, 1805
22nd January 1805 Tuesday a find warm Day attempted to Cut the Boat & the perogues out of the Ice, found water at about 8 inches under the 1st Ice,…
Clark: January 23, 1805
23rd January 1805 Wednesday a Cold Day Snow fell 4 Inches deep, the occurrences of this day is as is common
Clark: January 24, 1805
24th January Thursday 1805 a fine day, our inturpeters appear to understand each others better than a fiew days past Sent out Several hunters, they returned without killing any thing,…
Clark: January 25, 1805
25th of January 1805 Friday we are informed of the arrival of a Band of Asniboins at the Villages with the Grand Cheif of those Tribes call the (Fee de…
Clark: January 26, 1805
26th of January Satturday 1805 a verry fine warm Day Several Indians Dine with us and are much Pleasedone man taken violently Bad with the Plurisee, Bleed & apply those…
Clark: January 27, 1805
27th of January Sunday 1804 a fine day, attempt to Cut our Boat and Canoos out of the Ice, a deficuelt Task I fear as we find waters between the…
Clark: January 28, 1805
28th January Monday 1805 attempt to cut through the ice &c get our Boat and Canoo out without Suckcess, Several Indians here wishing to get war hatchets made this shape…
Clark: January 29, 1805
29th January Tuesday 1805 Gave Jassome a Dost of Salts we Send & Collect Stones and put them on a large log heap to heet them with a View of…
Clark: January 3, 1805
3rd of January Thursday 1805 Soome Snow to day; 8 men go to hunt the buffalow, killed a hare & wolf Several Indians visit us to day & a Gross…
Clark: January 30, 1805
30th January Wednesday 1805 a fine morning, Clouded up at 9 oClock, Mr. La Rocke paid us a Visit, & we gave him an answer respecting the request he made…
Clark: January 31, 1805
31st January Thursday, 1805 Snowed last night, wind high from the N W. Sawed off the boys toes Sent 5 men down the river to hunt with 2 horses, our…
Clark: January 4, 1805
Fort Mandan 4th of January Friday 1805 a worm Snowey morning, the Themtr. at 28° abov 0, Cloudy, Sent out 3 men to hunt down the river, Several Indians Came…
Clark: January 5, 1805
5th of January Satturday 1805 a cold day Some Snow, Several Indians visit us with thier axes to get them mended, I imploy my Self drawing a Connection of the…
Clark: January 7, 1805
7th of January Monday 1805 Fort Mandan a verry Cold clear Day, the Themtr Stood at 22 d below 0 wind N W., the river fell 1 inch Several indians…
Clark: January 8, 1805
8th of January Tuesday 1805 a Cold Day but fiew indians at the fort to day wind from the N, W, one man at the Village
Clark: January 9, 1805
9th of January Wednesday 1805 A Cold Day Themometer at 21° below 0, Great numbers of indians go to Kill Cows, the little Crow Brackft. with us, Several Indians Call…
Clark: July 1, 1804
July 1st 1804, last night one of the Sentinals Chang’d either a man or Beast, which run off, all prepared for action, Set out early passed the Dimond Isd. pass…
Clark: July 1, 1805
White Bear Islands above the Falls of the Missouri July 1st Monday 1805 I arrived at this place to day at 3 oClock P.M. with the party from the lower…
Clark: July 10, 1804
July 10th Tuesday Set out this morning with a view to Land near the fire Seen last night, & recornetre, but Soon discovered that our men were at the fire,…
Clark: July 10, 1805
July 10th Wednesday 1805 a fair windey day wind hard the most of the day from the S. W.rained modderately all last night (by Showers) we dispatched Serjt. Ordway with…
Clark: July 11, 1804
July 11th Wednesday, Set out early proceeded on passed a Willow (1) Island in a bend to the S. S. Sent out Dreweyer & Jo. Fields to hunt, Back of…
Clark: July 11, 1805
July 11th Thursday 1805 a fair windey morning wind S. W. I dispatch W Bratten (who cannot work he haveing a turner rising on his finger) to meat the Canoes…
Clark: July 12, 1804
July 12th Thursday Som hunters out on the S. S. those on the L. S. did not return last night, our object in delaying here is to tak Some Observations…
Clark: July 12, 1805
July 12th Friday 1805 a fair windey morning wind from the S. W. all hands at work at Day light Some at the Canoes, & others drying meat for our…
Clark: July 13, 1804
My notes of the 13th of July by a Most unfortunate accident blew over Board in a Storm in the morning of the 14th obliges me to refur to the…
Clark: July 13, 1805
July 13th Saturday 1805. a fair Calm Morning, verry Cool before daywe were visited by a Buffalow Bull who came within a fiew Steps of one of the Canoes the…
Clark: July 14, 1804
July the 14th Satturday Some hard Shours of rain accompaned with Some wind detained us untill about 7 oClock, we then Set out and proceeded on about a mile and…
Clark: July 14, 1805
July 14th Sunday 1805 a fine morning Calm and worm musquetors & Knats verry troublesom. The Canoes arrive at 12 oClock & unloade to Dry &c. finished & Lanced the…
Clark: July 15, 1804
July 15th Sunday 1804. a heavy fog this morning which Detained us untill 7 oClock, put Drewyer Sgt. Floyd on Shore, at 9 I took two Men and went on…
Clark: July 16, 1804
July 16 1804 Monday Set out verry early and proceeded on the Side of a Prarie passd the head of the Island opsd. which we Camped last night, (1) passed…
Clark: July 16, 1805
July 16th Tuesday 1805 a fair morning after a verry cold night, heavy dew, dispatched one man back for an ax left a fiew miles below, and Set out early…
Clark: July 17, 1804
July 17th Tuesday, we concluded to lay by today to fix the Longitude, and get the Cronometer right, (She run down Day before yesterday), Several men out hunting to day…
Clark: July 17, 1805
July 17th Wednesday 1805 Set out early this morning and Crossed the rapid at the Island Cald pine rapid with Some dificuelty, at this rapid I came up with Capt…
Clark: July 18, 1804
July 18th Wednesday a fair morning the river falling fast, Set out at Sunrise under a gentle Breeze from S. E by S. at 3 miles passed the head of…
Clark: July 18, 1805
July 18th Tursday 1805 a fine morning passed a Considerable river which falls in on the Stard Side and nearly as wide as the Missouri we call Dearbournes river after…
Clark: July 19, 1804
July 19th after breakfast which was on a rosted Ribs of a Deer a little and a little Coffee I walked on Shore intending only to Keep up with the…
Clark: July 19, 1805
July 19th Fryday 1805 a find morning I proceeded on in an Indian path river verry crooked passed over two mountains Saw Several Indian Camps which they have left this…
Clark: July 2, 1804
July the 2nd 1804 Set out verry early this morning passd on the Left of the Isles des parques High butifull Situationon the L S. the land indifferent lands a…
Clark: July 2, 1805
July 2nd Tuesday 1805 Some rain at day light this morning. dispatched the party for the remaining baggage left at the 6 mile Stake, they returned in the evening and…
Clark: July 20, 1804
July 20th Friday 1804, a fog this morning and verry Cool George Drewyer Sick proceed on over a Sand bar, Bratten Swam the river to get his gun & Clothes…
Clark: July 20, 1805
July 20th Satturday 1805 a fine morning we proceded on thro a valley leaveing the river about 6 miles to our left and fell into an Indian roade which took…
Clark: July 21, 1805
July 21st Sunday 1805 a fine morning our feet So brused and Cut that I deturmined to delay for the Canoes, & if possible kill Some meat by the time…
Clark: July 22, 1804
July 22nd Sunday Set out verry early with a view of getting Some timbered land & a good Situation to take equil altitudes in time proceeded on nearly a North…
Clark: July 22, 1805
July 22d Monday 1805 a fine morning wind from the S. E. the last night verry cold, my blanket being Small I lay on the grass & Covered with it.…
Clark: July 23, 1804
Camp 10 Ms. above the river Plate Monday July the 23rd a fair morningSent out a party of 5 men to look to timber for Ores two other parties to…
Clark: July 23, 1805
July 23rd Tuesday 1805 a fair morning wind from the South. I Set out by land at 6 miles overtook G Drewyer who had killed a Deer. we killed in…
Clark: July 24, 1804
White Catfish Camp 24th of July Tuesday. a fair morning the wind rose with the Sun & blows hard from the S. thos Southerley Breezes are dry Cool & refreshing.…
Clark: July 24, 1805
July 24th Wednesday 1805 a fine day wind from the N W. I proceeded on up a Creek on the direction of the Indian road at 10 oClock discovered a…
Clark: July 25, 1804
White Catfish Camp 25th of July Wednesday. Several hunters Sent out. at 2 oClock the Two men Sent to the Otteaz Village returned and informed that no Indians were at…
Clark: July 26, 1804
Whit Catfish Camp 26th of July Thursday. the wind blew Verry hard all Day from the South with Clouds of Sand which incomoded me verry much in my tent, and…
Clark: July 26, 1805
July 26th Friday 1805 I deturmined to leave Shabono & one man who had Sore feet to rest & proceed on with the other two to the top of a…
Clark: July 27, 1804
White Catfish Camp 10 ms above Platt 27th of July Friday, a Small Shower of rain this morning, at 10 oClock Commence Loading the Boat & perogue; had all the…
Clark: July 27, 1805
July 27th Saturday 1805 I was verry unwell all last night with a high fever & akeing in all my bones. my fever &c. continus, deturmind to prosue my intended…
Clark: July 28, 1804
July 28th Satturday Set out this morning early, the wind blou from the N. W. by N. a Dark Smokey Morning, Some rain at 1 me. passed a Bluff on…
Clark: July 29, 1804
July 29th Sunday 1804 Sent a french man la Liberty with the Indian to Otteaze Camp to invite the Indians to meet us on the river abovea Dark rainey morning…
Clark: July 29, 1805
July 29 Monday 1805 A fair morning wind from the North I feel my Self something better to day, made some Celestial observations took two Merdn. altitudes which gave for…
Clark: July 3, 1804
July 3rd 1804 Set out verry early this morning and proceeded on under a gentle Breeze from the South passed two Islands one a Small Willow Island on the L.…
Clark: July 3, 1805
July 3rd Wednesday 1805 all of party employd in Sowing the Skins to the boat, burning Tare, preparing timber, hunting buffalow for their meat & Skins, drying & repacking the…
Clark: July 30, 1804
July the 30th Monday Set out early & proceeded on West 33/4 mes. passd. one pt. to the L. S and one to the S. S. to a Clear open…
Clark: July 30, 1805
July 30th Monday 1805 We Set out 8 oClock and proceeded on 131/2 miles up the N. fork the river verry rapid & Sholey the Channel entirely Corse gravel many…
Clark: July 31, 1804
July 31st Tuesday a fair Day 3 hunters out this morning G. Drewyer Killed a verry fat Buck one Inch fat on the ribs Merdn. altd Latd. is 41° 18′…
Clark: July 31, 1805
July 31st Tuesday 1805 a fair Morning Capt Lewis out all night, we arrived at his Camp to brackfast, he was without a blanket, & he killed a Duck whiche…
Clark: July 4, 1805
,July the 4th Thursday 1805 A fine morning, a heavy dew last night, all hands employed in Completeing the leather boat, gave the Party a dram which made Several verry…
Clark: July 5, 1804
July the 5th 1804 Set out verry early this morning, Swam the horse across the river, proceeded on for two miles under the bank where the old Kansas town formerly…
Clark: July 5, 1805
July 5th Friday 1805 A fine morning and but little wind, worm and Sultrey at 8 oClockI Saw a large gangue of Buffalow and prosued them with Several men the…
Clark: July 6, 1804
6th July Friday. We Set out early this morning & Proceeded on (the river falls Slowly) wind S. W) passed a Sand bar in 1st bend to the right (1)…
Clark: July 6, 1805
July 6th Satturday 1805 a heavy wind from the S W and Some rain about mid night last, at day light this morning a verry black Cloud from the S…
Clark: July 7, 1804
7th of July Satturday 1804 Set out early passed Some verry Swift water on the L. S. which Compelled us to Draw up by the Cord. a verry warm morning,…
Clark: July 7, 1805
July 7th Sunday 1805 A Warm day wind from the S. W Cloudy as usial, the four men hunters did not return last night. dispatched 2 men to kill Elk…
Clark: July 8, 1804
8th of July Sunday Set out early this morning, the Sick man much better, Serjt. Oddeway was waiting at a Creek on the S. S. below an Island, passed (1)…
Clark: July 8, 1805
July 8th Monday 1805 A worm morning flying Clouds I deturmin take the width of the river at the falls & the Medison river and to take the greater part…
Clark: July 9, 1804
July the 9th Monday 1804 Sent one man back to the mouth of the River to mark a tree, to let the party on Shore See that the Boat had…
Clark: July 9, 1805
July 9th Tuesday 1805 a clear worm morning wind from the S W. Lanced the Leather boat, and found that it leaked a little; Corked Lanced & loaded the Canoes,…
Clark: June 1, 1804
June 1st Friday 1804 Set out early, the Same Course S 48° W of Wednesday contd. 4 ms passed the Mouth of Little Miry on the Stb & high rich…
Clark: June 1, 1805
June 1st Satterday 1805 a Cloudy morning we Set out at an early hour and proseeded on as usial with the toe rope The Countrey appears to be lower and…
Clark: June 10, 1804
June 10th Sunday 1804 Some rain last night we set out early Saw a number of Goslings this morning, Continued on the Course of last night, thence N. 8 E.…
Clark: June 10, 1805
June 10th Monday 1805 a fine day dry all our articles arrange our baggage burry Some Powder & lead in the point, Some Lead a canister of Powder & an…
Clark: June 11, 1804
11 June Mondayas the wind blew all this day from the N, W. which was imedeately a head we Could not Stur, but took the advantage of the Delay and…
Clark: June 11, 1805
June 11th Tuesday 1805 a fair morning wind from the S W. hard we burry 1 keg in the Cash & 2 Canisters of Powder in 2 seperate places all…
Clark: June 12, 1804
12th of June, Tuesday We Set out early, passed thro a verry bad bend N. 25° W. 31/2 to apt. L. S. N. 70° W. 21/2 ms to apt. on…
Clark: June 12, 1805
June 12th 1805 Wednesday last night was Clear and Cold, this morning fair we Set out at 8 oClock & proceeded on verry well wind from the S. W. The…
Clark: June 13, 1804
13th June Wednesday we Set out early passed a verry round bend to L. S. passed two Creeks 1 me. apt. Called Creeks of the round Bend, between those Creeks…
Clark: June 14, 1804
14th June, Thursday We set out at 6 oClock after a thick fog proceeded on verry well S. 33 W 2 Ms. to the lower pt of an Isld. S.…
Clark: June 14, 1805
June 14th Friday 1805 a fine morning, the Indian woman complaining all night & excessively bad this morningher case is Somewhat dangeroustwo men with the Tooth ake 2 with Turners,…
Clark: June 15, 1804
15 June Friday 1804, we Set out early proceeded on about 1 me. and the Boat turned on a Sawyer which was near doeing her great damage, the river is…
Clark: June 15, 1805
June the 15th Satturday 1805 a fair morning and worm, we Set out at the usial time and proceeded on with great dificuelty as the river is more rapid we…
Clark: June 16, 1804
16th June Satterday Set out at 7 oClock Proceed on N. 68°W. 21/2 ms. passed a Isd. close on the S. S. at the lower point Drewer & Willard had…
Clark: June 16, 1805
June 16th of Sunday 1805 Some rain last night a cloudy morning wind hard from the S. W. we Set out passed the rapid by double manning the Perogue &…
Clark: June 17, 1804
June 17 1804 Rope walk Camp The Current of the River at this place is a Stick will float 48 poles 6 feet in the rapidest part in 23 Seconds,…
Clark: June 17, 1805
June 17th Monday 1805 a fine morning wind as usial Capt. Lewis with the party unloaded the Perogue & he determined to keep the party employed in getting the loading…
Clark: June 18, 1804
June 18th Monday Some raind last night, Sent out 6 Hunters to day across the R. they Killed 5 Deer & Colter a Bear verry fat we continue to repare…
