The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition OnlinePart 1: Affluents of the Missouri RiverGary E. Moulton2004University of Nebraska Press and University of Nebraska Libraries–Electronic Text CenterLincoln, Nebraskajfaust2@unl.eduMeriwether LewisWilliam ClarkGary E. MoultonThomas W. Dunlay,Assistant EditorThe Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Volume 3August 25, 1804–April 6, 1805University of Nebraska PressLincoln and London1987335-386No location. Notes in compliment to Clark's map of the West.JournalsJournal Entries2004-04-12Laura WeaklyInitial creation Transcribed2016-010-06Brian Pytlik Zillig
Converted from P4 to P5. 2016-09-26Karin DalzielAdded Geo Information from spreadsheetPart 1: Affluents of the Missouri RiverWinter 1804-1805
Lewis's extensive geographical treatise of the Missouri River, which is printed first in this section, is found in his Codex O (pp. 69–128); it is in a sense a complement to Clark's 1805 map of the West (Atlas maps 32a, 32b, 32c), and like it was prepared at Fort Mandan. It combines the captains' actual observations of these tributaries where they entered the Missouri with information received from traders and Indians about the upper reaches of these streams and their own tributaries. Lewis has filled in the gaps in his information—and his misunderstanding of some of it—with speculation. As might be expected, the picture becomes more sketchy and inaccurate the farther one goes from the Missouri and the homes of his Indian informants. The most interesting part is perhaps the conjectural picture of the Missouri above Fort Mandan and the Yellowstone, all of it based on Indian information. Lewis was ready to pronounce on the importance of the junction of the Missouri and the Yellowstone before he had seen it.
In a few instances it is clear that Lewis has drawn on earlier notes. His description of St. Charles, Missouri, at the beginning of the document reproduces almost verbatim his entry for May 20, 1804, in Codex Aa. The description of the Platte is a revised version of the material on document 35 of the Field Notes, dated July 21, 1804. Other geographical notes of the same sort, now apparently lost, undoubtedly went into the present document, and Lewis would also have consulted Clark's journals.
Some other items that he may have drawn on were done by Clark at an unknown time. Or, these items may have post-dated Lewis's summary and may even be postexpeditionary documents that were prepared for Nicholas Biddle as he worked with the journals in 1810. Two items are from the papers discovered in Biddle's estate by his grandsons in 1913 and deposited with the American Philosophical Society some time later. They were the first and third pieces of the material known as the "seven manuscript items" (see Appendix B,) and have never been published. They may, in fact, be one document that was separated at some point with their apparent order reversed in their present arrangement. Believing them to be preliminary drafts or copies of Lewis's material, made either during or after the expedition and differing from the main document only in style and wording, we do not print the Clark pieces here. Likewise, two small tables from a larger document at the Missouri Historical Society, mentioned below as Clark's "A Summary Statement . . . in the year 1804," closely follows Lewis's lists of affluents of the Kansas and Platte rivers. Notes to Lewis's summary will mention areas of substantial differences with these sources.
Clark's table covering nearly the same information as Lewis's summary appears in his Codex C (pp. 248–53, reading backward). It is a tabular version of Lewis's descriptive narrative, and it too includes the conjectural depiction of the Missouri above Fort Mandan and of the Yellowstone. This document also has its counterparts and they too are unclear as to timing or date of composition. Two items are similar to it in form and content: (1) Clark's "Names of remarkable places Rivers Creeks Empping into the Missouri," and (2) Clark's "A Summary Statement of the Rivers, Creeks & most remarkable places, their Distances &c. &c. from the mouth of the Missouri, as high up that River as was explored in the year 1804." Both items are loose, letter-size sheets at the Missouri Historical Society. Clark also made what appear to be postexpeditionary copies in two other notebooks, Codex N and Voorhis No. 4. Both cover not only the material gathered up to Fort Mandan, but also continue their tables through the rest of the journey. Since no significant differences have been discovered among these documents, only Clark's summary from Codex C is printed here.
A final historic document is included in this section. Clark made an undated table of distances in his Field Notes (documents 66 and 67) in which he added the latitudes of prominent points along the Missouri besides giving the mileage figures which correspond to his summary in Codex C. Similar material is also found in Codex C, p. 247, but much abbreviated, and in Voorhis No. 4, also less detailed.
The final item in this section is a combined table of Lewis and Clark's lists of the Missouri's affluents together with their modern equivalents. On the left is a combination of all the streams and points mentioned by the men in their various lists, while the material on the right identifies the places by their modern names. In some instances it has been difficult to determine the exact river, creek, or island to which the captains refer, therefore the date of the expedition's passing of the site is noted. The same is done for points that are disputed or for those which involve considerable discussion. At the relevant date and in the journal entry's notes readers will find a full discussion of the locale. The identifications are taken from the annotation to the daily entries, where readers will find sources for these determinations. Locations given for streams refer to their mouths.
Lewis[undated, winter 1804—5]
A Summary view of the Rivers and Creeks, which discharge thems[elves] into the Missouri; containing a discription of their characters and peculiarities, their sources and connection with other rivers and Creeks, the quality of the lands, and ther apparent face of the country through which they pass, and the width, and distance of their entrances from each other; to which is also added a short discription of some of the most remarkable points and places on the Missouri; taken from the information of Traders, Indians & others; together with our own observations, from the junction of that river with the Mississippi, to Fort Mandan.—
The confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers is situated in 89° 57' 45" Longitude West from Greenwich, and 38° 55' 19.6" North Latitude. Ascending the Missouri from hence, at the distance of 21 miles, you arrive at the Village of St. Charles, situated on the North bank of the river, in a narrow tho' elivated plain, which is bounded in the rear by a range of small hills; hence the appellation of Petit cote, a name by which, this village is better known to the inhabitants of the Illinois, than that of St. Charles. The village is bisected or divided into two equal parts by one prinsipal streed about a mile in length, runing nearly parallel with the river. It contains a Chapple, one hundred dwelling houses and about 450 inhabitants. the houses are generally small and but illy constructed. a great majority of the inhabitants are miserably poor, illiterate, and when at home, excessively lazy; tho' they are polite, hospitable and by no means deficient in point of natural genious. they live in great harmony among themselves, and place as implicit confidence in the doctrines of their speritual pastor, (the Roman Catholic priest) as they yeald passive obedience to the will of their temporal master, the Commandant. A small garden of vegetables is the usual extent of their cultivation. this labour is commonly imposed on the old men and boys;— those in the vigor of life view the cultivation of the soil as a degrading employment, and in order to gain the necessary subsistence for themselves and families, either under take hunting voyages on their own account, or engage themselves as hirelings to such as posses sufficient capital to extend their traffic to the natives to the interior parts of the country. on those voyages in either case, they are frequently absent from their families or homes, the term of six, twelve, or eighteen months, during which time they are always subjected to severe and incessant labour, exposed to the ferosity of the lawless savages, the vicissitudes of weather and climate, and dependant on chance and accedent alone, for food, raiment, or relief in the event of malady; yet they undertake those voyages with cheerfullness, and prefer the occupation of the hunter, or engage, to that of the domestic, and independent farmer.—
Ascending the Missoury at the distance of 12 miles, Bonhomme Creek discharges itself on the S. side. it is 23 yards wide at it's entrance, is of no great length, passes through a fertile well timbered country, inhabited by American emigrants principally.—
at the distance of 9 miles higher up we pass the mouth of the Osage woman's river, which discharges itself on the N. side; it is 30 yards wide at it's entrance, heads with two small streams which discharge themselves into the Mississippi a small distance above the mouth of the Illinois River, is navigable for perogues some miles during the spring season, and waters a fertile well timbered country inhabited by about fifty American families. this part of the country is generally called Boon's settlement, having derived it's name from it's first inhabitant Colo. Daniel Boon, a gentleman well known in the early settlement of the state of Kentuckey.
About 9 miles higher up, and 69, from the Mississippi, Chaurette Creek falls in on the N. side. it is 20 yards wide at it's mouth, waters a tolerable country well covered with timber, but is of no great extent. it heads with the waters of the River O cuivre a branch of the Mississippi.—immediately below the mouth of this creek five French families reside, who subsist by hunting and a partial trade w[h]ich they mantain with a few detatched Kickapoos who hunt in their neighbourhood. this is the last settlement of white persons which we meet with in ascending the Missouri.
At the distance of 34 miles high up the Gasconade disembogues on the S. side behind a small Island covered with willow. at it's entrance it is 157 yards wide, but is much narrower a little distance up, and is not navigable, (hence the name gasconade) this river is of no great length, heads with the Marameg & St. Francis rivers. the country watered by this river, is generally broken, thickly covered with timber and tolerably fertile. the hills which border on the Missouri near the mo[u]th of this river are about
300 feet high, containing excellent limestone in great abundance. I have observed in ascending the Missouri to this place, that whenever the river washes the base of the hills on either side, it discloses large quarries of this stone, lying in horizontal stratas, from ten to 40 feet in thickness. this stone is of light brown colour, with a smal tint of blue; fracture imperfect conchoidal; when broken it presents the appearance of a variety of small shells and other marine substances, of which it seems to be entirely composed. in this solid and massive rock, are inclosed stones of yellowish bron flint, of bulbous and indeterminate shapes, from an ounce to ten or twelve pounds weight. these stratas of limestone are not unusually found overlaying a strata of freestone, or soft sandstone, from two to twenty feet in thickness. this stone produces lime of an excellent quality, and is the same—with that, which makes it's appearance on the Mississippi from Cape Gerrardeau, to the entrance of the Missouri.
