1. MERIWETHER LEWIS, JOURNAL ENTRY,
NOVEMBER 13, 18031

left Massac this evening about five oclock—descended about three miles and encamped on the S.E. shore raind very hard in the eving and I was siezed with a violent ague which continued about four hours and as is usual was succeeded by a feever which however fortunately abated in some measure by Sunrise the next morning, I then took a

2. MERIWETHER LEWIS, JOURNAL ENTRY,
NOVEMBER 14, 1803²

set out by light at sunrise I took a doze of Rushes pills which operated extremly well and I found myself much to my satisfaction intirely clear of fever by the evening passed Wilkinson ville about 12 Oclock oposite to which is the first or great chain of rocks streching in an oblque manner across the Oho

3. MERIWETHER LEWIS, JOURNAL ENTRY,
APRIL 7, 1805³ (EXCERPT)

Our vessels consisted of six small canoes, and two large perogues. This little fleet altho’ not quite so rispectable as those of Columbus or Capt. Cook were still viewed by us with as much pleasure as those deservedly famed adventurers ever beheld theirs; and I dare say with quite as much anxiety for their safety and preservation. we were now about to penetrate a country at least two thousand miles in width, on which the foot of civillized man had never trodden; the good or evil it had in store for us was for experiment yet to determine, and these little vessells contained every article by which we were to expect to subsist or defend ourselves. however as this the state of mind in which we are, generally gives the colouring to events, when the immagination is suffered to wander into futurity, the picture which now presented itself to me was a most pleasing one. entertaing as I do, the most confident hope of succeading in a voyage which had formed a daling project of mine for the last ten years, I could but esteem this moment of my departure as among the most happy of my life. The party are in excellent health and sperits, zealously attatched to the enterprise, and anxious to proceed; not a whisper of murmur or discontent to be heard among them, but all act in unison, and with the most perfect harmony I took an early supper this evening and went to bed. Capt. Clark myself the two Interpretters and the woman and child sleep in a tent of dressed skins….

4. MERIWETHER LEWIS, JOURNAL ENTRY,
AUGUST 18, 18054 (EXCERPT)

This day I completed my thirty first year, and conceived that I had in all human probability now existed about half the period which I am to remain in this Sublunary world. I reflected that I had as yet done but little, very little indeed, to further the hapiness of the human race, or to advance the information of the succeeding generation. I viewed with regret the many hours I have spent in indolence, and now soarly feel the want of that information which those hours would have given me had they been judiciously expended. but since they are past and cannot be recalled, I dash from me the gloomy thought and resolved in future, to redouble my exertions and at least indeavour to promote those two primary objects of human existence, by giving them the aid of that portion of talents which nature and fortune have bestoed on me; or in future, to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself.—

5. MERIWETHER LEWIS, JOURNAL ENTRY,
JANUARY 1, 1806⁵ (EXCERPT)

This morning I was awoke at an early hour by the discharge of a volley of small arms, which were fired by our party in front of our quarters to usher in the new year; this was the only mark of rispect which we had it in our power to pay this celebrated day. our repast of this day tho’ better than that of Christmass, consisted principally in the anticipation of the 1st day of January 1807, when in the bosom of our friends we hope to participate in the mirth and hilarity of the day, and when the zest given by the recollection of the present, we shall completely, both mentally and corporally, enjoy the repast which the hand of civilization has prepared for us. at present we were content with eating our boiled Elk and wappetoe, and solacing our thirst with our only beverage pure water

6. MERIWETHER LEWIS TO AUGUSTE CHOUTEAU,
FEBRUARY 11, 18076

This will [be] handed by you by a particular friend and acquaintance of mine Mr. Fleming Bates, late Judge of the Michigan Territory and receiver of public monies at Detroit–.

Mr. Bates has been recently appointed the Secretary of the Territory of Louisiana and recorder of the Board of Commissioners for adjusting the land claims in that territory and is about to establish himself at St. Louis, in order to take on him the discharges of the duties incumbent to those offices.

The Situation of Mr. Bates as a public officer sufficiently shews the estimation in which, he is in my opinion, deservedly held by the Executive of the United States, and consequently renders any further observations in relation to his talents or integrity unnecessary on my part. You will confer on me by making Mr. Bates acquainted with the respectable inhabitants of St. Louis and its vicinity or by rendering him any service which it may be in your power to give him–.

