Missouri River near Heart River, approaching Mandan — Patrick Gass: October 23, 1804

morning was cloudy. At 8 it began to snow, and continued
snowing to 11, when it ceased. We passed the place where
the Frenchmen had been robbed but no Indians could be
seen. The hills here are further from the river than they are
for some distance down it; and there are fine large bottoms
on both sides covered with cotton wood. We encamped on
the south side where we found a great quantity of rabbit ber-
ries. Three hunters were out to day, but killed nothing.
LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION © 33
CHAP. V.
| ina 24th. We set out early in a cloudy morn-
ing. At 9 it began to rain and continued to rain for
an hour. At 12 we came to a hunting party of the Mandan
nation of Indians, and remained with them until 2 and then
continued our voyage. There were three lodges of these
Indians on an island, which has been cut off the Grand Bend,
a short distance below the Mandan village. We encamped
on the north side. Five of the Indians came to us, and our
Indian went over with them and returned in the morning.