The Journals
of Lewis and Clark: Dates August 25, 1804 - August 31, 1804
The following
excerpts are taken from entries of the Journals of Lewis
and Clark. Dates: August 25, 1804 - August 31, 1804
August 25, 1804
August 25. Captains Lewis and Clarke, with ten men, went
to see an object deemed very extraordinary among all the
neighboring Indians. They dropped down to the mouth of Whitestone
river, about thirty yards wide, where they left the boat,
and at the distance of two hundred yards, ascended a rising
ground, from which a plain extended itself as far as the
eye could discern. After walking four miles, they crossed
the creek where it is twenty-three yards wide, and waters
an extensive valley. The heat was so oppressive that we
were obliged to send back our dog to the creek, as he was
unable to bear the fatigue; and it was not till after four
hours march that we reached the object of our visit. This
was a large mound in the midst of the plain about N. 20°
W. from the month of Whitestone river, from which it is
nine miles distant. The base of the mound is a regular parallelogram,
the longest side being about three hundred yards, the shorter
sixty or seventy: from the longest side it rises with a
steep ascent from the north and south to the height of sixty-five
or seventy feet, leaving on the top a level plain of twelve
feet in breadth and ninety in length. The north and south
extremities are connected by two oval borders which serve
as new bases, and divide the whole side into three steep
but regular gradations from the plain. The only thing characteristic
in this hill is its extreme symmetry, and this, together
with its being totally detached from the other hills which
are at the distance of eight or nine miles, would induce
a belief that it was artificial; but, as the earth and the
loose pebbles which compose it, are arranged exactly like
the steep grounds on the borders of the creek, we concluded
from this similarity of texture that it might be natural.
But the Indians have made it a great article of their superstition:
it is called the mountain of Little People, or Little Spirits,
and they believe that it is the abode of little devils,
in the human form, of about eighteen inches high and with
remarkably large heads; they are armed with sharp arrows,
with which they are very skilful, and are always on the
watch to kill those who should have the hardihood to approach
their residence.
The
tradition is, that many have suffered from these little
evil spirits, and among others, three Maha Indians fell
a sacrifice to them a few years since. This has inspired
all the neighboring nations, Sioux, Mahas, and Ottoes, with
such terror, that no consideration could tempt them to visit
the hill. We saw none of these wicked little spirits; nor
any place for them, except some small holes scattered over
the top: we were happy enough to escape their vengeance,
though we remained some time on the mound to enjoy the delightful
prospect of the plain, which spreads itself out till the
eye rests upon the N.W. hills at a great distance, and those
of N.E. still farther off, enlivened by large herds of buffalo
feeding at a distance. The soil of these plains is exceedingly
fine; there is, however, no timber except on the Missouri:
all the wood of the Whitestone river not being sufficient
to cover thickly one hundred acres. The plain country which
surrounds this mound has contributed not a little to its
bad reputation: the wind driving from every direction over
the level ground obliges the insects to seek shelter on
its leeward side, or be driven against us by the wind. The
small birds, whose food they are, resort of course in great
numbers in quest of subsistence; and the Indians always
seem to discover an unusual assemblage of birds as produced
by some supernatural cause: among them we observed the brown
martin employed in looking for insects, and so gentle that
they did not fly until we got within a few feet of them.
We have also distinguished among numerous birds of the plain,
the blackbird, the wren or prairie bird, and a species of
lark about the size of a partridge, with a short tail.
The
excessive heat and thirst forced us from the hill, about
one o'clock, to the nearest water, which we found in the
creek, at three miles distance, and remained an hour and
a half. We then went down the creek, through a lowland about
one mile in width, and crossed it three times, to the spot
where we first reached it in the morning. Here we gathered
some delicious plums, grapes and blue currants, and afterwards
arrived at the mouth of the river about sunset. To this
place the course from the mound is S. twenty miles, E. nine
miles; we there resumed our pirogue, and on reaching our
encampment of last night set the prairies on fire, to warn
the Sioux of our approach. In the mean time, the boat under
Sergeant Pryor had proceeded in the afternoon one mile,
to a bluff of blue clay on the south, and after passing
a sandbar and two sand islands fixed their camp at the distance
of six miles on the south. In the evening some rain fell.
We had killed a duck and several birds: in the boat, they
had caught some large catfish.
