Clark: September 24, 1804

Monday the 24th of September 1804, a fair morning. Set out early, wind from the East. Passed the mouth of a creek on the L. S. called Creek in High Water. Passed a large (1) island on the L. S. about 2 1/2 miles long, on which Colter had camped and killed 4 elk. The wind from the S. E. We prepared some clothes and a few medals for the chiefs of the Teton band of Sioux we expected to meet at the next river. Much stone on the S. S. of the river. We saw one hare today. Our pirogues called at the island for the elk. Soon after we passed the island, Colter ran up the bank and reported that the Sioux had taken his horse. We soon after saw five Indians on the bank, who expressed a wish to come on board. We informed them we were friends and wished to continue so, and were not afraid of any Indians. Some of their young men had stolen a horse sent by their Great Father to their great chief, and we should not speak to them any more until the horse was returned to us again. Passed an island about 1 1/2 miles long on which we saw many elk and buffalo. We came to off the mouth of a small river. The Teton of the Burnt Woods is camped 2 miles up this river. This river, which we call Teton, is 70 yards wide and comes in on the S. W. side. I went on shore and smoked with a chief called Buffalo Medicine, who came to see us here. The chief said he knew nothing of the horse, etc. I informed them we would call the grand chiefs in council tomorrow. All continued on board all night.

24th September, Monday 1804. Set out early, a fair day, the wind from the E. Passed the mouth of a creek on the L. S. called Creek in High Water. Passed (1) a large island on the L. S. about 2 1/2 miles long, on which Colter had camped and killed 4 elk. The wind fair from the S. E. We prepared some clothes and a few medals for the chiefs of the Teton band of Sioux, which we expect to see today at the next river. Observed a great deal of stone on the sides of the hills on the S. S. We saw one hare today. Prepared all things for action in case of necessity. Our pirogues went to the island for the meat. Soon after, the man on shore ran up the bank and reported that the Indians had stolen the horse. We soon after met 5 Indians and anchored out some distance and spoke to them. Informed them we were friends and wished to continue so, but were not afraid of any Indians. Some of their young men had taken the horse sent by their Great Father for their chief, and we would not speak to them until the horse was returned to us again.

Passed (2) an island on the S. S. on which we saw several elk, about 1 1/2 miles long, called Good Humored Islands. Came to about 1 1/2 miles above, off the mouth of a small river about 70 yards wide, called by Mr. Evins the Little Missouri River. The tribe of the Sioux called the Teton is camped about 2 miles up on the N. W. side, and we shall call the river after that nation, Teton. This river is 70 yards wide at the mouth of water, and has a considerable current. We anchored off the mouth. The French pirogue came up early in the morning; the other did not get up until in the evening, soon after we had come to. I went and smoked with the chief who came to see us here. All well. We prepare to speak with the Indians tomorrow, at which time we are informed the Indians will be here. The Frenchman who had for some time been sick began to bleed, which alarmed him. 2/3 of our party camped on board; the remainder with the guard on shore.