JOURNAL, 
2s?5. 
live. On our approach, we found the whole village crowded on 
the bunk, and several hud waded up to the waist in the water.— 
The greater part of the men were naked; the women and chil¬ 
dren filthy and disgusting. According to custom, had a talk with 
the chiefs, to whom we made some trifling presents. Hunt had 
not waited for us, according to promise. Saw two men, who had 
probably deserted from him, they informed us, that as soon as 
he heard of our approach, which was quite unexpected, he had 
determined to exert himself to the utmost, to get out of our 
reach. The fact is, there does not exist the greatest confidence 
between the two commanders. Ours seems to think, that it is 
the intention of Hunt, to pass the Sioux, who may wish to de¬ 
tain him, by telling them that their trader is coming on with 
goods for them. While on the other hand, Hunt may believe 
that Lisa intends to pass him, and tell the same story. It is 
therefore determined to push our voyage, if possible* still more 
than before. 
Encamped above the Qui Courre river—a most beautiful 
country, but very little wood. The country is much more 
hilly. 
Tuesday 28(h. Weather smoky, and extremely warm. High 
land on both sides of the river, with some dwarf trees in the 
hollows, principally cedar. At ten, a fine breeze springing up, 
we continued under sail the rest of the day, and the greater part, 
of the night, determining to strain every nerve, in order to 
overtake Hunt. There is scarcely any bottoms from the Qui 
Courre. 
Wednesday 29th. After lying by a few hours, at one o’clock, 
again continued under sail—but the moon disappearing, and it 
becoming dark, it was thought advisable to lie by untii daylight. 
The hills hereabout, high and broken, and little or no river 
bottom on'either side. At two o’clock, arrived at a beautiful 
island, called Little Cedar island, on which grows fine cedar, 
the trees uncommonly large. This is a delightful spot, the soil 
of the island is rich, and it may contain about three thousand 
acres—the middle of the island is a beautiful prairie—the adja¬ 
cent country is bleak and barren. At the point of tlie island, 
discovered an encampment of Hunt, and on examination, we 