August
26, 1804
Sunday, August
26. We rejoined the boat at nine o'clock before she set
out, and then passing by an island, and under a cliff on
the south, nearly two miles in extent and composed of white
and blue earth, encamped at nine miles distance, on a sandbar
towards the north. Opposite to this, on the south, is a
small creek called Petit Arc or Little Bow, and a short
distance above it, an old village of the same name. This
village, of which nothing remains but the mound of earth
about four feet high surrounding it, was built by a Maha
chief named Little Bow, who being displeased with Blackbird,
the late king, seceded with two hundred followers and settled
at this spot, which is now abandoned, as the two [55]villages
have reunited since the death of Blackbird. We have great
quantities of grapes, and plums of three kinds; two of a
yellow color, and distinguished by one of the species being
longer than the other; and a third round and red: all have
an excellent flavor, particularly those of the yellow kind.
August
27, 1804
August 27. The
morning star appeared much larger than usual. A gentle breeze
from the southeast carried us by some large sandbars, on
both sides and in the middle of the river, to a bluff, on
the south side, at seven and a half miles distant; this
bluff is of white clay or chalk, under which is much stone,
like lime, incrusted with a clear substance, supposed to
be cobalt, and some dark ore. Above this bluff we set the
prairie on fire, to invite the Sioux. After twelve and a
half miles, we had passed several other sandbars, and now
reached the mouth of a river called by the French Jacques
(James river) or Yankton, from the tribe which inhabits
its banks. It is about ninety yards wide at the confluence:
the country which it waters is rich prairie, with little
timber: it becomes deeper and wider above its mouth, and
may be navigated a great distance; as its sources rise near
those of St. Peter's, of the Mississippi, and the red river
of lake Winnipeg. As we came to the mouth of the river,
an Indian swam to the boat; and, on our landing, we were
met by two others, who informed us that a large body of
Sioux were encamped near us: they accompanied three of our
men, with an invitation to meet us at a spot above the river:
the third Indian remained with us: he is a Maha boy, and
says that his nation have gone to the Pawnees to make peace
with them. At fourteen miles, we encamped on a sandbar to
the north. The air was cool, the evening pleasant, the wind
from the southeast, and light. The river has fallen gradually,
and is now low.
August
28, 1804
Tuesday, 28th.
We passed, with a stiff breeze from the south, several sandbars.
On the south is a prairie which rises gradually from the
water to the height of a bluff, which is, at four miles
distance, of a whitish color, and about seventy or eighty
feet high. Further on is another bluff, of a brownish color,
on the north side; and at the distance of eight and a half
miles is the beginning of Calumet bluff, on the south side,
under which we formed our camp, in a beautiful plain, to
wait the arrival of the Sioux. At the first bluff the young
Indian left us and joined their camp. Before reaching Calumet
bluff one of the pirogues ran upon a log in the river, and
was rendered unfit for service; so that all our loading
was put into the second pirogue. On both sides of the river
are fine prairies, with cotton wood; and near the bluff
there is more timber in the points and valleys than we have
been accustomed to see.
August
29, 1804
Wednesday, 29th.
We had a violent storm of wind and rain last evening; and
were engaged during the day in repairing the pirogue, and
other necessary occupations; when, at four o'clock in the
afternoon, sergeant Pryor and his party arrived on the opposite
side, attended by five chiefs, and about seventy men and
boys. We sent a boat for them, and they joined us, as did
also Mr. Durion, the son of our interpreter, who happened
to be trading with the Sioux at this time. He returned with
sergeant Pryor to the Indians, with a present of tobacco,
corn, and a few kettles; and told them that we would speak
to their chiefs in the morning. Sergeant Pryor reported,
that on reaching their village, which is at twelve miles
distance from our camp, he was met by a party with a buffalo
robe, on which they desired to carry their visitors: an
honor which they declined, informing the Indians that they
were not the commanders of the boats: as a great mark of
respect, they were then presented with a fat dog, already
cooked, of which they partook heartily, and found it well
flavored. The camps of the Sioux are of a conical form,
covered with buffalo robes, painted with various figures
and colors, with an aperture in the top for the smoke to
pass through. The lodges contain from ten to fifteen persons,
and the interior arrangement is compact and handsome, each
lodge having a place for cooking detached from it.
August
30, 1804
August 30th. Thursday.