The papers you confided to my care have been laid before the Executive, but as yet I have received no answer on the subject, nor do I believe that any definitive answer will be given or measures taken in relation to the land claims of Louisiana until after the passage of a law on that subject which is now under the consideration of Congress–.

I shall probably come on to St. Louis in the early course of the next fall, for the purpose of residing among you; in such an event I should wish timely to procure a house by rent or otherwise for my accommadation, and I have fixed my eye on that of Mr. Gratiot, provided we cam come on terms which may be mutually agreeable. I would prefer renting or leasing to purchase; in either case the enclosure of the garden must be rendered secure, and the steps & floor of the piazza repaired by the 1st October next-I would thank you to request Mr. Gratiot to write me on this subject and to state his terms distinctly as to price, payment &c, in order that I may know whether my resources will enable me to meet them or not, or whether it will be necessary that I should make some other provision for my accommodation.

My respectful compliments to your lady, Madme Chouteau and my friends of St. Louis and its vicinity, & believe me

—Meriwether Lewis

7. JAMES WILKINSON TO PRESIDENT THOMAS JEFFERSON,
SEPTEMBER 15, 1807, RICHMOND 7 (EXCERPT)

Sir

I did intend to transmit you a copy of Capt Pikes report by Governor Lewis, but have been too occupied to fulfil my purpose—I shall have the Honor to Hand it to you at the Seat of Government….

8. MERIWETHER LEWIS TO MAHLON DICKERSON,
NOVEMBER 3, 1807, ALBERMARLE⁸

Dear Dickerson:

This will be handed you by my brother, John H. Marks, who visits Philadelphia with a view to attend the medical lectures. I have given him letters of introduction to Wister, Rush & Peal, and have strictly enjoined him to call on you frequently, as for all those little matters of advice, admonition, &c., for which he would have called on me had I been personally present: we both know that young men are sometimes in want of such a friend, but could I believe that he would give you any anxiety on this score I should not have placed him in this point of view with rispect to you; but on the contrary his stability, industry and application hitherto give me the best hopes of him and therefore think I can with confidence confide him to your friendly care.

I have given John H. Marks $60 and a bill of exchange on the bank of the U'States for two hundred dollars more, which I have conceived would be equal to his expenditures until the middle or last of January next; this bill however, is for a part of my quarter salary ending the 31st of December and not payable until the 5th of January 1808: as his expenditures immediately after his arrival in Philadelphia, in making the necessary arrangements for attending the lectures, will be greater than at any subsequent period, he will be in want of more money than he has now in possession before this bill becomes due; if therefore you can with convenience to yourself, advance him the sum of two hundred dollars or such part of it as shall be deemed necessary for his immediate wants upon a transfer of this bill to yourself, you would confer a singular favor on me. After the 1st of January, other arrangements have been made which I hope will furnish him with the necessary means of support; but should any accident happen on this rispect, I trust you will not suffer him to want for any sum under $300, as I pledge you my honor it shall be returned immediately on notice of the advance having been made.

I have enjoyed a great share of health since I had the pleasure of seeing you last, and am now on the eve of my departure for St. Louis. So much for business, now for the girls.

My little affair with Miss A—n R—ph has had neither beginning nor end on her part; pr. Contra, on my own, it has had both. The fact is, that on enquiry I found that she was previously engaged, and therefore dismissed every idea of prosecuting my pretentions in that quarter, and am now a perfect widower with rispect to love. Thus floating on the surface of occasion, I feel all that restlessness, that inquietude, that certain indiscribable something common to old bachelors, which I cannot avoid thinking my dear fellow, proceeds, from that void in our hearts, which might, or ought to be better filled. Whence it comes I know not, but certain it is, that I never felt less like a heroe than at the present moment. What may be my next adventure god knows, but on this I am determined, to get a wife.

Do let me hear from you as frequently as you can, and when you have no subject of more importance talk about the girls. You see already from certain innate workings of the sperit, the changes which have taken place in my dispositions, and that I am now so much unlike my former self, that I speak of those bewitching gipsies as a secondary consideration: I sincerely wish my dear fellow, that candor would permit me to say as much with rispect to Miss E—B—y of Philadelphia, whose memory will still remain provokingly important in spite of all my philosophy. Have you heard from her? Have you seen her? How is she? Is she well, sick, dead, or married? Oh! I had forgotten you have no particular acquaintance with her; ask your coadjutator T. Rush, and tell me. Adieu. Direct to me at Louisvill Kentucky, untill the last of this month, and after that period forward your letters to St. Louis. Dr. Fothergil perhaps can give you the necessary information.

