from Kentucky, fourteen soldiers of the United States army who volunteered their services, two French watermen—­an interpreter and hunter—­and a black servant belonging to captain Clarke—­All these, except the last, were enlisted to serve as privates during the expedition, and three sergeants appointed from amongst them by the captains.  In addition to these were engaged a corporal and six soldiers, and nine watermen to accompany the expedition as far as the Mandan nation, in order to assist in carrying the stores, or repelling an attack which was most to be apprehended between Wood river and that tribe.  The necessary stores were subdivided into seven bales, and one box, containing a small portion of each article in case of accident.  They consisted of a great variety of clothing, working utensils, locks, flints, powder, ball, and articles of the greatest use.  To these were added fourteen bales and one box of Indian presents, distributed in the same manner, and composed of richly laced coats and other articles of dress, medals, flags, knives, and tomahawks for the chiefs—­ornaments of different kinds, particularly beads, lookingglasses, handkerchiefs, paints, and generally such articles as were deemed best calculated for the taste of the Indians.  The party was to embark on board of three boats:  the first was a keel boat fifty-five feet long, drawing three feet water, carrying one large squaresail and twenty-two oars, a deck of ten feet in the bow, and stern formed a forecastle and cabin, while the middle was covered by lockers, which might be raised so as to form a breast-work in case of attack.  This was accompanied by two perioques or open boats, one of six and the other of seven oars.  Two horses were at the same time to be led along the banks of the river for the purpose of bringing home game, or hunting in case of scarcity.

Of the proceedings of this expedition, the following is a succinct and circumstantial narrative.

All the preparations being completed, we left our encampment on Monday, May 14th, 1804.  This spot is at the mouth of Wood river, a small stream which empties itself into the Mississippi, opposite to the entrance of the Missouri.  It is situated in latitude 38 degrees 55’ 19-6/10” north, and longitude from Greenwich, 89 degrees 57’ 45”.  On both sides of the Mississippi the land for two or three miles is rich and level, but gradually swells into a high pleasant country, with less timber on the western than on the eastern side, but all susceptible of cultivation.  The point which separates the two rivers on the north, extends for fifteen or twenty miles, the greater part of which is an open level plain, in which the people of the neighbourhood cultivate what little grain they raise.  Not being able to set sail before four o’clock P.M., we did not make more than four miles, and encamped on the first island opposite a small creek called Cold Water.