JOURNAL; 
219 
CHAPTER III, 
Friday , 2 &th J/iril. Heavy rains last night, cfur situation 
extremely uncomfortable. This morning we were awakened 
about daylight, by the most hideous howlings I ever heard.— 
They proceeded from the Qsages, among whom this is a cus¬ 
tom. On inquiry, I found that they were unable to give any sa¬ 
tisfactory reason for it; I could only learn, that it was partly reli¬ 
gious, and if it be true, as is supposed by many, that they offer 
their worship only to the Evil Spirit, the orison was certainly not 
unworthy of him. I was told, also, that it arises from another 
cause; when any one, on awaking in the morning, happens to 
think of a departed friend, even of some valued dog or horse, 
which has been lost, he instantly begins this doleful cry, and all 
the others hark in, as soon as it is heard. 
About eleven o’clock, clearing up, but wind very strong from 
the S. W. we set off with it, blowing directly in our faces.— 
About twelve we put to shore and remained for more than two 
hours. Crossed to the N. E. side, and continued our voyage.— 
Towards evening the weather moderated. Passed a small en¬ 
campment of hunters. The Missouri is now what the Ohio was 
once, the Paradise of hunters. Made nine miles to day. The 
water is at a good stage for ascending; the navigation becomes 
more agreeable. Weather somewhat cool. 
We have now passed the last settlement of whites, and pro¬ 
bably will not re-visit them for several months. This reflection 
caused us all to think seriously of our situation. I almost re¬ 
pented of having undertaken this voyage, without an object in 
view, of suitable importance. Our men were kept from think¬ 
ing too deeply, by the cheering songs, which were encouraged 
by Mr. Lisa, and the splashing of the oars, which kept time with 
them. So far removed, I seemed to look back, as from an emb 
nence; thus abstracted, 1 fancied that I contemplated my epuri- 
try with more accuracy than I could while protected in its bo¬ 
som. I heaved a sigh, when I reflected that I might never see it, 
or my friends again; that my bones might be deposited on some 
