April 21, 1834

In the morning [the weather was] slightly cloudy [and] cold. Departure at five o’clock. Swans, ducks, and wild geese moved above the river. At seven thirty, 41°F [5°C]. Northeast wind. At this time we sailed past the Cannonball River. The hills were slightly covered with snow. Today we did not see anything green, [un]like yesterday, when some willows and roses were already green. The prairie hen I ate tasted like garlic, because [the birds] were eating small prairie garlic now; [the hen] had cottonwood catkins and greens in its stomach. At eight o’clock we stopped on the right bank, heated the food, and soon continued on. About ten o’clock we put in on the right bank, where there is some kind of inland lake overgrown with reeds and clumps of bushes. Our hunters went [there and] found swans, geese, ducks, and cranes but did not get a thing, other than a nice Anas boschas fera (mallard). At twelve o’clock, 51°F [10.6°C]. Northeast wind; a little sunshine. Ahead of us we saw some herds of cabri or antelope, [numbering] ten to twelve [animals each]; one [herd] was just crossing the river. We hurried, making every effort, but [were] too late. We saw individual buffalo bulls and a small herd of about fifty cows; however, they were far away. Shortly before dusk we put in on the right bank. Evening rather calm, cloudy, [and] cool; snow during the night.

Current Location

Journal Location: Missouri River

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