At Wood River, the camp is re-supplied, Pvt. Reubin Field wins some red leggings in a shooting contest, and Clark receives a letter and other news from Lewis.
In Washington City, President Jefferson congratulates Congress on the successful transfer of Louisiana to the United States.
Shooting for the Red Leggings
© Michael Haynes, https://www.mhaynesart.com. Used with permission.
Rumsey’s Trunks
this Morning Maj. R [Rumsey] observed that he brought 2 trunks of Goods, and asked pirmition to Sell them to the Citizen for Provisions, and the mens Coon Skins
—William Clark
Soap, Candles and Vinegar
I settled with the Contractor for what has been furnished to this day and find him Due the Party 30 gills of whiskey which he payd,— and 750 rats. of Soap Candles & vinager, for which he gave his Due bills
—William Clark
Shooting for the Leggings
the Party made up a Shooting match, with the Country people for a pr. Leagens [pair of leggings], Reuben Fields made the best Shot, next one Wist & the 3 & 4 was Shields R, F[razer?], Colter Gibson &
—William Clark
News from Lewis
Mr. Prior returned at 8 oClock in the evening with a letter from Capt. Lewis and one from Louisville & 3 newspapers which Capt. Lewis had Sent me— also a file & 3 plain bits
—William Clark
Jefferson’s Congratulations
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States.
In execution of the act of the present session of Congress, for taking possession of Louisiana, as ceded to us by France, & for the temporary government thereof, Governor Claiborne of the Missisipi territory, & Genl. Wilkinson were appointed Commissioners to recieve possession.
On this important acquisition, so favorable to the immediate interests of our Western citizens, so auspicious to the peace & security of the nation in general, which adds to our country territories so extensive & fertile, & to our citizens new brethren to partake of the blessings of freedom & self-government, I offer to Congress, and our country, my sincere congratulations.
Th: Jefferson
Jan. 16. 1804.[1]Founders Online, National Archives, founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-42-02-0261. [Original source: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 42, 16 November 1803–10 March 1804, ed. James P. … Continue reading
Weather Diary
Therm. at rise
weather wind Therm. at 4 oClock weather wind River [no data recorded] W C Sick
—Meriwether Lewis[2]To assist the reader, the editor of this web page has omitted the date column, merged the “River” columns, and spelled out some abbreviations.
Experience the Lewis and Clark Trail
The Lewis and Clark Trail Experience—our sister site at lewisandclark.travel—connects the world to people and places on the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Plan a trip related to January 16, 1804:
- Winter Camp at Wood River (Camp Dubois)
- Old Cahokia Courthouse
- Along the Mississippi (Inspiration Trip)
- Around St. Louis (Inspiration Trip)
Winter Camp at Wood River (Camp Dubois) is a High Potential Historic Site along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail managed by the U.S. National Park Service. The site, near Hartford, Illinois, is managed as Lewis and Clark State Historic Site and is open to the public.
Notes
| ↑1 | Founders Online, National Archives, founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-42-02-0261. [Original source: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 42, 16 November 1803–10 March 1804, ed. James P. McClure. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2016, 301–302.] |
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| ↑2 | To assist the reader, the editor of this web page has omitted the date column, merged the “River” columns, and spelled out some abbreviations. |
