Missouri River near Little Sioux River — Patrick Gass: August 15, 1804

went to the Maha creek to fish, and caught 387 fish of dif-
ferent kinds. We discovered smoke on the opposite side of
the river, and four men crossed to see if any of the Mahas
or Sioux Indians were there; but could not discover any.
There had been fire there some days, and the wind lately
blowing hard had caused the fire to spread and smoke to rise.
We continued at this place until the 20th. Captain Lewis
went with a party of twelve men to fish and took 709 fish, 167
of which were large pike. The fish here are generally pike,
cat, sun, perch and other common fish. What we caught were
taken with trails or brush nets. On the 18th the party who
had been sent in pursuit of the man who had been absent
since the 4th, returned with him, and eight Indians and a
Frenchman; but left our Frenchman behind who had gone
out to hunt the horses. On the 1gth, a council was held with
these Indians, who appeared to wish to make peace with all
LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 21
nations. This day sergeant Floyd became very sick and re-
mained so all night. He was seized with a complaint some-
what like a violent cholick.