Private Hugh Hall

Quick Facts

Significance:

Private on the Lewis and Clark Expedition

Place of Birth:

Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

Date of Birth:

Approximately 1772

Place of Death:

Unknown

Date of Death:

Between 1820 - 1830

"Hall Caught 14 Rabits—" - Clark, January 20th, 1804

Hugh Hall was one of the members on the expedition that was rarely written about. Unfortunately the times he was written about it tended to be for some issue or offense. Despite this he had shown enough positive traits and a strong work ethic to keep him from being sent home when the party splits at Fort Mandan.

On the Expedition

Starting off rough, one of the first mentions of Hugh Hall comes during a day of celebration. A simple remark by Clark of "Hall & Collins Drunk" on December 31st, 1803, which would be foreshadowing for future events on the journey.

The rough patch continued with May 17th, 1804, in which a court martial was held on account of Hugh Hall and William Werner being absent without leave. They were both found guilty and sentenced to 25 lashes upon the back, however the punishment was "remitted under the assurence arriveing from a confidence which the Commanding officer has of the Sincerity of the recommendation from the Court" as written in the journal of Sergeant Ordway.

Not having taken the lesson to heart, Hall again finds himself in a court martial on June 29th, 1804, Clark writes that Hugh Hall "was brought with ["]takeing whiskey out of a Keg this morning which whiskey was Stored on the Bank (and under the Charge of the guard) Contrary to all order, rule, or regulation." After pleading guilty he was sentenced to 50 lashes, and this time the punishment was not remitted.

Hall was listed as a hunter on rare occasion, or as an assistant and laborer to carry supplies.

On the return trek, due to Hall's inability to swim which was common for its time, he requested to journey with Sergeant Pryor overland to help move horses on July 24th, 1806. This request was granted. Unfortunately these horses were stolen and left Hall, Pryor, Shannon, and Windsor to find other means of transportation. On August 8th, 1806, they reconnect with the main party having arrived in Bull Boats, or boats made of bison skin. 

After the Expedition

For his services Hugh Hall was awarded $166.66. 

His services were worthy of recognition by the Captains during the expedition through naming of landmarks as well. Having a "Halls River" and "Halls creek" both in his honor. Today they are known together as Cow Gulch in Yellowstone County, Montana.

There was evidence to suggest that Hugh Hall may have been the seventh journal writer on the expedition. Unfortunately the supposed journal was lost to fire and, as such, remains a mystery to this day.
 

Resources:

Morris, Larry E. The Fate of the Corps. Yale University Press, 2004. Print.

Moulton, Gary. The Journals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition: August 30, 1803 - August 2, 1804 . University of Nebraska Press, 1986. Print.

Moulton, Gary. Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. University of Nebraska Press. Web.

Further Reading:

Learn more about Hugh Hall at Lewis-Clark.org.