The Expedition Divided: Lewis and the Indians Summary and Analysis

On July 1st, 1806, the captains decide to divide the party in order to explore the area to a greater extent. Lewis selects Drouillard, the Fields, Gass and two other privates to explore Maria's River, along with their Indian companions; Clark, along with five men, will explore the Yellowstone River; Pryor will lead the horses by land to the Mandan village; and Ordway, leading the remaining nine men, will descend the river with the canoes. From this point on, Lewis and Clark, until they reunite down the Missouri River, will write their diaries separately.

On July 3, Lewis' team follows the Indians' suggestion and crosses the river near some rapids, which gives them a bit of trouble. The Indians then tell Lewis about a road they should take near the camp...