J(3TJRtt4L, 
508 
long range of bluffs, or rather hills, well covered with wood, but 
terminating at the entrance of the river in rocky precipices; 
this range appears again on the other side of the Gmseonade.—* 
There is a very long reach here, of fifteen or twenty untiles ; the 
Gasconade hills, on the S. W side, are washed by the Missouri 
the whole of this distance. This day was sufficient to prove the 
efficacy of our sails, in navigating this river; we passed with 
ease, places much worse than any we had encountered since 
leaving St Charles. Encamped six miles above the Gasconade; 
heavy rains last night. 
Wednesday 10 th. Cloudy—crossed to the bluffs, N E side, 
Which are high and rocky. Passed Montbrun’s tavern and river; 
another stopping place for voyagers. Passed an embarras, N E; 
side, the most difficult since we started. There are wide bottoms 
above these bluffs, on both sides of the river. The wind against 
us throughout the whole of this day The verdure is observed 
to be rapidly increasing ; the smaller trees and shruns are alrea¬ 
dy in gay green. From the color of the water on the S. W side. 
It appears that the Osage river is paying the annual tribute. 
Thursday Wth. A fine morning. Current so strong S. W. 
side, from the waters of the Osage, that we were compelled to 
cross to an island. Hills on the N E. side, not high or rocky i 
'continued on this side to ascend throughout the day, though 
with difficulty, on account of numerous embarras , and failing in 
<jf the banks. This is a fine country : the lands extremely rich* 
and covered with a great variety of trees. Stopped a few mo¬ 
ments at the cabin of a Frenchman, who is beginning to open a 
plantation. In company with the interpreter, I proceeded by 
land, across a point, about two miles to the village of Cote sans 
Dessein , where we arrived nearly three hours before the barge. 
We inquired with eagerness after the party of Mr. Hunt; we 
were informed that he had passed this place twenty-one days 
ago. Thus far, it appears that we have gained but two days up¬ 
on him. 
Friday \ 2 th. Weather fine—a gentle breeze on the river 
from S. E. Remained here until eleven, engaged in repairing 
4 ur -cabin. Mr. Lisa here employed a famous hunter, named 