My best wishes and compliments to all our acquaintances in the city, and particularly to Mrs. Bache and the Dr., Mrs. Sergeants Mrs. Water &c. Believe me your very sincere and affectionate friend & Obt. Servt.

—Meriwether Lewis

9. MERIWETHER LEWIS TO WILLIAM CLARK,
MAY 29, 1808

My Dear friend

I had not the pleasure of recieving yours of the 30th April untill the 25th Instant, I wrote to Col. Hunt on the evening of the same day and have made arrangements to dispatch Ensign Prior, one trusty Sergt. & twenty good men, from the cantonment at Belle Fontain to meet you at the Mouth of the Ohio, one french Patroon and four perhaps six, French engages will also be sent with him two large Keel Boats have already been engaged and prepared with necessary stores at this place for the voyage, one of the keel boats which I have employed is extremely well calculated for the accommodation of your goods (as you are pleased to denominate them) but I must halt here in the middle of my communications and ask you if the matrimonial dictionary affords no term more appropriate then that of goods, alias merchandize, for that dear and interesting part of the creation? it is very well Genl., I shall tell madam of your want of Gallantry; and the triumph too of detection will be more compleat when it is recollected what a musty, fusty, rusty old bachelor I am. This Boat then is the same in which Mr. McFarlane descended the Ohio, it is well covered and sufficiently capacious to accomodate the ladies comfortably. Prior will take with him the tools which we deemed necessary such alterations as you may think proper—he descends the river on Teusday next, and is directed, should he not meet with you at the mouth of Ohio to ascend as high as Massac and there wait your arrival. I trust you do not mean merely to tantalize your Neices, I have already flattered the community of St. Louis with this valuable acquisition to our female society. On my arrival here the 8th March I learned that Mr. Gratiot had let his house to one of his sons in law, and that had it not been let I could not expect it for less than $500 per. annum, such rent I never had calculated on giving and consequently engaged another dwelling, I have rented the house of Mr. Campbell on the main Street at $250 pr. annum./ I know not whether you are acquainted with the interior of this house and will therefore endeavour to give you some Idea of it. The cellar is dry, equal in its temperature and sufficiently capacious for our purposes; there are four good rooms on the first floor with a convenient store room or closet and a small office, a Piazza on the East front the whole length of the building, it continues also on the south end and is terminated by the office, on the same floor there is a half passage leading from the centre or principal room to the back yard garden & kitchen; the door of a flight of stairs, leading to the garret, opens in this passage, as with the cellar, the garret is in one common room, but it has a tolerable floor and will be convenient for the servants to lodge &c. the kitchen has two fire places with a good bake oven opening into one of them, a large stable, a good well, a small though well protected garden and a small indifferent out house formerly used for smoking of meat constitute the other appendages of this dwelling. Should we find on experiment that we have not sufficient room in this house, I can obtain an Office somewhere in the neighbourhood and still consider myself your messmate; the garden has been attended to; and I have also enclosed a large garden near this lot, which will furnish us with potatoes, cabbage &c. You know the difficulty of procuring furniture in this country, I have been able to procure but little and that even is not of the quallity I could have wished. I hope you will therefore bring with you a good stock of household apparatus, for should you not want them all on your arrival, they can be readily disposed of.

On the 29th April I wrote to Mr. Fitzhugh and enclosed to him for Mr. Joseph Charless a bill of exchange on the President and directors of the Bank of the United States for one hundred dollars also ninety five dollars in bank notes, and requested him to pay Mr. Charless the further sum of thirty dollars, and to call on you for that amount, or draw on me for the same, these several amounts make the sum of 225 dollars which had been subscribed by myself and others as a loan for twelve months to Mr. Charless to enable him to commence his paper in this place to greater advantage, from Information recieved a few days since, I have reason to believe that this letter to Mr. Fitzhugh one to Mr. Charless and sundry other letters and valuable papers which I dispatched by the succeeding mail, remained at Cahokia several days, and were unfortunately lost when the post rider was drowned about the 15th of this month in the little Wabash, not haveing yet heard from Mr. Fitzhugh I am still further induced to believe that my letters have been lost and therefore I am extremely anxious that Mr. Charless should come forward I enclose the fourth and fifth of my bill of exchange on the Bank of the United States In favour of Mr. Charless for one hundred dollars and must beg leave to request that you will make some arrangements by which he can be served with the further sum of $125. Inform Mr. Charless that I have made no arrangements with any other Printer Publishing the laws of the Territory, but that if he calculates on my encouragement and support he must come forward in person as soon as possible. The Legislature will meet on the second Monday in June to revise the laws of the Territory and will most probably originate others, a printer is absolutely necessary and that there is no time to be lost unnecessarily I know not of any point in the UStates where I concieve a country paper or printer would meet with more encouragement than at St. Louis.

