StL Surveyor

06/03/2026

June 3rd, 1804.
Mosquitos and Ticks.
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION.

At the mouth of the Osage, CLARK is vexed by mosquitoes and deer ticks, and LEWIS collects a specimen of ground plum. The captains take a few celestial observations before clouds obscure the sun. Late in the day, the enlisted men move the boats to the mouth of the Moreau east of present JEFFERSON CITY.

In St. Louis, Capt. STODDARD writes a letter to Secretary of War HENRY DEARBORN updating him on the expedition’s progress.

Captain STODDARD'S Update
From St. Louis, the commandant of Upper Louisiana, AMOS STODDARD, updates the Secretary of War, HENRY DEARBORN, of the progress of the expedition.

St. Louis June 3d 1804.

I have the pleasure to inform you, that Captain LEWIS, with his party, began to ascend the Missouri from the village of St. CHARLES on the 21 Ultimo. [He] began his expedition with a Barge of 18 oars, attended by two large perogues; all of which were deeply laden, and well manned. . . . .
A few weeks before he left this, he instructed an Indian trader by the name of CRAWFORD with a parole and speech address to the Ayowas [Iowas] and Scioux [Yanktonai Sioux], who dwell on the banks of the river Demoine. . . . .
I presume that Capt. LEWIS has mentioned to you the fate of some Osage Indians, who were on their way to this place in a boat belonging to Messrs. Mannuel & Benoit. The boat was fired on by the Saucks [Sauks and some of the Osage killed, and the others made prisoners.

NOTES:
Discover More
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.

06/02/2026

June 2nd, 1804.
Osage River Observations.
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION.

Photo: Missouri and Osage River Confluence. View southwest, upstream. © 2000 Airphoto—Jim Wark.

The expedition remains at the confluence of the Osage and Missouri rivers so that the captains can make celestial observations at this important location. CLARK measures the width of each river and ascends a nearby hill to view the area. After seven days out hunting, GEORGE DROUILLARD and Pvt. SHIELDS return “much worsted”.

Clark’s Hill
"I assended the hill in the point 80 ps. from the pt. found it about 100 foot high, on the top is 2 graves, or mouns, a Delightfull prospect from this hill which Comds. both rivers
—WILLIAM CLARK"

The Hunters Return
"George Drewyer & John Shields who we had Sent with the horses by Land on the N Side joined us this evening much worsted, they being absent Seven Days depending on their gun, the greater part of the time rain, they were obliged to raft or Swim many Creeks, those men gave a flattering account of the Countrey
—WILLIAM CLARK"

Whitehouse Returns
"the pearogue [pirogue] Arived with the lost man &c—
—JOHN ORDWAY"

NOTES:
Clark’s Hill State Historic Site is a High Potential Historic Site along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Since Clark described this viewpoint, the Osage mouth has shifted six miles further downstream. The site, managed by Missouri State Parks, provides public access.

Discover More
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.

05/31/2026

May 31st, 1804.
At The Osage River.
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION.

Photo: At the Mouth of the Osage River. By Charles Fritz c.2009.

In present Missouri, the expedition struggles against a strong current before stopping at the mouth of the Osage River. The captains try to determine the precise location of this important tributary by taking celestial observations late into the night. LEWIS also collects a specimen of wild ginger.

Osage River.
"Before daylight we embarked and proceeded on our voyage . . . . at 4 o’clock P. M. arrived at the Osage river; where we remained during the evening and the next day. The Osage nation of Indians live about two hundred miles up this river. They are of a large size and well proportioned, and a very warlike people. Our arms and ammunition were all inspected here and found in good order.
—PATRICK GASS"

NOTES:
Clark’s Hill State Historic Site is a High Potential Historic Site along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Since Clark described this viewpoint, the Osage mouth has shifted six miles further downstream. The site, managed by Missouri State Parks, provides public access.

Discover More
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.

05/30/2026

May 30th, 1804.
Another Fourteen Miles.
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION.

During the night, the French engagés and a lost hunter arrive at camp. In the morning, all the boats are moved another fourteen miles up the Missouri before everyone stops near present Chamois, Missouri. LEWIS collects a specimen of River-bank grape—now lost.

LOST HUNTER.
"Set out at 7 oClock after a heavy rain, rained all last night, a little after Dark last night Several guns were herd below, I expect the French men fireing for Whitehous [JOSEPH WHITEHOUSE] who was lost in the woods.
—WILLIAM CLARK"

"TREES, GRAPES and RUSHES>
Here the soil is good, with cotton wood, sycamore, oak, hickory, and white walnut; with some grape vines, and an abundance of rushes.
—PATRICK GASS"

NOTES:
Experience the Lewis and Clark Trail

The Lewis and Clark Trail Experience—our sister site at lewisandclark.travel—connects the world to people and places on the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Discover More
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.

The Lewis and Clark Trail, administered by the National Park Service, provides community and cultural tourism opportunities. Come explore!

05/29/2026

May 29th, 1804.
A Lost Hunter.
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION.

The expedition spends most of the day at the mouth of the Gasconade River drying goods and waiting for Pvt. WHITEHOUSE to return from a hunting trip. At 5 pm, they travel three miles up the Missouri without the lost hunter. LEWIS prepares a plant specimen of Golden Seal.