Clark: June 18, 1805
June 18th Tuesday 1805 we Set out early and arrived at the second great Cataract at about 200 yds above the last of 19 feet pitchthis is one of the…
Clark: June 19, 1804
June 19th Tuesday rain last night after fixing the new Oars and makeing all necessary arrangements, we Set out under a jentle breese from the S. E. and proceeded on…
Clark: June 19, 1805
June 19th Wednesday 1805 We went on the Island to hunt the White bear this morning but Could not find him, after plotting my Courses &c. I deturmined to dry…
Clark: June 2, 1804
June 2ndTook the Dirts. of Son & moon &c &c. I measured the Osage & Missouris at this place made ther width as follows, the Missoure 875 yd. wide The…
Clark: June 2, 1805
June 2nd Sunday 1805 we had a hard wind and a little rain last night, this morning fair we Set out at an early hour, wind from the S W.…
Clark: June 20, 1804
June 20th, Wednesday Set out after a heavy Shower of rain and proceeded on the Same Course of last night passed a large butifull Prarie on the S. S. opposit…
Clark: June 20, 1805
June 20th Thursday 1805 a Cloudy morning, a hard wind all night and this morning, I direct Stakes to be Cut to Stick up in the prarie to Show the…
Clark: June 21, 1804
21st June Thursday 1804 river raised 3 Inches last night after our bow man Peter Crousat a half Mahar Indian examined round this Small Isd. for the best water, we…
Clark: June 21, 1805
June 21st Friday 1805 a fine morning wind from the S W. off the mountains and hard, Capt Lewis with the men except a few take a part of the…
Clark: June 22, 1804
22nd June Friday after a Violent gust of wind accompanied with rain from the West, which commenced at Day brake, and lasted about one hour, we Set out under a…
Clark: June 23, 1804
23rd June Satturday Some wind this morning from the N W. Set out at 7 oC Proceeded on N. 70 d. W 2 Ms. to an Isd. Close on the…
Clark: June 23, 1805
June 23rd Sunday 1805 a Cloudy morning wind from the S. E, after getting the Canoe to Camp & the articles left in the plains we eate brackfast of the…
Clark: June 24, 1804
24th, June Sunday Set out at half after Six. I joined the boat this morng at 8 oClock (I will only remark that dureing the time I lay on the…
Clark: June 24, 1805
June 24th Monday 1805 a Cloudy morning I rose early had, the remaining Canoe hauled out of the water to dry and divided the baggage into 3 parcels, one of…
Clark: June 25, 1804
Monday June 25th a heavy fog Detaind us about an hour Set out passed the Isd on a course from the last point S 49° W, 3 Ms to a…
Clark: June 25, 1805
June 25th Tuesday 1805 a fair worm morning, Clouded & a few drops of rain at 5 oClock A.M. fair I feel my Self a little unwell with a looseness…
Clark: June 26, 1805
June 26th Wednesday 1805 Some rain last night this morning verry Cloudy the party Set out this morning verry early with their loads to the Canoe Consisting of Parched meal…
Clark: June 27, 1804
June 27th, Wednesday a fair warm morning, the river rose a little last night. we determin to delay at this Place three or four Days to make observations & recruit…
Clark: June 27, 1805
June 27th Thursday 1805 a fair warm morning wind from the S, E, and moderate. Serjt. Pryor Something better this morning, I proceed to finish a rough draugh of the…
Clark: June 28, 1804
28 June Thursday took equal altitudes &c. &c. &c. & varaitian of the Compass repaired the Perogue Cleaned out the Boat Suned our Powder wollen articles examined every thing 8…
Clark: June 28, 1805
June 28th Friday 1805 a fair morning wind from the South I dispatch the remaining Canoe with baggage in her to the top of the Hill three miles, imploy Some…
Clark: June 29, 1804
29th of June 1804, Set out from the Kansas river 1/2 past 4 oClock, proceeded on passed a Small run on the L. S. at 1/2 Mile a (1) Island…
Clark: June 29, 1805
Junne 29th Saltarday 1805 a little rain verry early this morning after Clear, finding that the Prarie was So wet as to render it impossible to pass on to the…
Clark: June 3, 1804
June Sunday 3rd 1804 the fore part of the day fair I attempted to take equal alltitudes, & M Altitudes, but was disapointed, the Clouds obsured the Sun, took the…
Clark: June 30, 1804
30th June, Set out verry early this Morng Saw a verry large wolf on the Sand bar this morning walking near a gange of Turkeys (1) at 10 miles above…
Clark: June 30, 1805
June 30th Sunday 1805. a fair morning, I dispatch the party except 5 for the remaining baggage Scattered in the plains, two to hunt for meat, two to the falls,…
Clark: June 4, 1804
June 4th 1804 Monday, a fair Day Sent out 3 hunters, our mast broke by the boat running under a tree Passed an Islands on Stbd Side on which grow…
Clark: June 4, 1805
June 4th Tuesday 1805 Capt. Lewis & my Self each with a Small party of men Set out earlythose who accompanied Capt Lewis were G. Drewyer Serjt. Pryor, J Shields,…
Clark: June 5, 1804
June 5th Tuesday, Jurked the Vennison Killed yesterday, after Seting over the Scouting Party or hunder of 3 men Set out at 6 oClock Course N 57° W to a…
Clark: June 5, 1805
June 5th Wednesday 1805 Some little rain & Snow last night the mountains to our S E. covered with Snow this morning air verry Cold & raining a little, we…
Clark: June 6, 1804
Wednesday the 6th of June 1804. Mended our mast this morning and Set out at 7 oClock, under a Jentle Braise from the S, E by S N 28° W…
Clark: June 6, 1805
June 6th Thursday 1805 a Cloudy Cold raw day wind hard from the N. E. we Set out early & traveled down the little river which was imedeately in our…
Clark: June 7, 1804
Thursday 7th of June 1804 Set out early passed the head of the Isd from the Isd. N. 61° W. to the mouth of a Creek Called big monitu on…
Clark: June 7, 1805
June 7th Friday 1805 rained moderately all the last night and Continus this morning, the wind from the S. W, off the mountains, The Themometer Stood at 40° above 0,…
Clark: June 8, 1804
June 8th Friday Set out at Daylight proceeded on the Course of last night S 87° W 3 ms passed a Willow Island, from the Point of last Course S…
Clark: June 8, 1805
June 8th Saturday 1805 rained moderately all the last night & Some this morning untill 10 oClock, I am Some what uneasy for Capt. Lewis & party as days has…
Clark: June 9, 1804
9th of June Satterday Set out early, water verry Swift got fast on a log, detained us 1/4 hour Hard rain last night. N 39° W 31/2 Ms. to a…
Clark: June 9, 1805
June 9th Sunday a fair morning the wind hard from the S. W. the river during the night fell 1 Inch, we conclude to burry a few of our heavy…
Clark: March 1, 1805
March 1st Friday 1805 a fine Day I am ingaged in Copying a map, men building perogus, makeing Ropes, Burning Coal, Hanging up meat & makeing battle axes for Corn
Clark: March 10, 1805
10th of March Sunday 1805. a Cold winday Day. we are visited by the Black mockersons, Chief of the 2d Manetarre Village and the Chief of the Shoeman Village or…
Clark: March 11, 1805
Fort Mandan 11th of March Monday 1805 A Cloudy Cold windey day, Some Snow in the latter part of the day, we deturmin to have two other Perogues made for…
Clark: March 12, 1805
12th a fine day Some Snow last night our Interpeter Shabonah, detumins on not proceeding with us as an interpeter under the terms mentioned yesterday he will not agree to…
Clark: March 13, 1805
13th of March Wednesday 1805 a fine day visited by Mr. Mckinsey one of the Clerks of the N W Companey, the river riseing a littlemaney Inds. here to day…
Clark: March 14, 1805
14th March Thursday 1805. a fine day Set all hands to Shelling Corn &c. Mr. McKinsey leave us to day maney Indians as usial. wind west river Still riseing
Clark: March 15, 1805
15th of March Friday 1805 a fine day I put out all the goods & Parch meal Clothing &c to Sun, a number of Indians here to day They make…
Clark: March 16, 1805
16th of March Satturday 1805 a Cloudy day wind from the S. E one Indian much displeased with whitehouse for Strikeing his hand when eating with a Spoon for behaveing…
Clark: March 17, 1805
17th of March Sunday a windey Day attempted to air our goods &. Mr. Chabonah Sent a french man of our party that he was Sorry for the foolissh part…
Clark: March 18, 1805
18th of March 1805 a cold cloudy Day wind from the N. I pack up all the merchindize into 8 packs equally devided So as to have Something of every…
Clark: March 19, 1805
19th of March 1805 Cold windey Day Cloudy Some little Snow last night Visited to Day by the big white & Little Crow, also a man & his wife with…
Clark: March 2, 1805
2nd of March 1805 Satturday a fine Day the river brake up in places all engaged about Something Mr. La Rocque a Clerk of the N W Company visit us,…
Clark: March 20, 1805
I visited the Mandans on the 20th & have the canoes taken to the River, ready to Decend to the fort when the River Clears, — Fort Mandan 20th March…
Clark: March 21, 1805
I return on the 21st and on my return I passed on the points of the high hills S. S. where I saw an emence quantity of Pumice Stone, and…
Clark: March 22, 1805
22nd of March 1805 Visited by the 2nd Chief of the Grand Village of the Minetarrees to whome we gave a medal & Some Clothes acknowledging him as a 2d…
Clark: March 24, 1805
24th of March Satturday 1805 after Brackfast Mr. La Rocke and Mr. McKinsey and the Chiefs & men of the Minetarras leave usSoon after we were visited by a Brother…
Clark: March 25, 1805
25th of March Sunday 1805 a Cloudy morning wind from the N E the after part of the Day fair, Several Indians visit us today, prepareing to Set out on…
Clark: March 26, 1805
26th of March Monday 1805 a find Day wind S. W. but fiew Inds visit us to day the Ice haveing broken up in Several places, The ice began to…
Clark: March 27, 1805
27th of March Tuesday 1805 The river choked up with ice opposit to us and broke away in the evening raised only 1/2 Inch all employed prepareing to Set out
Clark: March 28, 1805
28th had all the Canoes, the Perogus corked pitchd & lined cover the Cotton Wood, which is win Shaken (the Mandans feed their horses on the cotton wood Sticks in…
Clark: March 29, 1805
29th of March Satturday 1805 The ice has Stoped running owing to Som obstickle above, repare the Boat & Perogues, and prepareing to Set out but few Indians visit us…
Clark: March 3, 1805
3rd of March Sunday 1805 a fine Day wind from the W, a large flock of Ducks pass up the Rivervisited by the black Cat, Chief of the Mandans 2d…
Clark: March 30, 1805
30th of March. The Ice is passing in great quantites, river ran a little, The Plains are on fire on both Sides of the river it is common for the…
Clark: March 31, 1805
31 h of March Monday 1805 Cloudy Several gangus of Ducks and Gees pass up not much ice floating. All the party in high Spirits, but fiew nights pass without…
Clark: March 4, 1805
Fort Mandan 4th March Monday 1805 a Cloudy morning wind from the N W the after part of the day Clear, visited by the Black Cat & Big White, who…
Clark: March 5, 1805
5th March Tuesday 1805 A fine Day Themometer at 40° abo 0. Several Indians visit us to day one frenchman cross to join a Indian the two pass through by…
Clark: March 6, 1805
6th of March Wednesday 1805 a Cloudy morning & Smokey all Day from the burning of the plains, which was Set on fire by the Minetarries for an early crop…
Clark: March 7, 1805
7th of March Thursday 1805 a little Cloudy and windey N E. the Coal visited us with a Sick child, to whome I gave Some of rushes PillsShabounar returned this…
Clark: March 8, 1805
8th of March Friday 1805 a fair morning Cold and windey, wind from the East, visited by the Greesey head & a Riarca to day, those men gave Some account…
Clark: March 9, 1805
on the 9th of March we were Visited by the Grand Chief of the Minetarres, to whome we gave a medal & Some Cloths & a flag. Sent a French…
Clark: May 1, 1805
May the 1st Wednesday 1805 We Set out at Sun rise under a Stiff Breeze from the East, the morning Cool & Cloudy. one man J. Shields Sick with rhumetismone…
Clark: May 10, 1805
May the 10th Friday 1805 river fell 3/4 of an inch last night, wind from the N. W, we proceeded on but a short distance e’r’e the wind became So…
Clark: May 11, 1805
May the 11th Satturday 1805. Wind hard fore part of last night the latter part verry Cold a white frost this morning, the river riseing a little and verry Crooked…
Clark: May 12, 1805
May 12th Sunday 1805. Set out at an early hour, the morning Clear and Calm, Capt. Lewis walked on Shore this morning about 12 oClock the wind becam Strong from…
Clark: May 13, 1805
13th of May Monday 1805 The wind Continued to blow hard untill one oClock P M. to day at which time it fell a little and we Set out and…
Clark: May 14, 1805
14th of May Tuesday 1805 A verry Clear Cold morning a white frost & some fog on the river the Thermomtr Stood at 32 above 0, wind from the S.…
Clark: May 15, 1804
Tuesday 15rained all last night and this morning untill 7 oClock, all our fire extinguished, Some Provisions on the top of the Perogus wet, I sent two men to the…
Clark: May 15, 1805
May 15th Wednesday 1805 Our medisons, Instruments, merchandize, Clothes, provisions &c. &c. which was nearly all wet we had put out to air and dry. the day being Cloudy &…
Clark: May 16, 1804
Wednesday May 16th A fair morning, Set out at 5 oClock passed the Coal hill (Call by the natives Carbonear) this hill appears to Contain great quantytes of Coal, and…
Clark: May 16, 1805
May 16th Thursday 1805 a fair morning our articles all out to Dry at 4 oClock we had every thing that was Saved dry and on bord, our loss is…
Clark: May 17, 1804
Thursday the 17th 1804 a fine Day 3 men Confined for misconduct, I had a Court martial & punishment Several Indians, who informed me that the Saukees had lately Crossed…
Clark: May 17, 1805
May 17th Friday 1805 a fine morning wind from the N W. mercury at 60° a 0. river falling a little. we Set out at an early hour and proceeded…
Clark: May 18, 1804
Friday May the 18th 1804 a fine morning took equal altitude and made it 97° 42′ 37″ M. A I had the Boat & Pierogue reloded So as to Cause…
Clark: May 18, 1805
May 18th Satturday 1805 A windey morning wind from the West we proceeded on verry well with the assistance of the Toe Coard, river narrow but flew Sand bars, &…
Clark: May 19, 1804
Satturday May the 19th 1804 a Violent Wind last night from the W. S W, Suckceeded by rain with lasted Som hours, a Cloudy Morning, many persons Came to the…
Clark: May 2, 1805
May 2nd Thursday 1805 The wind blew verry hard all the last night, this morning about Sunrise began to Snow, (The Thermomtr. at 28 abov o) and Continued untill about…
Clark: May 20, 1804
Sunday 20th May a Cloudy morning rained and a hard wind last night I continue to write Rolls, Send 20 men to Church to day one man Sick Capt Lewis…
Clark: May 20, 1805
May 20th Monday 1805 a fine morning wind from the N E. river falling a little We Set out at 7 oClock and proceeded on verry well as usial by…
Clark: May 21, 1804
Monday 21st May Dine with Mr. Ducete & Set out from St. Charles at three oClock after getting every matter arranged, proceeded on under a jentle Breese, at one mile…
Clark: May 21, 1805
May 21st Tuesday 1805. a butifull morning, wind from the West, river falling a little, we Set out at an early hour and proceed on in the usial way by…
Clark: May 22, 1804
Tuesday May 22nd delayed a Short time for the three french men who returned and we Set out at 6 oClock a Cloudy morning rained Violently hard last night Saw…
Clark: May 22, 1805
May 22nd Wednesday 1805 The wind Continued to blow So violently hard we did not think it prudent to Set out untill it luled a little, about 10 oClock we…
Clark: May 23, 1804
