The expedition remains at the confluence of the Osage and Missouri rivers so that the captains can make celestial observations. Clark measures the width of both rivers and ascends a nearby hill to view the area. After seven days out, hunters George Drouillard and John Shields return “much worsted”.
A Seven Day Hunt
by Yellowstone Public Radio[1]Originally aired weekdays by Yellowstone Public Radio during the Bicentennial observance of 2003-2006. Narrated by Hal Hansen. Scripts by Whit Hansen and Ed Jacobson. Produced by Leni Holliman. © … Continue reading
Osage River Observations
our officers lay by this day for observations. 4 men went out a hunting. about 12oC. they came in had killed 4 deer.
—Joseph Whitehouse
Clark’s Hill
I assended the hill in the point 80 ps. from the pt. found it about 100 foot high, on the top is 2 graves, or mouns, a Delightfull prospect from this hill which Comds. both rivers
—William Clark
River Widths
I measured the Osage & Missouris at this place made ther width as follows, the Missoure 875 yd. wide The Osage R 397 yds. wide, the distance between the 2 rivers 80 poles up is 40 ps. [poles]
—William Clark
The Hunters Return
George Drewyer & John Shields who we had Sent with the horses by Land on the N Side joined us this evening much worsted, they being absent Seven Days depending on their gun, the greater part of the time rain, they were obliged to raft or Swim many Creeks, those men gave a flattering account of the Countrey
—William Clark
Whitehouse Returns
the pearogue [pirogue] Arived with the lost man &c—
—John Ordway
Clark’s Hill State Historic Site is a High Potential Historic Site along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Since Clark described this viewpoint, the Osage mouth has shifted six miles further downstream. The site, managed by Missouri State Parks, provides public access.
Notes
↑1 | Originally aired weekdays by Yellowstone Public Radio during the Bicentennial observance of 2003-2006. Narrated by Hal Hansen. Scripts by Whit Hansen and Ed Jacobson. Produced by Leni Holliman. © 2003 by Yellowstone Public Radio. |
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Discover More
- The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.