William Clark – November 30, 1804

“an Indian Chief Came and informed us that five Men of the Mandans Nation was on a hunting party to the S.W., distance about Eight leagues, they were Surprised one man Killed two wounded and nine horses taken…and that they expected to be attacked by an army of Sioux I took 23 men and went to the village determined to Collect the warriers of the Different Villags and meet the Sioux… I told this nation that we Should be willing and ready to defend them from the insults of any nation who would be to Come to doe them injurey during the time we would (Stay) remain in their neighborhood, …the Village had been Crying all the night and day for the death of the brave young man, who fell… Crossed the river on the ice … the Snow So deep, it was verry fatigueing, arrived at the fort after night, gave a little Taffee, (dram to my party) a Cold night”