Existing comment:
Records of the Adventure:
Some members of the expedition kept journals as they made their way across the continent. Jefferson had given specific instructions to record what they saw.
Thanks to these journals, we know a great deal about their journey. This is one of Captain William Clark's journals.
"Your observations are to be taken with great pains & accuracy, to be entered legibly for others as well as yourself..."
-- President Jefferson's instructions to Captain Lewis, June 20, 1803
William Clark was retired from the Army and living in Louisville, Kentucky art the time that Captain Lewis was preparing for the expedition. Although less schooled than Lewis, Clark was a skilled surveyor.
"If therefore there is anything under those circumstances, in this enterprise, which would induce you to participate with me in it's fatiegues, it's dangers and it's honors, believe me there is no man on earth with whom I should feel equal pleasure in sharing them as with yourself."
-- Captain Lewis to William Clark, June 19, 1803 |