The fog was so thick that we could not see the Indian camp
on the opposite side, but it cleared off about eight o'clock.
We prepared a speech, and some presents, and then sent for
the chiefs and warriors, whom we received, at twelve o'clock,
under a large oak tree, near to which the flag of the United
States was flying. Captain Lewis delivered a speech, with
the usual advice and counsel for their future conduct. We
then acknowledged their chiefs, by giving to the grand chief
a flag, a medal, a certificate, with a string of wampum;
to which we added a chief's coat; that is, a richly laced
uniform of the United States artillery corps, and a cocked
hat and red feather. One second chief and three inferior
ones were made or recognised by medals, and a suitable present
of tobacco, and articles of clothing. We then smoked the
pipe of peace, and the chiefs retired to a bower, formed
of bushes, by their young men, where they divided among
each other the presents, and smoked and eat, and held a
council on the answer which they were to make us to-morrow.
The young people exercised their bows and arrows in shooting
at marks for beads, which we distributed to the best marksmen;
and in the evening the whole party danced until a late hour,
and in the course of their amusement we threw among them
some knives, tobacco, bells, tape, and binding, with which
they were much pleased. Their musical instruments were the
drum, and a sort of little bag made of buffalo hide, dressed
white, with small shot or pebbles in it, and a bunch of
hair tied to it. This produces a sort of rattling music,
with which the party was annoyed by four musicians during
the council this morning.
August
31, 1804
August 31. In
the morning, after breakfast, the chiefs met, and sat down
in a row, with pipes of peace, highly ornamented, and all
pointed towards the seats intended for captains Lewis and
Clarke. When they arrived and were seated, the grand chief,
whose Indian name, Weucha, is, in English Shake Hand, and,
in French, is called Le Liberateur [58](the deliverer) rose,
and spoke at some length, approving what we had said, and
promising to follow our advice:
"I see before me," said he, "my great father's two sons.
You see me, and the rest of our chiefs and warriors. We
are very poor; we have neither powder nor ball, nor knives;
and our women and children at the village have no clothes.
I wish that as my brothers have given me a flag and a medal,
they would give something to those poor people, or let them
stop and trade with the first boat which comes up the river.
I will bring chiefs of the Pawnees and Mahas together, and
make peace between them; but it is better that I should
do it than my great father's sons, for they will listen
to me more readily. I will also take some chiefs to your
country in the spring; but before that time I cannot leave
home. I went formerly to the English, and they gave me a
medal and some clothes: when I went to the Spanish they
gave me a medal, but nothing to keep it from my skin; but
now you give me a medal and clothes. But still we are poor;
and I wish, brothers, you would give us something for our
squaws."
"When he sat down, Mahtoree, or White Crane, rose:
"I have listened," said he, "to what our father's words
were yesterday; and I am, to-day, glad to see how you have
dressed our old chief. I am a young man, and do not wish
to take much: my fathers have made me a chief: I had much
sense before, but now I think I have more than ever. What
the old chief has declared I will confirm, and do whatever
he and you please: but I wish that you would take pity on
us, for we are very poor."
Another chief, called Pawnawneahpahbe, then said;
"I am a young man, and know but little: I cannot speak well;
but I have listened to what you have told the old chief,
and will do whatever you agree."
The same sentiments were then repeated by Aweawechache.
We were surprised at finding that the first of these titles
means "Struck by the Pawnee," and was occasioned by some
[59]blow which the chief had received in battle, from one
of the Pawnee tribe. The second is, in English, "Half Man,"
which seems a singular name for a warrior, till it was explained
to have its origin, probably, in the modesty of the chief;
who, on being told of his exploits, would say, "I am no
warrior: I am only half a man." The other chiefs spoke very
little; but after they had finished, one of the warriors
delivered a speech, in which he declared he would support
them. They promised to make peace with the Ottoes and Missouris,
the only nations with whom they are at war. All these harangues
concluded by describing the distress of the nation: they
begged us to have pity on them: to send them traders: that
they wanted powder and ball; and seemed anxious that we
should supply them with some of their great father's milk,
the name by which they distinguish ardent spirits. We then
gave some tobacco to each of the chiefs, and a certificate
to two of the warriors who attended the chief. We prevailed
on Mr. Durion to remain here, and accompany as many of the
Sioux chiefs as he could collect, down to the seat of government.