Wednesday May 23rd 8 Indians Kick. Came to Camp with meat we recved their pesents of 3 Deer & gave them Whisky. Set out early run on a log under…
Clark: May 23, 1805
May 23rd Thursday 1805 a Severe frost last night, the Thrmotr. Stood at the freesing point this morning i e 32 a 0. wind S W. the water freeses on…
Clark: May 24, 1804
Thursday May the 24th 1804 Set out early passed a Small Isd in the Midlle of the river, opposit the on the Lbd. Side is projecting Rock of 1/2 a…
Clark: May 24, 1805
May 24th Friday 1805 a Cold night the water in the Small vestles frosed 1/8 of an inch thick, and the thermometer Stood this morning at the freesing point. we…
Clark: May 25, 1805
May 25th Satturday 1805″ The two Canoes left for meat yesterday did not joint us untill 8 oClock this morning at which time we Set out, the morning Cool &…
Clark: May 26, 1804
May 26th 1804. Set out at 7 oClock after a hard rain & Wind, & proceed on verry well under Sale. Wind from the E N E The wind favourable…
Clark: May 27, 1804
Sunday May 27th as we were Setting out this morning two Canoos loaded with Bever elk Deer Skins & Buffalow Robes, from the Mahars nation, they inform that they left…
Clark: May 27, 1805
May 27th Monday 1805. The wind blew hard from the S W. which detained us untill about 10 oClock, at which time we Set out and proceeded on, passed a…
Clark: May 28, 1804
Monday 28th May rained hard all the last night Some wind from the S W, one Deer Killed to day, one Man fell in with Six Indians hunting, onloaded the…
Clark: May 28, 1805
May 28th Tuesday 1805 a Cloudy morning Some fiew drops of rain and verry Smokey wind from the S. W. we Set out at an early hour, the Shoaley places…
Clark: May 29, 1804
Tuesday 29th May Sent out hunters, got a morning obsvtn and one at 12 oClock, rained last night, the river rises fast The Musquetors are verry bad, Load the pierogue…
Clark: May 3, 1805
May 3rd Friday 1805 we Set out reather later this morning than usial owing to weather being verry cold, a frost last night and the Thermt. Stood this morning at…
Clark: May 30, 1804
May 30th, Wednesday, Set out at 7 oClock after a heavy rain, rained all last night, a little after Dark last night Several guns were herd below, I expect the…
Clark: May 30, 1805
May 30th Thursday 1805 The rain conmmenced yesterday evining, and continued moderately through the course of the night, more rain has now fallin than we have experienced Since the 15th…
Clark: May 31, 1804
May 31st Thursday 1804 rained the greater part of last night, the wind from the West raised and blew with great force untile 5 oClock p.m.which obliged us to lay…
Clark: May 31, 1805
May 31st Friday 1805. A cloudy morning we dispatched all the Canoes to Collect the meat of 2 Buffalow killed last night a head and a little off the river,…
Clark: May 4, 1805
May 4th Satturday 1805 The rudder Irons of our large Perogue broke off last night, the replaceing of which detained us this morning untill 9 oClock at which time we…
Clark: May 5, 1805
5th of May Sunday 1805 We Set out verry early and had not proceeded far before the rudder Irons of one of the Perogus broke which detained us a Short…
Clark: May 6, 1805
May 6th Monday 1805 a fine morning wind from the N. E. we Set out early and proceeded on verry well under Sail the greater part of the day, passed…
Clark: May 7, 1805
May 7th Tuesday, 1805 A fine morning river rose 11/2 Inches last night, the drift wood beginning to run the water Something Clearer than usial, the wind became verry hard,…
Clark: May 8, 1805
May the 8th Wednesday 1805 a verry black Cloud to the S W. we Set out under a gentle breeze from the N. E. about 8 oClock began to rain,…
Clark: May 9, 1805
May 9th Thursday 1805 a fine Day wind from the East we proceeded on verry well the Countrey much the appearance which it had yesterday the bottom & high land…
Clark: November 1, 1804
1 November 1804 Visited by Several Chiefs of the lower Village who requested we would call on them &c. Spoke to the Same purpote with the Grand Chief. we Set…
Clark: November 1, 1805
November 1st Friday 1805 a verry cold morning wind from N. E and hard Set all hands packing the loading over th portage which is below the Grand Shutes and…
Clark: November 10, 1804
10th November Satturday 1804 rose early continued to build our fort numbers of Indians Came to See us a Chief Half Partia & brought a Side of a Buffalow, in…
Clark: November 10, 1805
November 10th Sunday 1805 rained verry hard the greater part of the last night & Continus this morning, the wind has layed and the Swells are fallen. we loaded our…
Clark: November 11, 1804
11th November Sunday 1804 Fort Mandan a Cold Day Continued at work at the Fort Two men Cut themselves with an ax, The large Ducks pass to the South an…
Clark: November 11, 1805
November 11th Monday 1805 a hard rain all the last night we again get wet the rain continue at intervals all day. Wind verry high from S W and blew…
Clark: November 12, 1804
12th November Monday 1804 a verry Cold night early this morning the Big White princapal Chief of the lower Village of the Mandans Came Down, he packd about 100 W.…
Clark: November 12, 1805
November 12th Tuesday 1805 a tremendious thunder Storm abt. 3 oClock this morning accompanied by wind from the S W. and Hail, this Storm of hard Clap’s thunder Lighting and…
Clark: November 13, 1804
13th The Ice begin to run we move into our hut, visited by the Grand Chief of the Mandans, and Che chark Lagru a Chief of the Assinniboins & 7…
Clark: November 13, 1805
November 13th Wednesday 1805 Some intervales of fair weather last night, rain and wind Continue this morning, as we are in a Cove & the Mountains verry high & Pine…
Clark: November 14, 1804
Fort Mandan 14th of November Wednesday 1804 a Cloudy morning, ice runing verry thick river rose 1/2 Inch last night Some Snow falling, only two Indians visit us to day…
Clark: November 14, 1805
Novr. 14th Thursday 1805 Rained last night without intermission and this morning the wind blew hard from the ____ We Could not move, one Canoe was broken last night against…
Clark: November 15, 1804
15th of November Thursday 1804 a Cloudy morning, the ice run much thicker than yesterday at 10 oClock G Drewyer & the frenchman we Dispatched yesterday came up from the…
Clark: November 16, 1804
16th November Friday 1804 a verry white frost all the trees all Covered with ice, Cloudy, all the men move into the huts which is not finishd Several Indians Come…
Clark: November 17, 1804
17 th November Satturday 1804 a fine morning, last night was Cold, the ice thicker than yesterday, Several Indians visit us, one Chief Stayed all day we are much engaged…
Clark: November 18, 1804
18th Novr. Sunday 1804 a Cold morning Some wind the Black Cat, Chief of the Mandans Came to See us, he made Great inquiries respecting our fashions. he also Stated…
Clark: November 19, 1804
19th of November 1804 our hunters return with 32 Deerr, 12 Elk & a Buffalow Ice ran which detained the huntes much Cap lewis visit the Me ne tar rees,…
Clark: November 2, 1805
Novr. 2d Saturday 1805 Meridian altitude 59° 45′ 45″ made a portage of about 11/2 miles with half of the Baggage, and run the rapid with the Canoes without much…
Clark: November 20, 1804
20th November Tuesday 1804 Capt Lewis & my Self move into our huts, a verry hard wind from the W. all the after part of the day a temperate day…
Clark: November 21, 1804
21st Novr. Wednesday a fine Day dispatched a perogu and Collected Stone for our Chimnys, Some wind from the S. W. arrange our different articlesmaney Indians visit us to day,…
Clark: November 22, 1804
22nd of November Thursday 1804 a fine morning Dispatched a perogue and 5 Men under the Derection of Sergeant Pryor to the 2nd Village for 100 bushels of Corn in…
Clark: November 23, 1804
23rd, a fair warm Day, wind from the S. E. Send after Stone Several men with bad Colds, one man Sheilds with the Rhumitism the river on a Stand haveing…
Clark: November 24, 1804
24th of November Satturday 1804 a warm Day Several men with bad Coalds we continue to Cover our Huts with hewed punchens, finishd. a Cord to draw our boat out…
Clark: November 25, 1804
25th of Novr. Sunday 1804 a fine day warm & pleasent Capt. Lewis 2 Interpeters & 6 men Set out to See the Indians in the different Towns & Camps…
Clark: November 26, 1804
26th of Novr. 1804 Monday Fort Mandan a little before day light the wind shifted to the N. W. and blew hard and the air Keen & Cold all day,…
Clark: November 27, 1804
27th of November Tuesday 1804 a cloudy morning after a verry Cold night, the River Crouded with floating ice wind from the N W. finished Dobing Capt. Lewis returned from…
Clark: November 28, 1804
28th Novr. Wednesday 1804 a cold morning wind from the N. W river full of floating ice, began to Snow at 7 oClock a m and continued all day at…
Clark: November 29, 1804
29th November Thursday 1804 A verry Cold windey day wind from the N. W by W. Some Snow last night the Detpt of the Snow is various in the wood…
Clark: November 3, 1804
3rd of November Satturday 1804 wind hard from the west Commence building our Cabins, Dispatched 6 hunters in a perogue Down the River to hunt, Discharged the french hands, Mr.…
Clark: November 3, 1805
November 3rd Sunday 1805 The fog So thick this morning we did not think it prudent to Set out untill 10 oClock we Set out and proceeded on verry well,…
Clark: November 30, 1804
30h of Nov. an Indian Chief Came and informed us that five Men of the Mandans Nation was on a hunting party to the S W, distance about Eight Leagues,…
Clark: November 4, 1805
Novr. 4th Monday 1805 A Cloudy Cool morning, wind West, we Set out at 1/2 past 8 oClock having dispatched 4 men in the Small canoe to hunt (Those people…
Clark: November 5, 1804
5th November Monday 1804 I rose verry early and commenced raising the 2 range of Huts the timber large and heavy all to Carry on Hand Sticks, Cotton wood &…
Clark: November 5, 1805
Novr. 5th Tuesday 1805 a Cloudy morning Som rain the after part of last night & this morning. I could not Sleep for the noise kept by the Swans, Geese,…
Clark: November 6, 1804
6th of Nov. Mr. Gravolin our Ricara Interpreter & 2 of our french hands & 2 boys Set out in a Canoe for the Ricaras Mr. ravellin is to accompany…
Clark: November 6, 1805
November 6th Wednesday a cold wet morning. rain Contd. untill ____ oClock we Set out early & proceeded on the Corse of last night &c. — November 6th Wednesday 1805…
Clark: November 7, 1804
7th November Wednesday 1804 a termperate day we continued to building our hut, Cloudy and fogging all day
Clark: November 8, 1804
8th Novr. Thursday 1804 a Cloudy morning Jussome our interpreter went to the Village, on his return he informed us that three English men had arrived from the Hudsons Bay…
Clark: November 8, 1805
Novr. 8th Friday 1805 a cloudy morning Some rain and wind we Changed our Clothes and Set out at 9 oClock proceeded on Close under the Stard. Side R. Fields…
Clark: November 9, 1804
9th Novr. Friday 1804 a verry hard frost this morning we Continue to build our Cabens, under many disadvantages, Day Cloudy wind from the N W. Several Indians pass with…
Clark: November 9, 1805
Novr. 9th Saturday 1805 The tide of last night obliged us to unload all the Canoes one of which Sunk before She was unloaded by the high waves or Swells…
Clark: October 1, 1804
1st of October Monday 1804 The wind blew hard from the S. E. all last night, Set out early passed a large Island in the middle of the river opposit…
Clark: October 1, 1805
October 1st 1805 Tuesday a cool morning wind from the N. E. I examine & Dry all our article Cloths &. nothing to eate except Drid fish verry bad diet…
Clark: October 10, 1804
10th of October 1804 at 11 oClock the wind Shifted from S. E to N W. Mr. Taboe visited uswe hear that Some jealousy exists as to the Chiefs to…
Clark: October 10, 1805
October 10th Wednesday Thursday a fine Morning loaded and Set out at 7 oClock at 21/2 miles passed a run on the Stard. Side haveing passed 2 Islands and two…
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…
Clark: October 11, 1805
October 11th 1805 a cloudy morning wind from the East We Set out early and proceeded on passed a rapid at two miles, at 6 miles we came too at…
Clark: October 12, 1804
12th of October Friday after Brackfast we joined the Chiefs & Indians on the bank who wer waiting for us, and proseeded to the 1st village and Lodge of the…
Clark: October 12, 1805
October 12th 1805 Saturday a fair cool morning wind from E after purchasing all the drid fish those people would Spear from their hole in which they wer buried we…
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…
Clark: October 13, 1805
October 13th Sunday 1805 rained a little before day, and all the morning, a hard wind from the S West untill 9 oClock, the rained Seased & wind luled, and…
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,…
Clark: October 14, 1805
October 14th Monday 1805 a verry Cool morning wind from the West Set out at 8 oClock proceeded on at this rapid the Canoe a Stern Steared by drewyer Struck…
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…
Clark: October 15, 1805
The Corps continued their rapid descent of the Columbia River system, running dangerous rapids with the help of Nez Perce guides. The river cut through deep basalt canyons as they…
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…
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…
Clark: October 17, 1805
October 17th Thursday 1805 Forks of Columbia This morning after the Luner observations, the old chief came down, and Several men with dogs to Sell & womin with fish &c.…
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…
Clark: October 18, 1805
October 18th Friday 1805 a cold morning faire & wind from S E Several Heath hens or large Pheasents lit near us & the men killed Six of them. Took…
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.…
Clark: October 19, 1805
October 19th Saturday, The Great Chief 2d Chief and a Chief of a band below Came and Smoked with us we gave a Meadel a String of Wampom & handkerchef…
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…
Clark: October 2, 1805
Oct. 2nd 1805 Wednesday dispatch 2 men & an Indian up to the villages we first Came too to purchase roots fish &c. nothing to eate but roots. gave a…
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…
Clark: October 20, 1805
October 20th 1805 Sunday a very cold morning wind S. W. about 100 Indians Came over this morning to See us, after a Smoke, a brackfast on Dogs flesh we…
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…
Clark: October 21, 1805
October 21st 1805 Monday a verry Cold morning we Set out early wind from the S W. we Could not Cook brakfast before we embarked as usial for the want…
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…
Clark: October 22, 1805
October 22nd Tuesday 1805 a fine morning Calm. we Set out at 9 oClock and on the Course S. 52° W. 10 miles passed lodges & Inds. and rapids as…
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…
Clark: October 23, 1805
October 23rd (Saturday) Wednesday 1805 Took the Canoes over the Portage on the Lard. Side with much dificuelty, description on another Paper one Canoe got loose & cought by the…
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…
Clark: October 24, 1805
October 24th Thursday 1805 a fine morning the Indians approached us with caution. our 2 old Chiefs deturmin to return home, Saying they were at war with Indians below and…
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…
Clark: October 25, 1805
October 25th Friday 1805 A Cold morning, we deturmined to attempt the Chanel after brackfast I took down all the party below the bad places with a load & one…
