Missouri River Breaks area — Patrick Gass: May 14, 1805

we proceeded on early; passed black hills close to the river
on the South side and some covered with pine timber at a dis-
tance. About 12 the day became warm. Banks of snow were
seen lying on the hills on the North side. This forenoon we
passed a large creek on the North side and a small river on
the South. About 4 in the afternoon we passed another small
river on the South side near the mouth of which some of the
men discovered a large brown bear, and six of them went out
to kill it. They fired at it; but having only wounded it, it
made battle and was near seizing some of them, but they all
fortunately escaped, and at length succeeded in dispatching it.
These bears are very bold and ferocious; and very large and
powerful. The natives say they have killed a number of their
brave men. The periogues having gone ahead, while the peo-
ple belonging to the canoes were dressing the bear, a sudden
gust of wind arose, which overset one of the periogues before
the sail could be got down. The men who had been on board,
turned it again and got it to shore, full of water. It was imme-
diately unloaded and the cargo opened, when we found a great
part of the medicine, and other articles spoiled. Here we en-
camped, having come to day 18 1-2 miles.
LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 85