Journals of the
Lewis & Clark Expedition

Search
Advanced Search

Basic Search

Simply enter the word you wish to find and the search engine will search for every instance of the word in the journals. For example: Fight. All instances of the use of the word fight will show up on the results page.

Wildcard Searches

Using an asterisk (*) will increase the odds of finding the results you are seeking. For example: Fight*. The search results will display every instance of fight, fights, fighting, etc. More than one wildcard may be used. For example: *ricar*. This search will return most references to the Aricara tribe, including Ricara, Ricares, Aricaris, Ricaries, Ricaree, Ricareis, and Ricarra. Using a question mark (?) instead of an asterisk (*) will allow you to search for a single character. For example, r?n will find all instances of ran and run, but will not find rain or ruin.

Capitalization

Searches are not case sensitive. For example: george will come up with the same results as George.

Phrase Search

Searching for a specific phrase may help narrow down the results. Rather long phrases are no problem. For example: "This white pudding we all esteem".

Subsequent Searches

Because of the creative spellings used by the journalists, it may be necessary to try your search multiple times. For example: P?ro*. This search brings up numerous variant spellings of the French word pirogue, "a large dugout canoe or open boat." Searching for P?*r*og?* will bring up other variant spellings. Searching for canoe or boat also may be helpful.

Browse All Items
Reset Search

Filter by:

Date


Dates in both fields not required
Entering in only one field Searches
Year, Month, & Day Single day
Year & Month Whole month
Year Whole year
Month & Day 1803-#-# to 1806-#-#
Month 1803-#-1 to 1806-#-31
Day 1803-01-# to 1806-12-#