Clark: October 26, 1805
October 26th 1805 Saturday a fine morning Sent out Six men to hunt deer & Collect rozin to Pitch our Canoes, had all our articles put out to dryCanoes drawed…
Clark: October 27, 1804
27th of October Satturday 1804 we Set out early and Came too at the village on the L. S. where we delayed a few minits, I walked to a Chiefs…
Clark: October 27, 1805
October 27th Sunday 1805 a verry windy night and morning wind from the West and hard, Send out hunters and they killed 4 deer 1 pheasent and a Squirel the…
Clark: October 28, 1804
28th of October 1804 the wind So hard from the S. W. We could not meet the Indians in Councils, those who visited us we Sent to the nearest village,…
Clark: October 28, 1805
October 28th Monday 1805 a windey morning loaded our Canoes and Set out at 9 oClock a m 3 Canoes Came down from the Village above & 2 from that…
Clark: October 29, 1804
29th of October 1804 a fine morning after Brackfast we were Visited by the Old Chief of the Big Bellies or me ne tar res, this Man has Given his…
Clark: October 29, 1805
October 29th Tuesday 1805 a Cloudy morning wind Still from th West not hard, we Set out at day light proceeded on about 5 miles and Came too at a…
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…
Clark: October 3, 1805
October 3rd Thursday 1805 Canoe Camp a fair cool morning wind from the East all our men getting well and at work at the canoes &c. — October 3rd Thursday…
Clark: October 30, 1804
30th of October Tuesday 1804 many Indian Chief visit us today I went in th Perogou to the Island 7 miles above to look out a proper place for to…
Clark: October 30, 1805
October 30th Wednesday 1805 A Cloudy morning. Some little rain all night, after eating a Slight brackfast of venison we Set out. The rocks project into the river in maney…
Clark: October 31, 1804
31st of October Wednesday 1804 The main Chief of the mandans Sent 2 Cheifs for to envite us to Come to his Lodge, and here what he has to Say…
Clark: October 31, 1805
October 31st Thursday 1805 a cloudey raney morning I proceed down the river to view it more at leasure, I took Jos. Fields & Peter Crusat and proceeded on down,…
Clark: October 4, 1804
4th of October Thursdaythe 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…
Clark: October 4, 1805
October 4th 1805 Friday This morning is a little cool wind from the East. displeased an Indian by refuseing to let him have a pice of Tobacco. thre Inds. from…
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,…
Clark: October 5, 1805
October 5th Saturday 1805 a Cool morning wind from the East, Collected all our horses, & Branded them 38 in No. and delivered them to the men who were to…
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…
Clark: October 6, 1805
October 6th Sunday 1805 A Col Easterley wind which Spring up in the latter part of the night and Continues untill about 7 or 8 oClock A.M. had all our…
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…
Clark: October 7, 1805
October 7th Monday 1805 I continu verry unwell but obliged to attend every thing all the Canoes put into the water and loaded, fixed our Canoes as well as possible…
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.…
Clark: October 8, 1805
8th Octr. 1805 Tuesday a cloudy morning Changed Canoes and buried 2 Lead canisters of Powder 2 foot 4 In. North of a dead toped pine opposit our Camp &…
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…
Clark: October 9, 1805
Octo. 9th all day drying our roots good & articles which got wet in the Canoe last night. our 2 Snake Indian guides left us without our knowledge, The Indians…
Clark: September 1, 1804
September 1st Satturday 1804 Mr. Durion left his Kettle which we gave him, which we Sent to him and Set out under a gentle Breeze from the South (raind half…
Clark: September 1, 1805
September 1st Sunday 1805 a fine morning Set out early and proceeded on over high ruged hills passing the heads of the Small runs which fall into the river on…
Clark: September 10, 1804
10th September Monday a Cloudy morning Set out early under a Gentle Breeze from the S E. passed two Small Islands one on the L. S. & the other on…
Clark: September 10, 1805
September 10th Tuesday 1805 A fair morning Concluded to Delay to day and make Some observations, as at this place the rout which we are to prosue will pass up…
Clark: September 11, 1804
Septr. 11th Tuesday 1804 Set out early a Cloudy morning the river verry wide from one hill to the other, with many Sand bars passed the Isd. on which we…
Clark: September 11, 1805
September 11th Wednesday 1805 A fair morning wind from the N W we Set out at 3 oClock and proceeded on up the Travelers rest Creek, accompanied by the flat…
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…
Clark: September 12, 1805
September 12th Thursday 1805 a white frost Set out at 7 oClock & proceeded on up the Creek, passed a Fork on the right on which I saw near an…
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…
Clark: September 13, 1805
September 13th Wednesday 1805 a cloudy morning Capt Lewis and one of our guides lost their horses, Capt Lewis & 4 men detained to hunt the horses, I proceeded on…
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…
Clark: September 14, 1805
September 14th Thursday 1805 a Cloudy day in the Valies it rained and hailed, on the top of the mountains Some Snow fell we Set out early and Crossed a…
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…
Clark: September 15, 1805
Wednesday Septr. 15th 1805 We set out early. the morning Cloudy and proceeded on Down the right Side of River over Steep points rockey & buschey as usial for 4…
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…
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…
Clark: September 17, 1805
Sunday 17th Septr. 1805 Cloudy morning our horses much Scattered which detained us untill one oClock P.M. at which time we Set out the falling Snow & Snow from the…
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…
Clark: September 18, 1805
Monday 18th Septr. 1805 a fair morning cold I proceded on in advance with Six hunters to try and find deer or Something to kill we passed over a countrey…
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…
Clark: September 19, 1805
Tuesday 19th Septr. 1805 Set out early proceeded on up the Creek passing through a Small glade at 6 miles at which place we found a horse. I derected him…
Clark: September 2, 1804
2nd of Sept. Sunday 1804Set out early & proceeded on passed the Island & Came too above below a yellow Bluff on the S S. the Wind being hard from…
Clark: September 2, 1805
September 2nd Monday 1805 a Cloudy Mornin, raind Some last night we Set out early and proceeded on up the Creek, Crossed a large fork from the right and one…
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…
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…
Clark: September 21, 1805
Septr. 21st Saturday 1805 a fine morning Sent out all the hunters early in different directions to Kill Something and delayed with the Indians to prevent Suspicion & to acquire…
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 onone French man…
Clark: September 22, 1805
September 22nd Sunday 1805 a fine morning, I proceed on down the little river to about 11/2 a mile & found the Chif in a Canoe Comeing to meet me…
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…
Clark: September 23, 1805
Septr. 23rd Sunday Traded with the Indians, made 3 Chiefs and gave them meadels & Tobacco & Handkerchif & knives, and a flag & left a Flag & hand kerches…
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…
Clark: September 24, 1805
Septr. 24th Monday 1805 Set out early for the river and proceeded on the Same road I had prevsly gorn to the Island at which place I had found the…
Clark: September 25, 1805
Septr. 25th I with th Chief & 2 young men went down to hunt timber for Canoesproceeded on down to the forks 4 miles N 70° W 2 miles S.…
Clark: September 26, 1804
26th of Septr Set out early and proceeded onthe river lined with indians, came too & anchored by the particular request of the Chiefs to let their Womin & Boys…
Clark: September 26, 1805
Septr. 26th Set out early and proceeded down the river to the bottom on the S Side opposit the forks & formed a Camp had ax handled ground &c. our…
Clark: September 27, 1804
27th of Septr. 1804The Bank as usial lined with Sioux, gave the 2 principal Chiefs a blanket & a peck of Corn each, Capt Lewis accompanied the Chiefs to their…
Clark: September 27, 1805
Septr. 27th Thursday 1805 Set all the men able to work abt. building Canoes, Colter returned and found one horse & the Canister of Shot left in the mountains he…
Clark: September 28, 1804
28th of Septr 1804 Friday I made maney attempts in defferent ways to find our anchor without Sukcess, the Sand had Covered her up, we Deturmined to proceed on to…
Clark: September 28, 1805
Septr. 28th Friday Several men Sick all at work which is able, nothing killed to day. Drewyer Sick maney Indians visit us worm day — Thursday 28th Septr. 1805 Our…
Clark: September 29, 1804
Capt. W. Clarks Notes Continued as first taken- 29th of September Satturday 1804Set out early Some bad Sand bars, at 9 oClock we observed the 2d Chief with 2 men…
Clark: September 29, 1805
Septr. 29th Satterday Drewyer killed 2 deer Collins 1 der men Conte Sickly at work all able to work. — Sunday 29th Septr. 1805 a Cool morning wind from the…
Clark: September 3, 1804
3rd September Monday 1804. Set out at Sun rise, verry Cold morning clear and but little wind from the N W. we proceeded on, the river wide, took an obsivation…
Clark: September 3, 1805
September 3rd Tuesday 1805 A Cloudy morning, horses verry Stiff Sent 2 men back with the horse on which Capt Lewis rode for the load left back last night which…
Clark: September 30, 1804
30th of September Sunday 1804 had not proceeded far before we discovered an Indian running after us, he requstd to go with us to the Ricaras, we refused to take…
Clark: September 30, 1805
Sunday 30th Septr. 1805 Forks a fine morning our men recruting a little cool, all at work doing Something except 2 which are verry Sick, Great run of Small duck…
Clark: September 4, 1804
4th of September Tuesday 1804. a verry Cold wind from South E. by S. we Set out early proceeded on to the mouth of a Small Creek in the bend…
Clark: September 5, 1804
5th September 1804 Wednesday, Set out early the wind blew hard from the South as it has for Some Days past, we Set up a jury mast & Sailed, I…
Clark: September 5, 1805
September 5th Thursday 1805 a Cloudy morning we assembled the Chiefs & warriers and Spoke to them (with much dificuely as what we Said had to pass through Several languajes…
Clark: September 6, 1804
6th Septr Thursday 1804, a Storm this morning from the N W. at day light which lasted a fiew minits, Set out after the Storm was over and proceeded on…
Clark: September 6, 1805
September 6th Friday 1805 Some little rain, purchased two fine horses & took a Vocabiliary of the language litened our loads & packed up, rained contd. Untill 12 oClock we…
Clark: September 7, 1805
September 7th Satturday 1805 A Cloudy & rainie Day the greater Part of the Day dark & Drisley we proceedd on down the river thro a Vallie passed Several Small…
Clark: September 8, 1804
8th of September Satturday Set out early and proceeded on under a gentle Breeze from the S. E, at 3 mes. passed the house of Troodo where he wintered in…
Clark: September 8, 1805
September 8th Sunday 1805 a Cloudy morning Set out early and proceeded on through an open vallie for 23 miles passed 4 Creeks on the right Some runs on the…
Clark: September 9, 1804
9th September Sunday 1804 Set out at Sunrise and proceeded on passed the head of the Island on which we Camped, passed three Sand & willow Islands, the Sand bars…
Clark: September 9, 1805
September 9th Monday 1805 a fair morning Set out early and proceeded on thro a plain as yesterday down the valley Crossed a large Scattering Creek on which Cotton trees…
Confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers
We arrived at the junction of this river and the Columbia which joins from the N.W. In every direction from the junction of those rivers the country is one continued plain low and rises from the water gradually.
Departure from Fort Mandan — Into the Unknown
Our vessels consisted of six small canoes, and two large perogues. This little fleet altho' not quite so rispectable as those of Columbus or Capt. Cook, were still viewed by us with as much pleasure as those deservedly famed adventurers ever beheld theirs. We were now about to penetrate a country at least two thousand miles in width, on which the foot of civilized man had never trodden.
Discovery of the Great Falls of the Missouri
I heard a tremendous roaring. I hurried down the hill and was again presented by one of the most beautifull objects in nature, a cascade of about fifty feet perpendicular stretching at right angles across the river from side to side. I wished for the pencil of Salvator Rosa or the pen of Thompson, that I might be enabled to give to the enlightened world some just idea of this truly magnificent and sublimely grand object, which has from the commencement of time been concealed from the view of civilized man.
First Council with Otoe and Missouri Nations
We met in council under an Awning, I delivered a long speech to them expressive of our journey, the wishes of our Government, some advice to them and Directions how they were to conduct themselves. The presents were divided proportionally to their rank.
First Encounter with a Prairie Dog Village
Discovered a Village of Small animals that burrow in the grown. The Village covers about 4 acres of Ground on a Gradual decent of a hill and Contains great numbers of holes on the top of which the animals Set erect.
Fort Mandan: April 4, 1805
Final preparations at Fort Mandan for the spring departure. The permanent party was ready to continue westward into truly uncharted territory. The keelboat was loaded with specimens, maps, reports, and…
Fort Mandan: February 22, 1805
Winter continued at Fort Mandan. The captains worked on reports, maps, and specimen collections to send back to President Jefferson when the keelboat returned downstream in spring. Clark refined his…
Fort Mandan: January 6, 1805
A bitterly cold day at Fort Mandan, with temperatures well below zero. The men stayed close to the fort, tending fires and maintaining equipment. Trade with the Mandan and Hidatsa…
Fort Mandan: March 23, 1805
Spring approached at Fort Mandan. The ice on the Missouri was beginning to break up, signaling the approach of departure day. The captains finalized the shipment of specimens and reports…
Gass Describes the Great Falls Portage
We had to haul the canoes up a high hill and over the plains about one mile; we then had to let them down a hill to the river, where we embarked. The prickley pear was very troublesome to our moccasioned feet.
Independence Day on the Missouri
The Plains of this country are covered with a Leek Green Grass, well calculated for the sweetest and most norushing hay. Usher in the day by a discharge of one shot from the Bow piece, and named the Creek Independence Creek.
Lewis Crosses the Continental Divide
At the distance of 4 miles further the road took us to the most distant fountain of the waters of the Mighty Missouri in surch of which we have spent so many toilsome days and wristless nights. Thus far I had accomplished one of those great objects on which my mind has been unalterably fixed for many years. Judge then of the pleasure I felt in allying my thirst with this pure and ice-cold water.
