Lewis and Clark Journal
The PLUMSTEAD Family
Lewis and Clark Journal
The Journals of Lewis And Clark
Chapter 9
Corruption
11 March 1805 to 17 March 1805
We have every reason to believe that our Minnetaree interpreter (whom we intended to take, with his wife, as an interpreter through his wife, to the Snake Indians, of which nation she is) has been corrupted by the [blank in MS.] Company. Some explanation has taken place which clearly proves to us the fact. We give him tonight to reflect, and determine whether or not he intends to go with us, under the regulations stated.
Captain Clark, 11 March 1805
A fine day. Some snow last night. Our interpreter, Charbonneau, determines on not proceeding with us as an interpreter under the terms mentioned yesterday. He will not agree to work, let our situation be what it may, nor stand guard, and, if miffed with any man, he wishes to return when he pleases, also [to] have the disposal of as much provisions as he chooses to carry. Inadmissible. And we suffer him to be off the engagement, which was only verbal.
Captain Clark, 12 March 1805
A windy day. Attempted to air our goods, &c. Mr. Charbonneau sent a Frenchman of our party [to say] that he was sorry for the foolish part he had acted, and if we pleased he would accompany us agreeable to the terms we had proposed, and do everything we wished him to do, &c. He had requested me some [sic], through our French interpreter two days ago, to excuse his simplicity, and take him into the service. After he had taken his things across the river, we called him in and spoke to him on the subject. He agreed to our terms, and we agreed that he might go on with us.
Captain Clark, 17 March 1805
Ch 8 Index Ch 10