Day-by-Day / June 6, 1804

June 6, 1804

Passing Petite Saline Creek

After fixing the barge’s mast, the expedition sets out by 7 am. They pass Petite Saline Creek which has several salt licks and signs that indicate bison are nearby. They camp sooner than usual to let a pirogue catch up.

1795 Springfield Muskets

by Michael Haynes

Three Muskets form a small tripod

© Michael Haynes, https://www.mhaynesart.com. Used with permission.

Fixing the Mast

Mended our Mast this morning and Set out at 7 oClock, under a Jentle Braise . . . . I am Still verry unwell with a Sore throat & head ake
—William Clark

Related: The Barge

Petite Saline Creek

passed the mouth of a Creek Called Saline or Salt R on the L. Sd. this River is about 30 yds. wide, and has So many Licks & Salt Springs on its banks that the Water of the Creek is Brackish, the water of the Spring in this Lick is Strong as one bushel of the water is said to make 7 lb. of good Salt
—William Clark

Related: Searching for Salines | Bison Encounters

Early Encampment

the water excessivly Strong, So much So that we Camped Sooner than the usial time to waite for the pirogue, The banks are falling in Verry much to day river rose last night a foot.
—William Clark

 

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.

This page was funded in part by the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, U.S. National Park Service.

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Unless otherwise noted, journal excerpts are from The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, edited by Gary E. Moulton, 13 vols. (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1983-2001).