Seaman Catches Squirrels Swimming Across the Ohio

Lewis recorded one of the first of many journal entries about Seaman’s exploits on the expedition. While traveling down the Ohio River, they encountered large numbers of gray squirrels swimming across the river—a mass migration phenomenon well documented in the early American frontier. Lewis wrote that Seaman would leap from the boat into the water and catch the squirrels as they swam, bringing them back to the boat.

“My dog was of the newfoundland breed very active strong and docile, he would take the squirels in the water kill them and swimming bring them in the boat,” Lewis recorded. The dog caught so many that they provided a welcome addition to the expedition’s provisions. Lewis noted the squirrel meat was “a pleasant food” when fried.

This early demonstration of Seaman’s capabilities set the tone for the dog’s role throughout the expedition. He was not merely a pet but a working member of the party—a hunter, retriever, and companion who earned his place alongside the men of the Corps of Discovery.