Ffteen miles higher up pass Muddy River which falls in on the N side. this river waters a most delightfull country; the land lies well for cultivation, and is fertile in the extreem, particularly on the Missouri, both above and below this river for many miles; it is covered with lofty and excellent timber, and supplyed with an abundance of fine bould springs of limestone water. this river is 50 yards wide several miles above it's mouth.—
2 miles higher up Muddy creek discharges itself; it is 20 yards wide at it's mouth, heads with cedar Creek, and the branches of Muddy river. the country through which it passes is similar to that last mentioned.—
At the distance of 19 miles higher up, you arrive at the mouth of the Osage River; being 137 miles from the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi. it is 397 yards wide at it's mouth, opposite to which, the Missouri is 875 yards wide. it disembogues on the S. side just above a cluster of small Islands. it takes it's rise in an open country of Plains and Praries, with some of the Northern branches of the Arkansas; some of it's tributary streams on it's North side, also have their souces in a similar country, with the Southern branches of the Kanzas river. The rivers Arkansas and Kanzas circumscribe the length of this river, and interlock their brances to the West of it. The country watered by this river, is generally level fertile, tho' it is more broken on the lower portion of the river; the bottom lands are wide, well timbered, and but partially liable to inundation; the soil consists of a black rich loam many feet in debth. the uplands also consist of a dark loam overlaying a yellow or red clay; a majority of the country consist of plains intersperced with groves of timber. the timber still diminishes in quantity as you proceed Westwardly with the river. on the South side of this river 30 leagues below the Osage Village, there is a large lick, at which some specimenes of the bones of the Mammoth have been found; these bones ar said to be in considerable quantities, but those which have been obtained as yet, were in an imperfect state.Mr. Peter Chouteau, a gentleman of St. Louis, mande an attempt some years since to explore this lick, but was compelled to desist from his labour, in consequence of the quantity of water discharged into the lick from a neighbouring spring, which he had not the means or the leasure to divert; since which time, no further attempt has been made. The specimens obtained by Mr. Couteau were large; but much mutilated. the Osage river is navigable 120 leages for boats and perogues of eight or ten tons burthen, during the fall and spring seasons; in winter it's navigation is obstructed by ice, and during the Summer months it experiences an unusual depression of it's waters, a characteristic of most streams, which have their sources in an open plain country, or which, in their courses pass through a majority of that discription of lands. the bed of the river is generally composed of mud, gravel and sand, and is but little obstructed by rocks or driftwood.—
At the distance of five miles above the mouth of the Osage river, Murrow Creek falls in on the S side, 20 yards wide at it's mouth and navigable for perogues a few miles. it takes it's rise with the waters of the Osage river and those of Salt river (branch of the Missouri) it traverses in it's course to the Missouri, a tolerable country, well timbered and waterd. the mouth of this creek is the point at which the Saukes, Foxes, and Ayauways usually pass this river wars with the Osages.—
7 miles higher up, Cedar Creek falls in on the N. side, above an Island, on which there is Cedar, hence the name of the creek. it heads with muddy creek, and passes through a delightfull country in it's course to the Missouri. it is well timbered and abounds in springs of excellent water.—
at the distance of ten miles further you pass the mouth of Good-woman's Creek, about 20 yards wide. opposite to the entrance of this creek the Missouri washes the base of a high hill which is said to contain lead ore, ore surch for this ore however pruved unsuccessfull and if it does contain ore of any kind, it must be concealed. this Creek takes it rise in the highlands with Split rock Creek and passes through a fertile country well timbered and watered. in the last nine miles of it's course it passes through an extensive fertile bottom nearly parallel with the Missouri.—
Nine miles higher you pass the mouth of Manitou Creek on the S. Side. it is but a small creek head a few miles back in an open country; the land abut it's entrance on the Missouri are of an excellent quality and covered with good timber.—
Nine miles further Split rock Creek discharges itself on the N. side, twenty yards wide and navigable for perogues some miles. it waters a well timbered country; the land about the mouth, appears to be of the second quality, or a least inferior to that heretofore seen in ascending the Missouri.—
at the distance of 3 miles, still ascending, Salt river disembogues on the S. side; being 180 miles from the entrance of the Missouri. it is 30 yards wide and navigable for perogues 40 or 50 miles; passes through a delightfull country, intersperced with praries. so great is the quantity of salt licks and springs on this river that it's waters are said to be brackish at certain seasons of the year. one large lick and spring are situated on it's S. E. bank about nine miles from the Missouri. this river heads with the waters of the Osage river, Murrow Creek, and Mine river.—
Ascending the Missouri ten miles further we arrive at the entrance of Manitou river, which disembogues on the N. side, just below a high clift of limestone rock, in which we found a number of rattle snakes of large size. this stream is about 30 yards wide, and is navigable for perogues some miles. about three miles from the Missouri on the lower side of this river there are three small springs of salt water which do not appear to be of the best quality. the country about the mouth of this river, particularly on it's lower side, is a charming one; the soil fertile in the extreme, and well covered with excellent timber. the country on the upper portion of this river is but little known.—
At the distance of nine miles further, Good-woman's river falls in on the N side; it is 35 yards wide at it's entrance; meanders through an extensive rich bottom nearly parallel with the Missouri for some miles before it discharges itself. it is navigable for perogues 15 or 20 miles, waters a fine farming country interspeced with open plains and praries, and heads with the little Shariton river.—
At the distance of nine miles Mine river discharges itself on the S. side. it derives it's name from some lead mines which are said to have been discoved on it, tho' the local situation, quality, or quantity of this ore, I could never learn. this river is 70 yards wide at it's entrance, navigable for perogues 80 or 90 miles, and through the greater part of it's course runs parellel with the Missouri; at the distance of 70 miles up this river it is only 5 leagues distant from the Missouri. it takes it's rise in an open hilly country with Bluewater river and some of the Northern branches of the Osage river. the courant of this river is even and gentle. The country through which it passes is generally fertile, and consists of open plains and praries intersperced with groves of timber. near it's entrance, the country is well timbered and watered, and the lands are of a superior quality.
Twenty two miles higher up the two Shariton rivers discharge themselves on the N. side, the smaller failing into the larger on it's lower side at a small distance from the Missouri. the little Shariton river heads with Good-woman's river, and is 30 yards wide at it's entrance; this country has not been much explored, the portion of it which is known is fertile, and consists of a mixture of praries and woodlands. The larger Shariton is 70 yards wide above the entrance of the smaller, and is navigable for perogues nearly to it's source. it takes it's rise near the Red Cedar river a Western brance of the river Demoin. the country through which it passes is level, and fertile, consisting of an irregular mixure of woodlands and praries, each alternately predominating in different parts.
Twenty two miles higher up, the Grand river disembogues on the N. side just above a beatifull and extensive prarie in which the ancient village of the Missouris was situated. Old Fort Orleans is said to have stood on the lower point of an Island a few miles below this place, no traces of that work are to be seen. this river is 90 yards wide at it's entrance and is said to be navigable for boats and perogues a 〈very〉 considerable distance. it heads with the Rackoon river a branch of the Demoin. The country through which it passes is similar to that discribed on the large Shariton river. about the entrance of this river the lands are extreemly fertile; consisting of a happy mixture of praries and groves, exhibiting one of the most beatifull and picteresk seens that I ever beheld.—
At the distance of eight miles Snake creek falls in on the N. side. 18 yards wide at it's entrance. it runs parallel with the Missouri nearly it's whole extent, passing through a delightfull country, well timbered and watered.—
Thirty seven miles higher up Tigers Creek falls in on the N. side, opposite to the upper point of a large island. some excellent bottom lands in the neighbourhood of it's mouth; interior country not known.—
Fifteen miles higher up Eubert's river and Creek fall in on the S. side, opposite to an island, which concealed their entrances from our view. they are but small streams, head with the Mine river, and water an excellent country, consisting of a mixture of praries and woodlands.—
Twenty six miles further Hay Cabbin Creek falls in on the S. side. it heads near the Bluewater river and passes through a good country. the land is very fine and well timbered near it's mouth.—
Seventeen miles above, Bluewater river falls in on the S. side; 36 yards wide at it's entrance; and navigable but a short distance. it has one considerable fall, and several rappids well situated for water-works. it heads in an open country with Mine river, and passes through a roling country. the lands are tolerably good; it's bottom lands are wide, fertile and sufficiently covered with good timber; some beatifull natural meadows are also seen on it's borders.—
Still assending the Missouri, at the distance of 9 miles the Kanzas river disembogues itself on the South side; being 364 miles from the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi. This river takes it's rise not very distant from the principal branch of the Arkanas in a high broken sandy country, forming the Southern extremity of the black hills. from hence it takes it's course nearly East about 300 leagus through fertile and leavel, plains & praries, intersperced with groves of timbered land; it then enters a country equally fertile and well timbered, through which it meanders about 20 leagues further and discharges itself into the Missouri. it has been navigated 200 leagues and there is good reason to believe from the appearance of the river and country at that point that it is navigable for perogues much further perhaps nearly to it's source. The rivers Platte and Arkansas interlock their branches West of this stream. there are no obstructions to the navigation of the Kanzas, it's current is gentle, and the bed of the river composed of soft loam, gravel and sand; in the summer and autumn it's waters are transparent. about ¾ of a mile from the entrance of this river on it's North side there is a handsome bluff about 100 feet high, which furnishes an excellent situation for a fortication; there is an abundance of excellent timber for the purpose immediately at the place.— The Colateral branches of this river, and the most remarkable places on the same so far as we have been enabled to inform ourselves are as follow—
Names of Creeks rivers &
remarkable placesdistances
from each
otherdistances
of each
from the
Mouth of
the Kanzaswidth in
yardsthe side of
the Kanzas
into which
they fallThe three rivers, near
each other and about the
same size 10 20N.The Stanger's wife river 5 15 35N.Bealette's Creek 3 18 22N.Wor-rah-ru za river 1 19 40S.Grasshopper Creek 2 21 25N.Heart river10 31 30N.The old Kanzas Village 9 40N.Full river 5 45 50S.Black-paint river27 72 38N.Bluewater river and the
present village of theKanzas just below 8 80 60N.Me-war-ton-nen-gar Creek 5 85 18N.War-ho-ba Creek 3 88 15S.Republican river15103200N.Solomon's Creek12115 30N.Little salt Creek10125 30N.
On the West side of the Republican river, about sixty leagues above it's junction with the Kanzas, a small creek falls in on the S. W. side, called Salt creek, the water of this creek is excessively salt. salt in it's dry and granulated state, is to be found in large quantities on the borders of this stream throughout it's whole extent; the earth on which it forms, is remarkably furm, and the salt can be readily collected, free from any extranious substance, by sweeping with a brush of feathers.—
Ten miles higher up the Little river Platte falls in on the N. side, 60 yards wide at it's entrance. it heads in open plains between the Nadawa and grand rivers, and through the principal part of it's course passes through high open plains interspersed with groves of timber. 6 or seven leagues before it discharges itself into the Missouri, it meanders through a high fertile well timbered bottom nearly parallel with that river, and receives in it's course severall handsom creeks, which discharge themselves into it from the hills. at the distance of 12 leagues it's navigation is obstructed by a considerable fall, above which, it is shallow and interrupted by such a number of rappids, that it is no further practicable. This fall, and many of the rapids afford excellent situations for gristmills, and other waterworks.—
Twenty five miles further Turkey Creek falls in on the S. side. this creek is but small, passes through open bottoms nearly parallel with the Missouri, and in rear of an Old Kanzas Village. This creek once furnished water to an old French garrison situated near it's mouth.—
Thirty three miles further Independance creek falls in on the S. side, a little below the second old village of the Kansas; is 22 yards wide at it's mouth; it possesses some excellent bottom lands, and waters a beatifull and fertile country consisting of high open plains and praries principally; on it's borders, and about it's entrance there is a sufficient quantity of timber. it takes it's rise with the Stranger's wife river, and the waters of Woolf river. we knew of no name by which this creek was called, and therefore gave it that of Independance, from the circumstance of our having arrived at it's mouth on the 4th of July 1804.—
At the distance of 48 miles higher up Nodaway river discharges itself on the N. side nearly opposite to the upper point of a large Island, which bears it's name. it is 70 yards wide some miles above it's mouth, and is navigable for perogues a very considerable distance. it takes it's rise with grand River, Nish-nah-ba-to-na, and the waters of the river Demoin; and passes in it's course to the Missouri through a fine fertile country, consisting of a mixture of woodlands and plains; the lands about it's mouth are well timbered and waterd.—
Fourteen miles further up the Missouri, Woolf river discharges itself on the S. side. it is 60 yards wide at it's entrance, and navigable for perogues a considerable distance; takes it's rise with the waters of the Kanzas and Ne-ma-haw rivers, and in it's course to the Missouri passes through a level fertile country principally open plains and praries, tho' generally well watered and possesses a sufficient quantity of timber on it's borders and near it's mouth. great quantities of grapes, plumbs & raspberries are found in the neighbourhood of this stream.—
Sixteen miles higher up, Big Ne-ma-har falls in on the S. side, opposite to an Island covered with willows; it is 80 yards wide, and navigable for large boats some distance, and for perogues nearly to it's source. it heads with Blue-water river, branch of the Kanzas, and throught it's whole course, passes through rich, and level plains, and praries. there is some timber on it's borders, and about it's entrance, it's tributary streams are also furnished with some timber. the country is well watered.
