$20 
JOURNAL. 
dreary spot, far from my home, and the haunts of civilized man ; 
but this last, suggested a consolation, there is no spot however 
distant, where I may be buried, but will in time, be surrounded 
by the habitations of Americans, the place will be marked, and 
approached with respect, as containing the remains of one of the 
first who ventured into these distant and solitary regions 1 
Saturday 27th. We are once more to be somewhat favored. 
This is a delightful morning, though cool. Set off at daylight, 
and at six, had a light breeze from east. Passed Vincent’s island, 
above which the river is extremely narrow, and hills S. W. side. 
About eleven, met a party of traders in two canoes lashed toge¬ 
ther, which form a kind of raft, heavily laden with furs, and skins. 
They came from the Sioux, who, they say, are peaceably dispos¬ 
ed. They met Hunt’s party, five days ago, at the Little Nime- 
ha; it proceeds slowly, and had two days of contrary winds.—* 
The traders think we shall be able to overtake them at the river 
Platte.—Hunt informed them that they would meet us below 
the Grand river. Wind fell shortly after leaving this party. The 
good news we have heard, animates our men very much. 
Towards evening, passed Benito’s island and sand bar, S. W. 
side, so called, from a trader of that name having been robbed by 
the Ayuwas of his peltry, and he, with his men, forced to carry 
enormous burdens of it on their backs, to the river des Moines. 
Instances of such insults were formerly very usual * several 
spots have been shewn to me where like acts have been com¬ 
mitted, and even accompanied with murder. Having come 
within two leagues of the Kansas river, we encamped. Large 
sand bars begin every where to appear. 
Sunday 28 th. A cool morning, and somewhat foggy on the 
yiver—A light breeze from the east, but not sufficient to enable 
us to carry sails. Passed high land N. E side, with .some rocks 
on the shore; we are constantly delighted with the gentle hills, 
or rather elevated upland of the Missouri. On a large sand bar., 
saw nearly thirty deer. They are very numerous on this part of 
the river. 
Passed the Kansas, a very large river which enters on the 
W. side. It heads between the Platte and the Arkansas.—. 
The country on its borders, is entirely open. The river can be 
