March 1, 1804
It is the night before our big journey. We are really scared and very excited all in one. It is a weird feeling. I have heard rumors of unicorns, seven foot beavers, and mountains too. These beavers scare me much. I hear of Indians too. The fear I have excites me. I have hopes and questions that I need answered. I wonder what landscapes there are and how nice the Indians our. I hear of mosquitoes which bight hard and hurt. The rumors scare me a little. I wonder how long this trip will take us and if I will survive to tell about it. I have already said goodbye to my wife and kids. They cried. They said that they would miss me too. Well the other men are leaving so I better go.
Walter Hambrick
July 24, 1804
It is our first day on the river and I have never seen any thing like it. It looks very strong and powerful and will be hard to cross. Our boats are slow and very heavy so it looks like we won't have a very fun trip up. I like all of the vegetation and the animals. I think that it will produce a lot of food for us with all of the fish and the deer and bears drinking from it. Well the boat is ready so I will write again later.
Walter Hambrick