Arikara villages near present-day Mobridge — Patrick Gass: October 11, 1804

from the Indians. About 12 o’clock, they came, and brought
some corn, beans and squashes, which they presented to us.
The chief said he was glad to see us, and wished our com-
manding officers would speak a good word for them to the
Mandans; for they wanted to be at peace with them. These
are the best looking Indians I have ever seen. At 1 o’clock
P. M. we proceeded on our voyage; passed a creek on the
48 GASS’S JOURNAL OF THE
south side 20 yards wide and a handsome bottom covered
with timber. Having made about four miles, we came to the
second Village of the Rickarees, situated in a prairie on the
south side. They had the American flag hoisted which Cap-
tain Lewis gave them yesterday. Their lodges are similar to
those in the first village, and the same, or perhaps more, in
number. They are the most cleanly Indians I have ever seen
on the voyage; as well as the most friendly and industrious.
We anchored about 50 yards from shore, and sent a periogue
over the river for wood. We all slept on board except the
cooks who went on shore to prepare provisions for the next
day.