3 January: Clear day, sunshine, very cold wind from the west. The mercury sat [at the bottom] in the bulb at seven thirty, meaning lower than −30°F [−34.4°C]. Ink, water, shoes—everything in our room was frozen solid; at the same time [there was] no more wood in the fort. The wood provision was so poor that they had none in stock. The people had to fetch supplies daily in that severe cold. Moreover, the houses were built so badly that one could hardly stand it inside, even with a tremendous fire in the fireplace. [There was a] strong draft in every corner.

The deaf-mute Mandan came to us and was naked beneath his robe except for his leggins. He made signs that he wanted to go hunting during this weather and move against the enemies. His brother and his sister are also deaf-mute. At eleven thirty the engagé I had sent out brought some meat on a sled from the small Mandan village. We finally had meat again! The sun was extremely blinding in the white prairie. No living creature was to be seen on the shiny snowfield except for small flocks of snow buntings (Emberiza nivalis) near Mih-Tutta-Hangkusch. At twelve thirty, −24°F [−31.1°C], the wind west, extremely cold.