Clark: April 1, 1805

William Clark · Fort Mandan, preparing for departure

That night's camp, per the NPS campsite reconstruction (Bergantino): Fort Mandan, ND (left shore)

April 1st 1805 we have Thunder lightning hail and rain to day the first
rain of note Sinc the 15 of October last, I had the Boat Perogus &
Canos put in the water, and expect to Set off the boat with despatches in
her will go 6 Americans 3 frenchmen, and perhaps Several ricarra Chief
imediately after we Shall assend in 2 perogus & 6 canoes, accompanied
by 5 french who intends to assend a Short distance to trap the beavr which
is in great abundance highr up our party will consist of one Interpter
& Hunter, one French man as an interpreter with his two wives (this
man Speaks Minetary to his wives who are L hiatars or Snake Indians of the
nations through which we Shall pass, and to act as interpretress thro him)26
americans & french my servant and an Mandan Indian and provisions for
4 months

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Fort Mandan April the 1st Tuesday 1805 The fore part of to day haile rain
with Thunder & lightning, the rain continued by intimitions all day,
it is worthey of remark that this is the 1st rain which has fallen Since
we have been here or Since the 15 of October last, except a fiew drops at
two or three defferent times

had the Boat Perogus & Canoes all put into the water.