Three miles further the Tarkio Creek falls in on the N. side; twenty three yards wide at it's entrance; it is navigable for perogues a short distance. it heads with the Nadiway and passes through a tolerable country of plains and woodlands.—
Twenty five miles higher up The Nish-nah-ba-to-na River discharges itself opposite to the lower point of an Island on the N. Side, and is 50 yards in width at it's entrance. it heads with the Nadawa river and passes through a fertile country deversifyed with plains meadows and woodlands; considerable bodys of the latter appear in some parts of this country. at the Bald-pated prarie, it enters the Missouri bottom and approaches that river within 300 paces, when it returns again to the highlands, and continues it's course along the foot of the same about 30 miles before it discharges itself. at the Bald pated prarie it is 40 yards wide, possesses considerable debth of water, and is navigable many miles; the country lying between the Missouri and this river from the Balld pated prarie nearly to it's mouth, is one of the most beautiful, level and fertile praries that I ever beheld; it is from one to three miles in width. there is a considerable quantity of timber on the banks of the Missouri, and but little on the Nishnabatona.—
At the distance of eight miles higher up, the Little Ne-ma-har River falls in on the S. side, 40 yards wide. it heads with salt River branch of the River Platte, and passes through an open fertile country inersperced with groves of timber. it is navigable some miles for large perogues.— there are several handsome streams of fine water, which fall into the Missouri both above and below the mouth of this river in it's neighbourhood.—
Fifty two miles higher up, Weeping water Creek falls in on the S. side. it is 25 yards wide at it's entrance, heads in high broken plains near Salt river, and passes through a roling country, mostly uncovered with timber and not very fertile there is a scant proportion of timber on it banks and some clumps of trees are scattered over the face of the country. there is some handsom bottom lands on this stream, and the country is generally well wartered.—
Thirty two miles higher up, and distant 630 [blank] from the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi, the great river Platte disembogues on the S. side. The steady, regular, and incessant velocity of this stream, is perhaps unequaled by any on eath; notwithstanding it's great rapidity the surface of the water continues smooth, except when occasionally interrupted by a boiling motion, or ebullition of it's waters. this motion of the water, is also common to the Missouri, and Mississippi, below the mouth of that river and always takes place in the most rapid part of the current; in this manner the water, is seen to rise suddenly many inches higher than the common surface, then breaking with a rappid and roling motion extends itself in a circular manner in every direction arround interrupting the smooth, tho' rappid surface of the water for many yards. this ebullition of the water of those rivers, is a singular phenomenon, nor do I know to what cause to attribute it, unless it be, the irregular motion of large masses of sand and mud at their bottoms, which are constantly changing their positions. The bed of the river Platte is composes almost entirely of white sand, the particles of which, are remarkably small and light; these collecting, from large masses, which being partially buoyed up, are hurryed along at the bottom by this impetuous torrent, with irresistible force; sometimes obstructed by each other, suddonly stop; and form large sandbars in the course of a few hours, which are again as suddenly dissipated to form others, and to give place perhaps to the deepest channel of the river. From the experiments and observations we are enabled to make, with rispect to the comparitive velocity of the currents of the Mississippi, Missouri and Platte rivers, it results, that a vessel will float in the Mississippi below the mouth of the Missouri, at the rate of four mils an hour; in the Missouri from it's junction with the Mississippi to the entrance of Osage river at the rate of 5½ to 6 miles an hour; from thence to the Kanzas, from 6½ to 7; from thence to the Platte, from 5½ to 6 miles an hour, while that of the Platte is at least 8. The current of the Missouri above the entrance of the Platte is equal to about 3½ miles an hour as far as the mouth of the Chyenne river, when it abates to about 3 miles an hour, with which it continues as far as we have yet ascended it, and if we can rely on the information of the Indians, it's current continues about the same to the falls of the Missouri, situated five hundred miles above Fort Mandan.
The river Platte does not furnish the Missouri with it's colouring matter, as has been asserted by some; but it throws into it immence quanties of sand, and gives a celerity to it's current, of which it does not abate untill it joins the Mississippi. The water of the Platte is turbid at all seasons of the year, but it is by no means as much so, as that of the Missouri; the sediment it deposits consists of small particals of white sand, while that of the Missouri is composed principally of a dark rich loam in much greater quantity.— This river has in some few instances been navigated as high as the Pania Village with perogues, but is attended with infinate labour and risk. Hunters have also ascended this river in small canoes as high as the Woolf river, a distance of 35 leagues; and the savages sometimes decend in small leather canoes made of a Buffaloe's skin. When the Plat enters the Missouri it's superior force changes and directs the current of the latter aginst it's Northern bank, compressing it [blank] within a channel of not more than one fifth of the width it had just before occupyed. this river is 600 yards wide at it's entrance; and when we passed it, on the 21st of July, it's greatest debth of water was five feet. we were informed by one of our engages, who is well acquainted with this river for a considerable distance, that in many places it was from two to three miles wide, containing great numbers of small islands and sandbars, and that the navigation became wose, the higher he ascended. the banks of this river are very low, yet it is said, that it very seldom overflows them, or rises more than about 6 feet perpendicular above it's lowest tide.—
The position of the head of the Southern, or main branch of this river is not well asscertained; on connecting the sources of the rivers better known, it appears most probable, that it takes it's rise in the Rockey, or shineing Mountains with the Bravo or North river[Rio Grande], and the Yellow stone river, branch of the Missouri; from whence it takes it's course nearly East, passing the heads of the Arkansas at no great distance from Santa Fee, continues it's rout to the Missouri, through immence level and fertile plains and meadows, in which, no timber is to be seen except on it's own borders and those of it's tributary streams. commencing at the Missouri and ascending this river, it's principal subsidiary streams are first the Salt river, seven leagues distant, falls in on the S. side, and is 50 yards in width. this stream is however more remarkable for the excellency of it's salt licks and springs than for it's magnitude. the whole courant of this river is brackis in the Summer season quite to it's mouth. There are three principal salines on this stream; the first at the distance of 50 miles from it's mouth, and the others at no great distance above; two of these furnis considerable quantities of salt in it's dry and granulated state, the other furnishes Salt both granulated, and in compact masses. the granulated salt is found on the surface of a compact and hard earth composed of fine sand with a small proportion of clay producing no vegitable substance of any kind and is easily collected by sweeping it together with a soft broom or brush of feathers. the massive salt is formed by concretion, and is found either on the surface of the earth over which the water passes, or adhering to stones sticks or other furm substances washed by the salt water in it's passage. I have obtained no satisfactory account of any fossil salt being found in Louisiana, altho' repeated enquiries have been made off such as possess the best information of the interior parts of the country; I am therefore disposed to believe, that those travellers who have reported it's exhistance, must have mistaken this massive salt, formed by concretion, for that substance. saltpetre has been found in it's crystallized state in some limestone caverns near the head of this river.—
Thre leagues above the salt river a beatifull clear and gentle stream called Corne des Cerfe, or hart's horn river discharges itself on the N. side. it is about sixty yards wide. it takes it's rise in some sandy plains between the Wolf River and the Quecurre; thence tuning Eastwardly approaches the Missouri within a few leagues opposite to the entrance of the Sioux river, thence veering about the S. E. passes through a fertile level country, parallel with the Missouri to the River Platte. it is navigable a considerable distance for canoes and light perogues. there is but little timber in the country though which it passes.—
Ascending the Platte five leagues further you pass the village of the Ottoes and Missouris situated on the S. side. 15 leagues higher up and on the same side, the Panias Proper, and Republican Panias reside in one large village. five leagues further still ascending, the Wolf river falls in on the N. side. 400 hundred yards wide, and is navigable for Perogues between 4 and 500 miles, and for large boats a very considerable distance. This stream takes it's rise in a remarkable large fountain, situated in a level plain, equadistant between the rivers Quicurre and Plat, at some little distance below the Cote noir or Black Hills; from whence it passes through level and fertile plains and meadows in which there is scarcely a tree to be seen except on it's own borders, and those of it's tributary streams. the current of this river is gentle and sufficiently deep; it's bed is composed principally of a brown sand, unbroken by rocks or drift wood, and has no rappids worthy of notice from it's source to it's mouth.—
At the distance of seventy five leagues higher up, Ringing Water river falls in on the S. side about 300 yards wide. heads in the Black hills near the source of the Kanzas, and passes through an open tho' broken country about half it's course; it then descends into a level and fertile country composed almost entirely of open plains and meadows through which it passes to the Platte.—
Just above the black hills, though which the Platte passes, a large river said to be nearly as large as the South fork, falls in on the N. side, after haveing continued it's rout along the Western side of the Black hills for a very considerable distance. the distance from the entrance of this river to the mouth of the Platte is not well asscertained. This is usually called the Paducas fork; it heads with the Bighorn river, branch of the Yellow Stone, in some broken ranges of the Rockey mountains. it's upper portion passes through a hilly, broken and Mountanous country, possessing considerable quantities of timber; it then descends to a plain open and level country lying between the Rockey Mounts and the black hills, through which it passes to join the Platte. there are some considerable bodies of woodland on and near this stream.—
The smaller branches of the rivers Platte & Wolf so far as they are known to us are as follows; they uniformly water a level open country generally fertile.—
Names of streams
falling into the Plattedistances
from theMissouri
in leagueswidth
in yardsside of the
river on
which they
dischargeShell river2730N.Short Leg river4030S.The Falling Creek7020S.Tose of the Loups,
or Wolf RiverLittle willow Creek4225N.Mustle shell Creek4520N.Elk Creek4926S.Gravley Creek5420S.White Bluff creek6420S.Deepwater Creek7925S.
[Ed: Here is placed Clark's fuller table of affluents of the Platte and Loup rivers from an undated document at the Missouri Historical Society. Lewis's narrative resumes immediately after the table.]
The names of Rivers, Creeks and the most Remarkable places on the Platt River, from information
Distances fromone place to theother in LeaguesDistances fromthe Missouri bywater, in LeaguesThe Width ofthe Rivers &Creeks in yards—The side onwhich they mouthor are Situatedeither N or STo the mouth of the Salene or Salt River7750S E " " " Corne des Cerfe or HartsHorn River31060N. W.To the Ottoes Village515—S.To the Panies Creek102520STo the mouth Coque, or Shel River22730NTo the Grand Ponia Village330—S.To the Fork of the River or mouth of Loup
or Wolf River535400N " " mouth of Short Leg River up the plate54030S. " " " of Deer Creek do125228S. " " " of falling Creek187020STo the forks River called Ringing Water
about Up the Wolf Fork40110300STo the pt. Saule or little Willow Creek74225N. " " Mustle Shell Creek34520N " " Elk 〈River〉 Creek44926S " " Graveley Creek55420S " " White Bluff Creek106425S.To the Loups or Wolf Villages on this River771—N " " Deep Water Creek87925S
Three miles above the entrance of the river PlatteButterfly Creek falls in on the S. side, 18 yards wide, heads in the plains between the Hart's Horn river and the Missouri; the courntry fertile with but little timber.—
7 miles higher Musquetoe Creek falls in on the N. side; it is 22 yards wide and heads with the Nishnahbatona river in an open country. the Missouri bottom through which it passes is about 6 miles wide, level, extreemly fertile and about one half well covered with timber.