I shall write you by Ensign Prior on Tuesday, but supposing that it was possible that you might not think proper to leave the falls before you recieved an answer to yours of the 30th April I have dispatched this by the first mail since the receipt of it, my sending Ensign Prior immeadiately will also prevent your being detained should you have set out before this reaches you.

Your sincere friend
Meriwether Lewis

William Clark, May 29, 1808

N.B. Should Genl. Clark have left the falls Mr. Fitzhugh is requested to attend to the part of this letter in relation to Mr. Charless.

—M.L.

—St. Louis June 1st 1808

My dear friend

I am so much engaged at this moment I hope you will pardon my not writing to you further by Ensign Prior at this moment—he will give you a description of my present situation and my anxiety to see you. My love to the ladies.

—Adieu Yours &c
—M. Lewis

(on the cover it reads: Genl. William Clark at or near the mouth of the Ohio.)

10. MERIWETHER LEWIS TO WILLIAM PRESTON,
JULY 25, 1808, SAINT LOUIS9

Your favor of the 11th inst. from Nashville has been duly received.—how wretchedly you married me arrange the subjects of which you treat. I am induced to believe from the date of your letter and the arrangement of the subject matter, that you must have been engaged in compiling toasts for the fourth of July, in which, the great dirth of gallantry among our countrymen has very uniformly consigned the recollection of the fair, to the last glass, and the last haza!—you have gained that which I have yet to obtain, a wif; pardon me therefore for begining where you left off. you run through a sheet of paper about your musty fusty trade, your look out for land speculations without locality or interest in your old friends, a flimsy excuse about the want of money to enable you to come and see us &c &c before you came to the point. then she is off, passed—off the hooks,¹⁰ I mean in a matrimonial point of view; bet it so, the die is cast, may god be with her and her's, and the favored angels of heaven guard her bliss both here and hereafter, is the sincere prayer of her very sincere friend, to whom she has left the noble consolation of scratching his head and biting his nails, with ample leasure to ruminate on the chapter of accedents in matters of love and the folly of castle-building. well, I find it an amusing study notwithstanding admirably calculated to kill time, and when I find myself without imployment I will begin again.

—Gamble is a good tempered, easy honest fellow, I have known him from a boy; both his means and his disposition well fit him for sluming away life with his fair one in the fassionable rounds of a large City. such is the life she has celected and in it's pursuit I wish she may meet all the pleasures of which it is susceptible. I consider Miss E—B—[Elizabeth Breckinridge] a charming girl, but such was my passing for her sister [Letitia], that my soul revolts at the idea of attempting to make her my wife, and shall not consequently travel that road in quest of matrimony so much for love, now in order I shall take up friendship, then treat of land speculations money making and other matters of minor importance.—…In my opinion—Louisiana, and particularly the district of St. Louis, at this moment offers more advantages than any other portion of the U'States to the farmer, the mechanic, inland merchant or the honest adventurer who can command money or negroes. in point of soil or climate it is inferior to none; it is calculated to produce a greater variety of valuable articles for export than any other portion of the continent and those too in great abundance…. From Cape Girardeau upwards I do not consider it a good cotton country; saving crops might be made but there is much greater profit to be obtained by cultivating other articles, even as great or greater than can be obtained by cultivating cotton and we are certain of enjoying what we can as there is not a healthyer contry than upper part of Louisiana…you would in my opinion do well to come and see us from the Falls of the Ohio, it will only take you a few weeks longer and you can then be a more competent judge, and can make your arrangements accordingly; if you do not celect Louisiana as your place of residence I will wrisk my existence that you will at some future period regret having chosen any other. you have no time to loose. lands are rising fast, but are yet very low; the choice positions/ which I could have purchased when I was last in this country, or about 16 months before my return, at one dollar pr. Arpent I have been obliged to give two dollars for. excellent land can be had within six eight & ten miles of St. Louis at 50 Cents pr. Acre, with a general warrentee as to tittle against all claims except the U'States, and with a condition also that if the lands are not confermed to you that the money shall be returned with interest from the date of the decesion of the Commissions should they decide against the claim…I have purchased 7,440 arpens of land for $5,530, all of it lying in the nighbourhood of St. Louis in situations as eligible as I could have wished with an excellent mill seat on one of the tracts. if you would sell that fort of yours within the mountains at half price, and bring your money or negroes with you to this country you might purchase a princely fortune; but to do this as I have before/ told you there is no time to be lost. The Genl. has informed me of the mode he has proposed to you for bringing on your family to this country which I think is the best that can be devised.—

