Lewis and Clark Journal Summary 10: Dates October 7, 1805 - November 9, 1805
The following is a summary of the journal entries made by Lewis and Clark. Dates: October 7, 1805 - November 9, 1805
 

Approaching the Pacific Ocean

October 7, 1805
The canoes were loaded and the Corps of Discovery resumed its journey on the Snake River. Over the next few days they crossed several rapids and had to repair damage caused to the canoes. They encountered many Indians on the way, and traded with some of them. They bought some dogs for food, to supplement the roots and dried fish.

October 13, 1805
William Clark wrote in his journal that Sacagawea reconciled all the Indians to the expedition’s friendly intentions. It was clear that the presence of a woman was seen as a token of peace.

October 18, 1805
An Indian and an Indian Chief sketched a map showing the merging of the Snake and Columbia Rivers for Lewis and Clark. It also detailed the tribes living along the banks.

October 19, 1805
Lewis & Clark set out on their canoes, followed by Indians on land and shore. Clark pushed on ahead and arrived at another Indian settlement where the Indians were frightened of him. As with a previous settlement, when Sacagawea arrived they were relaxed and convinced of the expedition’s friendly intentions.

The party continued its journey along the river where they encountered many sets of rapids which often resulted in them having to get out of the canoes to drag them along. Occasionally they had to carry the canoes and equipment over the land until the river was accessible again. The expedition still had to eat fish and dog as no other meat was available.

October 23, 1805
One of the Indian Chiefs who was accompanying the expedition informed Lewis & Clark that an Indian nation further along intended to kill them. They checked all their weapons and ammunition, and were convinced the information was true when the Indians left them earlier than usual. A few days later Lewis & Clark were visited by a Chief and his party from that nation. They offered the opportunity to bring about peace, which was quickly established.

Traveling further along the river they came across deer and geese which gave them a much appreciated change of diet. They also saw signs of bear and elk. At the end of October Lewis and Clark entered some Indian settlements that had items which must have come from ‘white people’.

October 31, 1805
William Clark, having scouted 10 miles ahead of the camp, observed the first signs of tidal activity on the river.

November 6, 1805
Lewis and Clark passed some Indians, one of whom spoke some English. He told them that they traded with a man called Mr. Haley.

November 7, 1805
Clark recorded that they were ‘in View of the Ocian’. He noted the roaring noise made by the waves breaking on the rocky shore. The following day the waves became so rough that several of the expedition members became seasick. Consequently they halted their journey and made camp. The camp was flooded by the tide, however they were forced to remain where they were as wind and rain hampered their progress.

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