Historic Diaries: Floyd 1804
July 4, 1804
Editor's Note:
After firing their swivel gun to celebrate the day, the Corps rested at modern Atchison, Kansas, where Independence Park marks the spot at which they camped. Rattlesnakes remained a danger for much of the trip; see Clark's description the next year of one that nearly bit Lewis, in American Journeys document AJ100b
Wensday July 4th 1804
Set out verry erley this morning. passed the mouth of a Beyeu leading from a Lake on the N. Side. this Lake is Large and was once the Bead of the River. it reaches Parrelel for Several miles. Came to on the South Side to Dine, rest a Short time. a Snake Bit Jo. Fieldes on the Side of the foot, which Sweled much. apply Barks to Coor [cure] and passed a Creek on the South Side about 15 yards wide Coming out of an extensive Prarie. as the Creek has no name and this Day is the 4th of July, we name this Independance Creek. above this Creek, the wood Land is about 200 yards. Back of these wood is an extensive Praria, open and High which may be Seen Six or Seven below. saw Grat nomber of Goslins to day, nearley Grown. the Last mentioned prairie I call Jo. Fieldes Snake prarie. Capt Lewis walked on Shore. we camped at one of the Butifules Praries I ever Saw, open and butifulley Divided with Hills and vallies all presenting themselves.
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