Lewis First Sees the Rocky Mountains
I beheld the Rocky Mountains for the first time. While I viewed these mountains I felt a secret pleasure in finding myself so near the head of the heretofore conceived boundless Missouri; but when I reflected on the difficulties which this snowy barrier would most probably throw in my way to the Pacific, it in some measure counterballanced the joy.
Lewis: April 10, 1805
Wednesday April 10th 1805. Set out at an early hour this morning at the distance of three miles passed some Minetares who had assembled themselves on the Lard shore to…
Lewis: April 11, 1805
Thursday April 11th Set out at an early hour; I proceeded with the party and Capt Clark with George Drewyer walked on shore in order to procure some fresh meat…
Lewis: April 12, 1805
Friday April the 12th 1805. Set out at an early hour. our peroge and the Canoes passed over to the Lard side in order to avoid a bank which was…
Lewis: April 13, 1805
Saturday April 13th Being disappointed in my observations of yesterday for Longitude, I was unwilling to remain at the entrance of the river another day for that purpose, and therefore…
Lewis: April 14, 1805
Sunday April 14th 1805. One of the hunters saw an Otter last evening and shot at it, but missed it. a dog came to us this morning, which we supposed…
Lewis: April 15, 1805
Monday April 15th 1805. Set out at an early hour this morning. I walked on shore, and Capt. Clark continued with the party it being an invariable rule with us…
Lewis: April 16, 1805
Tuesday April 16th 1805. Set out very early this morning. Capt. Clark walked on Shore this morning, and killed an Antelope, rejoined us at 1/2 after eight A.M.- he informed…
Lewis: April 17, 1805
Wednesday April 17th 1805. A delightfull morning, set out at an erly hour. the country though which we passed to (lay was much the same as that discribed of yesterday;…
Lewis: April 19, 1805
Friday April 19th 1805. The wind blew So hard this morning from N. W. that we dared not to venture our canoes on the river.Observed considerable quantities of dwarf Juniper…
Lewis: April 20, 1805
Saturday April 20th 1805. The wind continued to blow tolerably hard this morning but by no means as violently as it (lid yesterday; we determined to set out and accordingly…
Lewis: April 21, 1805
Sunday April 21st 1805. Set out at an early hour this morning. Capt Clark walked on shore; the wind tho a head was not violent. the country through which we…
Lewis: April 22, 1805
Monday April 22cd 1805. Set out at an early hour this morning; proceeded pretty well untill breakfat, when the wind became so hard a head that we proceeded with difficulty…
Lewis: April 23, 1805
Tuesday April 23rd Set out at an early hour this morning. about nine A.M. the wind arose, and shortly after became so violent that we were unabled to proceed, in…
Lewis: April 24, 1805
Wednesday April 24th The wind blew so hard during the whole of this day, that we were unable to move. notwithstanding that we were sheltered by high timber from the…
Lewis: April 25, 1805
Thursday April 25th 1805. The wind was more moderate this morning, tho still hard; we set out at an early hour. the water friezed on the oars this morning as…
Lewis: April 26, 1805
Friday April 26th 1805. This morning I dispatched Joseph Fields up the yellowstone river with orders to examine it as far as he could conveniently and return the same evening;…
Lewis: April 27, 1805
Saturday April 27th 1805. Previous to our seting out this morning I made the following observations. This morning I walked through the point formed by the junction of the rivers;…
Lewis: April 28, 1805
Sunday April 28th 1805. Set out this morning at an early hour; the wind was favourable and we employed our sails to advantage. Capt Clark walked on shore this morning,…
Lewis: April 30, 1805
Tuesday April 30th 1805. Set out at sunrise. the wind blew hard all last night, and continued to blow pretty hard all day, but not so much, as to compell…
Lewis: April 8, 1805
April 8th Set out early this morning, the wind blew hard against us from the N. W. we therefore traveled very slowly. I walked on shore, and visited the black…
Lewis: April 9, 1805
Tuesday April 9th Set out as early as it was possible to see this morning and proceed about five miles where we halted and took beakfasthe Indian man who had…
Lewis: August 1, 1805
August 1st 1805 At half after 8 A.M. we halted for breakfast and as had been previously agreed on between Capt. Clark and myself I set out with 3 men…
Lewis: August 10, 1805
Saturday August 10th 1805. We set out very early this morning and continued our rout through the wide bottom on the Lard. side of the river after passing a large…
Lewis: August 11, 1805
Sunday August 11th 1805. We set out very early this morning; but the track which we had pursued last evening soon disappeared. I therefore resolved to proceed to the narrow…
Lewis: August 13, 1805
Tuesday August 13th 1805. We set out very early on the Indian road which still led us through an open broken country in a westerly direction. a deep valley appeared…
Lewis: August 14, 1805
Wednesday August 14th In order to give Capt. Clark time to reach the forks of Jefferson’s river I concluded to spend this day at the Shoshone Camp and obtain what…
Lewis: August 15, 1805
Thursday August 15th 1805. This morning I arrose very early and as hungary as a wolf. I had eat nothing yesterday except one scant meal of the flour and berries…
Lewis: August 16, 1805
Friday August 16th 1805. I sent Drewyer and Shields before this morning in order to kill some meat as neither the Indians nor ourselves had any thing to eat. I…
Lewis: August 18, 1805
Sunday August 18th 1805. This morning while Capt Clark was busily engaged in preparing for his rout, I exposed some articles to barter with the Indians for horses as I…
Lewis: August 19, 1805
Monday August 19th 1805. This morning I arrose at dylight. and sent out three hunters. some of the men who were much in want of legings and mockersons I suffered…
Lewis: August 2, 1804
August 2ed 1804. This day one of our Hunters brought me a white Heron. this bird as an inhabitant of ponds and Marasses, and feeds upon tadpoles, frogs, small fish…
Lewis: August 2, 1805
August 2nd 1805. We resumed our march this morning at sunrise the weather was fair and wind from N. W. finding that the river still boar to the south I…
Lewis: August 20, 1805
Tuesday August 20th 1805. This morning I sent out the two hunters and employed the ballance of the party pretty much as yesterday. I walked down the river about3/4 of…
Lewis: August 21, 1805
Wednesday August 21st 1805. This morning was very cold. the ice 1/4 of an inch thick on the water which stood in the vessels exposed to the air. some wet…
Lewis: August 22, 1805
Thursday August 22ed 1805 This morning early I sent a couple of men to complete the covering of the cash which could not be done well last night in the…
Lewis: August 23, 1805
Friday August 23rd 1805. This morning I arrose very early and despatched two hunters on horseback with orders to extend their hunt to a greater distance up the S. E.…
Lewis: August 24, 1804
Friday, August 24th This day the Chronometer stoped again just after being wound up; I know not the cause, but fear it procedes from some defect which it is not…
Lewis: August 24, 1805
Saturday August 24th 1805. As the Indians who were on their way down the Missouri had a number of spare hoses with them I thought it probable that I could…
Lewis: August 25, 1804
August the 25th on our return from the mound of sperits saw the first bats that we had observed since we began to ascend the Missouri also saw on our…
Lewis: August 25, 1805
Sunday August 25th 1805. This morning loaded our horses and set out a little after sunrise; a few only of the Indians unengaged in assisting us went on as I…
Lewis: August 26, 1804
Orders August 26th 1804. The commanding officers have thought it proper to appoint Patric Gass, a Sergeant in the corps of volunteers for North Western Discovery, he is therefore to…
Lewis: August 26, 1805
Monday August 26th 1805. This morning was excessively cold; there was ice on the vessels of water which stood exposed to the air nearly a quarter of an inch thick.…
Lewis: August 27, 1804
Monday August 27th On the Stard. shore, opposite to the lower point, or commencement of the white Calk Bluff-
Lewis: August 28, 1804
Orders August 28th 1804. The commanding officers direct that the two messes who form the crews of the perogues shall scelect each one man from their mess for the purpose…
Lewis: August 3, 1805
August the 3rd 1805. Set out this morning at sunrise and continued our rout through the valley on the Lard. side of the river. at eleven A.M. Drewyer killed a…
Lewis: August 4, 1805
August 4th 1805. Set out very early this morning and steered S. E. by E. about 4 Miles when we passed a bould runing creek about 12 yards wide the…
Lewis: August 5, 1804
August 5th 1804 Killed a serpent on the bank of the river adjoining a large prarie. F Inch Length from nose to tail 5 2 Circumpherence in largest part 41/2…
Lewis: August 5, 1805
Monday August 5th 1805 As Charbono complained of being unable to march far today I ordered him and Sergt. Gass to pass the rappid river near our camp and proceed…
Lewis: August 6, 1805
Tuesday August 6th 1805. We set out this morning very early on our return to the forks. having nothing to eat I set Drewyer to the woodlands to my left…
Lewis: August 7, 1805
Wednesday August 7th 1805. The morning being fair we spread our stores to dry at an early hour. Dispatched Reubin Fields in surch of Shannon. our stores were now so…
Lewis: August 8, 1804
August 8th 1804 we had seen but a few aquatic fouls of any kind on the river since we commenced our journey up the Missouri, a few geese accompanied by…
Lewis: August 8, 1805
Thursday August 8th 1805. We had a heavy dew this morning. as one canoe had been left we had now more hads to spear for the chase; game being scarce…
Lewis: August 9, 1805
Friday August 9th 1805. The morning was fair and fine; we set out at an early hour and proceeded on very well. some parts of the river more rapid than…
Lewis: February 10, 1805
10th February Sunday 1805. This Morning was Cloudy after a slight snow which fell in the course of the night the wind blue very hard from N. W. altho the…
Lewis: February 12, 1805
12th February Tuesday 1805. The morning was fair tho could, thermometer at 14° below naught wind S. E. ordered the Blacksmith to shoe the horses and some others to prepare…
Lewis: February 13, 1805
13th February Wednesday 1805. The morning cloudy thermometer 2° below naught wind from S. E. visited by the Black-Cat gave him a battle ax with which he appeared much gratifyed.
Lewis: February 3, 1805
3rd of February Sunday 1805. a fine day; the blacksmith again commences his opperations. we were visited by but few of the natives today. the situation of our boat and…
Lewis: February 4, 1805
4th February, Monday 1805. This morning fair tho could the thermometer stood at 18° below Naught, wind from N. W. Capt Clark set out with a hunting party consisting of…
Lewis: February 5, 1805
5th February Tuesday 1805. Pleasent morning wind from N. W. fair; visited by many of the natives who brought a considerable quanty of corn in payment for the work which…
Lewis: February 6, 1805
6th February Wednesday 1805. Fair morning Wind from N. W. had a sley prepared against the return of the horses which Capt Clark had promised to send back as soon…
Lewis: February 7, 1805
7th February Thursday 1805. This morning was fair Thermometer at 18° above naught much warmer than it has been for some days; wind S. E. continue to be visited by…
Lewis: February 8, 1805
8th February Friday 1805. This morning was fair wind S. E. the weather still warm and pleasent- visited by the black-Cat the principal chief of the Roop-tar-he, or upper mandane…
Lewis: February 9, 1805
9th February Saturday 1805. The morning fair and pleasent, wind from S. E.visted by Mr. McKinzey one the N. W. Company’s clerks. this evening a man by the name of…
Lewis: January 26, 1805
Saturday January 26th 1805 Observed Meridian Altitude of sun’s U. L. with sextant and artificl. Horzn. of water 48° 50 Latitude deduced from this observatn. N. 47 21 47
Lewis: July 1, 1805
Monday July 1st 1805. This morning I set Frazier and Whitehouse to sewing the leather on the sides of the sections of the boat; Shields and J. Fields to collect…
Lewis: July 10, 1805
Wednesday July 10th 1805. Capt. Clark set out with his party early this morning and passed over to the opposite side. after which I dispatched Sergt. Ordway with 4 Canoes…
Lewis: July 11, 1805
Thursday July 11th 1805. We had now nothing to do but wait for the canoes; as they had not returned I sent out some of the small party with me…
Lewis: July 12, 1805
Friday July 12th 1805. The canoes not having arrived and the wind still high I dispatched Sergt. Gass with three men to join Capt. Clark and assist in completing the…
Lewis: July 13, 1805
Saturday July 13th 1805. This morning being calm and Clear I had the remainder of our baggage embarked in the six small canoes and maned them with two men each.…
Lewis: July 14, 1805
Sunday July 14th 1805. This morning was calm fair and warm; the Musquetoes of course troublesome. all hands that could work were employed about the canoes. which we completed and…
Lewis: July 15, 1804
Sunday July 15th This evening I discovered that my Chronometer had stoped, nor can I assign any cause for this accedent; she had been wound up the preceding noon as…
Lewis: July 16, 1804
Monday 16th we set out at an early hour; the morning was cloudy; could find no convenient situation for observation; proceeded untill a little before noon when we came too…
Lewis: July 16, 1805
Tuesday July 16th 1805. We had a heavy dew last night sen one man back this morning for an ax that he had carelessly left last evening some miles below,…
Lewis: July 17, 1805
Wednesday July 17th 1805. The sunflower is in bloom and abundant in the river bottoms. The Indians of the Missouri particularly those who do not cultivate maze make great uce…
Lewis: July 18, 1805
Thursday July 18th 1805. Set out early this morning. previous to our departure saw a large herd of the Bighorned anamals on the immencely high and nearly perpendicular clift opposite…
Lewis: July 19, 1805
Friday July 19th 1805 The Musquetoes are very troublesome to us as usual. this morning we set out early and proceeded on very well tho the water appears to encrease…
Lewis: July 2, 1805
Tuesday July 2cd 1805 A shower of rain fell very early this morning after which we dispatched the men for the remaining baggage at the 6 mile stake. Shields and…
Lewis: July 20, 1805
Saturday 20 h 1805. Set out early this morning as usual, currant strong, we therefore employ the toe rope when ever the banks permit the use of it; the water…
Lewis: July 21, 1805
Sunday July 21st 1805. Set out early this morning and passed a bad rappid where the river enters the mountain about 1 m. from our camp of last evening the…
Lewis: July 22, 1804
July 22nd 1804. A summary discription of the apparatus employed in the following observations; containing also some remarks on the manner in which they have been employed, and the method…
Lewis: July 22, 1805
Monday July 22cd 1805. We set out early as usual. The river being divided into such a number of channels by both large and small Island that I found it…
Lewis: July 23, 1805
Tuesday July 23rd 1805. Set out early as usual; Capt. Clark left us with his little party of 4 men and continued his rout on the Stard. side of the…
Lewis: July 24, 1805
Wednesday July 24th 1805. Set out at sunrise; the current very strong; passed a remarkable bluff of a crimson coloured earth on Stard. intermixed with Stratas of black and brick…
Lewis: July 26, 1805
Friday July 26th 1805. Set out early this morning as usual current strong with frequent riffles; employ the cord and seting poles. the oars scarcely ever being used except to…
Lewis: July 27, 1804
white Catfish Camp July 27th Friday, Charged the Boat and Perogue after a Small Shower of rain, Completed our ores & poles, Crossed over the two horses, with a View…
Lewis: July 27, 1805
Saturday July 27th 1805. We set out at an early hour and proceeded on but slowly the current still so rapid that the men are in a continual state of…
Lewis: July 29, 1805
Monday July 29th 1805. This morning some of the hunters turned out and returned in a few hours with four fat bucks, the venison is now very fine we have…