We also gave his son a flag, some clothes, and provisions,
with directions to bring about a peace between the surrounding
tribe, and to convey some of their chiefs to see the president.
In the evening they left us, and encamped on the opposite
bank, accompanied by the two Durions. During the evening
and night we had much rain, and observed that the river
rises a little. The Indians, who have just left us, are
the Yanktons, a tribe of the great nation of Sioux. These
Yanktons are about two hundred men in number; and inhabit
the Jacques, Desmoines, and Sioux rivers. In person they
are stout, well proportioned, and have a certain air of
dignity and boldness. In their dress they differ nothing
from the other bands of the nation whom we saw, and will
describe afterwards: they are fond of decorations, and use
paint, and porcupine quills, and feathers. Some of them
wore a kind of necklace of white bear's claws, three inches
long, and closely strung [60]together round their necks.
They have only a few fowling pieces, being generally armed
with bows and arrows, in which, however, they do not appear
as expert as the more northern Indians. What struck us most
was an institution, peculiar to them, and to the Kite Indians,
further to the westward, from whom it is said to have been
copied. It is an association of the most active and brave
young men, who are bound to each other by attachment, secured
by a vow, never to retreat before any danger, or give way
to their enemies. In war they go forward without sheltering
themselves behind trees, or aiding their natural valor by
any artifice. This punctilious determination, not to be
turned from their course, became heroic, or ridiculous,
a short time since, when the Yanktons were crossing the
Missouri on the ice. A hole lay immediately in their course,
which might easily have been avoided, by going round. This
the foremost of the band disdained to do; but went straight
forward, and was lost. The others would have followed his
example, but were forcibly prevented by the rest of the
tribe. These young men sit, and encamp, and dance together,
distinct from the rest of the nation: they are generally
about thirty or thirty-five years old; and such is the deference
paid to courage, that their seats in council are superior
to those of the chiefs, and their persons more respected.
But, as may be supposed, such indiscreet bravery will soon
diminish the numbers of those who practise it; so that the
band is now reduced to four warriors, who were among our
visitors. These were the remains of twenty-two, who composed
the society not long ago; but, in a battle with the Kite
Indians, of the Black Mountains, eighteen of them were killed,
and these four were dragged from the field by their companions.
Whilst these Indians remained with us we made very minute
inquiries relative to their situation and numbers, and trade,
and manners. This we did very satisfactorily, by means of
two different interpreters; and from their accounts, [61]joined
to our interviews with other bands of the same nation, and
much intelligence acquired since, we were enabled to understand,
with some accuracy, the condition of the Sioux hitherto
so little known.
The Sioux, or Dacorta Indians, originally settled on the
Mississippi, and called by Carver, Madowesians, are now
subdivided into tribes, as follow:
First, The Yanktons: this tribe inhabits the Sioux, Desmoines,
and Jacques rivers, and number about two hundred warriors.
Second, The Tetons of the burnt woods. This tribe numbers
about three hundred men, who rove on both sides of the Missouri,
the White, and Teton rivers.
Third. The Tetons Okandandas, a tribe consisting of about
one hundred and fifty men, who inhabit both sides of the
Missouri below the Chayenne river.
Fourth, Tetons Minnakenozzo, a nation inhabiting both sides
of the Missouri, above the Chayenne river, and containing
about two hundred and fifty men.
Fifth, Tetons Saone; these inhabit both sides of the Missouri
below the Warreconne river, and consist of about three hundred
men.
Sixth, Yanktons of the Plains, or Big Devils; who rove on
the heads of the Sioux, Jacques, and Red river; the most
numerous of all the tribes, and number about five hundred
men.
Seventh, Wahpatone; a nation residing on the St. Peter's,
just above the mouth of that river, and numbering two hundred
men.
Eighth, Mindawarcarton, or proper Dacorta or Sioux Indians.
These possess the original seat of the Sioux, and are properly
so denominated. They rove on both sides of the Mississippi,
about the falls of St. Anthony, and consist of three hundred
men.
Ninth, The Wahpatoota, or Leaf Beds. This nation inhabits
both sides of the river St. Peter's, below Yellow-wood [62]river,
amounting to about one hundred and fifty men.
Tenth, Sistasoone: this nation numbers two hundred men,
and reside at the head of the St. Peter's. Of these several
tribes, more particular notice will be taken hereafter.
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