The Indians have been exceedingly troublesome during the last winter and spring, but I have succeeded in managing those on the Mississippi; they have delivered three murderers to a party which I sent with a strong talk to them, they are now under trial will no doubt be stretched. the Osage and others on the Missouri are yet in a threatening position but the arrangements which have been made and the steps we are now about to take I feel confident will reduce them to order.

11. MERIWETHER LEWIS TO MRS. LUCY MARKS,
DECEMBER 1, 1808, SAINT LOUIS11

My life is one continued press of business which scarcely allows me leasure to write to you. I have consequently not written to you as often as I could have wished. I sincerely hope you are all well tho’ it seems I shall not know whether you are dead or alive until I visit you again. what is John Marks, and Edmund Anderson about, that they do not write to me? I am very anxious to learn whether John Marks has returned to Philadelphia or not; and if he has gone on, what prospects he has for the means of supplying himself with money, or whether he is sufficiently supplied already I am also anxious to know whether May is married or not, and where she is, if she is married and has removed to Georgia I know your feelings on the subject. I hope you will bear this separation with your usual fortitude. I still hope if this is the case that I shall have it in my power to offer Mr. More (Wm. Moore) such inducements as will determine him to remove to Louisiana.

I have purchased five thousand seven hundred acres of land in this neighbourhood, lying in four parsels, one of forty two acres adjoining the town of St. Louis, a second of three thousand acres at the distance of six miles from the town, and the other tracts at the distance of twelve or fourteen miles, all above the town and in situations which I conceive the most elligible in the country in many points of view. The tract six miles distant contains three thousand acres; the improvements area field well enclosed of forty acres a comfortable dwelling house with three rooms, with stables and other convenient out houses; a good well, and a garden of three quarters of an acre well inclosed. there are also three springs within a short distance of the house. The land is of an excellent quality and contains a happy proportion of prarie or natural meadow and woodland. These improvements with one thousand acres of land including them is the consideration I entend giving you for your relinquishment of dower to the lands on Ivy creek. it was my intention to give you a life estate in that property but if you wish it I have no objection to convey it to you in fee simple. This place which I have selected for your residence is in the most healthy part of the country; it is an agreeable situation one with which I am convinced you will be pleased. I have paid about three thousand dollars for the lands which I have purchased, fifteen hundred dollars more will become due in May and twelve hundred more on the 1st of May 1810—to meet these arrangements it will be necessary to sell the Ivy creek lands or at least as part of them, and for this purpose I shall shortly inclose to Mr. Dabney Car[r] a power of attorney to dispose of them. I have been detained here much longer than I expected but hope to get off shortly. You may expect me in the course of this winter.

I have generally had my health well since I left you. I am with every sentiment of filiel affection Your son

—Meriwether Lewis
Mrs. Lucy Marks near Charlottesville, Virginia

12. PIERRE CHOUTEAU TO SECRETARY OF WAR,
JUNE 14, 1809, SAINT LOUIS12 [PENNED BY FREDERICK BATES]

When at Washington in the winter of 1806–7, I was consulted by the late President, with respect to the arrangements which ought to be made for restoring the Mandan chief to his people. I suggested a place and offered my services to conduct the expedition, pledging myself for its successful accomplishment. Mr. Jefferson appeared to approve my ideas, tho’ he expressed himself only in general terms, and desired me to confer on the subject with Governor Lewis.

