March 19, 1805
Hidatsa war parties
At Fort Mandan, two Mandan chiefs tell the captains that the Hidatsas are forming war parties. Sgt. Gass seeks helpers to move the new dugout canoes from his canoe camp to the river.
Little Raven
January 4, 1805
Gifts for Little Raven
At Fort Mandan below the Knife River Villages, the weather warms enough to encourage hunters who kill a buffalo calf. Little Raven of Mitutanka visits and is given gifts, and the day ends cold and windy.
January 1, 1805
A new year at Fort Mandan
At Fort Mandan, New Year’s Day starts with rain and cannon fire. Several enlisted men are allowed to visit Mitutanka—a nearby Mandan village, and Clark orders York to dance for them. He also learns of a conflict between the two Hidatsa villages, and the day ends snowy and cold.
December 23, 1804
A Mandan treat
At Fort Mandan, Knife River villagers bring squash, corn, and beans. The wife of Little Raven cooks a Mandan treat for the captains while the enlisted men must deal with ‘large crowds’ in their quarters.
November 3, 1804
Personnel changes
The engagés are discharged, and Lepage and Jusseaume are hired from among the traders at the Knife River Villages. Fort Mandan’s foundation is completed, and a dram of whiskey revives the cold workers.
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.
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