This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Omahas Classification: Lookup Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/ok.2ADE/4241.2 Message Board Post: MISSOURI GAZETTE and PUBLIC ADVERTISER. St. Louis, Missouri. January 19, 1820.-- An extract from a gentleman attached to the Yelllowstone Expedition to his friend in this place, dated Fort Missouri, Council Bluffs, Nov. 16: "Dear _____: I am at last favored with an opportunity of giving you a shorrt description of the vast tract of wilderness country by which I am surrounded. "This Fort is situated 800 miles above the mouth of the Missouri, and one mile above the place called THE COUNCIL BLUFFS--the place where Lewis and Clark held a general council with all the Indians in this quarter of the world. It is a bluff about 100 feet higher than the surface of the water and perpendicular on the side adjoining the river, which flows at its base. But it gradually descends to the distance of 3/4 of a mile on all other sides. "The country is a prairie for the distance of several hundred miles back, but timbered above and below, which renders it the most beautiful spot I have ever seen for a Fort. The scarcity of wood only prevents it from being the first place in the western country. The Fort that is now built is only temporary, but next year there will be one built of brick on top of the bluff. "This country is entirely prairie except a small grove on the bank of the river. But after you get two or three miles back, it is all prairie until you arrive near some water course. I have traveled for some 20 or 30 miles without finding a bush of wood or drop of water. "I have visited several nations of Indians in this neighborhood and remained with them for some time. I will mention some of their most singular manners from which you can draw some idea of their character. When I arrived at the Maha village, it was about 3 o'clock in the evening. I was carried to the chief's lodge where they soon prepared something to eat which I was very glad to see for I had not eat (sic) for two days. But when it was set before me, it proved to be the flesh of a dog, at the first sight of which I was disgusted, but seeing the interpreter eat of it, I was induced to taste it, and found it so palatable that I eat a hearty supper. During this evening I eat 17 times, and the next day 23, for every chief gives you a feast, and nothing will be considered so great an affront as to refuse. "We have arrived at a very cold climate. It is the 42nd degree of north latitude and the immense body of open land makes it three degrees colder.I expect to ascend the Missouri next year several hundred miles higher, but I do not think the troops will ever reach the Yellowstone. All the Indians have become quite submissive and friendly."