Clark: July 21, 1806

Monday 21st July 1806 This morning I was informed that Half of our horses
were absent. Sent out Shannon Bratten, and Shabono to hunt them. Shabono
went up the river Shanon down and Bratten in the bottom near Camp, Shabono
and Bratten returned at 10 A M and informed me that they Saw no Signs of
the horses. Shannon proceeded on down the river about 14 miles and did not
return untill late in the evening, he was equally unsuckcessfull. Shannon
informed me that he Saw a remarkable large Lodge about 12 miles below,
covered with bushes and the top Deckorated with Skins &c and had the
appearance of haveing been built about 2 years. I Sent out two men on hors
back to kill a fat Cow which they did and returned in 3 hours the men work
very diligiently on the Canoes one of them nearly finished ready to put in
the water. Gibsons wound is beginning to heal. I am in great hope that it
will get well in time for him to accompany Sgt.

Pryor with the horses to the Mandans. This evening late a very black Cloud
from the S. E. accompanied with Thunder and lightning with hard winds
which Shifted about and was worm and disagreeable. I am apprehensive that
the indians have Stolen our horses, and probably those who had made the
Smoke a fiew days passed towards the S. W. I deturmined to have the
ballance of the horses guarded and for that purpose sent out 3 men, on
their approach near the horses were So alarmed that they ran away and
entered the woods and the men returned- a Great number of Geese which
raise their young on this river passed down frequently Since my arival at
this place. we appear to be in the beginning of the buffalow Country. the
plains are butifull and leavel but the Soil is but thin Stoney and in
maney parts of the plains & bottoms there are great quantity of
prickly pears. Saw Several herds of buffalow Since I arived at this Camp
also antilops, wolves, pigions, Dovs, Hawks, ravins, Crows, larks,
Sparrows, Eagles & bank martins &c. &c. The wolves which are
the constant attendants of the Buffalow are in great numbers on the Scerts
of those large gangues which are to be Seen in every direction in those
praries