Thursday, 13.  The morning was fair and there was some dew on the ground.  After passing two islands we reached at the distance of a mile and a half a small rapid stream fifty yards wide, emptying itself on the south, rising in a mountain to the southeast about twelve or fifteen miles distant, and at this time covered with snow.  As it is the channel for the melted snow of that mountain we called it Snow river:  opposite to its entrance is another island:  at one mile and three quarters is a black bluff of slate on the south; nine miles beyond which, after passing ten islands, we came to on the southern shore near an old Indian fortified camp, opposite the lower point of an island, having made thirteen miles.  The number of islands and shoals, the rapidity of the river, and the quantity of large stones, rendered the navigation very disagreeable:  along the banks we distinguished several low bluffs or cliffs of slate.  There were great numbers of geese and goslings; the geese not being able to fly at this season.  Gooseberries are ripe and in great abundance; the yellow currant is also common, but not yet ripe.  Our game consisted of buffaloe and goats.

Friday, 14.  Again the day is fine.  We made two miles to a small island in the southern bend, after passing several bad rapids.  The current becomes indeed swifter as we ascend and the canoes frequently receive water as we drag them with difficulty along.  At the distance of six miles we reached captain Clarke’s camp on the fourth, which is on the north side and opposite to a large gravelly bar.  Here the man sent by captain Lewis joined us with the pleasing intelligence that he had discovered the falls, and was convinced that the course we were pursuing was that of the true Missouri.  At a mile and a half we reached the upper point of an island, three quarters of a mile beyond which we encamped on the south, after making only ten and a quarter miles.  Along the river was but little timber, but much hard slate in the bluffs.

Saturday, 15.  The morning being warm and fair we set out at the usual hour, but proceeded with great difficulty in consequence of the increased rapidity of the current.  The channel is constantly obstructed by rocks and dangerous rapids.  During the whole progress the men are in the water hauling the canoes, and walking on sharp rocks and round stones which cut their feet or cause them to fall.  The rattlesnakes too are so numerous that the men are constantly on their guard against being bitten by them; yet they bear the fatigues with the most undiminished cheerfulness.  We hear the roar of the falls very distinctly this morning.  At three and three quarter miles we came to a rock in a bend to the south, resembling a tower.  At six and three quarter miles we reached a large creek on the south, which after one of our men we called Shield’s creek.  It is rapid in its course, about thirty yards wide, and on sending a person five miles up it proved to have a fall of fifteen feet,