20 miles further Indian Creek falls in opposite to the lower point of an Island on the N. side, three miles above an old Ayouway's village. it heads in the highlands a few miles back; passes through the Missouri bottom and approaches the river within 20 feet, 6 miles above it's entrance; at this point it is 5 feet higher than the water of the Missouri. it is 15 yards wide.—
8 miles higher up Bowyer's river falls in on the N. side. it is 25 yards wide, and navigable for perogues some distance; passes through a country tolerably fertile, with but little timber.—
Twelve miles above the mouth of Bowyer's river we arrive at the Council Bluff on the S. side. this is one of the points, which in our statistical view of the Indian Nations of Louisiana, we have recommended as an eligible position for a trading establishment. it is a delightfull situation for a fortification, & commands a view of the river both above and below for a considerable distance. the base of the Bluff is washed by the river about a mile; it is about 60 feet high & nearly perpendicular; as it's lower extremity it leaves the river nearly at right angles, descending with a handsome and regular declivity on it's lower side about forty feet to a high, level, fertile and extensive bottom, lying between itself and the river. the top of the bluff is a level plain from one to two miles in width, and about five miles in length. This place would be sufficiently convenient for the Ottoes, Missouris, Panias Proper, Panias, Loups, Panias Republican, Poncaras, Mahas, & the Yanktons Ahnah. if peace is established between the various tribes of Indians inhabiting this immence country, it is more than probable, that this post would also be visited by manty of those wandering bands, who inhabit the country west of the black hills. The principal difficulty which will attend the erection of a fortification at this place is the want of proper timber with which to build. there is a sufficient quantity of a species of poplar common to all the bottom lands of the Missouri, called by the French inhabitants of the Illinois—Liard, and by the Americans Cotton-wood. it is a soft white wood, by no means dureable, and of which it is extreemly difficult to make plank or scantling. There is some oak in the neighbourhood but it is of an inferior quality. I concieve that the cheepest and best method would be to build of brick, the eath appears to be of an excellent quality for brick, and both lime and sand are convenient. The drift wood of the Missouri will always supply a sufficient quantity of fuell independant of that in the neighbourhood. with rispect to quality and quantity of timber, this bluff is better situated than any other for upwards of a thousand miles above it, and equal to any below it for many miles.—
Leaving the council Bluff and ascending the Missouri 39 miles we arrive at the mouth of Soldier's river 30 yards wide. it heads with the river Demoin, and passes to the Misouri through an open, level and fertile country. is navigable for Perogues a considerable distance.
44 miles further up Ye-yeau War da-pon or stone river falls in on the N. side. this river is known to the traders of the Illinois by the name of little Sioux river, but as they have given the appellation of Sioux to four distinct streams we thought it best to adopt the name given it by the Siouxs, to whos country it's entrance forms the lower boundary on the Missouri. this stream is 80 yards wide at it's entrance; takes it's rise in a small lake nine miles distant from the River demoin, with which, it communicates in high water through a small channel; the river demoin is but shallow at this point tho' it is 70 or 80 yards wide, and said to be navigable. this stream is navigable from it's souce to the Missouri for perogues or canoes, passes through a broken country with but little timber. the land is tolerably fertile. an Easterly and most navigable fork of this river is formed by the discharge of Lake Dispree [d'Esprit], 22 leagues in circumference; this lake is long not very wide and approaches the river demoin within 15 miles. the country between the Demoin and Lake Dispree is level, with but little timber, and interrupted with a number of small lakes or ponds.—
From the entrance of the ye-yeau War-da-pon, to the Old Maha Village, a distance of 100 miles, there is not a single stream which discharges itself into the Missouri, that is worthy of notice. The Maha creek, on which the last village occupyed by that nation was situated at some little distance from the Missouri, discharges itself on the S. side through several channels. this creek is but small, takes it's rise in some level and fertile praries near the Hart's Horn river and passes through a delightfull country in it's course to the Missouri. the distance from the old Maha village to the Council Bluff is 90 miles by land.
16 miles higher up Floyds river falls in on the N. side 38 yards wide. This river is the smallest of those called by the trades of the Illinois the two rivers of the Sioux, but which with a view to discrimination, we have thought proper to call Floyd's river in honor of Sergt. Charles Floyd, a worthy and promising young man, one of our party who unfortunately died on the 20th of August 1804, and was buried on a high bluff just below the entrance of this stream. This river takes it's rise with the waters of the rivers Sioux and Demoin; from whence it takes it's course nearly S. W. to the Missouri, meandering through level and fertile, plains and meadows, intersperced with groves of timber. it is navigable for perogues nearly to it's source.
3 miles above Floyds river, The river Sioux disembogues on the N. side above a bluff; it is one hundred and ten yards wide at it's entrance, and navigable nearly to it's source; with the exception of one fall of about twenty feet high, situated 70 leagues from it's mouth. it takes it's rise with the St. Peter's and Vulter rivers, in a high broken and woody country called the Hills of the prarie. it waters a deversifyed country, generally level fertile and uncovered with timber; in some parts particularly near the falls, it is broken & stoney, and in others, intersected by a great number of small lakes which possess some timber generally on their borders. at no great distances below the falls and in a remarkable bend of the river, three handsom streams fall in on it's East Side at no great distance from each other; the 1st ascending is the Prickley Pear river, which takes it's rise in some small lakes near the Demoin. the 2nd The River of the Rock, passes the head of the River Demoin, and takes it's rise in small lakes. the third is called red pipe Stone river, which heads with the waters of the River St. Peters. the country watered by this last river is remarkable for furnishing a red stone, of which the savages make their most esteemed pipes. the Indians of many nations travel vast distances to obtain this stone, and it is ascerted, tho' with what justice I will not pretend to determine, that all nations are at peace with each other while in this district of country, or on the waters of this river.—
Sixty miles above the Sioux river the White Stone river discharges itself on the N. side. it is 30 yards wide at it's entrance, heads in a chain of Nobs West of the bend of the Sioux river, and passes in it's whole course through level beautifull and fertile plains and meadows entirely destitute of timber. it is not navigable.
20 miles higher up little bow creek falls in on the S side, below an old Maha village. it is 20 yards wide and waters a beautifull, fertile, plain, and open country. the remains of two small ancient fortifications, are found on this creek at a short distance from it's entrance.
12 Miles higher up, and distant 974 from the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi, the river James discharges itself; it is 90 yards wide, and navigable for perogues a very considerable distance; it's current is gentle and it's bed composed of mud and sand. it takes it's rise with Chyinme river, branch of Red river which discharges itself into Lake Winnipic. This steam passes through an open country of plains and meadows through it's whole course. the land is generally fertile, and a scant proportion of timber is found on the banks of the river. The Siouxs annually hold a fair on some part of this river, in the latter end of May. thither the Yanktons of the North, and the Sissitons, who trade with a Mr. Cammaron on the head of the St. Peter's river, bring guns, pouder & balls, Kettles, axes, knives, and a variety of European manufactures, which they barter to the 4 bands of Tetons and the Yanktons Ahnah, who inhabit the borders of the Missouri & upper part of the River Demoin, and receive in exchange horses, leather lodges, and buffaloe robes, which they have either manufactured, or plundered from other Indian nations on the Misouri and west of it. This traffic is sufficient to keep the Siouxs of the Missouri tolerably well supplyed with arms and amunition, thus rendering them independant of the trade of the Missouri, and enableing them to continue their piratical aggressions on all who attempt to ascend that river, as well as to disturb perpetually the tranquility of their Indian neighbours. I am perfectly convinced that untill such measures are taken by our government as will effectually prohibit all intercourse or traffic with the Siouxs by means of the rivers Demoin and St. Peters, that the Citizens of the United States can never enjoy, but partially, those important advantages which the navigation of the Missouri now presents. it appears to me that with the assistance of the garrisons of St. Louis, and Chicargoo, with the establishment of two others, the one at or near the entrance of the Oisconsin and the other on the Mississippi at Sand lake, that the passages of the trades to the rivers Demoin and St. Peters 〈might〉 would be sufficiently guarded. by prohibiting the trade with the Siouxs through the St. Peters and Demoin for a few years, they will be made to feel their dependance on the will of our government for their supplies of merchandize, and in the course of two or three years, they may most probably be reduced to order without the necessity of bloodshed. in the mean time the trade of the Missouri will be acquiring a strength, and regularity within itself, and an influence among other indian nations, which dould not be easily interrupted by the Siouxs, when the government should hereafter tink proper to reestablish an intercourse with them, through the channels of the St. Peter's and Demoin rivers.—
At the distance of 38 miles higher up Plumb Creek falls in on the N. side. this creek is but small, heads in the highlands a few miles back, and passes through beatifull level and fertile praries in it's course to the Missouri.—
8 miles higher up white Paint Creek falls in on the S. side, 28 yards in width. it takes it's rise in a broken Hilly and open country between the Quicurre and Hart's horn rivers. passes through a broken country with some handsome plains an[d] praries, it is not navigable. but possesses many excellent situations for grist mills and other waterworks.
6 miles above this creek and at the distance of 1026 from the entrance of the Missouri, the River Quiccurre [X: Qui-court] or rappid river, discharges itself on the S. side; where it is one hundred and fifty two yards wide. this river takes it's rise in the Black hills, about one hundred leagues West of it's mouth, and passes through a variagated country. at it's source and for seventy five leagues below the country is mountanous rockey and thickly covered with timber, principally pine; the bed of the river is interrupted by immence quanties of loose and broken rocks, many ledges of
rocks also lie acoss this stream over which it tumbles perpendicularly from 6 to 15 feet. in this country the Indians as well as some of the French hunters report the existence many mines. some of lead, others of a metal resembleing lead, but of a lighter colour more dense & equally malleable; it is not stated to be silver. this metal is said to be readily extracted from it's ore which is a loose earth, with the heat of a common fire of wood. there are said to be some sand plains of considerable extent lying between the upper portion of this river and the Hart's Horn river. the country on it's lower portion for 25 leagues consists of open plains and meadows, with but a very small proportion of timber; the bed of the river here consists entirely of a coarse brown sand. the velocity of it's current is nearly or quite equal to that of Platte. it is not navigable a single mile.—
8 mile above the rappid rive, the Poncar river disembogues on the S side, 30 yards wide. Three miles from the moth of this river on it S. side the Poncars resided a few years since in a fortifyed village, but have now joined the Mahas and become a wandering people. Poncar river heads in the open plains not far from the mouth of White river, and runs nearly parallel with the Missouri passing through some tolerably fertile plains and meadows.—
At the distance of 114 miles higher up, White river discharges itself on the S. side. it is 300 yards wide at it's entrance, and is navigable for boats and perogues for many leagues. this river is perfectly the Missouri in miniture, resembleing it in every particular. it takes it's rise short of the black hills, with the waters of the Cyenne and rappid rivers, in an open country; from whence it passes through level and fertile plains & meadows, in which there is scarsely any timber to be seen. some pine most probably grows on it's borders, I discovered several sticks of that timber among the driftwood at it's entrance.
