Fort Mandan, North Dakota — Patrick Gass: November 23, 1804

passed some timber on the north side and high land on the
south ; also a creek on the north side, called Smoke creek ;
passed Elk island, a handsome bottom on the north side cov-
ered with timber, and barren hills on the south. At six in the
evening we saw four Indians on the south side and encamped
on the north. Three of the Indians swam over to us : they
belonged to the Sioux, and informed us that there were more
of their nation not far distant. We sent them over the river
again. One of our men killed an antelope.