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THE MISSOURI RIVER JOURNALS 



171 



Tuesday, od. A beautiful, calm morning; we started 

 early. Saw three Deer on the bank. A Prairie Wolf 

 travelled on the shore beside us for a long time before he 

 found a place to get up on the prairie. Plenty of Sand- 

 hill Cranes were seen as we passed the Little Sioux River. 

 Saw three more Deer, another Wolf, two Swans, several 

 Pelicans, and abundance of Geese and Ducks. Passed 

 Soldier River at two o'clock. We were caught by a snag 

 that scraped and tore us a little. Had we been two feet 

 nearer, it would have ruined our barge. We passed 

 through a very swift cut-off, most difficult of entrance. 

 We have run eighty-two miles and encamped at the mouth 

 of the cut-off, near the old bluffs. Killed two Mallards; 

 the Geese and Ducks are abundant beyond description. 

 Brag, Harris' dog, stole and hid all the meat that had 

 been cooked for our supper. 



Wednesday, I^th. Cloudy and coldish. Left early and 

 can't find my pocket knife, which I fear I have lost. We 

 were stopped by the wind at Caban6 Bluffs, about twenty 

 miles above Fort Croghan ; we all hunted, with only fair 

 results. Saw some hazel bushes, and some black walnuts. 

 Wind-bound till night, and nothing done. 



Thursday, 5th. Blew hard all night, but a clear and 

 beautiful sunrise. Started early, but stopped by the wind 

 at eight. Bell, Harris, and Squires have started off for 

 Fort Croghan. As there was every appearance of rain we 

 left at three and reached the fort about half-past four. 

 Found all well, and were most kindly received. We were 

 presented with some green corn, and had a quantity of 

 bread made, also bought thirteen eggs frcm an Indian for 

 twenty-five cents. Honey bees are found here, and do 

 well, but none are seen above this place. I had an unex- 

 pected slide on the bank, as it had rained this afternoon; 

 and Squires had also one at twelve in the night, when he 

 and Harris with Sprague came to the boat after having 

 played whist up to that hour. 





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