Four-and-a-Half Months’ Stay in New Harmony
Description of the region – Natural history – Messrs. Say, Lesueur, and Owen – Hunting excursions in Indiana and Illinois – Wabash, Fox River – Illinois prairies – Albion – Black River – Mr. Bodmer’s trip to New Orleans
February 12, 1833
Rain during the morning and all night long. Weather somewhat cooler. At seven thirty, 1°R [34.3°F, 1.3°C]. Later, the rain stopped. Mr. Lesueur sent me bones from the old Indian graves. From Evansville I received the two deer antlers tangled together. They had been found in the state of Indiana in Vanderburgh County, 10 miles north of Evansville on the Ohio. One deer was still alive. At twelve noon, 1 1/4°R [34.8°F, 1.6°C]. During the afternoon, heavy rain, despite which Dreidoppel went out to the duck blind and waited for ducks. He saw at least 100 Anas rufitorques, which have arrived in large flocks. His hunting companion, young Duclos, again shot a nice drake of this species, which Dreidoppel brought back.
I received a letter from Mr. Nicolet, my banker in New Orleans, which informed me that Mr. Bodmer had withdrawn 3,000 dollars for us. In the evening, better weather than during the day; somewhat cooler.