Category

Part of Website

Creator

People

See all People

Native Nation

See all Native Nations

Place

See all Places

State

Source

Publisher

Search : indian
Sort by:
Relevancy Title Date

Your search returned 2256 results from all items Search Only Journals

November 3, 1805 - Whitehouse, Joseph
  • one canoe belonging to the Savages and Several Indians camped with us last night.    a handsom Spring run came in near our Camp.   
  • towards evening we met Several Indians in a canoe who were going up the River.    they Signed to us that in two Sleeps we Should See [the Ocean vessels and?]
  • We proceeded on, the River being nearly One Mile & a quarter wide in general, & a number of large Islands in it, laying on both sides of it.— Towards evening we met with several Indians, who were in a Canoe, & who were going up the River.    The Indians made signs to us, that in 2 Sleeps, (meaning 2 days,) that we should come to a place, where we should see two Vessells, white people &ca.   
  • November 3, 1805
  • Journals
  • Whitehouse, Joseph
March 26, 1806 - Lewis, Meriwether
  • we met on the way the principal Cheif of the Cathlahmahs (Cathlamet Indians) , Sâh-hâh-wôh-cap (Sax̣awaq̓ap) , who had been up the river on a trading voyage.   
  • soon after we halted for dinner the two Wackiacums (Wahkiakum Indians) who have been pursuing us since yesterday morning with two dogs for sale, arrived.   
  • Saccacommis was the traditional smoking mixture of the plains Indians and the French engagés, consisting of the dried leaves of bearberry or kinnikinnick, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.)
  • March 26, 1806
  • Journals
  • Lewis, Meriwether
April 20, 1805 - Lewis, Meriwether
  • in the course of my walk I killed two deer, wounded an Elk and a deer; saw the remains of some Indian hunting camps, near which stood a small scaffold of about 7 feet high on which were deposited two doog slays with their harnis. underneath this scaffold a human body was lying, well rolled in several dressed buffaloe skins and near it a bag of the same materials containg sundry articles belonging to the disceased; consisting of a pare of mockersons, some red and blue earth, beaver's nails, instruments for dressing the Buffalo skin, some dryed roots, several platts of the sweet grass, and a small quantity of Mandan (Mandan Indians) tobacco.—    I presume that the body, as well as the bag containing these articles, had formerly been placed on the scaffold as is the custom of these people, but had fallen down by accedent.   
  • it is customary with the Assinniboins (Assiniboine Indians) , Mandans (Mandan Indians) , Minetares (Hidatsa Indians) &c who scaffold their dead, to sacrefice the favorite horses and doggs of their disceased relations, with a view of their being servicable to them in the land of sperits.
  • The tobacco is Nicotiana quadrivalvis Pursh, Indian tobacco. Gilmore (SCAT); Cronquist et al., 72. Ordway (Ordway, John) notes that he was in this canoe.
  • April 20, 1805
  • Journals
  • Lewis, Meriwether
April 14, 1806 - Clark, William
  • those people Call themselves Wil-la-cum (White Salmon Indians) .    they differ but little in appearance dress &c. from those of the rapids.   
  • their language is the Same with the Che luck kit te quaws (Wishram-Wasco Indians) .    these people appeared very friendly. Some of them informed us that they had latterly returned from the War excurtion against the Snake Indians (Paiute Indians) who inhabit the upper part of the Multnomah river (Willamette (Multnomah) River) to the S. E. of them    they Call them To wan nah hi ooks (Paiute Indians) .    that they had been fortunate in the expidition and had taken from their enimies most of the horses which we Saw in their possession.   
  • April 14, 1806
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
July 23, 1806 - Clark, William
  • Sgt. pryor (Pryor, Nathaniel Hale) found an Indian Mockerson and a Small piece of a roab, the mockerson worn out on the bottom & yet wet, and have every appearance of haveing been worn but a fiew hours before.   
  • Labeech (Labiche, François) returned haveing taken a great Circle and informed me that he Saw the tracks of the horses makeing off into the open plains and were by the tracks going very fast. The Indians who took the horses bent their course reather down the river.   
  • Heney (Heney, Hugh) to provale on some of the best informed and most influential Chiefs of the different bands of Sieoux (Sioux Indians) to accompany us to the Seat of our Government with a view to let them See our population and resources &c.   
  • July 23, 1806
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
September 10, 1806 - Clark, William
  • to trade with the Pania Luup or Wolf Indians (Pawnee Indians, Loup or Skiri) .    this man was extreemly friendly to us he offered us any thing he had, we axcepted of a bottle of whisky only which we gave to our party, Mr. la frost (La Fass, Alexander) informed us that Genl.
  • Louis (Saint Louis, Mo.) bound to the Mahars (Omaha Indians) for the purpose of trade, this perogue was in Charge of a Mt.
  • This party was bound for the Omaha (Omaha Indians) village in Dakota County (Dakota County, Nebr.) , Nebraska (Nebraska) .
  • September 10, 1806
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
May 31, 1804 - Whitehouse, Joseph
  • we Set out as usal and prceedd. on    met a perogue in which was a french man and 2 Indians on board.    their loading was beaver Skins and other peltry.   
  • Thursday May 31st    This morning being fair, we started early as usual, and proceeded on, we were met by a pettyauger having on board a french Man and two Indians; she was loaded with beaver Skins and peltry.—    The wind blowing hard we came too.   
