Sgt. Ordway Describes the Departure from Camp Dubois

Sergeant John Ordway’s account of the expedition’s departure provides a complementary perspective to Clark’s more famous version. Ordway, who served as the senior sergeant, kept one of the most complete journals of the expedition.

“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.”

Ordway’s journal is notable for its consistency — he wrote every single day of the expedition, making his the only complete daily record of the journey. His practical, no-nonsense entries often fill gaps left by Lewis and Clark.