Fort Mandan, North Dakota — Joseph Whitehouse: December 3, 1804

nothing particular occured Since christmas but we live in
peace and tranquillity in our fort, visited dayly by the natives
with Supplys of corn &c.
January i*'” 1805. Tuesday.
2 Guns was discharged from the Swivel to celebrate the new
year, a round of Small arms immediately after by each man of
the party, a Glass of old ardent Spirits was given, a short
time after Cap! Clark gave another, about lo oClock one of
the Intrepters & one half of the party went up to the i’^ vil-
lage of Mandans by their request to dance. Some time after
Cap! Clark and 3 more men Came up also, the day was warm
and pleasant, in the afternoon Cap! Lewis Gave another glass,
in the evening Cap! Clark & Some of the party came home &
Some Stayed all night.
[ 72 ]
i8o4] WHITEHOUSE’S JOURNAL