From the Musselshell to Maria's River Summary and Analysis

On May 20, the Corps reaches the Musselshell River, as described to Lewis by the Minnetarees Indians. The captain proceeds to detail the multiple chains of mountains nearby, as well as his estimation of their relationship to the many rivers and streams. Soon the river becomes difficult to navigate freely. Their towropes, made of elk skin, are rotten and slippery; they often rip and give up.

On the night of May 29, the party awakes in a panic, only to discover a large buffalo bull swam across the river while they were asleep and pulled itself out of the water over a pirogue. The animal then ran toward the camp's fires, changed its course and headed toward the lodges. Once it reached Lewis' tent, Seaman started barking, which made the animal change its...