16 June 1832-Ouisconsin Territory

For five days now, Rowdy Bennett and I have traveled together, and I find his company invigorating. His family roots are held in eastern Missouri, and he comes from a line of English cattlemen. After making his riches trading fur, he plans to return to the business of cattling and begin a family. He is an avid reader of Latin, and when I tested him yesterday on the depth of his knowledge, he replied, “Scio me nihil scire,” which he claims to mean, “I know that I know nothing.”

Today, upon the southern banks of Lake Superior, we waited at camp to meet the two men for the pelt supply and watched with much levity as they traveled down the channel in a birchbark canoe, their vessel nearly sinking under the weight of the beaver pelts they carried. They are jovial men, and I am certain the entire territory could hear their laughter as they paddled onto shore.

The older of the trappers is a Native man, a fellow from the great Osage tribe of the southern region. He goes by a name that means “Black Wood.” Rowdy Bennett was thrilled to hear of another soul from his neck of the woods, and the two men spoke of Missouri’s hills and rivers at great length.

For a man of twenty-five years, Black Wood seems astute in the ways of exploration. He left his home two years ago, leaving his friends and family in sadness. When we asked of his plans to travel back to his home, Black Wood replied that he would return only with great knowledge and a provision of wealth that could benefit his people.

Black Wood’s business partner is a striking fellow with well-groomed hair and a thin mustache. I do not understand how the man can stay so perfectly combed in the wilderness. He goes by Milos Horner, and he desires nothing more than to goad his friend Black Wood with tomfoolery and horseplay. I find the way they banter quite humorous, and I see clearly that both trappers possess kind hearts.

Milos Horner has expressed a desire to meet with two other free trappers farther south, a pair of rugged hunters who carry a supply of muskrat furs. A consolidation of wares could benefit all parties, so Rowdy and I have agreed to continue.

—R.J.