Moving into tents
At Camp River Dubois opposite the mouth of the Missouri, Clark moves the enlisted men out of their cabins and into tents—their new shelters for the upcoming voyage. He also tells the men to collect water from the Missouri finding its water cooler than the Mississippi or Wood rivers. Lewis continues working in St. Louis.
Loading the barge
Privates John Colter and Moses Reed deliver a letter to William Clark that informs him that his commission is for second lieutenant—not the captaincy originally promised. The enlisted men are loading the barge to make ready their imminent departure up the Missouri.
Chouteau's Osage delegation
In St. Louis and Camp River Dubois, Lewis and Clark write letters of introduction for Pierre Chouteau who will soon take an Osage delegation to Washington City. At winter camp, the bottom of the barge is inspected, influential trader Manuel Lisa visits, and Sgt. Floyd brings letters to Clark.
Shooting at the mark
At Camp River Dubois across from St. Louis, the soldiers practice shooting at a mark. Clark settles the expedition’s account with Major Nathan Rumsey, Army Commissary.
Sending for Capt. Lewis
Sgt. Charles Floyd and Pvt. George Shannon leave Camp River Dubois with two horses to meet Lewis who is crossing over from St. Louis. Hunters add the double-crested cormorant and muskrat to their tally of kills.
Provisions arrive
Clark leaves St. Louis for Camp River Dubois. He crosses the Mississippi in Major Nathan Rumsey’s boat loaded with “Sundery articles” for the upcoming voyage. An extra ration of whiskey is given to the enlisted men.
Discipline problems
On this or the next day, Clark and Army Commissary Major Nathan Rumsey leave St. Louis with provisions for the men at Camp River Dubois. Also near this date, Clark summarizes the discipline problems encountered thus far—mostly fights among the enlisted men.
Horse rescue
At winter camp on the Wood River across from the mouth of the Missouri, Major Nathan Rumsey, U.S. Army commissary, arrives to help provision the expedition. Clark sends two men to rescue a horse in distress.
Shooting for the red leggings
At Wood River, Pvt. Reubin Field wins some red leggings in a shooting contest. In Washington City, President Jefferson congratulates Congress on the successful transfer of Louisiana to the United States.
Intoxicated helpers
In a letter to his brother-in-law, Clark describes his situation at Rivière à Dubois—present Wood River. Several men and a wagon—all loaded with whiskey—appear at camp, and the weather is clear and cold.
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