June 28, 1804
28 June Thursday took equal altitudes &c. &c. &c. & varaitian of the
Compass repaired the Perogue Cleaned out the Boat Suned our Powder
wollen articles examined every thing 8 or 10 huntrs. out to day in
different direction, in examineing our private Store of Provisions we
found Several articles Spoiled from the wet or dampness they had
received, a verry warm Day, the wind from the South, The river
Missourie has raised yesterday last night & to day about 2 foot. this
evening it is on a Stand, Capt. Lewis weighed the water of the Two
rivers The Missouris 78° The Kansais 72° To Describe the most probable of
the various accounts of this great river of the Kansas, would be too
lengthy & uncertain to insert here, it heads with the river Del Norid
in the black Mountain or ridge which Divides the waters of the Kansas
Del Nord, & Callarado & oppsoitly from those of the Missoureis (and not
well assertaind) This River recves its name from a nation which dwells
at this time on its banks & 2 villages one about 20 Leagues & the other
40 Leagues up, those Indians are not verry noumerous at this time,
reduced by war with their neighbours, &c. they formerly liveid on the
South banks of the Missouries 24 Leagues above this river in a open &
butifull plain and were verry noumerous at the time the french first
Settled the Illinois, I am told they are a fierce & warlike people,
being badly Supplied with fire arms, become easily conquered by the
Aiauway & Saukees who are better furnished with those materials of war,
This nation is now out in the plains hunting the Buffalow our hunters
Killed Several Deer and Saw Buffalow, men impd Dressing Skins & makeing
themselves Comfortable, the high lands Coms to the river Kanses on the
upper Side at about a mile, full in view, and a butifull place for a
fort, good landing place, the waters of the Kansas is verry
disigreeably tasted to me.
