After fixing the barge’s mast, the expedition sets out by 7 am. They pass Petite Saline Creek which has several salt licks and signs that indicate bison are nearby. They camp sooner than usual to let a pirogue catch up.
Fixing the Mast
The Barge
Courtesy U.S. National Park Service, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Alex Wiles photographer. The visitor center and docks in the original photo have been replaced with a high river bank and trees by Kristopher K. Townsend.
Mended our Mast this morning and Set out at 7 oClock, under a Jentle Braise . . . . I am Still verry unwell with a Sore throat & head ake
—William Clark
Petite Saline Creek
passed the mouth of a Creek Called Saline or Salt R on the L. Sd. this River is about 30 yds. wide, and has So many Licks & Salt Springs on its banks that the Water of the Creek is Brackish, the water of the Spring in this Lick is Strong as one bushel of the water is said to make 7 lb. of good Salt
—William Clark
Early Encampment
the water excessivly Strong, So much So that we Camped Sooner than the usial time to waite for the pirogue, The banks are falling in Verry much to day river rose last night a foot.
—William Clark
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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.
This page was funded in part by the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, U.S. National Park Service.
This site is provided as a public service by the
Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance
with cooperation and funding from the following organizations:
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
- Montana Committee for the Humanities
- Idaho Governor's Lewis and Clark Trail Committee
- The Capital Gallery (Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation)
- Yellowstone Public Radio
Unless otherwise noted, journal excerpts are from The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, edited by Gary E. Moulton, 13 vols. (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1983-2001).