3 April: Early in the morning, overcast sky. At seven thirty, 7°R [47. 8°F, 8.8°C]. Mr. Bodmer went to the market early and found only a few fish, but no turtles at all. Only very few fish are said to be caught here. The sunrise today had been blood red; in the prairies the sun always seems to have this color and appearance when the horizon is hazy.

At nine o’ clock I was at Mr. McKenzie's office in order to discuss various necessary arrangements for the journey. We agreed that I should buy wares and trade goods for the Indians at the fort, where they could be purchased more cheaply than elsewhere. These gentlemen were willing to take into safekeeping a part of my travel funds, which are quite unnecessary there. From there I went to buy various other articles and sent for an Indian war club that Mr. Mc Kenzie had sold me. Today a large number of swallows had already been seen swarming about in the air.

Doctor Hofmann from Frankfurt am Main paid me a visit. He works in the field of natural history and was recommended to me by Mr.Gebhard. At twelve noon, 14 1/2°R [64. 6°F, 18.1°C]. Until now our purchases, all of which had to be gathered individually, have prevented us from becoming familiar with the surroundings of St. Louis. To be sure, these are said to be not at all attractive. About 4 miles from here there are 4 live buffaloes: two bulls and a cow with a calf.

In the afternoon we made many purchases, especially of powder and lead, which are so necessary. Captain Stewart told me he would probably depart today, perhaps within the next several hours, and took leave of me. It is too bad that we have to take all the taxidermal materials—cotton, tow, and the like—with us. Mr. Bodmer went out to buy the spirits we need, and Dreidoppel to buy tobacco. Toward evening a thunderstorm came up and there was heavy thunder. The bolts of lightning were not severe, and it did not rain. During the evening we were busy at home. Later, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.