To the Yellowstone Summary and Analysis

By the end of March, the ice running down the Missouri finally shows up and the water level rises quickly. The Indians enjoy jumping from block to block and catch floating buffalos. On April 7th, Lewis writes that the Corps is ready to leave. The keelboat, loaded with specimens and documentation to deliver to the President of the United States, as well as personal letters to friends and relatives of the member of the Corps, leaves Fort Mandan for St. Louis. Lewis commissions Richard Warfington, an experienced corporal, to command the boat and its 5 men crew; Joseph Gravelines will be responsible for piloting the vessel to its destination. At the same time, William Clark and the rest of the Corps leave aboard the 2 large pirogues and six small canoes; Lewis chooses to walk along the shore toward...