A LOST HUNTER.
"had the Perogues [pirogues] loaded and all perpared to Set out at 4 oClock after finishing the observations & all things necessary found that one of the hunters had not returned, we deturmined to proceed on & leave one perogue to wate for him, accordingly at half past four we Set out and came on 4 miles & camped on the Lbd Side above a Small Creek Called Deer Creek, Soon after we came to we heard Several guns fire down the river, we answered them by a Discharge of a Swivile on the Bow [swivel gun]
—WILLIAM CLARK"

NOTES:
Experience the Lewis and Clark Trail

The Lewis and Clark Trail Experience—our sister site at lewisandclark.travel—connects the world to people and places on the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Discover More
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.

The Lewis and Clark Trail, administered by the National Park Service, provides community and cultural tourism opportunities. Come explore!

05/28/2026

May 28th, 1804.
"Resting" at the Gasconade.
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION.

"At the mouth of the Gasconade in present Missouri, the day is used to hunt and dry items that got wet in the red pirogue. The captains try to make celestial observations, but clouds obscure the sun.

In St. Louis, trader RE'GIS LOISEL warns Spanish officials of American encroachments on the Missouri River."

"FAILED OBSERVATION
this day So Cloudy that no observations could be taken, the river begin to rise, examine the mens arms and equapage, all in Order
—WILLIAM CLARK"

"LOISEL WARNS SPAIN.
The captains met with LOISEL 25 May 1804 and the trader gave them quite a lot of helpful information about the river and people ahead. Today, he is encouraging DEHAULT DELASSUS to stop the expedition."

NOTES:
Discover More
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.

05/27/2026

May 27th, 1804.
Arms Inspection.
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION.

"In present Missouri, they meet two parties who have been trading with the Omaha and Osage. Lewis collects three more plant specimens including a cress that they often use to make salad. At evening camp near the mouth of the GASCONADE RIVER, an arms inspection is conducted."

FUR TRADERS.
"as we were Setting out this morning two Canoos loaded with Bever elk Deer Skins & Buffalow Robes, from the Mahars [Omaha] nation

at about 10 oClock 4 Cajaux [cajeux] or rafts loaded with furs and peltres came too one from the Paunees [Pawnees], the other from Grand Osage
—WILLIAM CLARK"

"In 1810, Clark gave NICHOLAS BIDDLE more information about the Gasconade River:

The river Gasconnade 100 miles from the mouth of Missi [Missouri], runs about 150 miles about a north East course thro’ a hilly country—on its banks are a number of saltpetre caves, and it is supposed there are lead mines near it."

NOTES:
Discover More
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.

05/26/2026

May 26th, 1804.
New Detachment Orders.
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION.

Photo: The Barge and Pirogue. This photo is provided as a service by the U.S. Army Center of Military History.

" The enlisted men and engagés move the boats about ten miles up the Missouri reaching the area of present Berger, Missouri. Lewis issues detachment orders dividing the enlisted men into three squads with specific directions for handling their rations. They camp on an island below the 10-mile-long Otter—or la Loutre—Island."

"SERGEANTS AT THE HELM
when the Batteaux is under way, one Sergt. shall be stationed at the helm, one in the center on the rear of the Starboard locker, and one at the bow. The Sergt. at the helm, shall steer the boat, and see that the baggage on the quarterdeck is properly arranged and stowed away
—MERIWETHER LEWIS"

OTTER ISLAND
"Otter Island
Camped on an Island on the Starboard Side near the Southern extrem of Luter Island
—WILLIAM CLARK

In April 1810, CLARK gave NICHOLAS BIDDLE more information about ‘Luter Island’—also called la Loutre and Otter—that they would spend the next day passing:

The large island called Otter Island fine fertile soil about 10 miles long—narrow—high situation—one of the riches of the Missouri—lies close to the right shore of the river where Otter river empties into the Missouri. The creek & island called Loutre island."

NOTES:
Discover More
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.

05/25/2026

May 25th, 1804.
Last "White" Village.
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION.

"The expedition travels about ten miles reaching La Charrette—the last settlement of “white people on this River . . . .” Here the captains meet trader Régis Loisel who shares valuable information about the people and places between here and the Knife River Villages. The villagers sell them milk and eggs, and LEWIS collects a cottonwood specimen."

"towards evening we arrived at a French Village called Saint Johns or Charette on the North side of the River. this small Village, is the last settlement of white people on this River; we encamped near it—
—JOSEPH WHITEHOUSE"

"Outside La Charrette lived DANIEL BOONE, known for moving whenever he could see the smoke from a new neighbor’s chimney."

"La Charette Creek
About 9 miles higher up, and 69, from the Mississippi, Chaurette Creek falls in on the N. side. it is 20 yards wide at it’s mouth, waters a tolerable country well covered with timber, but is of no great extent . . . . —immediately below the mouth of this creek five French families reside, who subsist by hunting and a partial trade wich they mantain with a few detatched Kickapoos who hunt in their neighbourhood.
—MERIWETHER LEWIS"

NOTES:
Discover More
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.

05/24/2026

May 24th, 1804.
The Devils Race Ground.
LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION.

"In the Devils Race Ground, the enlisted men and engagés struggle to move the boats against strong currents and shifting sands. The barge is endangered when it grounds on a sandbar and its tow-rope breaks. They must turn back two miles and try a different channel. The night’s encampment is appropriately named Retrograde Bend."

"THE DEVILS RACE GROUND
Set out early passed a Verry bad part of the River Called the Deavels race ground we attempted to pass up under the Lbd. Bank which was falling in So fast that the evident danger obliged us to Cross between the Starbd. Side and a Sand bar in the middle of the river
—WILLIAM CLARK"

NOTES:
Discover More
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.