  • May 31, 1804
  • Journals
  • Whitehouse, Joseph
July 2, 1804 - Floyd, Charles
  • Floyd Monday July 2d    Set out verry early this morning    passed on the Left of the Isd. parque &c (Bee (Parques) Creek)    High butifule Situation on the South Side the Land    indifferent Lands    a Creek Comes in on the 〈So〉 N Side called parkques Creek (Bee (Parques) Creek)    passed a creek on the N—Side called Turkey Creek (Corral (Turkey) Creek)    High Landes    came 10 miles    campt on the N Side, 〈on the South Side was a old French fort in former times the old Kansas (Kansa Indians) village on the Back of this village in High Hills of Prarae Land T〉 on the South Side was a old French fort who had Setled hear to protect the Trade of this nation in the valley    the Kansas (Kansa Indians) Had a village between tow pints of High 〈Lands〉 Praria Land    a Handsom Situation for a town
  • July 2, 1804
  • Journals
  • Floyd, Charles
October 13, 1804 - Whitehouse, Joseph
  • it is 50 Yards wide at its mouth where one of the Rick a Ree (Arikara Indians) Squaws we had on board the boat left us, three Indians still remain'd with us    at 12 oClock A.
  • October 13, 1804
  • Journals
  • Whitehouse, Joseph
October 24, 1804 - Ordway, John
  • S. where we found a hunting camp of the Mandan (Mandan Indians) Nation of Indians.    the chief we had on board Spoke to the chief of this party told them our business &.C.   
  • October 24, 1804
  • Journals
  • Ordway, John
March 3, 1805 - Whitehouse, Joseph
  • The Officers placed a Guard of 3 Men at the new Pettyaugers, in order to prevent the Indians from doing any damage to them.—    The weather continued Clear & pleasant during this time Whitehouse's (Whitehouse, Joseph) copyist fails to note that on March 16 Whitehouse (Whitehouse, Joseph) had an incident with one of the locals. Clark (Clark, William) writes, "one Indian much displeased with whitehouse (Whitehouse, Joseph) for Strikeing his hand when eating with a Spoon for behaveing badly."
  • March 3, 1805
  • Journals
  • Whitehouse, Joseph
August 27, 1805 - Clark, William
  • one man killed a Small Sammon, and the Indians gave me another which afforded us a Sleight brackfast. Those Pore people are here depending on what fish They Can Catch, without anything else to depend on; and appere Contented, my party hourly Complaining of their retched Situation and [contemplating?] doubts of Starveing in a Countrey where no game of any kind except a fiew fish can be found, an Indian brough in to the Camp 5 Sammon, two of which I purchased which afforded us a Supper.
  • August 27, 1805
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
October 2, 1805 - Clark, William
  • Guterich (Goodrich, Silas) back to the village with 1 Indian & 6 horses to purchase dried fish, roots &c.    we have nothing to eate but roots, which give the men violent pains in their bowels after eating much of them. To the Indians who visited us yesterday I gave divided my Handkerchief between 5 of them, with a Small piece of tobacco & a pece of riebin & to the principal men each a ring & brooch.
  • October 2, 1805
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
November 2, 1805 - Gass, Patrick
  • The hills are mostly solid rock. On our way we passed two Indian lodges. At the end of eight miles, the river opens to the breadth of a mile, with a gentle current.
  • The country here becomes level, and the river broader. One of the Indian canoes remained with us and the other three went on. On our way and at camp we killed 17 geese and brants.
  • November 2, 1805
  • Journals
  • Gass, Patrick
January 5, 1806 - Gass, Patrick
  • I, however notwithstanding the cold, stript and swam to the raft, brought it over and then crossed on it in safety; when we pursued our journey, and in a short time came to some Indian camps on the sea shore. The rain and wind continued so violent that we agreed to stay at these camps all night. Clatsop (Clatsop Indians) winter dwellings at Seaside (Seaside, Oreg.) , Clatsop County (Clatsop County, Oreg.) , Oregon (Oregon) .
  • January 5, 1806
  • Journals
  • Gass, Patrick
August 21, 1804 - Clark, William
  • Durrien (Dorion, Pierre, Sr.) our Soues (Sioux Indians) intptr. says "navagable to the falls 70 or 80 Leagues and above these falls Still further, those falls are 200 feet or there abouts & has two princapal pitches, and heads with the St. peters (Minnesota River (St.
  • S. where the Mahars (Omaha Indians) had a Village formerly. the Countrey above the Platt R (Platte River (Nebr.))
  • S. above where the Mahars (Omaha Indians) once had a Village    a Sand bar in the Middle of S. S.
  • August 21, 1804
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
September 15, 1804 - Clark, William
  • "Clinten (Courtin, Charles) " may have been Charles Courtin (Courtin, Charles) , who was trading with the Teton (Sioux Indians, Teton) Sioux (Sioux Indians) , the Arikaras (Arikara Indians) , and the Poncas (Ponca Indians) in the next few years, and whom the party may have met on their return journey on September 14, 1806.
  • Courtin (Courtin, Charles) was reported killed by Piegans (Blackfeet Indians, Piegan) near present Dixon (Dixon, Mont.) , Montana (Montana) , in 1809.
  • September 15, 1804
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
April 17, 1805 - Lewis, Meriwether
  • he informed me that he had seen the remains of the Assinniboin (Assiniboine Indians) encampments in every point of woodland through which he had passed.   
