William Clark – April 1, 1805

we have Thunder lightening hail and rain to day… I had the Boat Perogus & Canos put in the water, and expect to Set off the boat with dispatches in her will go 6 Americans 3 frenchmen, and perhaps Several ricarra Chief * … our party will consist of one Interptr & Hunter, one French man as an interpreter with his two wives ( this man Speaks Minetary to his wives who are…Snake Indians of the nations through which we Shall pass, and to act as interpreters thro him[)) _ 26 Americans & French my servant and an Mandan Indian and provisions for 4 months_”

*this first party was returning with information for President Jefferson