22 Miles higher up, the Three rivers of the Siouxs pass discharge themselves, on the N. side, opposite to a large Island well covered with timber. the 1st of these streams which we meet with as we ascend is 35 yards wide, and is navigable for perogues some distance, with a few obstructions of rappids or shoals. it heads with James's river, and possesses but little timber on it's borders. the country on the upper side of this river is a high level and fertile plain of many leagues in exten the lower side generally broken Praries, neither possessing any timber worthy of mention. the other two streams are small, extending only about 8 miles back, and water a country of high handsome and fertile plains, with but little timber.—
From hence to the commencement of the big bend is twenty miles; in this distance you pass four small Creeks, which discharge themselves on the S. side, and one on the N. side; these creek take their rise at the distance of 6 or 7 miles in the open plains, and possess but little timber. the bottoms of the Missouri are generally wide and but badly timbered. the big bend of the Missouri lies in a circular form, and is 30 miles around, while it is only one mile and a quarter across the gorge.—
5 miles above the uper extremity of this bend Tylor's river falls in, on the S. side. this river is about 35 yards wide, and is navigable some miles for perogues. it takes it's rise in an open country between the White river and river Teton, and passes through a level fertile and open country. below the mouth of this river on the Missouri there is an extensive bottom well covered with timber, consisting principally of red cedar.
55 miles higher up, the Teton River discharges itself on the S. side. this river is seventy yards wide, and is navigable for perogues many leagues. it heads with the waters of the Chyenne and White rivers, and passes through open and fertile plains and meadows. possesses some timber on it's borders, as do also it's tributary streams. in these plains there is rarely an instance of a tree to be seen.—
47 miles above the entrance of the Teton river and 1327 from the Mouth of the Missouri, the rive Chyenne disembogues on the S. side, and is about 400 yards wide at it's entrance, and is navigable for perogues to it's forks near the black hills, a distance of 200 Miles by land, nearly due west from it's entrance. The Northern branch of this river penetrates the Black hills, and passes through a high broken well timbered country to it's source, the Southern fork takes it's rise in the Black hills, on their E side, and passes through a broken country covered with timber, to it's junction with the N fork; from whence united, they take their course through a woody and broken country fror some few leagus, then entering an open fertile and level country it continues it's rout to the Missouri the timber of the Black hills, and on this river near them, consists of pine and Cedar principally; on it's lower portion Cottonwood and Cedar, of which however there is but a scant proportion and that confined immediately to the river hills and bottoms. about the entrance of this river we have recommended an establishment for the purpose of trading with the Indians. it's position is central and sufficiently convenient for a number of Nations and tribes; but the difficulty of procuring timber for the purpose of building is very considerable, tho' in this particular it is equal to any other for an emence distance both above and below it. a difficulty also arises with rispect to lime of which there is none in it's neighbourhood. large quantities of tar may be procured on the river near the Black hills, and may be readily brought down the river. tar and sand in the proportion of one gallon to the Bushel, make a furm and strong cement. if an establishment is made at this place, the work must of necessity be principally formed of brick; there being no stone and but little timber. the drift-wood of the Missouri will supply an ample quantity of fuell.—
78 miles higher up, Otter Creek falls in on the N. side, 22 yards wide, navigable a few miles in high water. it takes it's rise in open plains nearly E. of it's entrance, and passes through a similar country; very little timber in it's vicinity.—
3 miles higher up, and on the S. side, the Sar-war-car-na river discharges itself, 90 yards wide. it is navigable for perogues 40 or 50 leagues; takes it's rise short of the Black Hills with the waters of the Chyenne; from whence it meanders through fertile and level plains and meadows, almost entirely destitue of timber.—
22 miles above, We-ter-hoo river discharges itself on the S. side. this stream is 120 yards wide; and may be navigated nearly to it's source in the Black Hills. It passes through a country simalar to that discribed on the Sar-war-kar-na.
2 miles higher up, and the same distance below an island on which the lower village of the Ricaras, the river Ma-ro-pa falls in, on the the S. side; it is 25 yards wide at it's entrance; takes it's rise about 5 leagues west of the entrance of the war-re-con-ne river, in open plains. it passes through an uneven roling country, without timber, and but badly watered, for the distance of about 50 miles, nearly parallel to the Missouri, before it discharges itself.— The Ricaras obtain a red and black earth on the borders of this stream, which they use for the purpose of painting their skins, or ornamenting their Buffaloes robes, which at all seasons of the year constitutes a principal article of their dress.—
Leaving the mouth of this river and ascend the Missouri, at the distance of 2½ miles you pass the 1st Ricara village, from 3½ to 4 miles further, you pass two others situated on the South side near the river. still ascending at the distance of 24 miles above the entrance of Ma-ro-pa river, the Stone Idol Creek falls in on the N. side; 18 yards wide. it heads in a small lake a few leagues distant and passes through a rich level plain; the land is fertile but without timber. a canoe can pass from the river to this lake.
37 miles higher up, Sar-kar-nah or Beaver Creek falls in on the N. side, at the lower point of an Island. about 20 yards wide, heads in some small lakes a few miles from the river, and passes through a level fertile and open country.
3 Miles further still ascending, and at the distance of 1498 miles from the entrance of the Missouri, War-re-con-ne river falls in on the N. side just above an island. it is 35 yards wide at it's entrance, and is navigable in high water to it's source. takes it's rise in an assemblage of small lakes, in level and open plains, not very distant from the head of James's river. in it's course to the Missouri it passes through extensive, level and fertile, plains and meadows, in which scarsely a tree is to be seen.—
13 miles higher up, the Cannon Ball river falls in on the S side, and is 140 yards wide. it is navigable for boats a considerable distance, with a few interruptions of rappids, and for perogues and Canoes nearly to it's source. it takes it's rise in a level country with the Chesschetar and the waters of the Wetarhoo rivers, from whence in it's course to the Misouri it passes through a variety of country, some broken & partially timbered, near it's source; other parts broken, hilly and bare of timber, and in others beautifull and extensive plains and meadows, with but little timber, all sufficiently fertile, and some extreemly so. there is some Cottonwood, Ash and Elm on it's borders.
5 miles higher up the Fish Creek discharges itself on the N Side; 28 yards wide. it takes it's rise in small lakes, in the open plains, and passes through handsome plains and meadows, in it's course to the Missouri; but little timber on it's borders.—
35 miles higher up, Ches-che-tar, or heart river falls in on the S. W. side; 38 yards wide; not navigable except in high water, and then but a short distance. it heads with the waters of the Knife river in open plains S. W. of the turtle mountain. in it's course to the Missouri it passes through open plains and meadows, generally fertile, and always untimbered. there is some Ash, Cottonwood, and Elm on it's borders.
14 miles higher up, Hunting creek discharges itself on the S. side. it's bottom lands are wide and fertile with but little timber, takes it's rise in, and passes through an open country of high plains.—
50 miles higher up at the distance of 1,615 miles from the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi, the Knife river falls in near the Village of the Ahwahharways on the S. side—a little above the Mandans. this river is about 80 yards wide, but is not navigable, except for a few days in the spring of the year. It takes it's rise in the turtle Mountains about 90 Miles N. W. of it's mouth, and passes through an open fertile country. there is a considerable quantity of timber on the upper part of this river, and much more on it's borders generally, than is met with on streams of the same size in this open country. The Minetares, Ahwahharways, and Mandans hunt principally on this river, and many of Minetares pass the winter on it, in small parties, of 5 ore six families.—
As we have only ascended the Missouri, a few miles above the Mouth of Knife river, the subsequent discription of this river, and it's subsidiary streams are taken altogether from Indian Information. the existence of these rivers, their connection with each other, and their relative positions with rispect to the Missouri, I conceive are entitled to some confidence. information has been obtained on this subject, in the course of the winter, from a number of individuals, questioned seperately and at different times. the information thus obtained has been carefully compared, and those points only, in which they generally agreed, have been retained, their distances they give, by days travel, which we have estimated at 25 miles pr. day.—
About fifteen miles above the mouth of Knife river, the E-pe,-Âh-zhah, or Miry river discharges itself on the N. Side. it is but an inconsiderable stream as to width, but extends itself through level and open plains about 30 miles N. E. of it's entrance, taking it's rise in some small lakes, strongly impregnated with Glauber Salts. not navigable.
Ascending the Missouri about one hundred miles further, the E-mâh-tark', Ah'-zhah or Little Missouri discharges itself on the S. side. about the width of Knife river. takes it's rise in the Nothern extremity of the Black-hills. and passes through a broken country with but little timber. it passes near the turtle mountain in it's course to the Missouri. it is said not to be navigable in consequence of it's rappidity and shoals.—
About 117 miles higher up, the Ok-hah-Âh-zhâh, or White earth river, discharges itself on the N. side. it is said to be about the size of the Cannonball river; takes it's rise N. Westwardly from it's mouth in level open plains with the waters of the S. fork of the Saskashawin river, and passes through an open and level country generally without timber some timber on the borders of this stream. it is navigable nearly to it's source, which is said not to be very distant, from the establishment of the N. West Company on the S. branch of the Saskashawin. if this information be correct it is highly probable that a line drawn due West from the lake of the Woods, in conformity to our treaty with Great Britain; would intersect the waters of this river, if so the boundary of the United States would pass Red river between the entrance of the Assinniboin and Lake Winnipic, including those rivers almost entirely, and with them the whole of the British trading establishments on the red Lake, Red river and the Assinniboin. should the portage between the Saskashawin and White earth river, prove not to be very distant or difficult, it is easy to conceive the superior advantages, which the Missouri offers as a rout to the Athabasca country, compared with that commonly traveled by the traders of Canada.—
About 3 miles above the mouth of White Earth river the Meé,-ah'-zah, or Yellowstone river discharges itself on the S. side. this river is said to be nearly as large as the Missouri, but is more rappid. it takes it's rise in the Rocky mountains, with the waters of a river on which the Spaniards reside; but whether this stream be the N. river, or the waters of the Gulph of California, our information dose not enable us to determine. from it's source it takes it's course for many miles through broken ranges of the Rocky mountains, principally broken, and stoney, and thickly timbered. the vallies said to be wide in many places and the lands fertile. after leaving the Rocky mountains it descends into a country more level, tho' still broken, fertile and well timbered. this discription of country continues as far down as the Oke-tar-pas-ah-ha, where the river enters an open level and fertile country through which it continues it's rout to the Missouri; even in this open country it possesses considerable bodies of well timbered land. there are no stream[s] worthy of notice which discharge themselves into this river on the N. side, the country between this river, and the Missouri being watered by the Mussle shellriver. the yellow Stone river is navigable at all seasons of the year, for boats or perogues to the foot of the Rocky Mountains, near which place, it is said to be not more than 20 miles distant from the most southernly of the three forks of the Missouri, which last is also navigable to this point. if Indian information can be relied on, this river waters one of the fairest portions of Louisiana, a country not yet hunted, and abounding in animals of the fur kind. The bed of this river is formed of sand gravel and yellow rock. from the great rapidity of this stream after it enters the rocky mountains, it is said not be navigable. we are informed that there is a sufficiency of timber near the mouth of this river for the purpose of erecting a fortification, and the necessary buildings. in point of position, we have no hesitation in declaring our belief, of it's being one of the most eligible and necessary, that can be chosen on the Missouri, as well in a governmental point of view, as that of affording to our citizens the benefit of a most lucrative fur trade. this establishment might be made to hold in check the views of the British N. West Company on the fur-trade of the upper part of the Missouri, which we believe it is their intention to panopolize if in their power. They have for several years maintained a partial trade with the Indian nations on the Missouri near this place, over land from their establishment at the entrance of Mouse river on the Assinniboin, unlicenced by the Spanish government, then the sovereigns of the country. But since the U' States have acquired Louisiana, we are informed, that relying on the privilege extended to them by our treaty with Great Britain, they intend fixing a permanent establishment on the Missouri near the mouth of Knife river, in the course of the present summer. if this powerfull and ambitious company, are suffered uninterruptedly to prosecute their trade with the nations inhabiting the upper portion of the Missouri, and thus acquire an influence with those people; it is not difficult to conceive the obstructions, which they might hereafter through the medium of that influence, oppose to the will of our government, or the navigation of the Missouri. whether the privileges extended to British subjects, under existing treaties with that power, will equally effect a territory not in our possession at the time those treaties were entered into, is not for me to determine; but it appears to me, that in this rispect Liouisiana is differently situated, from the other territory of the United States.—
The tributary streams of the Yellow stone river so far as we have been enabled to inform ourselves are as follow.—
Names of the subsidiary streams of
the Yellow Stone river, ascending
from it's entrancedistance from each
other & of the
1st from the mouth
of the riverSide on which
they dischargeMilesOke-tar-pas-ah-ha 75S.War-rah-sash, or powder river 75S.Le-ze-ka, or tongue river 50S.Mar-shas-kap river100S.Ark-tar-ha river125S.Ar-sar-ta, or big-horn 75S.Stinking cabbin creek175S.