  • just before we encamped this evening we saw some tracks of Indians who had passed about 24 hours; they left four rafts of tim[ber] on the Stard. side, on which they had passed.    we supposed them to have been a party of the Assinniboins (Assiniboine Indians) who had been to war against the rocky mountain (Rocky Mountains) Indians, and then on their return.   
  • April 17, 1805
  • Journals
  • Lewis, Meriwether
October 13, 1805 - Clark, William
  • This must be a verry bad place in high water, here is great fishing place, the timbers of Several houses piled up, and a number of wholes of fish, and the bottom appears to have been made use of as a place of deposit for their fish for ages past, here two Indians from the upper foks over took us and continued on down on horse back, two others were at this mouth of the Creek—    we passed a rapid about 9 mile lower.   
  • "Ki-Moo-e-nimm" (and similar spellings) may come from the Nez Perce (Nez Perce Indians) term qemúynem. The etymology of the word is not clear but may have to do with the Wallowa valley (Wallowa Valley) region of the Nez Perce (Nez Perce Indians) homeland in northeastern Oregon (Oregon) and apparently is unrelated to the Tucannon River (Tucannon River (Ki-moo-e-nim Creek)) , or at least only in a very distance geographical sense.
  • This was the site of the largest Palouse (Palouse Indians) village, Palus (in Nez Perce (Nez Perce Indians) , "Palutpe").
  • October 13, 1805
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
January 17, 1806 - Lewis, Meriwether
  • he intends both to hunt the Elk and trap the beaver. The Culinary articles of the Indians in our neighbourhood consist of wooden bowls or throughs, baskets, wooden spoons and woden scures or spits.
  • Silk grass is probably one of the taller species of dogbane, Indian hemp, Apocynum sp., which has long, silky fibers in the outer bark that was extensively used for cordage.
  • Notably, the fibers from nettles, extensively used by Indians of the region, was not recorded. See Ruby & Brown (CITC), 15, for a review of textiles, fibers, and basket materials in use by the Lower Chinooks (Chinook Indians) , but without botanical names.
  • January 17, 1806
  • Journals
  • Lewis, Meriwether
February 7, 1806 - Lewis, Meriwether
  • it prevailed about 4 years since among the Clatsops (Clatsop Indians) and distroy several hundred of them, four of their chiefs fell victyms to it's ravages.    those Clatsops (Clatsop Indians) are deposited in their canoes on the bay a few miles below us.
  • For an assessment of the effects of disease on the Chinookans (Chinook Indians) and other native Northwest Coast peoples, see Boyd.
  • February 7, 1806
  • Journals
  • Lewis, Meriwether
March 18, 1806 - Clark, William
  • Pryor (Pryor, Nathaniel Hale) to prepare the two Indian Canoes which we had purchased for his mess.    they wanted Some knees to Strengthen them, and Several cracks corked and payed.   
  • Joseph Field (Field, Joseph) killd and Elk.— The Indians repeated to us Eighteen distinct Nati[ons?] resideing on the S S. E Coast who Speak the Kil a mox (Tillamook Indians) language or understand it.    and beyend those Six other Nations which Speak a different language which they did not comprehend.
  • March 18, 1806
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
April 7, 1806 - Lewis, Meriwether
  • we were visited today by several parties of indians from a village about 8 miles above us of the Sahhalah (Watlala Indians) nation.
  • I hope we have now a sufficient stock of dryed meat to serve us as far the Chopunnish (Nez Perce Indians) provided we can obtain a few dogs horses and roots by the way.    in the neignbourhood of the Chopunnish (Nez Perce Indians) we can procure a few deer and perhaps a bear or two for the mountains.   
  • April 7, 1806
  • Journals
  • Lewis, Meriwether
April 12, 1806 - Clark, William
  • in the evening after everry thing was taken from the lower Camp (Lower portage camp) I Set out myself accompanied by the Cheif of the Clah-clal lars (Cascade Indians) to the head of the portage.    as we passed the remains of an old Village about half way the portage, this Cheif informed me that this old Village had been the residence of his Tribe dureing the last Salmon Season.   
  • at my arival at the head of the portage found about 20 of the natives of the Wy ach hich (Cascade Indians) tribe who reside above the rapids, with Capt Lewis (Lewis, Meriwether) . those people appeared much better disposed towards us than either the Clahclallah (Cascade Indians) or Wahclellah (Watlala Indians) and Condemn their Conduct much.
  • as the evening was rainey and ourselves and party wet we Concluded to delay untill the morning and dry our selves. The Indians left us about 6 P M and returned to their Village on the opposit Side.   
  • April 12, 1806
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
May 1, 1806 - Lewis, Meriwether
  • We collected our horses tolerably early this morning took and set out a little after 7 A. M.    we pursued the indian road which led us up the creek about nine miles, here the Chopunnish (Nez Perce Indians) man wo was in front with me informed that an old unbeaten tract which he pointed out to the left was our nearest rout.   
  • M. we resumed our march, leaving the Chopunnish (Nez Perce Indians) man and his family; he had determined to remain at that place untill the next morning and then pursue the rout he had recommended to us.   
  • some time after we had encamped three young men arrived from the Wallahwollah (Walula Indians) village bringing with them a steel trap belonging to one of our party which had been neglegently left behind; this is an act of integrity rarely witnessed among indians.   
  • May 1, 1806
  • Journals
