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 or 10 huntrs. out to day
in different direction, in examineing our private Store of Provisions we
found Several articles Spoiled from the wet or dampness they had received,
a verry warm Day, the wind from the South, The river Missourie has raised
yesterday last night & to day about 2 foot. this evening it is on a
Stand, Capt. Lewis weighed the water of the Two rivers The Missouris 78°
The Kansais 72° To Describe the most probable of the various accounts of
this great river of the Kansas, would be too lengthy & uncertain to
insert here, it heads with the river Del Norid in the black Mountain or
ridge which Divides the waters of the Kansas Del Nord, & Callarado
& oppsoitly from those of the Missoureis (and not well assertaind)
This River recves its name from a nation which dwells at this time on its
banks & 2 villages one about 20 Leagues & the other 40 Leagues up,
those Indians are not verry noumerous at this time, reduced by war with
their neighbours, &c. they formerly liveid on the South banks of the
Missouries 24 Leagues above this river in a open & butifull plain and
were verry noumerous at the time the french first Settled the Illinois, I
am told they are a fierce & warlike people, being badly Supplied with
fire arms, become easily conquered by the Aiauway & Saukees who are
better furnished with those materials of war, This nation is now out in
the plains hunting the Buffalow our hunters Killed Several Deer and Saw
Buffalow, men impd Dressing Skins & makeing themselves Comfortable,
the high lands Coms to the river Kanses on the upper Side at about a mile,
full in view, and a butifull place for a fort, good landing place, the
waters of the Kansas is verry disigreeably tasted to me.