Captain Clark's Journal - St. Charles, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 46.563 W 090° 28.938
15S E 718712 N 4294935
Selected excerpts - St. Charles Episode - May 16 - 21, 1804. You will notice, in todays world, considered mis-spelled words, etc. But then it was typical to spell as it sounded. Why many French words get so twisted in Americanized English.
Waymark Code: WM3NHC
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 04/25/2008
Views: 18
Words are reproduced exactly as written by Captain Clark
Marker Erected by: St. Charles Parks and Recreation Department
County of Marker: Saint Charles County
Location of Marker: Riverside Dr. & Perry St., Frontier Park, St. Charles
Marker Text:
CAPTAIN CLARK'S JOURNAL
selected excerpts - St. Charles Episode
May 16 - 21, 1804
Wednesday May the 16th 1804
"...we arrived at St. Charles at 12 oClock a number of Spectators french & Indians flocked to the bank to See the party. This Village is about one mile in length. Situated on the North Side of the Missourie at the foot of a hill from which it takes its name Petiete Coete or the Little hill This village Contns. about 100 houses, the most of them Small and indefferent and about 450 inhabitents Chiefly French, those people appear pore, polite & harmonious - I was invited to Dine with a Mr. Ducett this gentleman was once a merchant from Canada,...he has a Charming wife an eligent Situation on the hill Serounded by orchards & a excellent gardain."
"Note the Commanding officer is full assured that every man of his detachment will have a true respect for their own Dignity and not make it necessary for him to leave St. Charles - for a more retired Situation." W.C. (Ordway)
Thursday May the 17th 1804
"a fine Day 3 men Confined for misconduct, I had a Court martial & punishment Several Indians, who informed me that the Saukees (Sauks) had lately Crossed to war against the Osage Nation... measured the Missouries at this place and made it 720 yards wide, In Banks. a Boat came up this evening, I punished Hall agreeable to his Sentence in part, a fine after noon; Suped with Mr. Ducett an agreeable man more agreeable Lady, this Gentleman has a Delightfull Situation & garden."
Friday May 18th 1804
"a fine morning... I had the Boat & Pierogue reloaded So as to Cause them to be heavyer in bow than asturn recved of Mr. Lyon 136 lb. Tobacco on act. of Mr Choteau Gave out tin cups & 3 Knives to the French hands...I wrote to Cap Lewis Mr Ducett made me a present of rivr Catts & som Herbs our french hands bring me eggs milk &c.&. to day The wind hard from S.W. Two Keel Boats come up to this place to day from Kentucky."
Saturday May the 19th 1804
"a Violent Wind last night from the W.S.W. Suckceeded by rain with (which) lasted Som hours, a Cloudy Morning, many persons came to the boat to day... I heard of my Brothers Illness to day which has given me much Concurn, I settle with the men and take receipts for, Pay up to the 1st of Decr. next, I am invited to a ball in the village, let Several of the men go, - R Fields Kill a Deer George Drewyear returned with a hundred Dollars,...he lost a letter from Cap Lewis to me, Seven Ladies visit me today."
Sunday May the 20th 1804
"a Cloudy morning rained and a hard wind last night I continue to write Rolls, Send 20 men to Church to day one man sick Capt Lewis and Several Gentlemen arrive from St. Louis thro a violent Shoure of rain, most of the party go to the Church."
Monday May the 21st 1804
"Dine with Mr Ducett & Set out from St. Charles at four oClock after getting every matter arranged, proceeded on under a jentle Breese,..."