Three Forks of the Missouri — Patrick Gass: July 27, 1805

a pleasant morning; proceeded on, and at g o’clock got
through the small mountain. At the entrance of the valley, a
branch of the Missouri comes in on the south side, about 60
yards wide ; the current rapid but not very deep. Here we
took breakfast, and having proceeded on a mile, came to
LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION © 117
another branch of the same size. There is very little differ-
ence in the size of the 3 branches. On the bank of the north
branch we found a note Captain Clarke had left informing us,
he was ahead and had gone up that branch. We went on to
the point, and, as the men were much fatigued, encamped in
order to rest a day or two. After we halted here, it began to
rain and continued three hours. About 12 o’clock Capt.
Clarke and his men came to our encampment, and told us
they had been up both branches a considerable distance, but
could discover none of the natives. There is a beautiful val-
ley at these forks; and a good deal of timber on the branches,
chiefly cotton-wood. Also currants, goose and service ber-
ries, and choak-cherries on the banks. The deer are plenty
too; some of the men went out and killed several to-day.
Capt. Clarke was very unwell and had been so all last night.
In the evening the weather became clear and we had a fine
night.