Missouri River near Platte River mouth — John Ordway: July 16, 1804

proceded on the side of a prarie above the prarie the hills make
near the River passed several small Islands, one large one called
fair Sun1 the Boat Ran fast on a Sawyer the wind from the
South, we delayed at 12 oClock for the Captains to take the
Meridian altitude & Set their watches &.C. we then sailed along &
Stoped to Dine, little above where the hills came close to the R. on
South Side we passed a high Sand Bank which appeared to be
slideing in at times, little above a Bank of Sand Stone which was
high & many Birds Nests in the holes we proceded on to a large
handsome prarie on the North Side where we camped the party
who were with the horses joined us with 2 Deer The River neesh-
nah-bo-to-na Runs along back of the Bottom prarie under the Ball
hill2 along this River is plenty of Timbers every fiew miles which
Stands in Handsome Groves, these hills are in some places from
3 to 6 miles from the Missouris.