Clark: October 11, 1804

11th of October Thursday 1804. Wind from the S.E. At 11 o'clock we met the 1st Chief in Council. He thanked us for what we had given him and his people, promised to follow our advice, and said the road was open for us and no one dared shut it, etc. We took him and one chief on board and set out. On our way we took in the 2nd Chief at the mouth of a small creek, and came to off the 2nd village, which is 3 miles above the island. We walked up with the 2nd and 3rd Chiefs to their villages, which are situated on each side of a small creek. They gave us something to eat in their way. After conversations on various subjects and bearing the civilities of those people, who are both poor and dirty, we informed the chiefs we would hear what they had to say tomorrow, and returned on board about 10 o'clock P.M. Those people gave us corn and beans to eat, a large well-flavored bean which they rob from the mice in the plains, and which is very nourishing. All tranquil.

11th October Thursday 1804. A fine morning, the wind from the S.E. At 11 o'clock we met the Grand Chief in Council, and he made a short speech thanking us for what we had given him and his nation, promising to attend to the council we had given him, and informed us the road was open and no one dared shut it, and we might depart at pleasure. At 1 o'clock we set out for the upper villages, 3 miles distant, with the Grand Chief and his nephew on board. Proceeded on, and at 1 mile took in the 2nd Chief, and came to off the first second village, separated from the 3rd by a creek. After arranging all matters, we walked up with the 2nd Chief to his village, and sat talking on various subjects until late. We also visited the upper, or 3rd, village. Each of which gave us something to eat in their way, and a few bushels of corn, beans, etc., etc.

After being treated with every civility by those people, who are both poor and dirty, we returned to our boat at about 10 o'clock P.M., informing them before we departed that we would speak to them tomorrow at their separate villages. Those people gave us to eat bread made of corn and beans, also corn and beans boiled, and a large bean which they rob from the mice of the prairie, which is rich and very nourishing, also.

(Ricares)

October the 11th Thursday 1804. We met in Council to hear what the Grand Chief Ka kaw issassa had to say in answer to the speech of yesterday.

The Grand Chief rose and spoke as follows, i.e.,

My Fathers! My heart is gladder than it ever was before to see my fathers. (a repetition).

If you want the road open, no one can prevent it; it will always be open for you.

Can you think any one dares put their hands on the rope of your boat? No! not one dares.

When you get to the Mandans, we wish you to speak good words with that nation for us. We wish to be at peace with them.

It gives us pain that we do not know how to work the beaver. We will make buffalo robes the best we can.

When you return, if I am living, you will see me again, the same man. The Indians in the prairie know me and listen to my words. When you come, they will meet to see you.

We shall look at the river with impatience for your return. Finished.