| Summary: | and Nautical Astronomy, Rules of Health, Mackenzie's Voyage, Antoine Simor Le Page du Pratz's History of Louisiana, The Nautical Almanac and Astronomical Ephem-eris, and a four-volume dictionary. Building the collapsible boat at Harper's Ferry caused a delay, but nothing like the stalled construction of the keelboat at Pittsburgh. Lewis arrived there on July 15 and found the boat builder was behind schedule and in no hurry. The promised completion date was July 20; however, the keelboat did not leave the dock on the Ohio River until August 31, a month after Lewis had planned to reach St. Louis. The late departure from Pittsburgh meant the Corps of Discovery had to spend the winter near St. Louis, delaying the start of the expedition until the following spring. Meanwhile, on July 29, Lewis received a much anticipated letter. William Clark wrote: "I will cheerfully join you, my friend, I do assure you that no man lives with whom I would prefer to undertake such a trip as yourself. My friend, I join you with hand and heart." A friendship had begun from which the whole nation would benefit. (Lewis and Clark had crossed paths prior to this expedition. They had served as officers io the militia during the Whiskey Rebellion of 1793-94.) Lewis also found two men in Pittsburgh who would be part of the expedition: John Colter and George Shannon. And, for S20, he purchased a large black Newfoundland dog named Seaman from whom he became inseparable. The keelboat began its maiden voyage down the Ohio River, picking up men and experience along the way. On October 15, Lewis tied up at Clarksville, Kentucky, where William CJark waited. The two captains, whose names would become forever connected, finally stood together on the deck of the keelboat. They arrived at the Wood River on December 12, where Clark picked a site for a winter camp, 18 miles from St. Louis and directly opposite the mouth of the Missouri River. The captains took advantage of the winter layover. Lewis spent a good deal of time in St. Louis gathering information from the merchants and traders about the land and Indians up the Missouri River. He also added supplies to the cargo, including 20 gallons of whiskey. Clark worked with the men, preparing them for the trial ahead. Although the Louisiana Purchase had been announced in July of 1803, the actual passing of civil and military authority did not take place until the following spring. Lewis, as a representative of Jefferson, took part in the ceremony on March 9, 1804, in which the Spanish flag came down, the French colors went up; and, the next morning, the Stars and Stripes were raised over St. Louis. Finally, Louisiana was officially part of the United States. 4 Chapter One - Lewis and Clark in North Dakota
|
|---|