JOURNAL, 
for their vrilages. lie also sent a suit io die chief 
the Grossventers. At three o'clock another was 
fired at the breaking up of the council, and they all 
appeared satisfied. Captain Lewis gave an iron mill 
fo the Mandan nation to grind their corD, ^vith which 
they were highly pleased. 
Tuesday SOth. We remained here to know the 
answer of the Indians. The day was clear and plea- 
sant. At 10, Captain Lewis with a pariy of our pecr- 
ple, and an Indian or two, wxnt about 6 miles up the 
river to view an island, in order to ascertain v/hether 
or not it would suit for winter Quarters. At 5 P. M. 
they Teturned and were of opinion that it w^as not an 
eligible place. 
Wednesday 3\st, A pleasant morning. We re- 
mained here also to day, the I-ndians having given no 
answer. At 12, CaDtain Clarke and sonie of the men 
Went down to the village, and the chief gave 9 or 10 
bushels of corn, and some buffaloe robes. 
Thureday \siJ\^ov. 1804. At 3 o'clock P, M.AVc 
returned down the river, to look for a place where 
v/e could fix our v^^inter quarters. At dark we had 
descended 9 miles, and came to a bottom covered 
with cotton wood, where we encamped. 
Friday 2nd. Captain Lev/is, myself and some of 
the men, v/ent up to the first village of the Mandans, 
who gave us some corn. Captain Clarke and the rest 
of our party, having dropt half a mile lower down ths 
Mver^ began to clear a place for a camp and fort^ 
We pitched our tents and laid the foundation of on?s 
line of huts. 
Saturday or d.. A clear day ; we continued buiM- 
ing, and si.^c men went down the liver in a periogne 
to hunt. They will perhaps have to go ZO ot 40 
miles before they come to good hunting ground.™ 
The following is the manner in w^hich oiu' huts and 
fort were biviit. The huts .were in two rows,.con- 
Uunh^g fiur rooms each, and joined at one end form* 