In subsequent conversations with the Governor, my opinions were overruled, and the preference given to a military escort. A young and inexperienced officer was appointed to command it and the party, as you perceive having suffered a defeat, was compelled to abandon the enterprize as impracticable.

The scheme originally submitted by myself has been with some modifications, been adopted by the Governor at whose solicitations, I have thought it my duty to take the command of the Party.—The certain fatigues and probable dangers which must be encountered in this excursion, have scarcely been reflected on by me; for in this, as in every other public transaction of my life a wish faithfully to discharge those duties, which have been familiarized by a long experience, has been my prevailing, and indeed my only inducement.

The contract heretofore transmitted by the Governors will have given you the principles of this arrangement. You will have observed that it is as well mercantile as military. It is a detachment of the militia of Louisiana as high as the Mandan-village and commercial afterwards.

If my participation in speculations of this kind should excite the surprise of government as inconsistent with my duties as an Agent, I beg leave to refer you to Governor Lewis, who advices I have pursued and whose explanations, will, I hope, in my justification. My agency has, of late, been limited to the Osages, and with these tribes the company will have us trading intercourse. I accompany the expedition, merely in a military capacity (as Major Commandant) and as soon as my command ceases at the Mandan Village, shall return with all convenient haste to Saint Louis, unless prevented by ice or other unexpected occurrence.

I take the liberty to enclose a Power of Attorney, by which my son Peter Chouteau jnr: is empowered to draw in my absence, for my compensations as an agent.

13. MERIWETHER LEWIS TO WAR DEPARTMENT, JULY 8, 1809,
SAINT LOUIS13

Dear Sir.

Inclosed I transmit you twenty dollars in bank bills and return you my sincere thanks for your friendly interference with rispect to my bill of eighteen dollars rejected by the Secretary of the Treasury. this occurrence has given me infinite concern as the fate of other bills drawn for similar purposes to a considerable amount cannot be mistaken; this rejection cannot fail to impress the public mind unfavourably with rispect to me, nor is this consideration more painfull than the censure which must arise in the mind of the executive from my having drawn for public monies without authority; a third and not less imbarassing circumstance attending the transaction is that my private funds are entirely incompetent to meet those bills if protested.—

You will also recieve inclosed the voucher on which the bill of eighteen dollars was predicated on which I shall take the liberty of making few [page 2] remarks.—

Previous to my drawing any bill of the govern [ment] & c

In the course of the last autumn a Court of Oyer and terminur was held at St. Louis for the trial of a prisoner indicted of felony. the duty of presiding in the case Judge Lucas assigned himself. a few days previous to the trial the Judge made a formal application to me for certifyed copies of the Judiciary and criminal laws of the Territory declaring that unless the court was furnished with them he could not proceed with the trial of the prisoner; under those circumstances I did not hesitate to cause the copies of those laws to be made out and furnished him. The Secretary of the territory Mr. Bates previous to my drawing any bill on the government for publishing the laws of the territory had informed me that the expence of publishing or promulgating the laws of the territory in any shape could not be defrayed by the contingent fund placed under his control consequently I was compelled to take the course which I have or suffer a fellon to escape punishment. [page 3] I shall write more fully to the Secretary of State on this subject and inclose him my vouchers for the expenses which have been incurred in publishing the laws of the territory as I am imperitively directed by [Meriwether Lewis].

14. WILLIAM SIMMONS TO MERIWETHER LEWIS, JULY 15,
1809, WAR DEPARTMENT14

After the sum of seven thousand dollars had been advanced on the Bills drawn by your Excellency on account of your Contract with the St. Louis Missouri Fur Company for conveying the Mandan Chief to his Village; and after this Department had been advised that “for this purpose the Company was bound to raise, organize, arm & equip at their own expence one hundred and forty Volunteers and to furnish whatever might be deemed necessary for the Expedition, or to insure its success”—it was not expected that any further advances or any further agency would be required on the part of the United States. Seven thousand dollars was considered as competent to effect the object. Your Excellency will not be surprized that your Bill of the 13th of May last drawn in favor of M. P. Chouteau for five hundred dollars for the purchase of Tobacco, Powder, &c. intended as Presents for the Indians, through which this expedition was to pass and to insure its success, has not been honored. In the instance of accepting the volunteer services of 140 men for a military expedition to a point and purpose not designated, which expedition is stated to combine commercial as well as military objects, and when an Agent of the Government appointed for other purposes is selected for the command, it is thought the Government might, without injury to the public interests, have been consulted. As the object & destination of this Force is unknown, and more especially as it combines Commercial purposes, so it cannot be considered as having the sanction of the Government of the United States, or that they are responsible for the consequences. On another account it was desirable that this Government should have been consulted. Being responsible for the expenditure of Public money & made judges in such cases whether the Funds appropriated by the Legislature are applicable and adequate to the object, it is desirable in all practicable cases that they should be advised and consulted when expenditure is required. As the Agency of Mr. Chouteau is become vacant by his accepting the command of the Detachment it is in contemplation to appoint a suitable character to supply his place. Another bill of your Excellency's in favor of Mr. Chouteau drawn for materials for erecting an assaying Furnace has not been protected, there being no appropriation of this Department applicable to such an object.

