Day-by-Day / June 21, 1804

June 21, 1804

Camden Bend difficulties

At present-day Camden Bend in Missouri, experienced boatman Pierre Cruzatte scouts an island looking for the best channel. He reports that one rapid roars like a waterfall. In passing the island, William Clark feels fortunate that only one barge window was broken and some oars lost. He also describes the trees growing on the rich bottomlands.

Gooseberries in Abundance

by Yellowstone Public Radio[1]Originally aired weekdays by Yellowstone Public Radio during the Bicentennial observance of 2003-2006. Narrated by Hal Hansen. Scripts by Whit Hansen and Ed Jacobson. Produced by Leni Holliman. © … Continue reading

Cruzatte Scouts the Bend

the Bows man Peter Crousat [Cruzatte] viewed The water on each Side of the Island which presented a most unfavourable prospect of Swift water over roleing Sands which rored like an immence falls
William Clark

Strong Water Island

with much dificuilty, with the assistance of a long Cord or Tow rope, & the anchor we got the Boat up with out any furthr dang. [damage] than Bracking a Cabbin window & loseing Some oars which were Swong under the windows
—William Clark

Missouri Bottomlands

The bottom land on this river is alike, 1st low and covd. with Cotton wood & willows Subject to over flow the 2nd is higher groth Cotton Walnut ash Mulberry Linn [linden or basswood] & Sycomore
—William Clark

Gilded Sunset

at Sun Set the atmespier presented every appearance of wind, Blue & white Streeks Centering at the Sun as She disappeared and the Clouds Situated to the S. W, Guilded in the most butifull manner.
—William Clark

 

Notes

Notes
1 Originally aired weekdays by Yellowstone Public Radio during the Bicentennial observance of 2003-2006. Narrated by Hal Hansen. Scripts by Whit Hansen and Ed Jacobson. Produced by Leni Holliman. © 2003 by Yellowstone Public Radio.

Discover More

  • The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
  • The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
  • The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.