N3821

Lewis & Clark Expedition - Bicentennial

Fred's Anecdotal Note

Chief Crow-at-Rest - Arikara

(Meeting with SgL John Ordway)

On October 8, l804, the keelboat came to a 3-mile long island which was home to about 2000 Arikara Indians. The entire island was a virtual garden of vegetables. High winds on the 9th prevented a meeting, but on October I0th there was a courrcil and gifts of paint, pewter looking glasses, needles, beads, knives, and tomahawks were given. The Indians, led by Chief Crow-at-Rest were delighted. That afternoon the men visited the village.

Large quantities of squash, corn, and beans (which Clark noted were "large and well flavoared and very nourishing') were received from the Indians. Sgt. Gass wrote that the women were "the most cleanly Indians I hove ever seen" and "the best looking I have ever seen." Sgt. Ordway agreed noting, "Their women are very handsome qnd clean." As with other tribes encountered, some of the men had sex with Indian women, but it is clear that both captains and a number of the sergeants and men abstained during the entire joumey. In the meantime, York was a sensation as he joyfully romped and played with the Indian children. Referring to Crow-at-Rest the next Doming, Clark wrote that the chief had said, "My heart is glad" and that the "road was open and would always be open" to the expedition. Lewis and Clark were well aware of the approaching winter, and on October l4th the keelboat headed north toward Mandan territory.