  • Lewis, Meriwether
May 1, 1806 - Clark, William
  • Great portion of these bottoms has been latterly burnt which has entirely distroyed the timbered growth. at the distance of nine miles we over took our hunters, they had killed one bever only    at this place the road forked, one leaveing the Creek and the Corse of it is nearly North.    the Chopunnish (Nez Perce Indians) who had accompanied us with his family informed us that this was our best way.   
  • we deturmined to unlode and wate for our Guide, or the Chopunnish (Nez Perce Indians) man who had accompanied us from the long Narrows (Columbia River, The Dalles of the (Great Narrows)) , who was in the rear with Drewyer (Drouillard, George) our interpreter.   
  • Sometime after we had encamped three young men arrived from the Wallah wallah (Walula Indians) Village bringing with them a Steel trap belonging to one of our party which had been negligently left behind; this is an act of integrity rearly witnessed among Indians.   
  • May 1, 1806
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
August 29, 1804 - Clark, William
  • ) & his Son (Dorion, Pierre, Jr.) who was tradeing with the Indians Came over with Serjt Pryer (Pryor, Nathaniel Hale) , and informed us that the Chiefs were there    we Sent Serjt.
  • with Som Tobacco, Corn & a few Kittles for them to Cook in, with directions to inform the Chiefs that we would Speek to them tomorrow.    Those Indians brought with them for their own use 2 Elk & 6 Deer which the young men Killed on the way from their Camp 〈15〉    12 [NB: 12] miles distant.
  • Pryor (Pryor, Nathaniel Hale) informs me that when Came near the Indian Camp they were met by men with a Buffalow roabe to Carry them, Mr.
  • August 29, 1804
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
September 20, 1804 - Clark, William
  • Side 254 do 38 47 54    do do   to Kanzies R (Kansas (Decaugh, Kaw) River) on the South 366 do 39   5 25    do do   to Creek indepenanc (Independence Creek) at the                Kanzies (Kansa Indians) old village South 433 do 39 25 42    do do   Nodaway River (Nodaway River) N Side 481 do 39 39 22    do do   Nema har R.
  • on the South Side 632 do abt. 41 00   0 from the mouth of Missourie (Missouri River) river to the Councel Bluffs (Council Bluff (Nebr.)) opsd. the Ottoes (Oto Indians) 682 in Latd. 41° 17'   0" to Little Sieoux River (Big Sioux River (Rivière des Sioux)) on N Side 766 do 41 42 34 to Mahar (Omaha Indians) village S.
  • Sd. 970 do 42 53 13 to mo. of River que Curre (Niobrara (Quicurre, Rapid) River) or the rapid river on the South Side 1020 do —     to no preserves Island (No Preserve Island) 5 miles North of the Poncaries (Ponca Indians) Village on the little river Pania (Ponca (Pania, Poncar) Creek) on the S.
  • September 20, 1804
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
July 26, 1805 - Whitehouse, Joseph
  • the wind blew hard at 2 oClock & a light Sprinkling of rain.    we found an Indian bow.    took on board a Deer Skin which Capt. Clark (Clark, William) had left with a note, that they had Seen no Indians, but had Seen fresh horse tracks.   
  • M. and we had a light sprinkling of Rain; We found on the Shore an Indian bow, and took on board our Canoe, a deer Skin which had been left by Captain Clarke (Clark, William) , and a Note from him.— Captain Clark (Clark, William) mentioned in this note, that he had seen no Indians as yet, but that he had seen some fresh horse trails.—    We passed some small Islands, which had Cotton wood, & Cedar trees growing on them.   
  • July 26, 1805
  • Journals
  • Whitehouse, Joseph
January 16, 1806 - Clark, William
  • it is true we Could travel even now on our return as far as the timbered Country reaches, or to the falls of the river, but further it would be madness for us to attempt to proceed untill april, as the indians inform us that the Snows lyes knee deep in the Columbian Plains (Great Columbian Plain) dureing the winter, and in those planes we could not git as much wood as would Cook our provisions untill the drift wood comes down in the Spring and lodges on the Shore &c.    and even were we happily over those plains and in the woodey countrey at the foot of the rockey mountains (Rocky Mountains) , we could not possibly pass the emence bearier of mountains on which the Snow lyes in winter to the debth in maney placs of 20 feet; in Short the Indians tell us they impassable untill about the 1s of June, at which time even then is an abundance of snow but a Scanty Subsistance may be had for the horses—    we Should [not] foward our homeward journey any by reaching the Rocky mountains (Rocky Mountains) earlier than the 1st of June which we can effect by Setting out from hence by the 1st of April— Bone Fishhook and Line, January 16, 1806, Codex I, p. 122 (American Philosophical Society library, used with permission.) The Clatsops (Clatsop Indians) , Chinnooks (Chinook Indians) &c. in fishing employ the Common Streight net, the Scooping or dipping net with a long handle, the gig, and the hook and line.   
  • January 16, 1806
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
January 19, 1806 - Lewis, Meriwether
  • we were visited today by two Clatsop (Clatsop Indians) men and a woman who brought for sale some Sea Otter skins of which we purchased one, giving in exchange the remainder of our blue beads consisting of 6 fathoms and about the same quantity of small white beads and a knife.   
  • These hats form a small article of traffic with the Clatsops (Clatsop Indians) and Chinnooks (Chinook Indians) who dispose of them to the whites.   
  • Their laws like those of all uncivilized Indians consist of a set of customs which have grown out of their local situations.   
