On Feb. 20, 1779, during Clark's advance, Major Bowman's journal recorded a camp that was quiet but hungry, with some almost in despair and many of the Creole volunteers talking of returning. The men began making more canoes, and about 12 o'clock a sentry on the river brought in a boat with five Frenchmen from the post, who reported that the force had not yet been discovered. One of the men killed a deer, which was distributed in camp and was very welcome.