Patrick Gass: November 30, 1806

Proceeded on. Captain Lewis is in good spirits, but his wound is stiff and sore. Having gone about nine miles, we met two men on the river trapping and hunting. Captain Lewis gave them some ammunition and directions concerning the river above. They informed us that Captain Clarke and his party had passed them yesterday at noon. We proceeded on, and at 10 o'clock overtook Captain Clarke and his party, all in good health. The two men with the small canoe, who had been absent for some time, came down and joined us at the place where we met the two strangers; and now, thanks to God, we are all together again in good health, except Captain Lewis, and his wound is not dangerous.

After the Corps were separated among the [Indians?] ... before [we] overtook Captain Clarke's party [who had gone] on to the canoe deposit, near the head of one branch of the Missouri (called Jefferson's [River]), having descended with the canoes to another branch, which they called Gallatin. Captain [Clarke's] men [who were] left [there] were to take the horses [over]land ... about 100 [miles]... the two canoes, and [Captain Clarke] with six other men by [river]. [A few] days after the sergeant and his party had [reached] the Mandan Villages, the Indians stole the [most of the] horses, and the party were obliged to descend the river in skin canoes. Captain Clarke's party on their route had found game plenty of different kinds: buffalo, elk, deer, beaver, otter, and some other animals. They also found the Yellowstone River a pleasant and navigable stream, with rich soil along it, but timber scarce.

We here took the men on board and left the buffalo[-skin] canoes. At night we camped on a sand beach, as the mosquitoes are not so bad there as in the woods.

[Wednesday 13th.] After a stormy night with wind and rain, we set out early in a fine morning. About nine o'clock we passed the Little Missouri and went on very well during the whole of the day. In the evening, those in some of the small canoes, which were ahead, saw Indians, who fled before they could speak [to them]. At night we camped opposite an old winter village of the Grossventres, which had been deserted some time ago.

Thursday 14th. The morning of this day was [fair?] and we embarked [early] ... The inhabitants of all [the villages?] were very glad to see us, and sent [us] corn, beans, and squashes.

Friday 15th. We had a fine clear pleasant morning, and continued here all day, [waiting to see whether?] any of the chiefs would go down [with us]. They had to hold councils, and [we] waited for their answer. [The men who had been] left up the river came down, [and] got one of our party to join in partnership to hunt.

Saturday 16th. There was a fine sunny day for us. Some of these Indians are very kind and obliging, furnishing us with corn, beans, and squashes; but there are others very troublesome, who steal whenever they have an opportunity. Yesterday and today, they stole several knives and spoons, and three [pieces?] of ammunition.

In the afternoon the chief called the Big White concluded to go down with us, and we agreed to stay until 12 o'clock tomorrow, so that he might have an opportunity to get ready for his voyage and mission. The Commanding Officers gave discharges to the man who agreed to return with the hunters up the river, and to the interpreter, who intends settling among these Indians, and to whom they gave the blacksmith's tools, supposing they might be useful to the nation. They also gave a small piece of ordnance to the Grossventres, which they appeared fond of.