1 68 AUDUBON 



made a good run of about sixty miles. At four this after- 

 noon we took in three men of the steamer " New Haven " 

 belonging to the Opposition, which was fast on the bar, 

 eight miles below. We reached Ponca Island and landed 

 for the night. At dusk the steamer came up, and landed 

 above us, and we found Messrs. Cutting and Taylor, and 

 I had the gratification of a letter from Victor and Johnny, 

 of July 22d. 



Sunday, 2 Jfth. Cloudy.windy, and cold. Both the steamer 

 and ourselves left as soon as we could see. Saw a Wolf on 

 a bar, and a large flock of White Pelicans, which we took 

 at first for a keel-boat. Passed the Poncas, L'Eau qui Court, 

 Manuel, and Basil rivers by ten o'clock.^ Landed just 

 below Basil River, stopped by wind. Hunted and shot one 

 Raven, one Turkey Buzzard, and four Wood-ducks. Ripe 

 plums abound, and there are garfish in the creek. Found 

 feathers of the Wild Turkey. Signs of Indians, Elks, and 

 Deer. Provost and the men made four new oars. Went 

 to bed early. 



Monday, 25th. Blowing hard all night, and began raining 

 before day. Cold, wet, and misty. Started at a quarter 

 past ten, passed Bonhomme Island at four, and landed for 

 the night at five, fifteen miles below. 



Tuesday, 26th. Cold and cloudy ; started early. Shot a 

 Pelican. Passed Jack's River at eleven. Abundance of 

 Wild Geese. Bell killed a young White Pelican. Weather 

 fairer but coldish. Sprague killed a Goose, but it was lost. 

 Camped a few miles above the Vermilion River. Harris 

 saw Raccoon tracks on Basil River. 



Wednesday, 27th. Cloudy but calm. Many Wood-ducks, 

 and saw Raccoon tracks again this morning. Passed the 

 Vermilion River at half-past seven. My Badger got out 

 of his cage last night, and we had to light a candle to secure 

 it. We reached the Fort of Vermilion at twelve, and met 



1 Niobrara River ; for which, and for others here named, see the previous 

 note, date of May 20. 



