Missouri River Breaks area — Patrick Gass: May 14, 1805
The expedition set out early, passing black hills along the south bank of the river, some forested with pine. The day grew warm by noon, though snowbanks remained on northern hills. They passed a large creek and two small rivers. In the afternoon, six men attempted to kill a large brown bear; it charged after being wounded but was eventually dispatched. Meanwhile, a sudden gust of wind overturned a pirogue, soaking its cargo and spoiling much of the medicine and other supplies. They camped after traveling 18.5 miles.
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
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We set out early and passed black hills close to the river on the south side, with some hills covered in pine timber at a distance. Around 12 the day became warm. Banks of snow could be 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 spotted a large brown bear. Six of them went out to kill it. They fired at it, but having only wounded it, the bear charged and came near seizing some of them. Fortunately they all escaped, and they finally succeeded in killing it.
These bears are very bold and ferocious, and very large and powerful. The natives say the bears have killed a number of their bravest men. The pirogues had gone ahead while the men with the canoes were dressing the bear. A sudden gust of wind arose and overturned one of the pirogues before the sail could be lowered. The men who had been on board righted it again and brought it to shore, full of water. It was immediately unloaded and the cargo opened, and we found that a great part of the medicine and other articles was spoiled. We camped here, having come 18 1/2 miles today.
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