Clark: November 6, 1804

William Clark · Fort Mandan, North Dakota

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

6th of Nov. Mr. Gravolin our Ricara Interpreter & 2 of our french
hands & 2 boys Set out in a Canoe for the Ricaras Mr. ravellin is to
accompany the Ricaras Chiefs to the City of Washington in the Spring,
Great numbers of Geese pass to the South which is a certain approach of
ice

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6th November Tuesday 1804 Fort Mandan last night late we wer awoke by the
Sergeant of the Guard to See a nothern light, which was light, not red,
and appeared to Darken and Some times nearly obscered, and open, many
times appeared in light Streeks, and at other times a great Space light
& containing floating Collomns which appeared opposite each other
& retreat leaveing the lighter Space at no time of the Same appearence

This morning I rose a Day light the Clouds to the North appeared black at
8 oClock the wind begun to blow hard from the N W. and Cold, and Continud
all Day Mr. Jo Gravilin our ricare interpeter Paul premor, Lajuness &
2 french Boys, who Came with us, Set out in a Small perogue, on their
return to the ricaree nation & the Illinois, Mr. Gravilin has
instructions to take on the recarees in the Spring &c.Continue
to build the huts, out of Cotton Timber, &c. this being the only
timber we have.