  • January 19, 1806
  • Journals
  • Lewis, Meriwether
June 21, 1806 - Lewis, Meriwether
  • at the pass of Collin's Creek (Lolo (Collins's) Creek (Idaho)) we met two indians who were on their way over the mountain; they had brought with them the three horses and the mule that had left us and returned to the quawmash grounds (Weippe Prairie (Camas Flats, Quawmash Flats)) .    these indians returned with us about ½ a mile down the creek where we halted to dine and graize or horses at the same place I had halted and remained all night with the party on the [blank] of Septembr last.   
  • we pressed these indians to remain with us and to conduct us over the mountain on the return of Drewyer (Drouillard, George) and Shannon (Shannon, George) .   
  • June 21, 1806
  • Journals
  • Lewis, Meriwether
July 21, 1806 - Clark, William
  • Pryor (Pryor, Nathaniel Hale) with the horses to the Mandans (Mandan Indians) . This evening late a very black Cloud from the S. E. accompanied with Thunder and lightning with hard winds which Shifted about and was worm and disagreeable. I am apprehensive that the indians have Stolen our horses, and probably those who had made the Smoke a fiew days passed towards the S.
  • Clark's (Clark, William) party was now well within the Crow (Crow Indians) homeland; the lodge was probably a few miles southwest of present Billings (Billings, Mont.) , Yellowstone County (Yellowstone County, Mont.) , Montana (Montana) .
  • July 21, 1806
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
The Way to the Western Sea Lewis and Clark across the Continent
  • SEVEN. Emphasis on Indians "Children," began Meriwether Lewis, looking over the Indians seated in front of him.
  • Because the explorers wanted the Indians to be impressed by their strength and the tempting lading they carried, they chose not to visit the town but instead invited the Indians to a council at Calumet Bluff, twenty miles farther up the Missouri.
  • As it returned, packed tight with Indians, the swivel gun on the bow of the keelboat banged out two salutes.
  • N.D.
  • Texts
  • David Lavender
The Way to the Western Sea Lewis and Clark across the Continent
  • SEVEN. Emphasis on Indians "Children," began Meriwether Lewis, looking over the Indians seated in front of him.
  • Because the explorers wanted the Indians to be impressed by their strength and the tempting lading they carried, they chose not to visit the town but instead invited the Indians to a council at Calumet Bluff, twenty miles farther up the Missouri.
  • As it returned, packed tight with Indians, the swivel gun on the bow of the keelboat banged out two salutes.
  • N.D.
  • Texts
  • David Lavender
Lewis & Clark among the Indians 2. The Teton Confrontation
  • Lewis & Clark among the Indians 2. The Teton Confrontation
  • Lewis & Clark among the Indians
  • A close look at that tense 1804 encounter can reveal much about Lewis and Clark's relations with the Indians as well as the larger history of Upper Missouri Indian-white contact.
  • N.D.
  • Texts
  • James P. Ronda
June 8, 1804 - Whitehouse, Joseph
  • met two Connooes loaded with furr from the Zotte River (Big Sioux River (Rivière des Sioux)) neer the Mandens (Mandan Indians) .    Got to the 〈imun〉 Amens River (Lamine (Mine) River) at three Oclock but did not remain at it any times    Roed. 16 mile Thursday June 8th    We started early this Morning, and found the current of the River very strong against us, we sent a Pettiauger to bring the bear meat to the boat, but the hands had very great difficulty in crossing the River to us.   
  • We proceeded on and met with Two canoes loaded with Furr, which had come from Oto River, near the Zotto (Oto Indians) nation.    At 3oClock P. M. got to the River L'mine (Lamine (Mine) River) or lead River (Mud (Lead, Big Rock) Creek) and remained there but a short time.    We proceeded on & encamped on the North side of the River Mesouri (Missouri River) , the distance come this day being 16 Miles Evidently No. 2's effort to write Rivière des Sioux (Big Sioux River (Rivière des Sioux)) , the present Big Sioux River (Big Sioux River (Rivière des Sioux)) on the Iowa (Iowa) –South Dakota (South Dakota) border, which the other journal keepers indicate was the stream mentioned, although it was not near the Mandans (Mandan Indians) . No. 2's attempt at Mine River (Lamine (Mine) River) , present Lamine River (Lamine (Mine) River) , Cooper County (Cooper County, Mo.) , Missouri (Missouri) .
  • June 8, 1804
  • Journals
  • Whitehouse, Joseph
August 1, 1804 - Clark, William
  • Clark August the 1st 1804    a fair morning    Despatched two men after the horses lost yesterday, one man back to the place from which the messinger was Sent for the Ottoes (Oto Indians) to See if any Indians was or had been there Since our deptr.   
  • Time of alt'd     h    m    s         h    m    s N. 86°E A M 7    52    55   P M 3    50    42   " 7    54    20   " 3    52      3   " 7    55    47   " 3    53    31 The Altitude given 68° 47' 15" The Indians not yet arrived    we fear Something amiss with our Messinger or them.
  • August 1, 1804
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
October 8, 1804 - Whitehouse, Joseph
  • we came to the upper end of an Island where one band of the Rick a rees (Arikara Indians) live.    we camped above the Isd on the S. S.
  • M we passed the Mouth of the Marrapy River (Rampart (Maropa) Creek) , and came to the upper end of an Island, where One band of the Rick a Rees (Arikara Indians) Indians lived, and Encamped above the Island on the South side of the River.— Clark's (Clark, William) Maropa River (Rampart (Maropa) Creek) is present Oak Creek (Oak (Maropa) Creek) , Corson County (Corson County, S.