About one hundred fifty miles on a direct line, a little to the N. of West, a river falls in on the N. side called by the MinetaresAh-mâh-tâh, ru-shush-sher or the river which scolds at all others. this river they state to be of considerable size, and from it's position and the direction which they give it, we believe it to be the channel through which, those small streams, on the E side of the Rocky Mountain, laid down by Mr. Fidler, pas to the Missouri. it takes it's source in the Rocky mountains S. of the waters of the Askow or bad river. and passes through a broken country in which, there is a mixture of woodlands and praries. it is worthy of remark, that the Missouri in it's course from the mouth of the yellow stone river to the entrance of this rivr. passes considerably further to the North than the mouths of either of these rivers; this information we have received since our map has been completed. it will be observed by reference to the map, that there are no streams falling into the Askow on it's S. side, from which, it is probable, that the country nearly to it's borders, is watered by the streams of some other river, and as the Missouri runs considerably N. above the Mouth of the Yellow stone river, and that on it's nothern border no stream of any magnitude discharges itself except the scolding river, the probability is that the country very near to the Askow is watered by the little rivulets of the Missouri, and the branches of the s[c]olding river. I have scarsely a doubt, but that a line drawn due West from the Lake of the Woods, in conformity to our treaty with Great Britain, will intersect the waters of the Missouri, if not the main body of that river itself.
About 120 miles on a direct line, nearly S. W. the Mah-tush,-ah-zhah, or Muscle shell river falls in on the S. side. this river is about the size of the Cannonball river, heads in a range of mountains which commence about the falls of the Missouri, and extending themselves nearly South terminate near the yellow stone river. this stream passes through a broken and woody country. The woody country commences on the Missouri just above the mouth of this river.—
About 120 miles further a little to the S. of West, on a direct line, the great falls of the Missouri are situated. this is discribed by the Indians as a most tremendious Cataract. they state that the nois it makes can be heard at a great distance. that the whole body of the river tumbles over a precipice of solid and even rock, many feet high; that such is the velocity of the water before it arrives at the precipice, that it projects itself many feet beyond the base of the rock, between which, and itself, it leaves a vacancy sufficiently wide for several persons to pass abrest underneath the torrent, from bank to bank, without weting their feet. they also state that there is a fine open plain on the N. side of the falls, through which, canoes and baggage may be readily transported. this portage they assert is not greater than half a mile, and that the river then assumes it's usual appearance, being perfectly navigable.—
About 15 miles further on a direct line a little to the S. of W. a large stream called Mah-pah-pah,-ah-zhah, or Medecine river falls in on the N. side. this river heads in the rocky Mountains opposite to a river which also takes it's rise in the same mountains and which running West discharges itself into a large river, which passes at no great distance from the Rocky mountains, runing from N to South. it passes through a mountanous, broken and woody country. not navigable in consequence of it's rapidity and shoals.
About 60 miles further on a direct line nearly S. W. the Missouri passes through the first connected chain of the Rocky mountains. and is said to be rapid and shoaly from hence to the second chain of the rocky Mountains a distance of 75 miles further, about the same course last mentioned. above this second range of mountains the current of the Missouri is said to be smoth even and gentle; here two small rivers fall in on the S. side, receiving their waters from the west side these mountains between the Missouri and the Yellow stone river.
Still proceeding S. W. about 75 miles further the Missouri divides itself into three nearly equal branches just above a third chain of very high mountains, all these streams are navigable for some distance. the most Nothern is the largest, and is navigable to foot of chain of high mountains, being the ridge which divides the waters of the Atlantic from those of the Pacific ocean. the Indians assert that they can pass in half a day from the foot of this mountain on it's East side to a large river which washes it's Western base, runing from S to N. at no great distance below the Flat head Indians live in one considerable village on the western border of this river. this is the utmost extent of the war exurtions of the Minetares and we have therefore been unable to acquire any information further West than the view from the top of thes mountains extend. The Indians inform us that the country on the Western side of this river consists of open & level plains like those they themselves inhabit, with a number of barren sandy nobs irregularly scattered over the face of the country; the E. side of the river, betwen it and the mountains is broken, and thickly covered with pine. they state that there are no buffaloe west of the second range of the Rockey mountains, and that the Flat heads live principally on a large fish, which they take in the river on which they reside. The Snake Indians also frequently visit this Western river at certain seasons of the year, for the purpose of taking fish which they dry in the sun and transport on horses to their vilages on the three forks of the Missouri. This river we suppose to be the S. fork of the Columbia, and the fish the Salmon, with which we are informed the Columbia river abounds.— this river is said to be rapid but as far as the Indian informants are acquainted with it is not intercepted with shoals. it's bed consists principally of sand and gravel.
The waters of the Missouri are transparent at all seasons of the year above the falls.
With rispect to other rivers, their Subsidiary streams, and their connection with other rivers and streams, the map which is herewith forwarded, will give you a more perfict idea, than a detaled discription of them would do. the mountains, salines, trading establishments, and all the other remarkable places, so far as known to us, are also laid down on this map.—
Meriwether Lewis Capn.1st U' S Regt. Infty.
Clark[undated, winter 1804—5]
A Summary Statement of the Rivers, Creeks and most remarkable places; their Distances &c. from the mouth of the Missouri as high up that River as was explored in the year 1804 by Captain's Lewis and Clark.
Common NamesDistance fromone place tothe
other onthe River,in milesDistanciesfrom theMouth oftheMissouriThe width of theRivers and Creeks
at their mouths,comptd. in yardsThe Side ofthe Missourion which theyare Situated,—milesmiles upyardsSideTo the village of St. Charles21 21—N. E " Bon-homme Creek12 33—S W. " Osage Womans River 9 42 30N. E " a Cave Called the Tavern 5 47—S W. " the Chaurette above a Small village22 69 20N E " Shepherdess Creek15 84—S W. " Gasconnade River19 103157S W " Muddy River15 118 50N E " Osage River19 137397S W. " Murrow Creek 5 142 20S W. " Cedar Island & Creek 7 149 20N. E " the Lead Mine Hill10 159—S W. " Manitou Creek 9 168 20S W. " Split Rock Creek 9 177 20N. E. " Saline or Salt River 3 180 30S. W. " Manitou River10 190 30N. E. " Good womans River 9 199 35N. E. " Mine River 9 208 70S W. " the Arrow Prairie 8 216—S.W. " " Two Charliton Riv's14 23030 [&] 70N. E.To the Antient Village of theMissouri nation, near which placeFort Orleans Stood18 248—N. ETo the mouth of Grand River 4 252 90N. E " Snake Creek 8 260 18N. E.To the antient village of the Little
Osage Indians12 272—S. W.To Tigers Creek & Island25 297 25N. E. " Eueberts Isld. Creek & River15 312—S. W. " Fire Praire Creek14 326SmallS W " Hay Cabin Creek12 338 20S. W. " the Coal banks 7 345—S. W. " Blue water River10 355 30S. W. " Kanzas River 9 364230S. W. " Little River Platte10 374 60N. E.To the Wau-car-ba, War-con-da
Island opposite the 1st AntientKanzas Village on the S. W. Side30 404——To the Indipendance Creek a mile
below the 2nd old Kanzas village
on the S W. Side28 432 22S. W.To St. Michaels Prairie28 460—N. ETo Nadawa River20 480 70N. E. " Wolf or 'Loup' River14 494 60S W. " Big Ne-ma-har River16 510 80S W " Tar-ki-o Creek 3 513 23N E. " Neesh-nah-ba-to-na, R25 538 50N. ELittle Ne-ma-har River 8 546 40S. W.To the Bald-pated prarie at which
place the Neesh-nah-ba-to-ne within
300 yards of the Missouri23 569—N. ETo the Weepingwater Creek29 598 25S W " " Platte River32 630600S W " " 'Papillion' or Butterfly Creek 3 633 18S. W. " " Musquetor Creek 7 640 22N. E. " " Antient Ottoes Village11 651—S. W.To a Bluff above an antientAyauwais Village 6 657—N. E.To Bowyers Creek11 668 25N. E.To the Council Bluffs12 680—S. W. " Soldiers River39 719 40N. E.To 'Pitite River de Sioux"Ea-neah-wau-de pon or Stone
River44 763 80N. E.Wau-can-daBad Spirit Creek55 818SmallS. W.Around a bend of the Missouri
to the N. E. the gorge of which is
974 yd.21 839——To an Island 3 miles N. E. of theMahar Old Village, S W.27 866—S. W.To Floyds River (above a Bluff)13 879 38N. E. " Grand Sioux River 3 882110N. E.To the Commencement of the
Coperas, Cobalt, perites, & alum
Bluffs24 906—S. W.To the Hot or Burning Bluffs30 936—S. W. " White Stone Creek 6 942 30N. E.To pitite Arc, an Old Mahar Villg.
at the mouth of little Bow Creek20 962 15S. W. " River Jacque12 974 90N. E. " the Calumet Bluffs10 984—S W. " an Antient Fortification181002—S. W. pt.To White paint Creek181020 28S W. " "Quicurre" or Rapid River 61026152S. W " Poncar River 81034 30S. W. " the Dome & Burrow (or village)
of Barking Squirels201054—S. W.To the Island of Cedar421096— " White River (handsom Spot)521148300S W.To the thre Rivers of the Sioux{1.35}Pass opposite and Island2211702.8N E3.6To an Island in the commencement
of the big bend201190N. ETo the upper part of the big bend
or "Grand de tourte," the gorge of
which is one mile & a quatr.301220—bend to
the N. E.To the Mouth of Tylors R. 51225 35S. W.To the fort on Cedar Island181243——To Teton River371280 70S. W. " Antient Ricara Village421322—S. W. " Chyanne River 51327400S W " an old Ricaras Village onLahoocatts Island431370—— " Otter Creek351405 22N. E. " Sar-war-kar-na River 21407 90S W. " We-ter-hoo River251432120S W " Ma ro pa River 21434 25S. W. " the 1st Ricara Village 21436—— " 2d & 3d Ricara Village 41440—S. W. " Stone Idol Creek181458 18N. E " War-re-con-ne, River401498 35N. E " Cannon Ball River131511140S W " She-wish or Fish Crek 51516 28N. ETo the mouth of "Ches-che-tar" orheart River351551 38S. W. " " Hunting Creek141565 25S W " New mandan Island near their
old villages211586—N. E " the Old Ricara Village
avacuated in the Summer 1798 31589—S. W. " Fort Mandan201609—N E " Mandan Villages 1st is 31612—S W & N E. " The Mouth of Knife River near
the Mi-ne-tar-ra Villgs. 31615 80S. W.To Miry Creek151630 22N. E.
