On this day in Lewis & Clark history...
Clark leaves early on foot. After hunting with Drouillard, he camps near present Toston. Behind, the boats have difficulty poling the boats over the smooth stones of the Missouri River bottom. Lewis camps near Townsend, Montana.
From the journals...
Tuesday July 23rd 1805.
passed a large creek on Lard. side 20 yds. wide which after meandering through a beautifull and extensive bottom for several miles nearly parallel with the river discharges itself opposite to a large cluster of islands which from their number I called the 10 islands and the creek Whitehous's Creek, after Josph. Whitehouse one of the party.
Townsend, Montana
Tuesday July 23rd 1805.
I saw a black snake today about two feet long the Belly of which was as black as any other part or as jet itself. it had 128 scuta on the belley 63 on the tail.
Western hog-nosed snake, Heterodon nasicus
Tuesday July 23rd 1805.
also much sign of the indians but all of ancient date. I saw the bull rush and Cattail flag today.
Bull rushes