  • October 8, 1804
  • Journals
  • Whitehouse, Joseph
October 9, 1804 - Clark, William
  • Clark 9th of October Tuesday 1804    a windey night    Some rain, and the [wind] Continued So high & cold We could not Speek in Council with the Indians, we gave them Some Tobacco and informed them we would Speek tomorrow, all the grand Chiefs visited us to day also Mr Taboe (Tabeau, Pierre-Antoine) , a trader from St. Louis (Saint Louis, Mo.) —    Many Canoes of a Single Buffalow Skin made in the form of a Bowl Carrying generally 3 and Sometimes 5 & 6 men, those Canoes, ride the highest Waves—    the Indians much asstonished at my Black Servent and Call him the big medison, this nation never Saw a black man before, the wind verry high, I saw at Several times to day 3 Squars in single Buffalow Skin Canoes loaded with meat Cross the River, at the time the waves were as high as I ever Saw them in the Missouri (Missouri River) — Pierre-Antoine Tabeau (Tabeau, Pierre-Antoine) was born in Lachine Parish (Lachine Parish, Canada) , near Montreal (Montreal) , and received an unusually good education in Montreal (Montreal) and Quebec (Quebec) ; by 1776 he had gone west as an engagé in the fur trade.
  • He was an employee of Régis Loisel (Loisel, Régis) in 1802–1804, spending much of his time among the Arikaras (Arikara Indians) . He was a major source of information for the captains on the Upper Missouri tribes, besides serving as an interpreter and general intermediary; the numerous journal entries that mention him suggest their good opinion of the man.
  • October 9, 1804
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
November 1, 1804 - Clark, William
  • McCrackin (McCracken, Hugh) a Trader Set out at 7 oClock to the fort on the Ossiniboin (Fort Assiniboine (Canada))    by him Send a letter, (incloseing a Copy of the British Ministers protection) to the principal agent of the Company—    at about 10 OClock the Cheifs of the Lower Village Cam and after a Short time informed us they wished they would us to call at their village & take Some Corn, that they would make peace with the Ricares (Arikara Indians)    they never made war against them but after the rees (Arikara Indians) Killed their Chiefs they killed them like the birds, and were tired [NB: of killing them] and would Send a Chief and Some brave men to the Ricares (Arikara Indians) to Smoke with that people    in the evening we Set out and fell down to the lower Village where Capt.
  • November 1, 1804
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
July 16, 1805 - Whitehouse, Joseph
  • also bottoms on each Side covered with cotton Timber, &c.    Saw fresh Indian Sign.    large Camps back of Several bottoms.    the hunters killed 2 buffalow.   
  • we Came 20 Miles and Camped at the Entrence of the rockey mountains (Rocky Mountains) .— Tuesday July 16th    A Clear pleasant morning, One of our Men went back, about 4 Miles for an Axe that was left last evening, We set out early, and proceeded on, the current of the River being much stronger than Yesterday, We passed a high round hill, which lay a short distance from the River, which at a distance has the resemblance of a large fortification, Our Officers named that place Fort mountain (Square Butte (Fort Mountain)) , it lies on the North side of the River.—    We passed a large Creek lying on the South side of the River 100 Yards wide at its mouth, and several Islands covered with timber,—    and bottoms covered with Cotton wood on both sides of the River, and some fresh signs of Indians, and large Indian Camps lying in the bottoms.—    The hunters that were out killed 2 Buffalo, and we saw very large Gangs of them in the Plains, below the Rocky mountains (Rocky Mountains) , which we are approaching near to, We came 20 Miles this day, and encamped at the entrance to the Rocky Mountains (Rocky Mountains) .—
  • July 16, 1805
  • Journals
  • Whitehouse, Joseph
August 26, 1805 - Clark, William
  • Clark August 26th Monday 1805 a fine morning    Despatched three men a head to hunt, our horses missing    Sent out my guide and four men to hunt them, which detained me untill 9 oClock a. m. at which time I Set out and proceeded on by the way of the forks to the Indian Camps at the first were    not one mouthfull to eate untill night as our hunters could kill nothing and I could See & catch no fish except a few Small ones. The Indians gave us 2 Sammon boiled which I gave to the men, one of my men Shot a Sammon in the river about Sunset those fish gave us a Supper.   
  • a number of ground Lizards; Some fiew Pigions The Indian camp at the fish weir, about five miles southeast of Salmon (Salmon, Idaho) , Lemhi County (Lemhi County, Idaho) , Idaho (Idaho) .
  • August 26, 1805
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
October 5, 1805 - Whitehouse, Joseph
  • .—    The two Men who had been at the Villages trading with the Indians returned late last night.    they had their horses loaded with Root bread & a small quantity of Salmon, & a few dressed Elk Skins, also some Otter skins, which we make use of in making Caps &ca. The Men at work on the Canoes, continued to work on them & finishing them off—    We got up all our horses, and Cropped close off the foretop of each horse, and branded them with a stirrup Iron, on the near fore shoulder, that we may be able to know them on our return.    One of the Indian Chiefs who our officers intend leaving the care of our horses with, intends going on with us, & to leave the horses in the Care of his Two Sons.    We delivered up to this Indian Chief 38 Horses, which he & his Sons took charge of.    Towards evening we put two of the Canoes which our Men had finish'd into the River.   
