172 AUDUBON 



Friday, 6th. Some rain and thunder last night. A 

 tolerable day. Breakfast at the camp, and left at half- 

 past eight. Our man Michaux was passed over to the 

 officer's boat, to steer them down to Fort Leavenworth, 

 where they are ordered, but we are to keep in company, 

 and he is to cook for us at night. The whole station here 

 is broken up, and Captain Burgwin ^ leaves in a few hours 

 by land with the dragoons, horses, etc. Stopped at Belle 

 Vue at nine, and had a kind reception; bought 6 lbs. 

 coffee, 13 eggs, 2 lbs. butter, and some black pepper. 

 Abundance of Indians, of four different nations. Major 

 Miller, the agent, is a good man for this place. Left again 

 at eleven. A fine day. Passed the Platte and its hun- 

 dreds of snags, at a quarter past one, and stopped for the 

 men to dine. The stream quite full, and we saw some 

 squaws on the bar, the village was in sight. Killed two 

 Pelicans, but only got one. Encamped about thirty miles 

 below Fort Croghan. Lieutenant Carleton supped with 

 us, and we had a rubber of whist. 



Saturday, 7th. Fine night, and fine morning. Started 

 too early, while yet dark, and got on a bar. Passed 

 McPherson's, the first house in the State of Missouri, at 

 eight o'clock. Bell skinned the young of Fringilla har- 

 risi. Lieutenant Carleton came on board to breakfast 

 with us — a fine companion and a perfect gentleman. In- 

 dian war-whoops were heard by him and his men whilst 

 embarking this morning after we left. We encamped at 

 the mouth of Nishnebottana, a fine, clear stream. Went 

 to the house of Mr. Beaumont, who has a pretty wife. 

 We made a fine run of sixty or seventy miles. 



Sunday, 8th. Cloudy, started early, and had rain by 

 eight o'clock. Stopped twice by the storm, and played 

 cards to relieve the dulness. Started at noon, and ran 

 till half-past four. The wind blowing hard we stopped 

 at a good place for our encampment. Presented a plate 

 ^ J. H. K. Burgwin. See a previous note, date of May 10. 



