thievery

Stealing was a way of life for the Indians.  They stole horses and food from neighboring tribes.  They also snatched children to be used as slaves such as Sacagawea.  Throughout the journey the Corps had to keep guards posted at all times.  Even then many things disappeared from camp.

Because of the need for a continuous supply of meat for the large crew there were always a few hunters out in front.  They would kill a deer, elk, buffalo, beaver, or bear and field dress the animal wrap it in its hide to be hung in a tree for the canoes to find along the way.  They hung them so the wolves couldn't get to them first.  Once a small group of hunters were asleep with their rifles close at hand when a bunch of Indians tried to steel their weapons.  One of the hunters woke up and roused his companions to chase the thieves.  One man stabbed a thief with his knife and killed him to get his rifle back.  This was the only Indian killed during the three year venture.

All the Indians were amazed at Louis' dog Seaman.  There seemed to be Indian visitors all the time around camp so the gentle Newfoundland got used to their presence.  One Indian was able to get close enough to tie a leash around the dogs neck and drag him toward their encampment.  When Capt. Lewis discovered him missing he took a contingent of the crew and were soon on the trail of the thief.  When found Lewis threatened to shoot the Indian but the dog was released and nothing else transpired.

Many times they had horses stolen and even one of their canoes was taken while in the Oregon territory.