  • October 5, 1805
  • Journals
  • Whitehouse, Joseph
October 10, 1805 - Ordway, John
  • the two guides (Old Toby) who came with us from the Snake (Shoshone Indians) nation left us yesterday, and we expect they have returned back again.    we Set out eairly and proceed on down    passed over a number of bad rapids    took water in the canoes by the waves.    passd Several Camps of Indians where they had large fisherys    we bought Some from them.   
  • about 11 oClock we came to a verry bad rapid which was full of rocks, we halted and took one canoe down at a time one of them Struck a rock in the rapid and broke a hole in hir Side but with Some difficulty we got hir Safe to Shore unloaded & repaired hur.    the Indians caught some of the oars &c for us.    we bought a little more Sammon and one or two dogs, and about 2 oC. we Set out again and proceeded on as usal.   
  • October 10, 1805
  • Journals
  • Ordway, John
October 8, 1805 - Clark, William
  • Gass (Gass, Patrick) was Stearing and was nearle turning over, She Sprung a leak or Split open on one Side and Bottom filled with water & Sunk on the rapid, the men, Several of which Could not Swim hung on to the Canoe, I had one of the other Canoes unloaded & with the assistance of our Small canoe and one Indians Canoe took out every thing & 〈got〉 toed the empty Canoe on Shore, one man Tompson (Thompson, John B.) a little hurt, every thing wet perticularly the greater part of our Small Stock of merchindize, had every thing opened, and two Sentinals put over them to keep off the Indians, who are enclined to theave haveing Stole Several Small articles    those people appeared disposed to give us every assistance in their power dureing our distress—    We passed Several Encampments of Indians on the Islands and those near the rapids in which places they took the Salmon, at one of Those Camps we found our two Chiefs who had promised to accompany us, we took them on board after the Serimony of Smokeing They remained at this site until October 10, as indicated on Atlas map 72.
  • October 8, 1805
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
October 9, 1805 - Clark, William
  • we requested the Chief to Send a horseman after our old guide (Old Toby) to come back and recive his pay &c. which he advised us not to do as his nation would take his things from him before he passed their camps—. The Indians and our party were very mery this after noon    a woman faind madness &c.
  • Singular acts of this woman in giveing in Small potions all She had & if they were not received [NB: or She had no more to give—    pitied by Indians—    She Sang] She would Scarrify her Self in a horid manner &c.
  • What the captains regarded as madness the Indians would probably have considered the prompting of a guardian spirit.
  • October 9, 1805
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
October 27, 1805 - Clark, William
  • The two Chiefs & party was joined by Seven others from below in two canoes, we gave them to eate & Smoke    Several of those from below returned down the river in a bad humer, haveing got into this pet by being prevented doeing as they wished with our articles which was then exposed to dry—    we took a Vocabelary of the Languages of those two chiefs which are verry different notwithstanding they are Situated within Six miles of each other, Those at the great falls (Columbia River, Great Falls of the) Call themslves E-nee-shur (Tenino Indians) and are understood on the river above: Those at the Great Narrows (Columbia River, The Dalles of the (Great Narrows)) Call themseles E-che-lute (Tenino Indians) and is understood below, maney words of those people are the Same, and Common to all the flat head Bands which we have passed on the river, all have the clucking tone anexed which is prodomonate above.   
  • Whether the Chinook trade jargon had come into existence by the time of Lewis (Lewis, Meriwether) and Clark (Clark, William) is still a debated issue among linguists; it may be that all these Indians were using it, based on the Chinook language which was widespread in the northwest.
  • October 27, 1805
  • Journals
  • Clark, William
November 4, 1805 - Gass, Patrick
  • We went about 7 miles and came to a large Indian village, where they informed us that in two days we should come to two ships with white people in them. The Indians here have a great deal of new cloth among them, and other articles which they got from these ships.
  • We proceeded on, and passed some handsome islands, and down a beautiful part of the river. We also passed a number of Indian lodges; and saw a great many swans, geese, ducks, cranes, and gulls.
  • November 4, 1805
  • Journals
  • Gass, Patrick
April 16, 1806 - Ordway, John
  • a clear pleasant morning. Several Indians Stayed at our Camp last night.    6 of the party went out eairly a hunting.
  • Clark (Clark, William) intends going up to the falls & See if any is to be had their.    a number of Indians Came to our Camp    Some of them on horse back. Sergt. Gass (Gass, Patrick) and 2 men Set at makeing pack Saddles. Capt Clark (Clark, William) Sent back a part of the articles as the Indians asked more for their horses than our goods would admit of, but he was going up to the falls in hopes to git Some their by giving a little more than has been offered as yet.   
  • April 16, 1806
  • Journals
  • Ordway, John

Created by the Center for Digital Research in the Humanities
in partnership with the University of Nebraska Press
and funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.