The Missouri and it's Subsidiary Streams higher up; are taken altogether from information Collected dureing the Winter 1804, 5 of Indians &c.—
about
milesmilesnear
ydsTo the Mouth of the little Missouri
or E-wâh-tark', Ah-zhah1001730100S. W.To Ok-hah, Âh zhah, or the White
Earth River1171847100N WTo the mouth of Mee, Ah-zhah orYellow Stone River 31850400S WTo the mouth of Ah-mâh-tâh, ru-shushsher, or the River which Scolds at all
others—1502000abt. 100NorthTo the Mouth of the Mah-tush, ah-zhah
or the Muscle Shell River1202120140South" the Great Falls1202240——" Mah-pat-puh, Ah-zhah or Medison
River 152255150N. WTo the 1st Chain of Rockey mountains
about 602315——To the 2nd Chain of Rockey mountains
about 752390——To the three forks of the Missouri above
the 3rd Chain of mountains 752465——To the foot of the next mountain nearly
West2515—N. W.To a large River on the west of the
mountain 152530——
The Yellow Stone River and it's Subsidiary streams &c.—
milesmilesyardsTo the mouth of Oke-tar-pas-ah-ha 751705abt. 30S. E " War-rah-Sash or Powder R 751780 " 40S. E. " Le-ze-ka or Tongu River 501830 " 100S. E " Mar-Shas-kap River1001930 " 40S. E. " Little Wolf mountain Creek 551985 " 20N W " Ark-tar-ha River 702055 " 30S. E. " Ar-Sar-ta, or Bighorn R 752130 " 150S. E. " To the Rockey or Shineing
Mountains2002330—N. W.
Clark[undated, winter 1804—5]
The Distances of the following places as estimated from the mouth of the Missourie, with Lattitude anexed—1806
milesTo St. Charles Situated on the North Side21in Lattitude38°54'39" " The mouth of Gasconade River S. S.103ditto38°4435 " The mouth of Osarge River S. S.137do383116 " The mouth of Grand River N. S.252do384754 " The mouth of Kenzas River S. S.364do39 525 " The mouth of Independence Creek
S. S.432do392542 " The mouth of Nodawa River N. S.480do393922 " The mouth of the Gd. Nemaha R. S. S.510do395556 " The Bald pated prarie N. S.569do4027 7 " The Mouth of River Platt S. Side630do405435 " The Council Bluff on the S. S.680do4117 0 " The mouth of the Little Seaus R. N. S.763do414234 " The Camp opsd. the Maha Village
S. S.866do421341 " The mouth of Seaux River on the
N. S.882do422349 " The mouth of River Jacque on the
N. S.974do425313To the mouth of the River Que courre
S. Side (rapid) is1020in Latd. " The mouth of white River on the
South Side1148do " The Island in the Grand de tortu orBig bend of the Missourie is1200do " The fort on the Island of Ceders is1243do44°11'33" " The mouth of the Teton River on the
So. Side1280do " The mouth of the Chien (or Dog
River[)] So. Side1327do44°19'36" " The mouth of the Sur-war-kar-na
River So. Side1407do " The mouth of the We-ter-hoo River
So. Side1432do4539 5 " The Ricara Villages 3 on the S. S.1440do " The River Boulet or Cannon Ball R.1511do462900 " The River Chiss-che-tar & old Village
L. S.1551do " The 1st Village of the Mandens L. S.1612do " Fort Mandan on the N. Side is1609do472147 " Knif River & Shoemans village S S1616 " The Mouth of Muddey Creek N S1630
LEWIS AND CLARK'S POINTS ON THE MISSOURI RIVER TO FORT MANDAN
Lewis and Clark's NamePresent Name and LocationCamp Dubois (Camp Wood)Probably beneath Mississippi RiverSt. CharlesSt. Charles, St. Charles County, MissouriBonhomme CreekBonhomme Creek, St. Louis County, MissouriOsage Woman's RiverFemme Osage River, St. Charles County,MissouriTavern CaveTavern Rock, Franklin County, Missouri (see
entry for May 23, 1804)Chaurette CreekCharette Creek, Warren County, MissouriShepherds CreekBig Berger Creek, Franklin County, MissouriGasconnade RiverGasconade River, Gasconade County,MissouriMuddy RiverAuxvasse River, Callaway County, MissouriMuddy CreekMuddy Creek, Callaway County, MissouriOsage RiverOsage River, Osage-Cole county line,MissouriMurrow CreekMoreau River, Cole County, MissouriCedar CreekCedar Creek, Callaway County, MissouriGood Woman's CreekBonne Femme Creek, Boone County,MissouriLead Mine HillCole County, MissouriManitou CreekMoniteau Creek, Cole County, MissouriSplit Rock CreekPerchee Creek, Boone County, MissouriSalt RiverPetite Saline Creek, Moniteau County,MissouriManitou RiverMoniteau Creek, Howard-Boone county line,MissouriGood Woman's RiverBonne Femme Creek, Howard County,MissouriMine RiverLamine River, Cooper County, MissouriArrow PrarieVicinity of Arrow Rock State Park, Saline
County, MissouriTwo Shariton RiversLittle Chariton and Chariton rivers, Chariton County, MissouriAncient village of theMissouri nationSee entries for June 13, 15, and 16, 1804Grand RiverGrand River, Carroll-Chariton county line,MissouriSnake CreekWakenda Creek, Carroll County, MissouriAncient village of the Little
OsageSee entry for June 15, 1804Tigers CreekCrooked River, Ray County, MissouriEubert's RiverSniabar River, Lafayette County, Missouri (see
entry for June 21, 1804)Fire Prarie CreekSee entry for June 22, 1804Fort pointSee entry for June 23, 1804Hay Cabbin CreekLittle Blue River, Jackson County, MissouriCoal BankJackson County, Missouri (see entry for June
25, 1804)Bluewater RiverBig Blue River, Jackson County, MisouriKanzas RiverKansas (Kaw) River, Wyandotte County,KansasLittle River PlattePlatte (Little Platte) River, Platte County,MissouriTurkey CreekCorral Creek, Leavenworth County, KansasWaucarba Warconda IslandKickapoo Island, between Leavenworth
County, Kansas, and Platte County, Missouri
(see entry for July 2, 1804)Independance CreekIndependence Creek, Atchison-Doniphan
county line, KansasSt. Michaels PrarieVicnity of St. Joseph, Buchanan County,MissouriNodaway RiverNodaway River, Holt-Andrew county line,
MissouriWolf or Loup RiverWolf Creek, Doniphan County, KansasBig Ne-ma-har RiverBig Nemaha River, Richardson County,
NebraskaTarkio CreekTarkio River (Big Tarkio Creek), Holt County,Missouri (see entry for July 13, 1804)Nish-nah-ba-to-na RiverNishnabotna River, Atchison County,Missouri (see entries for July 14 and 17, 1804)Little Ne-ma-har RiverLittle Nemaha River, Nemaha County,NebraskaBald-pated PrarieVicinity of Waubonsie State Park, Fremont
County, IowaWeeping Water CreekWeeping Water Creek, Otoe County, NebraskaPlatte RiverPlatte River, Cass-Sarpy county line, NebraskaButterfly or Papillion CreekPapillion (Big Papillion) Creek, Sarpy County,NebraskaMusquetoe CreekMosquito Creek, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
(see entry for July 22, 1804)White Catfish CampNear Mills-Pottawattamie county line, IowaAncient village of theOttoesOmaha, Douglas County, Nebraska (see
entires for July 27 and 28, 1804)Ancient Ayauways (Iowa)
villageNorth of Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie
County, Iowa (see entry for July 28, 1804)Indian or Indian Knob
CreekPigeon Creek, Pottawattamie County, IowaBowyers CreekBoyer River, Pottawattamie County, IowaCouncil BluffVicinity of Fort Calhoun, Washington County,NebraskaSoldiers RiverSoldier River, Harrison County, IowaYe-yeau War-da-pon, Stone
River, or Little Sioux RiverLittle Sioux River, Harrison County, IowaHill where the late king of
the Mahars was buriedBlackbird Hill, Thurston County, NebraskaWau-can-da or Bad Spirit
CreekBlackbird (South Blackbird) Creek, or North
Blackbird Creek, Thurston County, Nebraska
(see entry for August 11, 1804)Camp FishDakota County, Nebraska, or Woodbury
County, Iowa (see entry for August 13, 1804)Floyds RiverFloyd River, Sioux City, Woodbury CountyIowaSioux RiverBig Sioux River, South Dakota–Iowa state lineHot or burning bluffsDixon County, Nebraska (see entry for August
24, 1804)White Stone RiverVermillion River, Clay County, South DakotaLittle Bow CreekBow Creek, Cedar County, NebraskaJames RiverJames River, Yankton County, South DakotaCalumet BluffsNear Gavins Point Dam, Cedar County,NebraskaAncient fortification onGood Mans IslandBetween Bonhomme County, South Dakota
and Knox County, Nebraska (see entries forSeptember 1 and 2, 1804)Plumb CreekEmanuel Creek, Bonhomme County, South
DakotaWhite Paint CreekBazile Creek, Knox County, Nebraska (see
entry for September 4, 1804)Quiccurre or Rappid RiverNiobrara River, Knox County, NebraskaPoncar RiverPonca Creek, Knox County, NebraskaThe DomeThe Tower (now called "Old Baldy"), Boyd County, NebraskaIsland of CedarLittle Cedar Island, between Gregory andCharles Mix counties, South DakotaWhite RiverWhite River, Lyman County, South DakotaThree rivers of the Sioux
passCrow Creek,Elm (Wolf) Creek, andCampbell Creek, Buffalo County, South
DakotaBig Bend, or Grand de
TourteBig Bend of the Missouri River, Lyman,Hughes, and Buffalo counties, South DakotaTylor's RiverMedicine River (Creek), Lyman County,South DakotaFort on Cedar IslandDorion Island No. 2 (now submerged),
between Hughes and Lyman Counties, South
Dakota (see entry for September 22, 1804)Teton RiverBad River, Stanley County, South DakotaAncient Ricara villageStanley County, South Dakota (see entry forOctober 1, 1804)Cheyenne RiverCheyenne River, Stanley-Dewey county line,South DakotaOld Ricaras village onLahoocatts IslandDolphees (Lafferty) Island, between Dewey
and Potter counties, South Dakota (see entry
for October 4, 1804)Otter CreekSwan Creek, Walworth County, South DakotaSar-war-car-na RiverMoreau River, Dewey County, South DakotaWe-tar-hoo RiverGrand River, Corson County, South DakotaMa-ro-pa RiverRampart (Oak) Creek, Corson County, South
Dakota1st Ricaras village on an
islandAshley Island, between Corson and Campbell
counties, South Dakota (see entry for October
8, 1804)2d and 3d Ricaras VillagesCorson and Campbell counties, South Dakota
(see entry for October 9, 1804)Stone Idol CreekSpring (Hermaphrodite) Creek, Campbell
County, South DakotaSar-kar-nah or Beaver
CreekLittle Beaver Creek, Emmons County, North
DakotaWar-re-con-ne RiverBeaver Creek, Emmons County, North
DakotaCannon Ball RiverCannonball River, Sioux-Morton county line,
North DakotaFish CreekLong Lake (Badger) Creek, Emmons County,
North DakotaChes-che-tar or Heart RiverHeart River, Morton County, North DakotaHunting CreekSquare Butte Creek, Morton County, North
Dakota (see entry for February 13, 1805)Fort MandanVicinity of Fort Mandan State Park,McLean
County, North DakotaMandan villagesMercer County, North DakotaKnife RiverKnife River, Mercer County, North Dakota
At Fort Mandan both Lewis and Clark made up lists from Indian information giving tributaries and other points on the Missouri above the fort and on the Yellowstone. Since they are based solely on Indian information and distance estimates, not on the captains' observation, their identifications and locations are necessarily conjectural. Correct names of actual Lewis and Clark sightings are given in later entries. Translations are placed in a note at the end of this section.
