Fort Mandan, North Dakota — Patrick Gass: December 25, 1804

charges of a swivel, and a round of small arms by the whole
LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 63
corps. Captain Clarke then presented to each man a glass of
brandy, and we hoisted the American flag in the garrison, and
its first waving in fort Mandan was celebrated with another
glass.— The men then cleared out one of the rooms and
commenced dancing. At 10 o’clock we had another glass of
brandy, and at 1 a gun was fired asa signal for dinner. At
half past 2 another gun was fired, as a notice to assemble at
the dance, which was continued in a jovial manner till 8 at
night; and without the presence of any females, except three
squaws, wives to our interpreter, who took no other part than
the amusement of looking on. None of the natives came
to the garrison this day; the commanding officers having
requested they should not, which was strictly attended to.
During the remainder of the month we lived in peace and
tranquility in the garrison, and were daily visited by the
natives.
64. GASS’S JOURNAL OF THE
CHAP. VI.
UESDAY st Fan. 1805. Two shot were fired from the
swivel, followed by a round of small arms, to welcome
the New Year. Captain Lewis then gave each a glass of good
old whiskey; and a short time after another was given by
Captain Clarke.
About 11 o’clock one of the interpreters and half of our
people, went up, at the request of the natives, to the village,
to begin the dance; and were followed some time after by
Captain Clarke, and three more men. The day was warm and
pleasant. Captain Lewis in the afternoon issued another glass
of whiskey; and at night Captain Clarke and part of the men
returned from the village, the rest remained all night.