The President has been consulted and the observations herein contained have his approval,—and your Excellency may be assured that they are dictated by a sense of public duty and are perfectly consistent with the great respect and regard with which I have the honor to remain, &c &c &c.

15. MERIWETHER LEWIS TO WILLIAM SIMMONS, AUGUST 18,
1809, SAINT LOUIS.15

Yours of the 15th July is now before me, the feelings it excites are truly painful. With respect to every public expenditure, i have always accompanied my Draft by Letters of advice, stating explicitly, the object of the expenditure: if the object be not a proper one, of course, I am responsible; but if on investigation, it does appear to have been necessary for the promotion of the public interests, i shall hope for relief.

I have never received a penny of public Money, but have merely given the Draft to the person who had rendered the public service, or furnished articles for public use, which have been invariably applied to the purposes expressed in my Letters of advice.

I have made advances for the Public from time to time in small sums for recovering of public horses which were lost, for forage for them, expenses attending Sales &c. and have retained from the sales of those horses the sum of eighty five Dollars, for which I have ample vouchers. In these transactions, I have drawn no draft, calculating on going forward long since and settleing my Accounts with the Public.—The balance of the Sales in Money and Bonds have been lodged with Gen. Clark by the Vendue-Master:—to the correctness of this statement, I call my God to witness.

I have been informed Representations have been made against me,—all I wish is a full and fair Investigation. I anxiously wish that this may reach you in time to pr[e]vent any decision relative to me.

I shall leave the Territory in the most perfect state of Tranquility which I believe, it has ever experienced. I find it impossible at this moment, to explain by letter, and to do away by written explanations, the impressions which I fear, from the tenor of your letter, the Government entertain with respect to me, and shall therefore go on by the way of New Orleans to the City of Washington with all dispatch—Thursday next I have appointed for my departure from Saint Louis. I shall take with me my papers, which I trust when examined, will prove my firm and steady attachment to my Country, as well as the Exertions I have made to support and further it's interests in this Quarter.

I do most solemnly aver, that the expedition sent up the Misoury under the Command of Mr. Pierre Chouteau, as a military Command, has no other object than that of conveying the Mandane Chief and his Family to their Village—and in a commercial point of view, that they intend only, to hunt and trade on the waters of the Misoury and Columbia Rivers within the Rockey-Mountains and the Planes bordering those Mountains on the east side—and that they have no intention with which I am acquainted, to enter the Dominions, or do injury to any foreign Power—

Be assured Sir, that my country can never make “A Burr” of me—She may reduce me to Poverty; but she can never sever my Attachment from her.

Those protested Bills from the Departments of War and Treasury, have effectually sunk my Credit; brought in all my private debts, amounting to about $4000, which has compelled me, in order to do justice to my Creditors, to deposit with them, the landed property which I had purchased in this Country as Security.

The best proof which I can give of my Integrity, as to the use or expenditure of public Monies, the Government will find at a future day, by the poverty to which they have reduced me—still, I shall do no more than appeal to the Generosity of the Government by exposing my Claims.

I had sooner bear any pecuniary embarrassment, than attempt, in any manner, to wound the Feelings, or injure in the public Opinion, the present Executive, or either of the Heads of the Departments, by complaining of Injuries done me, other than in friendly Expostulations.

I am convinced that the Motives expressed in the latter part of your Letter, are those which have actuated you; but at the same time, I trust that the Motives that induced me to make the Expenditure, will be found equally pure.

