This first meeting with the Oto and Missouri chiefs occurred on August 3, 1804. The Corps had arrived on July 30th and set up camp. William Clark described the spot: "... the Lower Prarie is above high water mark at the foot of the riseing ground & below the High Bluff we came to in a grove of timber and formed a Camp raised a flag Pole and deturmined to waite for the Ottu Indians-" The Corps completed other tasks until sunset on August 2nd when six chiefs and warriors arrived along with an unknown French trader who would act as interpreter. Clark recorded that he " Sent them Som rosted meat Pork flour & meal..." and quantities of tobacco. A full dress military presentation took place the next day. Top right, looking down on the council sculpture from the upper bluff. Right, Milton Heinrich, of nearby Blair NB, interpreted the sculpture's symbols (sign).