Lewis: July 3, 1805
Wednesday July 3rd 1805. This morning early we employed all hands; some were making tar or attempting to make it, others were attatching the skins on the boat, other cuting…
Lewis: July 30, 1804
July the 30th this day Joseph Fields killed a Braro as it is called by the French engages. this is a singular anamal not common to any part of the…
Lewis: July 30, 1805
Tuesday July 30th 1805. Capt. Clark being much better this morning and having completed my observations we reloaded our canoes and set out, ascending Jeffersons river. Sharbono, his woman two…
Lewis: July 31, 1805
Wednesday July 31st 1805. This morning I waited at my camp very impatiently for the arrival of Capt. Clark and party; I observed by my watch that it was 7…
Lewis: July 4, 1805
Thursday July 4th 1805. Yesterday we permitted Sergt. Gass McNeal and several others who had not yet seen the falls to visit them. no appearance of tar yet and I…
Lewis: July 5, 1805
Friday July 5th 1805. This morning I had the boat removed to an open situation, scaffold her off the ground, turned her keel to the sun and kindled fires under…
Lewis: July 6, 1805
Saturday July 6th 1805 In the couse of last night had several showers of hail and rain attended with thunder and lightning. about day a heavy storm came on from…
Lewis: July 7, 1805
Sunday July 7th 1805. The weather warm and cloudy therefore unfavourable for many operations; I keep small fires under the boat; the blowing flies are innumerable about it; the moisture…
Lewis: July 8, 1804
Detachment Orders Nadawa Island July 8th 1804.- In order to insure a prudent and regular use of all provisions issued to the crew of the Batteaux in future, as also…
Lewis: July 8, 1805
Monday July 8th 1805. Capt. Clark Determined to make a second effort to replace the notes which he had made with rispect to the river and falls accordingly he set…
Lewis: July 9, 1805
Tuesday July 9th 1805. The morning was fair and pleant. the Islands seem crouded with blackbirds; the young brude is now completely feathered and flying in common with the others.…
Lewis: June 1, 1805
Saturday June 1st 1805 The moring was cloudy and a few drops of rain. Set out at an early hour and proceeded as usual by the help of our chords.…
Lewis: June 10, 1805
Monday June 10th 1805. The day being fair and fine we dryed all our baggage and merchandize. Shields renewed the main Spring of my air gun we have been much…
Lewis: June 11, 1805
Tuesday June 11th 1805 This morning I felt much better, but somewhat weakened by my disorder. at 8 A.M. I swung my pack, and set forward with my little party.…
Lewis: June 12, 1805
Wednesday June 12th 1805. This morning I felt myself quite revived, took another portion of my decoction and set out at sunrise. I now boar out from the river in…
Lewis: June 14, 1805
Friday June 14th 1805. This morning at sunrise I dispatched Joseph Fields with a letter to Capt. Clark and ordered him to keep sufficiently near the river to observe it’s…
Lewis: June 15, 1805
Saturday June 15th 1805. This morning the men again were sent to bring in some more meat which Drewyer had killed yesterday, and continued the opperation of drying it. I…
Lewis: June 16, 1805
Sunday June 16th 1805 J. Fields set out early on his return to the lower camp, at noon the men arrived and shortly after I set out with them to…
Lewis: June 17, 1805
Monday June 17th 1805. Capt. Clark set out early this morning with five men to examine the country and survey the river and portage as had been concerted last evening.…
Lewis: June 18, 1805
Tuesday June 18th 1805. This morning I employed all hands in drawing the perogue on shore in a thick bunch of willow bushes some little distance below our camp; fastened…
Lewis: June 19, 1805
Wednesday June 19th 1805. This morning I sent over several men for the meat which was killed yesterday, a few hours after they returned with it, the wolves had not…
Lewis: June 2, 1805
Sunday June 2ed 1805 The wind blew violently last night and was attended by a slight shower of rain; the morning was fair and we set out at an early…
Lewis: June 20, 1805
Thursday June 20th 1805. This morning we had but little to do; waiting the return of Capt. Clark; I am apprehensive from his stay that the portage is longer than…
Lewis: June 21, 1805
Friday June 21st 1805. This morning I employed the greater part of the men in transporting a part of the bagage over portage creek to the top of the high…
Lewis: June 24, 1805
Monday June 24th 1805. Supposing that Drewyer and R. Fields might possibly be still higher up medicine river, I dispatched J. Fields up the river with orders to proceede about…
Lewis: June 25, 1805
Tuesday June 25th 1805. This morning early I sent the party back to the lower camp; dispatched Frazier down with the canoe for Drewyer and the meat he had collected,…
Lewis: June 26, 1805
Wednesday June 26th 1805. The Musquetoes are extreemly troublesome to us. This morning early I dispatched J. Fields and Drewyer in one of the canoes up the river to hunt…
Lewis: June 27, 1805
Thursday June 27th 1805. The party returned early this morning for the remaining canoe and baggage; Whitehouse was not quite well this morning I therefore detained him and about 10…
Lewis: June 28, 1805
Friday June 28th 1805. Set Drewyer to shaving the Elk skins, Fields to make the cross stays for the boat, Frazier and Whitehouse continue their operation with the skins, Shields…
Lewis: June 29, 1805
Saturday June 29th 1805. This morning we experienced a heavy shower of rain for about an hour after which it became fair. not having seen the large fountain of which…
Lewis: June 30, 1805
Sunday June 30th 1805. We had a heavy dew this morning which is a remarkable event. Fraizer and Whitehouse still continue their opperation of sewing the skins together. I set…
Lewis: June 4, 1805
Tuesday June 4th 1805 This morning early Capt. C. departed, and at the same time I passed the wright hand fork opposite to our camp below a small Island; from…
Lewis: June 5, 1805
Wednesday June 5th 1805. This morning was cloudy and so could that I was obleged to have recourse to a blanket coat in order to keep myself comfortable altho walking.…
Lewis: June 6, 1805
Thursday June 6th 1805. I now became well convinced that this branch of the Missouri had it’s direction too much to the North for our rout to the Pacific, and…
Lewis: June 7, 1805
Friday June 7th 1805. It continued to rain almost without intermission last night and as I expected we had a most disagreable and wrestless night. our camp possessing no allurements,…
Lewis: June 8, 1805
Saturday June 8th 1805 It continued to rain moderately all last night this morning was cloudy untill about ten oClock when it cleared off and became a fine day. we…
Lewis: June 9, 1805
Sunday June 9th 1805. We determined to deposite at this place the large red perogue all the heavy baggage which we could possibly do without and some provision, salt, tools…
Lewis: March 16, 1805
March 16th, 1804. Mr. Gurrow a Frenchman who has lived many years with the Ricares & Mandans shewed us the process used by those Indians to make beads. the discovery…
Lewis: May 1, 1805
Wednesday May 1st 1805. Set out this morning at an early, the wind being favourable we used our sales which carried us on at a good pace untill about 12…
Lewis: May 10, 1805
Friday May 10th 1805. Set out at sunrise and proceeded but a short distance ere the wind became so violent that we were obliged to come too, which we did…
Lewis: May 11, 1805
Saturday May 11th 1805. Set out this morning at an early hour, the courant strong; and river very crooked; the banks are falling in very fast; I sometimes wonder that…
Lewis: May 12, 1805
Sunday May 12th 1805. Set out at an early hour, the weather clear and Calm; I walked on shore this morning for the benifit of exersize which I much wanted,…
Lewis: May 13, 1805
Monday May 13th 1805. The wind continued to blow so violently this morning that we did not think it prudent to set out. sent out some hunters. At 1 P.M.…
Lewis: May 15, 1804
Tuesday May 15th It rained during the greater part of last night and continued untill 7 OCk. A.M. after which the Prarty proceeded, passed two Islands and incamped on the…
Lewis: May 15, 1805
Wednesday May 15th as soon as a slight shower of rain passed over this morning, we spread the articles to dry which had got wet yesterday in the white perogue;…
Lewis: May 16, 1805
Thursday May 16th The morning was fair and the day proved favorable to our operations; by 4 oClock in the evening our Instruments, Medicine, merchandize provision &c, were perfectly dryed,…
Lewis: May 18, 1805
Saturday May 18th 1805. The wind blew hard this morning from the West. we were enabled to employ our toe line the greater part of the day and therefore proceeded…
Lewis: May 2, 1805
Thursday May 2ed 1805 The wind continued violent all night nor did it abate much of it’s violence this morning, when at daylight it was attended with snow which continued…
Lewis: May 20, 1804
Sunday May 20th 1804 The morning was fair, and the weather pleasent; at 10 oCk A M. agreably to an appointment of the preceeding day, I was joined by Capt.…
Lewis: May 20, 1805
Monday May 20th 1805 Set out at an early hour as usual, the banks being favourable and water strong we employed the toe rope principally; river narrow and croked; country…
Lewis: May 21, 1805
Tuesday May 21st 1805 A delightfull morning set out at an early hour and proceeded on very well, imployed the chord principally; the shores are abbrupt and bould and composed…
Lewis: May 22, 1805
Wednesday May 22cd 1805. The wind blew so violently this morning that we did not think it prudent to set out untill it had in some measure abated; this did…
Lewis: May 23, 1805
Thursday May 23rd 1805. Set out early this morning, the frost was severe last night, the ice appeared along the edge of the water, water also freized on the oars.…
Lewis: May 24, 1805
Friday May 24th 1805. The water standing in the vessels freized during the night 1/8 of an inch thick, ice also appears along the verge of the river. the folage…
Lewis: May 25, 1805
Saturday May 25th 1805. The Two canoes which we left behind yesterday to bring on the meat did not arrive this morning untill 8 A M. at which time we…
Lewis: May 26, 1804
Detatchment Orders. May 26th 1804. The Commanding Officers direct, that the three Squads under the command of Sergts. Floyd Ordway and Pryor heretofore forming two messes each, shall untill further…
Lewis: May 27, 1805
Monday May 27th 1805. The wind blew so hard this morning that we did not sent out untill 10 A.M. we employed the chord most of the day; the river…
Lewis: May 28, 1805
Tuesday May 28th 1805. This morning we set forward at an early hour; the weather dark and cloudy, the are smokey, had a few drops of rain; we employed the…
Lewis: May 3, 1805
Friday May 3rd 1805. The morning being very could we did not set out as early as usual; ice formed on a kettle of water 1/4 of an inch thick.…
Lewis: May 30, 1805
Thursday May 30th 1805. The rain which commenced last evening continued with little intermission untill 11this morning when we set out; the high wind which accompanied the rain rendered it…
Lewis: May 31, 1805
Friday May 31st 1805. This morning we proceeded at an early hour with the two perogues leaving the canoes and crews to bring on the meat of the two buffaloe…
Lewis: May 4, 1805
Saturday May 4th 1805. We were detained this morning untill about 9 OCk. in order to repare the rudder irons of the red perogue which were broken last evening in…
Lewis: May 5, 1805
Sunday May 5th 1805 A fine morning I walked on shore untill 8 A M when we halted for breakfast and in the course of my walk killed a deer…
Lewis: May 6, 1805
Monday May 6th 1805. The morning being fair and pleasant and wind favourable we set sale at an early hour, and proceeded on very well the greater part of the…
Lewis: May 7, 1805
Tuesday May 7th 1805. A fine morning, set out at an early hour; the drift wood begins to come down in consequence of the river’s rising; the water is somewhat…
Lewis: May 8, 1805
Wednesday May 8th 1805. Set out at an early hour under a gentle brieze from the East. a black cloud which suddonly sprung up at S. E. soon over shaddowed…
Lewis: May 9, 1805
Thursday May 9th 1805. Set out at an early hour; the wind being favourable we used our sails and proceeded very well; the country in appearance is much as yester,…
Lewis: November 1, 1804
Thursday November 1st 1804 The wind blew so violently during the greater part of this day that we were unable to quit our encampment; in the evening it abated;we droped…
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…
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;…
Lewis: October 31, 1804
Wednesday October 31st 1804. The river being very low and the season so far advanced that it frequently shuts up with ice in this climate we determined to spend the…
Lewis: September 10, 1805
Tuesday September 10th 1805. The morning being fair I sent out all the hunters, and directed two of them to procede down the river as far as it’s junction with…
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. Shorethe leaves of the Cottonwood were much distroyedas were…
Lewis: September 14, 1804
September 14th 1804 this day Capt. Clark killed a male wild goat so calledit’s weight 65 lbs. F I length from point of nose to point of tail 4 9…
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…
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…
Lewis: September 18, 1804
Sept. 18th this day saw the first brant on their return from the north-
Lewis: September 18, 1805
Wednesday September 18th 1805. Cap Clark set out this morning to go a head with six hunters. there being no game in these mountains we concluded it would be better…
Lewis: September 19, 1805
Thursday September 19th 1805. Set out this morning a little after sun rise and continued our rout about the same course of yesterday or S. 20 W. for 6 miles…
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…
Lewis: September 21, 1805
Saturday September 21st 1805. We were detained this morning untill 11 OCk. in consequence of not being able to collect our horses. we then set out and proceeded along the…
Lewis: September 22, 1805
Sunday September 22cd 1805. Notwithstanding my positive directions to hubble the horses last evening one of the men neglected to comply. he plead ignorance of the order. this neglect however…
Lewis: September 5, 1804
Sept 5th saw some wild goats or antelopes on the hill above the Glauber Salts Springs they ran off we could not discover them sufficiently distinctly to discribe even their…
Lewis: September 9, 1804
Sept. 9th Capt. Clark found on the Lard shore under a high bluff issuing from a blue earth a bittuminus matter resembling molasses in consistance, colour and taste-
Lewis: September 9, 1805
Monday September 9th 1805. Set out at 7 A M. this morning and proceeded down the Flathead river leaving it on our left, the country in the valley of this…
Lost and Starving in the Bitterroot Mountains
Began to Snow about 3 hours before Day and continued all day. I have been wet and as cold in every part as I ever was in my life. Indeed I was at one time fearfull my feet would freeze in the thin Mockersons which I wore.
Meeting the Flathead Salish
Met a part of the Flathead nation of 33 Lodges about 80 men and 400 total with 500 horses. Those people received us friendly, threw white robes over our Shoulders and smoked in the pipes of peace. We purchased eleven horses of those people and exchanged 7.
Meeting the Yankton Sioux
Met in Council at 12 oClock under an Oak tree near the river. Made a long speech. They received the presents and appeared well satisfied. Their pipes of peace were presented to us, and smoked with great ceremony.
Ordway Records the First Encounter with Grizzly Bears
Capt Lewis and one of the hunters went out and killed a large white or grey Bear. It is the largest of the bear kind. Its talons were 4 inches and 3 eighths of an inch long. The men were much surprised at the Size of this animall.
Passing La Charette — Last White Settlement
Passed a Small french Village called La Charette, the people at this Village appear pore, polite & harmonious. This is the last Settlement of Whites on this river.
Rescued by the Nez Perce at Weippe Prairie
I found the Indians at a village of the Chopunnish nation. I was furnished a small piece of Buffalow meat, Some dried salmon berries & roots in different States. The Plains appeared covered with Spectators viewing the white men.
