December 4, 1833
We got up early and left the lodge at seven o’clock. In the forest all trees were covered evenly with hoarfrost. On the way home we followed the winding trail through the forest, not like yesterday along the hills. The forest is very much culled out, and there are only a few big trees left. In some parts there were swamps covered with ice [and] high reeds (Arundo [— —]) [that] we walked across. After half an hour, one steps out of the forest onto the prairie on the bank of the Missouri. Here a chilly southeast wind blew, which became stronger and therefore cold, at nine o’clock. At eight o’ clock we reached the fort, where we had breakfast. At eight thirty, 23 1/2°F [−4.7°C]. Later a handsome, very nicely dressed Mandan from the society of Káua-Karakáchka visited us; [he] is the tallest man in this tribe. He is 5′ 10″ 2 1/2‴. His name is Máhchsi-Karéhde (Flying War Eagle). He wore feathers in his hair spread like rays [and] one white and black war eagle feather hanging down [in] back, its shaft decorated [with] red. [He also wore] a beautiful bear claw necklace and a reddish brown robe well decorated with glass beads. At our request he promised to [pose] for a drawing. [He] slipped away from us [but] promised to return in four to five days. At noon, 30 1/2°F [−0.8°C], wind east, raw, and strong. Durand came for a short time but did not stay long. In the afternoon several Indians came, among them Síh-Chidä and another one, Broken Pot The Pot In Which One Sees Oneself, who is the strongest man among all the Mandans. He has wrestled with Negroes and whites, and thus far all contests have turned out to his advantage. Also the tallest man among all the Mandans came. The night was dark and cold; strong wind at the same time.