AFFLUENTS OF THE MISSOURI RIVER ABOVE FORT MANDAN
Lewis and Clark's NamePresent Name and LocationMiry River orE-pe,-Âh-zhahSnake Creek, McLean County, North DakotaLittle Missouri River orE-mâh-tark',-Ah'-zhahLittle Missouri, Dunn County, North DakotaWhite Earth River orOk-hah-, Âh-zhâhWhite Earth River, Mountrail County, North
Dakota (see entries for April 16 and 21, 1805)Yellowstone River or Meé,
ah'-zahYellowstone River, McKenzie County, North
DakotaRiver which scolds at all
others or Ah-mâh-tâh,
ru-shush-sherMilk River, Valley County, MontanaMuscle shell River orMah-tush,-ah-zhahMusselshell River, Petroleum-Garfield county
line, MontanaGreat FallsGreat Falls of the Missouri, Cascade County,
MontanaMedicine River or
Mah-pah-pah, ah-zhahSun River, Cascade County, Montana1st Chain of Rocky
MountainsCascade and Lewis and Clark counties,Montana2d Chain of Rocky
MountainsLewis and Clark County, MontanaThree Forks of the MissouriThree Forks of the Missouri (Jefferson,Madison, and Gallatin rivers), Madison-Broadwater county line, MontanaA large river on the west of
the mountainLemhi and Salmon Rivers, Lemhi County,Idaho, or Bitterroot and Clark Fork rivers,Ravalli and Missoula counties, Montana
AFFLUENTS OF THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER
Lewis and Clark's NamePresent Name and LocationOke-tar-pas-ah-haO'Fallon Creek, Prairie County, MontanaWar-rah-sash or Powder
RiverPowder River, Prairie County, MontanaLe-ze-ka or Tongue RiverTongue River, Custer County, MontanaMar-shas-kap RiverRosebud Creek, Rosebud County, MontanaLittle Wolf Mountain CreekBig Porcupine Creek, Rosebud County,MontanaArk-tar-ha RiverSarpy Creek, Treasure County, MontanaAr-sar-ta or Bighorn RiverBighorn River, Treasure-Yellowstone county
line, MontanaStinking Cabbin CreekStinking Cabbin Creek">Boulder River, Sweetgrass County, Montana
Notes for Part 1
This document is found in Codex O, pp. 69–128. Other Clark documents, either preliminary drafts or copies of this one, will be compared for substantial differences. Clark's long title on the item at the American Philosophical Society is very similar to Lewis's, but is interesting in that it has a date of February 20, 1805, scored out. The date does not give a clue to the timing of the document, whether it preceded or postdated Lewis's, but does confirm what has been known for some time, that the summaries were made during the winter at Fort Mandan. Since the term "summary statement" was an overused title for the documents in this section, Clark's summaries used here for comparison will be called "Clark's No. 3" and "Clark's No. 1." corresponding to their numbers in the seven manuscript items at the American Philosophical Society. The two documents at the Missouri Historical Society also used for comparison will be called "Clark's table of the Kansas River" and "Clark's table of the Platte River."Clark's No. 3 gives "27" which is probably more accurate as most other sources give a figure in the 20s.Probably stands for "aux Cuivre." Today's Cuivre River which falls into the Mississippi River northwest of St. Charles, Missouri."Gasconade" means bragging or boasting; the river appears greater than it actually is.See geology notes at November 24, 1803, and June 7, 1804.Clark's No. 3 has "16."See geology notes at June 7 and July 7, 1804.For the Osage villages, see entry for June 15, 1804. For the fossils, see Mehl; McMillan.See entries for June 15 and 16, 1804.Clark's table of the Kansas River also adds his French equivalents for: Stranger's Wife, "famme étrangére"; Grasshopper, "jauterelle"; Heart, "du cour"; Full, "Plein"; Black Paint, "vermillion noir"; and Bluewater, "de l'eau Bleu." Clark does not have the Little Salt Creek on his chart but has the phrase "Several streams fall in higher up." There are also a few minor differences in the mileage figures and spelling of Indian names for streams. The locations named may be identified as:
Three RiversuncertainStranger's Wife RiverBig Stranger CreekBealette's CreekCaptain CreekWor-rah-ru za RiverWakarusa RiverGrasshopper CreekDelaware RiverHeart RiverBig Soldier Creek?Full RiverBuck (Mill) CreekBlack Paint RiverVermillion RiverBluewater RiverBig Blue RiverMe-war-ton-nen-gar CreekWildcat CreekRepublican RiverRepublican RiverSolomon's CreekSolomon RiverLittle Salt CreekSaline River
The word "Wor-rah-ru za" is identifiable as a Siouan name, possibly from Omaha or Iowa-Oto, and indicates "where they gather wor-rah," a kind of edible plant. "Me-war-ton-nen-gar" is also Siouan, with the likely meaning "wildcat." "War-ho-ba" is Siouan, waxóbe, "sacred."For the first old Kansas village and French garrison, see entry for July 2, 1804. For the second village, below, see also the entry for July 2, 1804.For these Indian villages, see entry for July 20, 1804.Because Clark's table of the Platte River is more extensive it is included here following Lewis's shorter table. The locations named may be identified as:
Salt RiverSalt CreekCorne des Cerfe RiverElkhorn RiverPanies CreekSkull CreekShell RiverShell CreekWolf RiverLoup RiverShort Leg RiverDry CreekDeer CreekDry Creek (repeated name)Falling CreekPlum CreekRinging WaterSouth Platte RiverLittle Willow CreekBeaver CreekMustle Shell CreekPlum CreekElk CreekCedar RiverGraveley CreekHorse CreekWhite Bluff CreekSpring CreekDeep Water CreekNorth Loup River
See entry for July 28, 1804.The Yanktonais, one of the seven major divisions of the Sioux or Dakota. See entry for August 31, 1804."Liard" is identified as liard amere, narrow-leaf cottonwood, Populus angustifolia.Clark's No. 3 mentions another intervening stream, the "War-car-da or Bad Spirit Creek." It is also listed in other sources and all note it as being about fifty-five miles above the Little Sioux River. It is Blackbird (South Blackbird) Creek, or North Blackbird Creek, Thurston County, Nebraska. See entry for August 11, 1804.These affluents of the Big Sioux River may be identified as Broken Kettle Creek, Rock River, and Pipestone Creek.See entries for June 26 and September 2, 1804.The Dakota Rendezvous is discussed in Ewers 17–18, 17–8 n. 3, and Wood (PT).For Cameron, see entry for October 12, 1804.Clark's No. 3 says two miles.Clark's No. 3 says twenty-five miles.See entries for October 8–11, 1804.At Fort Mandan both Lewis and Clark made up lists from Indian information giving tributaries and other points on the Missouri above the fort and on the Yellowstone. The present names of the streams are given in the pages immediately preceding these notes. Here the Indian words are given transliterations and translations as far as possible. The following are in Hidatsa (the word awáathi, "river," was their name for the Missouri River):
E-pe,-Âh-zhah (apée áaši, "coiling creek")E-mâh-tark',-Ah'-zhah (awáathi áaši, "[Missouri] river creek")Ok-hah-,Âh-zhâh (oxáati áaši, "white creek") Meé,ah'-zah (mí'i áaši, "stone creek")Ah-mâh-tâh, ru-shush-sher (awáathi arušaša, "[Missouri] river forks")Mah-tush,-ah-zhah (matóoki áaši, "mussel shell creek")Mah-pah-pah, ah-zhah (máapiwiri áaši, "sun creek")
The remaining names are in Mandan (only part of them have been identified):
Oke-tar-pas-ah-ha (pasáŋh, "creek"); the meaning of oke-tar is not known. War-rah-sah (wárašuŋte, "powder") Le-ze-ke (résik, "tongue")Ar-sar-ta (áŋsexte, "bighorn")Clark's No. 3 breaks its duplication of Lewis's summary here and then ends after summarizing the area to the north of the Mandan-Hidatsa villages. From this point Clark's No. 1 follows Lewis's summary, but giving distances in leagues rather than miles.This may be either Boulder River in Sweetgrass County, Montana, as we give it on our list and as shown on Atlas map 107 or Shoshone River, Park County, Wyoming, an affluent of the Bighorn and known historically as Stinking Water. The latter is shown on Drouillard's map of 1808. Both possibilities are speculative because the river's name was received before the party had reached the area. Allen, 378–79, 378–79 n. 57, 380–81, fig. 43.For Fidler, see entry for June 8, 1805.This document is Clark's tabular summary of rivers and creeks and is found in Codex C, pp. 248–53, reading backward. Someone has drawn lines vertically across the pages. Other, similar items are noted in the introduction to this part. Preceding this entry is a map (fig. 9) on p. 255 of Codex C. It shows the Mississippi, Minnesota (Clark'sSt. Peters), Red River of the North, and subsidary streams in modern Minnesota. It was probably made during the winter of 1804–5 from information of traders.This table of distances and latitudes begins on document 66 of the Field Notes and continues after the "River Jacque" entry on the reverse of document 67. Clark must have prepared it at Fort Mandan. Someone has added the figures "1806" after the heading, but the date is not appropriate here. On the reverse of document 66 is a fairly detailed sketch map (see fig. 5) of the country between the Missouri and the Red River of the North, in eastern North and South Dakota. Shown are "War re con ne R" (Beaver Creek), "R Jacque" (James River), "R Seaux" (Big Sioux River), "St Peters" (Minnesota River), and Red River. On the portage between the Sheyenne and Red rivers is "Mr. Marcia House," presumably a trading post. It is difficult to determine the date of this sketch, since the information could have come from various sources. "Rene Jussomme" in large letters may indicate that Jusseaume was a source for the map. However, Hugh Heney definitely gave the captains information about the country between the Mississippi and the Missouri (see above, December 17, 1804), and this map may embody his knowledge. See Atlas, 8, 18 n. 81. Clark's "S. S." in this table means south rather than starboard side. A similar table appears in Codex C, p. 247, probably copied from the one given here, but leaving out some points in the table reproduced. The Little Sioux River of the printed table is the "Ea-neah, Wau-de-pon" of the shorter table. A short table giving only latitudes and not strictly in order proceeding up the Missouri appears in Voorhis No. 4. It includes the following points, some of them not on the Missouri River, that do not appear in the list printed here: the mouth of the Missouri, Dimond Island, Old Kanzas Village, Good Island, 15 July Island, 19 July, above River Plate, 4 August, 5 August, Mahar Kings hill (Blackbird Hill), mouth of the Ohio, Philadelphia, Nootka Sound (giving also longitude for these last three), and North Winipeg River. Latitudes for points along the Missouri can be found in the daily journal entries.