Sacagawea Recognizes Home — Three Forks
Our present camp is precisely on the spot that the Snake Indians were encamped at the time the Minnetares of the Knife river first came in sight of them five years since. From this place they retreated about three miles up Jeffersons river and concealed themselves in the woods. The Minnetares pursued, attacked them, killed 4 men, 4 women, a number of boys, and made prisoners of the remaining females. Among them was Sah-cah-gar-we-ah.
Sacagawea Reunites with Her Brother Cameahwait
Sacahagawea was sent for; she came into the tent, sat down, and was beginning to interpret, when in the first moment she recognized Cameahwait as her brother. She instantly jumped up, and ran and embraced him, throwing over him her blanket, and weeping profusely.
Setting Out from Camp River Dubois
I Set out at 4 oClock P.M. in the presence of many of the neighbouring inhabitents, and proceeded on under a jentle brease up the Missourie. Rained the greater part of the night. We made the mouth of Cold water Creek, about a mile below the first Island. The Course of this day nearly West, and we proceeded 4 Miles.
Sgt. Floyd's Last Journal Entry
I am verry sick and Has ben for Sometime but have Recovered my helth again.
Sgt. Gass Describes Building Fort Mandan
We continued to work at our fort. Six of the men were employed in making charcoal, and the rest in cutting timber and building. We named our fort, Fort Mandan, in honour of our friendly neighbours.
Sgt. Ordway Describes the Departure from Camp Dubois
Showery day. Capt. Clark Set out at 4 oClock P.M. for the western expedition. One Gun fired. Under a gentle breeze we went up the Missouri River. Several people from the country Saw us Start.
Tense Confrontation with the Teton Sioux
The 2nd Chief was verry insolent both in words and justures, pretended Drunkeness & Staggered up against me, declaring I Should not go on. I felt My Self warm & Spoke in very positive terms. Offered my hand to the 1st and 2d Chiefs who refused to receive it.
The Death of Sergeant Charles Floyd
Serjeant Floyd much weaker and no better. Made him a warm bath as comfortable as possible. Serjeant Floyd Died with a great deal of Composure, before his death he Said to me, "I am going away. I want you to write me a letter." We buried him on the top of the bluff.
The Marias River Decision
An interesting question was now to be determined; which of these rivers was the Missouri. To mistake the stream at this period of the season, two months of the traveling season having now elapsed, and to ascend such stream to the rocky Mountain or perhaps much further before we could inform ourselves whether it did approach the Columbia or not, and then be obliged to return and take the other stream would not only loose us the whole of this season but would probably so dishearten the party that it might defeat the expedition altogether.
The Vote on Winter Camp — Democracy on the Frontier
Janey in favour of a place where there is plenty of Potas [wapato roots]. York: in favour of crossing the river.
Toussaint Charbonneau Hired — Sacagawea Joins the Expedition
A Mr. Chaubonee interpreter for the Gross Ventre nation came to See us, and informed that he came Down with Several Indians from a Hunting expedition up the river. This man wished to be hired as an interpreter.
Whitehouse Describes the Ocean Coast
The waves roled mountains high, and the Wind blew verry hard. We could not Stir from our camp. Some of the men went to the Shore of the Ocean, which is about 2 Miles from our camp and returned with Some beautiful shells.
Key Figures
45 itemsAlexander Willard
Served as one of the expedition's blacksmiths alongside John Shields. He was court-martialed and sentenced to 100 lashes for sleeping while on sentinel duty — a capital offense. He was the second-to-last surviving member of the expedition, dying in California at age 86.
Arcawecharchi (The Half Man)
A Yankton Sioux chief who spoke with dignity at the August 1804 council, declaring "I am a man and a chief of some note." His eloquent speech impressed the captains.
Arikara
A Caddoan-speaking agricultural people along the Missouri River in present-day South Dakota. The expedition held councils with Arikara chiefs in October 1804. The Arikara were notable for refusing alcohol, saying it "made people into fools."
Baptiste Deschamps
Served as the "patron" (boss/skipper) of the French pirogue crew. He oversaw the group of French-Canadian boatmen hired to navigate the Missouri River from St. Louis to Fort Mandan.
Buffalo Medicine
A Brule Teton Sioux chief present at the council on September 25, 1804 alongside Black Buffalo and the Partisan.
Cameahwait
Chief of a Lemhi Shoshone band and Sacagawea's brother, whose emotional reunion with his sister was one of the expedition's most dramatic moments. He ultimately traded several dozen horses to the expedition for their mountain crossing. Killed in a battle with the Blackfeet in 1812.
Flathead Salish
An Interior Salish people of western Montana. The expedition were the first whites to encounter the Salish in person at Ross's Hole in September 1805. The Salish provided horses, food, and directions despite having no common language.
Francois Labiche
An experienced boatman and Indian trader who spoke English, French, and several Native American languages. Labiche served as one of the expedition's key translators and was assigned alongside Pierre Cruzatte to man the bow of the keelboat.
George Drouillard
Son of a French-Canadian father and Shawnee mother, Drouillard was the expedition's premier hunter and sign language interpreter. He was the highest paid member after the captains, and the only man Clark referred to by first name in the journals. Killed by Blackfeet warriors while trapping near Three Forks, Montana in 1810.
George Gibson
Born in Pennsylvania and recruited in Kentucky, Gibson was a skilled hunter and fiddle player who entertained the Corps alongside Pierre Cruzatte. He served as an interpreter using sign language and was one of Clark's most trusted men.
George Shannon
The youngest enlisted member of the Corps, Shannon famously got lost twice during the expedition, once for 16 days surviving on grapes and one rabbit. After the expedition, he studied law, assisted Nicholas Biddle in compiling the official expedition history, and served in the Kentucky and Missouri legislatures.
Hidatsa
Close neighbors of the Mandan living at the Knife River villages. The Hidatsa were the tribe from whom Sacagawea had been captured as a girl. The expedition had complex diplomatic dealings with Hidatsa chiefs, particularly the powerful Le Borgne.
Hugh Hall
Born in Massachusetts and recruited from the 2nd Infantry Regiment. Court-martialed alongside John Collins for being drunk on duty, receiving 50 lashes. Despite this early trouble, he completed the entire expedition.
Hugh McNeal
Accompanied Lewis on the first crossing of the Continental Divide at Lemhi Pass in August 1805, where he reportedly straddled a small stream and declared that he had "lived to bestride the mighty Missouri."
Jean Baptiste Lepage
A French-Canadian trapper who had lived among the Mandan and explored the Black Hills. Hired at Fort Mandan on November 2, 1804 to replace the expelled John Newman. At 43, the oldest member of the permanent party.
John Collins
Born in Maryland, Collins was a reliable hunter ranked in the top five of the Corps. He was court-martialed and received 100 lashes for tapping the expedition's whiskey barrel. Believed killed by Arikara warriors in 1823 during the Ashley-Henry fur trading expedition.
John Colter
Considered one of the Corps' best hunters and scouts, Colter was discharged early on the return journey to join fur trappers. He became the first person of European descent to enter the Yellowstone region and is widely regarded as America's first mountain man. He famously escaped a Blackfeet ambush by outrunning his pursuers naked and barefoot.
John Potts
Born in Germany and formerly a miller. After the expedition, he returned to the upper Missouri as a fur trapper. He was killed by Blackfeet warriors near Three Forks while trapping with John Colter, who narrowly escaped the same ambush.
John Thompson
Clark praised him as "a valuable member of our party." He served the entire journey without significant incident and was among the most quietly dependable members of the Corps.
Kakawissassa (Crow at Rest)
Leading civil chief of the first Arikara village. Among the Arikara chiefs who patiently explained they did not want any alcohol because "it turned people into fools."
Le Borgne (One Eye)
The powerful principal chief of the Hidatsa-proper who initially scoffed that his warriors could handle Lewis and Clark's soldiers like "so many wolves." He generally favored British traders over Americans.
Lemhi Shoshone
A band of Eastern Shoshone led by Cameahwait (Sacagawea's brother) near the Lemhi Pass on the Continental Divide. Their trade of horses was absolutely essential to the expedition's ability to cross the Rocky Mountains in August 1805.
Mandan
Sedentary agricultural people living in earth lodge villages along the Missouri River in present-day North Dakota. The expedition built Fort Mandan near their villages and spent the winter of 1804-05 among them. The Mandan provided food, shelter, and critical geographic information, and it was here that Charbonneau and Sacagawea joined the expedition.
Nathaniel Hale Pryor
A cousin of Sergeant Charles Floyd, Pryor led the First Squad of six privates during the expedition. Lewis praised him as one of the most capable men on the journey. After the expedition, he served in the War of 1812, became a fur trader, and eventually settled among the Osage Nation.
Nez Perce
The Nez Perce people of present-day Idaho saved the expedition from starvation when the Corps descended from the Bitterroots in September 1805, feeding them roots and dried fish. They helped build canoes, watched the expedition's horses, and provided guides.
Old Toby
A Lemhi Shoshone guide hired in August 1805 to lead the expedition over the treacherous Bitterroot Mountains via the Lolo Trail. His knowledge of mountain passes was critical to the Corps' survival during the most difficult overland portion of the journey. He departed without collecting his pay after guiding them to the Nez Perce.
Omaha
A Siouan-speaking people of the eastern Great Plains in present-day Nebraska. They had been devastated by smallpox and warfare with the Teton Sioux. Pierre Cruzatte was half Omaha.
Otoe-Missouria
Two allied tribes that held the expedition's first formal council with Native Americans on August 3, 1804, at "Council Bluff" near present-day Fort Calhoun, Nebraska.
Peter Weiser
Served reliably throughout the expedition. Afterward worked for fur trader Manuel Lisa, returning to Montana in 1807. He traveled alone through western Idaho during winter 1807-1808; the Weiser River in Idaho now bears his name.
Pierre Cruzatte
Half French and half Omaha, Cruzatte was recruited for his expert skills as a Missouri River boatman and his fiddle playing, which provided entertainment and facilitated diplomacy with Native peoples. Blind in one eye and nearsighted in the other, he accidentally shot Meriwether Lewis while hunting elk in August 1806.
Pierre Dorion Sr.
A French-Canadian who had lived among the Yankton Sioux for over twenty years. Lewis and Clark hired him as their Sioux language interpreter. He facilitated the critical diplomatic councils with the Yankton Sioux and later escorted a Yankton delegation to meet President Jefferson.
Reubin Field
One of the "Nine Young Men from Kentucky," Reubin was among the Corps' finest hunters. During the encounter with the Blackfeet on July 27, 1806, he fatally stabbed a warrior through the heart while defending the expedition's weapons and horses.
Richard Windsor
Best remembered for a harrowing incident on June 7, 1805, when he nearly fell from a 300-foot cliff along the Missouri River. Lewis, who was on the same narrow trail, talked him through the crisis. A reliable hunter throughout the expedition.
Robert Frazer
Joined the permanent party on October 8, 1804 after Moses Reed's expulsion. He kept a journal and created a map of the expedition route that, while crude, provided an early cartographic record. His journal manuscript was lost.
Seaman
A large Newfoundland dog purchased by Lewis in Pittsburgh for $20. Seaman accompanied the expedition for its entire duration, serving as a hunter, guard against grizzly bears and buffalo, and valued companion. The only animal to complete the entire trip.
Shoshone
Sacagawea's people. The Lemhi Shoshone's trade of horses was absolutely essential to the expedition's survival and ability to cross the Rocky Mountains in August 1805.
Silas Goodrich
The Corps' most accomplished fisherman, Goodrich regularly supplied the expedition with fresh fish throughout the journey. At the Great Falls, he caught large numbers of cutthroat trout that supplemented the Corps' diet and provided Lewis with specimens for scientific study.
Teton Sioux (Lakota)
The most powerful nation on the upper Missouri. The September 1804 confrontation between the Corps and the Brule Lakota at Bad River was the most dangerous diplomatic encounter of the entire expedition, nearly erupting into armed conflict.
Thomas Howard
From Massachusetts. Court-martialed in February 1805 for climbing the Fort Mandan wall after hours rather than using the gate, potentially compromising the fort's security. Completed the entire journey.
Twisted Hair
A Nez Perce chief who befriended the starving Corps when they descended from the Bitterroot Mountains in September 1805. He helped them find timber for dugout canoes and agreed to watch their horses.
Walla Walla
A Sahaptian-speaking people led by Chief Yelleppit. On the return journey in 1806, Yelleppit hosted the Corps for two days and provided canoes and horses.
William Bratton
One of the "Nine Young Men from Kentucky," Bratton served as hunter, blacksmith, and gunsmith. In spring 1806 he was incapacitated by a severe back ailment until a Native American sweat lodge treatment cured him. He later served in the War of 1812 at the Battle of New Orleans.
William Werner
Had a fight with John Potts at Camp Dubois during preparation and was convicted of being absent without leave. Despite disciplinary issues, he completed the full journey to the Pacific and back.
Yankton Sioux
A Dakota-speaking people met by the expedition on August 30, 1804. Their chiefs, including Weucha, were generally friendly and warned the expedition about the hostile Teton Sioux upriver.
Yelleppit
Described by Clark as "a bold handsom Indian, with a dignified countenance about 35 years of age." He provided canoes and horses to the expedition during their 1806 return journey.
Wildlife & Plants
14 itemsAmerican Bison
While the American bison was already known to science, Lewis and Clark documented the vast herds of the Great Plains in unprecedented detail. The first signs were noted near Boonville, Missouri, on June 6, 1804,...
American White Pelican
On August 8, 1804, the expedition encountered a flock of several hundred white pelicans on a sandbar about two miles north of the mouth of the Little Sioux River. Lewis shot one and conducted meticulous...
Black-billed Magpie
The black-billed magpie was first encountered on September 17, 1804, near the mouth of the White River in South Dakota. The expedition captured four magpies, and one survived the long journey from Fort Mandan to...
Black-tailed Prairie Dog
The prairie dog was among the most celebrated discoveries of the expedition. Clark described a "Village of Small animals" on September 7, 1804, in present-day Boyd County, Nebraska. The men spent hours trying to dig...
Bullsnake
Lewis and Clark killed and described a bullsnake on August 5, 1804, on the bank of the Missouri River in present-day Harrison County, Iowa. Lewis noted it had no poison teeth and described its characteristic...
Channel Catfish
On July 24, 1804, near present-day Bellevue, Nebraska, Private Goodrich caught a channel catfish. Clark described it as having "eyes Small & tale much like that of a Dolfin." The channel catfish was commonly encountered...
Common Poorwill
The common poorwill was among the Great Plains birds described for the first time by Lewis and Clark. This nocturnal bird, related to the eastern whippoorwill, is remarkable as the only bird known to enter...
Coyote
Lewis and Clark provided the first detailed descriptions of the coyote for Western science, calling it a "prairie wolf" or "small wolf." Clark first mentioned the animal on August 12, 1804, noting a smaller wolf...
Greater Short-horned Lizard
Lewis and Clark encountered the short-horned lizard (which they called "horned toad" or "horned lizard") in present-day Missouri as early as May 1804. One specimen was collected and sent back to President Jefferson with other...
Mule Deer
Lewis and Clark were the first to recognize the mule deer as distinct from the white-tailed deer they knew from the East. The species was first mentioned on September 5, 1804, near the Niobrara River,...
