|
|
May 14, 1804
So this epic journey begins. I, Aurthor Atkins have had bad luck already. I have a terrible itch on my left calf (most
likely from a bug) and I was conned out of 18 cents when I bought this journal. Hopefully there is not lightning in the west,
for if there is, I will surely be struck. Well, at least this is going to be a time away from my home that is falling apart.
I am all packed and ready to leave St. Louis. I have met William Clark today. He is very polite and seems like he would be
a good leader for our expedition. He says we will meet up with Lewis later.
Well at least I will be comfortable. I was allowed to bring my muskrat hat. I made it with my father in the winter of
’78. It is one of my most prized possessions. It is not like any of those one of those pre-made ones ones. It is
a hollowed out muskrat that has been tanned from the inside out. I left the skull in for a nice touch. I must go now! We are
heading off on our adventure.
May 22 1804
We are in Jefferson City Missouri. There are some cave paintings here that make it obvious that we are in Indian territory.
I made a sketch of them and tucked it in the back of my journal. The caves are like nothing I have ever seen. They have steep
shining walls and a clear river floating into them. There are also many sharp rocks jutting out of the sides of the river.
After bending down to look for the quill I dropped, I got up only to be hit in the head by one of the rocks.
July, 4 1804 – Independence Day
Alas it is the anniversary of our independence. We are having our own celebrations by naming two rivers today: “Fourth
of July 1804 Creek” and “Independence Creek.” There is a lot of enthusiasm at the camp. We
still have ample supplies and there is still so much more to be seen! It is surprisingly comfortable to sleep on this boat.
I have a corner with some blankets that I sleep in at night – also the mandatory mosquito net. In the morning I
get to hear the calls of exotic birds of the west. This morning I woke up and saw a strange bird perched on the bow of our
boat.
Sixou… soux… socks? Oh Sioux! We are in Sioux city Iowa. Five people were sent to deliver an invitation
to a council member of the Sioux tribe. The rest of us are staying here for a week. It is too bad that I will not be able
to see the Omaha people.
Private reed has been acting weird lately but today he has gone missing. I am part of the group sent to look for him.
After slashing through the forests we chased him to a river where we captured him. We bound him up and carried him back to
the camp. Once we had him there we whipped him profusely for deserting us.
|
|
|