Prairie Sagebrush
Lewis and Clark collected prairie sagebrush specimens as early as September 2, 1804, near Springfield, South Dakota. The sagebrush-covered plains became one of the defining landscapes of the western expedition. Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and...
Pronghorn
Lewis and Clark provided the first scientific description of the pronghorn, which they variously called an "antelope," "wild goat," or "speed goat." Clark killed the first specimen on September 14, 1804, and Lewis recorded detailed...
White-tailed Jackrabbit
Lewis and Clark encountered the white-tailed jackrabbit in September 1804 in present-day South Dakota, providing the first scientific description. They noted its enormous ears and powerful hind legs, comparing it to the eastern cottontail rabbit...
Wild Bergamot
Lewis and Clark documented wild bergamot along the Missouri River corridor during the early stages of the expedition in 1804. This aromatic member of the mint family was already known to eastern botanists but was...
Artwork
30 itemsBird's-Eye View of the Mandan Village
Overhead view of the Mandan village that Lewis and Clark visited during the winter of 1804–05. Catlin positioned himself atop an earth lodge to paint this panoramic view of the…
Buffalo Chase, Mouth of the Yellowstone
Dynamic hunting scene near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. Catlin reached Fort Union in 1832, painting the same regions explored by Lewis and Clark. The expedition had…
Bull Dance, Mandan O-kee-pa Ceremony
Rare documentation of the sacred Mandan Okipa ceremony. Dancers wear buffalo heads in the central plaza of the Mandan village. Lewis and Clark had also witnessed Mandan ceremonies during their…
Captain William Clark Meeting Indians of the Northwest
Clark engages in diplomatic exchange with Native leaders of the Northwest during the expedition. Russell depicts Clark in frontier clothing, emphasizing the personal diplomacy that was essential to the Corps…
Cliffs of the Upper Colorado River, Wyoming Territory
Landscape of the Green River valley in Wyoming Territory. Though west of the Lewis and Clark route, it documents the Rocky Mountain region the expedition traversed and represents the golden…
Floyd's Grave
The burial site of Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the Corps of Discovery to die during the expedition (August 20, 1804). Floyd likely died of a ruptured appendix.…
Fort Clark on the Missouri
View of Fort Clark, the American Fur Company trading post where Bodmer and Prince Maximilian spent the winter of 1833–34. Lewis and Clark had also wintered nearby at Fort Mandan…
Fort Union, Mouth of the Yellowstone River
Fort Union at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers. The American Fur Company post was built in 1828 near where Lewis and Clark had camped in April 1805.…
Indians Discovering Lewis and Clark
Plains Indians catch their first glimpse of the boats of the Corps of Discovery ascending the Missouri River in spring 1805. Russell captures the indigenous perspective of the expedition’s arrival—a…
Junction of the Yellowstone River with the Missouri
View of the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers near Fort Union. The Maximilian expedition reached this point on June 24, 1833. Lewis and Clark had also passed this…
Landscape with Buffalo on the Upper Missouri
Buffalo herds along the Upper Missouri River in what was Gros Ventres, Assiniboin, Cree, and Crow country (present-day North Dakota/Montana). Documents the same vast landscape Lewis and Clark traversed, teeming…
Lewis and Clark at Three Forks
Monumental mural depicting the expedition’s arrival at the Three Forks of the Missouri in July 1805. Sacagawea recognizes her homeland. Clark stands at left, Lewis flanks Sacagawea, with Charbonneau at…
Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flatheads at Ross' Hole
Russell’s largest painting covers an entire wall of the Montana State Capitol. It depicts the September 4, 1805 meeting between the Corps of Discovery and the Salish (Flathead) people in…
Lewis and Clark Reach Shoshone Camp
Sacagawea leads Lewis and Clark to her people, the Shoshone, at Camp Fortunate in August 1805. This emotional reunion was critical to the expedition—the Shoshone provided the horses needed to…
Lewis and Clark with Sacajawea at the Great Falls
The Corps of Discovery encounters the Great Falls of the Missouri River. Sacagawea, her infant Jean Baptiste, Lewis, Clark, and York all appear in this intimate composition. The painting was…
Mah-to-toh-pa, Four Bears, Second Chief in Full Dress
Portrait of the celebrated Mandan chief Mato-Tope in full ceremonial dress, wearing a painted buffalo robe depicting his heroic deeds. Catlin greatly admired this chief, calling him “the most extraordinary…
Mato-Tope, A Mandan Chief
Iconic portrait of Mato-Tope (Four Bears), the celebrated Mandan chief, in full ceremonial regalia with eagle feathers and ermine tails. Bodmer painted him at Fort Clark on April 14, 1834.…
Meriwether Lewis
Life portrait of Meriwether Lewis commissioned by Charles Willson Peale for his Philadelphia Museum. Lewis wears a fur-trimmed coat, likely an ermine tippet given to him by Cameahwait, chief of…
Meriwether Lewis (Profile Portrait)
Profile portrait engraving of Meriwether Lewis created using the physiognotrace, a mechanical device popular in the early 1800s. Lewis sat for this portrait in Washington, D.C. The intimate profile view…
Mih-Tutta-Hangkusch, A Mandan Village
Panoramic view of the last large Mandan village on the Missouri River, showing earth lodges, bull boats on the river, and daily village life. Bodmer stayed here through the winter…
Pehriska-Ruhpa, Moennitarri Warrior in the Costume of the Dog Dance
Full-length portrait of Pehriska-Ruhpa (Two Ravens), chief of the Hidatsa, in full Dog Dance regalia. One of the most iconic images of a Plains Indian warrior, showing elaborate feathered headdress…
Pipestone Quarry on the Coteau des Prairies
Catlin’s painting of the sacred Native American pipestone quarry in present-day Minnesota. The catlinite mineral found here was named after Catlin. Lewis and Clark had received calumet pipes made from…
Sacagawea at Three Forks
Detail from Paxson’s monumental mural “Lewis and Clark at Three Forks,” showing Sacagawea pointing as she recognizes her homeland near the Three Forks of the Missouri. No likeness of Sacagawea…
Snags (Sunken Trees) on the Missouri
Atmospheric watercolor showing the hazardous submerged trees (snags) that made Missouri River navigation treacherous. Both the Maximilian expedition and the Lewis and Clark expedition encountered these dangerous obstacles that could…
The Interior of the Hut of a Mandan Chief
Detailed interior view of the earth lodge of Mandan leader Dippaeuch at Mih-Tutta-Hang-Kusch. Shows the domestic arrangement of a Mandan home including weapons, tools, and furnishings. One of Bodmer’s most…
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
One of the earliest known artistic depictions of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, showing the explorers setting out into the unknown western wilderness. A mid-nineteenth century romantic interpretation of the…
The Rocky Mountains, Lander's Peak
Monumental landscape showing the Wind River Range of the Rocky Mountains with a Shoshone encampment. The Shoshone people depicted are the same nation Sacagawea belonged to, and the Rocky Mountains…
The White Castles on the Upper Missouri
Dramatic view of dazzling white bluffs along the Upper Missouri that Prince Maximilian compared to “white mountain castles.” Lewis and Clark had also noted these striking formations during their journey.…
William Clark as Governor of Missouri Territory
Life-size portrait of William Clark as Missouri Territorial Governor, depicted rising from his chair with graying hair still tied in a queue. This was Chester Harding’s first major commission in…
York in the Lodge of the Mandans
York, William Clark’s enslaved companion, in a Mandan earth lodge during the winter of 1804–05. The Mandan people, who had never seen a Black person, are fascinated by York’s appearance.…
Weapons & Equipment
26 items1792 Contract Rifle (Expedition Primary Rifle)
The primary long arm of the Corps of Discovery was not, as long believed, the Model 1803 Harpers Ferry Rifle, but rather the 1792 Contract Rifle — a Pennsylvania-style, single-shot,…
Battle Axes (Shields's Fort Mandan Manufacture)
During the winter of 1804-1805 at Fort Mandan, expedition blacksmith John Shields and fellow smith Alexander Willard devised an ingenious economy: they cut a burned-out stove into small squares and…
Blunderbusses (Pirogue-Mounted)
Two blunderbusses were mounted on swivel pivots on the sterns of the two pirogues (large open boats) that accompanied the keelboat upriver. A blunderbuss is a short, heavy smoothbore firearm…
Buffalo Hide Shield
Buffalo hide shields were among the most important defensive weapons and spiritual objects of the Plains nations. Made from the thick hide of a buffalo bull’s hump or neck —…
Bullet Molds
Fifteen pairs of bullet molds were obtained at Harpers Ferry Arsenal, one for each rifleman. These were scissor-type iron molds that clamped together to form a spherical cavity. Molten lead…
Clark's Elegant Fusil
Clark brought what the expedition journals describe as “an elegant fusil” — a lightweight gentleman’s sporting smoothbore. A fusil (from the French) was a lighter, more refined version of a…
Clark's Squirrel Rifle
William Clark brought a personal small-caliber rifle of .36 caliber, commonly known as a “squirrel rifle.” These were light, accurate Pennsylvania-style long rifles designed for small game hunting and target…
Coup Stick
The coup stick was a ceremonial weapon unique to Plains Indian warfare, used to “count coup” — the act of touching an enemy in battle without killing him, which was…
Espontoon (Spontoon)
The espontoon was a traditional officer’s polearm, a descendant of the pike, carried as both a symbol of rank and a functional weapon. It featured an elaborate spear-like head, often…
Girandoni Air Rifle
The Girandoni air rifle was arguably the most significant weapon of the entire expedition, serving more as a diplomatic instrument than a weapon of war. Designed by Italian-Tyrolean watchmaker and…
Indian Peace Medal (Jefferson)
The Indian peace medals carried by Lewis and Clark were among the most important diplomatic tools of the expedition, second only to the air rifle in their impact on Native…
Keelboat Swivel Gun
A small naval cannon mounted on a swivel in the bow of the keelboat (the 55-foot vessel that carried the expedition up the Missouri River from May 1804 to April…
Kentucky/Pennsylvania Long Rifle
Several members of the Corps of Discovery carried personal Kentucky (or Pennsylvania) long rifles, the iconic frontier weapon of early America. These rifles were known for their exceptional accuracy at…
Lance / War Spear
War lances were prestige weapons carried by prominent warriors and military society leaders among the Plains nations. Unlike bows and clubs, which were primarily practical weapons, the lance was often…
Lewis's Fowling Piece
Lewis brought a personal fowling piece — an extra-long smoothbore shoulder gun used primarily for bird hunting. Fowlers were common sporting arms of the era, with long barrels (typically 42-48…
Model 1795 Springfield Musket
The Model 1795 was the first standard U.S. military musket, closely copied from the French Charleville Model 1763/66 that had been imported during the American Revolution. Since there were approximately…
Model 1799 Horseman's Pistols
In 1803, Lewis requisitioned a pair of horse pistols from the Schuylkill Arsenal in Philadelphia. These were large-caliber, single-shot flintlock pistols designed to be carried in saddle holsters. Using the…
Native Tomahawks (Traditional and Trade)
The tomahawk existed in two broad categories during the Lewis and Clark era: traditional stone-headed versions (a shaped stone lashed to a wooden handle) and European-manufactured trade versions (iron or…
Northwest Trade Gun (Fusil)
By the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Northwest trade guns were the most common firearms among Native peoples of the Upper Missouri and beyond. Lewis described the tribes…
Officers' Swords
Both Lewis and Clark carried swords as commissioned officers, though the exact pattern each carried is unknown. The 1787 U.S. regulations called for iron or steel mounted sabers of 36…
Plains Indian Bow and Arrows
The bow and arrow remained the primary ranged weapon of most Native American nations encountered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, even as trade guns became increasingly available. The short,…
Plains Indian War Club
War clubs were among the most important weapons and status symbols of the Northern Plains nations encountered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Styles varied widely among nations: the Sioux…
Pocket Pistols with Secret Triggers
On May 21, 1803, Lewis purchased a pair of pocket pistols from Robert Barnhill’s gun shop at 63 North Second Street in Philadelphia for $10. The surviving receipt reads: “Bot.…
Powder Horns and Shot Pouches
Each of the 15 riflemen was issued a powder horn and shot pouch. The powder horn was a hollowed-out cow or ox horn, sealed at both ends, with a measuring…
Scalping Knife / Hunting Knife
Every member of the Corps of Discovery carried a large knife that served as an all-purpose tool for butchering game, preparing food, cutting wood, making repairs, and self-defense. These “scalping…
Tomahawk (Trade and Military)
Tomahawks were among the most ubiquitous and versatile tools carried by the Corps of Discovery. Each member was issued a tomahawk or hatchet that served as a weapon, tool for…
Documents
13 itemsCouncil with the Oto and Missouri Nations
At this first council, Lewis and Clark established the diplomatic protocol they would follow throughout the expedition: raising the American flag, delivering a speech about the “Great Father” in Washington,…
Council with the Teton Sioux at Bad River
The encounter began with a council on September 25, 1804, where communication was hampered by the lack of a competent Sioux interpreter. After distributing gifts, tensions escalated when warriors seized…
Court Martial Proceedings of the Expedition
Military discipline was essential to the expedition’s survival, and Lewis and Clark maintained a formal court martial system throughout the journey. Private Moses Reed was found guilty of desertion in…
Lewis's Astronomical Observations and Calculations
Lewis was trained in celestial navigation by Andrew Ellicott and Robert Patterson before the expedition. Using a sextant, chronometer, and artificial horizon, he recorded observations of the sun, moon, and…
Lewis's Description of the Great Falls of the Missouri
Lewis wrote: “I wished for the pencil of Salvator Rosa or the pen of Thompson, that I might be enabled to give to the enlightened world some just idea of…
Lewis's Descriptions of New Animal Species
Among the most notable species described were the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) — which nearly killed several expedition members — the pronghorn antelope, the black-tailed prairie dog (live specimens…
Lewis's Descriptions of New Plant Species
Lewis received botanical training from Benjamin Smith Barton at the University of Pennsylvania before the expedition. Throughout the journey, he collected and described specimens including Lewis’s monkey-flower (Mimulus lewisii), bitterroot…
Lewis's Letter to Jefferson from Fort Mandan
This letter accompanied the keelboat returning from Fort Mandan with a crew of soldiers, traders, and the Arikara chief. Lewis described the expedition’s encounters with Native nations, the geography of…
Private Whitehouse's Journal
Two versions of Whitehouse’s journal exist: an original rough journal and a later paraphrased version that Whitehouse apparently prepared for publication (which never occurred). The journal provides unique observations about…
Sergeant Floyd's Journal
Floyd’s journal is the shortest of the expedition journals, ending abruptly as his illness worsened. His entries record the daily progress up the Missouri, encounters with the Oto and Missouri…
Sergeant Gass's Journal (Published 1807)
Gass’s account was published as “A Journal of the Voyages and Travels of a Corps of Discovery” in 1807. As the expedition carpenter, Gass provided unique details about the construction…
Sergeant Ordway's Journal
Ordway’s journal is particularly valuable because it covers the entire expedition without the gaps found in Lewis’s journal. It documents daily routines, hunting results, weather observations, and events in camp…
The Journals of Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark each maintained separate journals, though Lewis’s entries are notably absent for long periods (leading to enduring speculation about what he was doing during these gaps). Clark was…