Some weeks after making the Contract with the Misoury-Fur-Company, for taking the Mandane Chief to his Village, I received information, that through the Sous and Mahas that the Chyenns had joined the Aricaras and were determined to arrest all Boats which might ascend the River, I conceived it necessary, in order to meet the additional Force and to insure the success of the Expedition conveying the Mandane Chief, to make the further advance with a view, that should it become necessary to engage an auxiliary force among the friendly Nations through which they would pass, that Mr. Chouteau, the Commanding Officer, might be enabled to acquire such aid by means of those supplies.

You will find from the enclosed Document, that if Mr. Chouteau does not expend the articles for the purposes mentioned, that he is still held responsible to the Government for such part thereof as may remain unexpended.

With respect to the assaying Furnace, I did conceive that such an Estabishment was necessary; but, as there is no Appropriation for such objects, arrangements have been made by me, to meet the protested Bill—and no claim will hereafter be made for that object.

I have reason to believe that sundry of my Letters have been lost, as there remain several important Subjects on which I have not yet received an Answer.

I still hope that Mr. Chouteau will not be removed, he is ordered to return this Fall, or as soon as the military Expedition is at an end, which you will recollect, ceases as soon as he arrives at the Mandane Nation.

Col. August Chouteau of this place, his brother, has agreed with me to act in his place Pro. Tem. The Osage Treaty not having been ratified, would, in my opinion, recommend this arrangement.

I have the honor to be with much rispect Your Obt. Servt.

—Meriwether Lewis

N.B. The reasons for wishing Mr. Chouteau not to be displaced is that if the event takes place before one or the other of the Osage treaties ar ratifyed there will in my opinion be War with that nation.

16. WILLIAM CARR TO CHARLES CARR, AUGUST 25, 1809,
SAINT LOUIS16 (EXCERPT)

Good lands must greatly increase in value here in the course of a few years—I shall certainly purchase if I can do so without involving myself—They are offered to me every day on a long credit, by paying a little cash in hand. I expect Mr. Bates our Secretary will join me in some purchases we contemplate making in a short time—If therefore you think proper to vest any of your money in property of that kind & can trust it with me I flatter myself I could employ it to a great advantage for you.

I have made more important contracts in six months past than I ever made in all of my life before—I have bought two negro fellows, one last spring—another a few weeks since for $333.33 part on a credit of 12 months—This last I sold again directly for one of those land warrants issued by the late Secy of War to the followers of Lewis and Clark for 320 acres each—payable at the land office at $2 an acre….

Our Governor left us a few days since with his private affairs altogether deranged. He is a good man, but a very imprudent one—I apprehend he will not return—He has drawn on the general government for various & considerable sums of money which have not been paid: of course his bills have been protested—He has vested Judge Stuart of Kaskaskia, Gen. Clark and myself with full powers to adjust and liquidate all demands against him & left in my hands all his land titles, to be sold for that purpose…. Neither Nancy nor myself have been very well lately…. Some of these lands situated about 10 miles from this place near a little village called St. Ferdinand will be sold [this was the tract that Meriwether Lewis bought for his mother—see his letter to Lucy Marks, December 1, 1808]. The title is complete & the quality of the land excellent. It is also situated on the bank of the Missouri—If I had the money I would give it for the land instantly….

17. MERIWETHER LEWIS TO PIERRE CHOUTEAU, SEPTEMBER 2,
1809, SAINT LOUIS17

I would thank you to furnish me with the following articles by two o'clock this evening in order that the same may be delivered to the Chiefs and warriors of the Great Osages of the River Arkansas who did on the 31st sign the treaty entered into by the great and little Osages of the Osage River on the tenth day of November last; as well as to chiefs and warriors of the last mentioned land who have accompanied them to this place. I presume that all the articles in this list can be furnished by the time mentioned except the chiefs coats and pantaloons which when completed will be delivered to Sherman (Clermont) and Big-Track the principal chief of the bands of the Arkansas. 2 chief coats. 2 pr pantaloons, 2 hats decorated with band cocadis and feathers, 2 fusils, 50th of balls, one piece of Indian common calico, 8 yards of scarlet—cloath of second quality, 10 yards of blue strouding, 4 1/2 vermillion, 5 dozen common Indian knives, 4 Gorgets, 2 pr. of armbands, 100 flints, 1 piece of red ribbon, 17 blankets—3 points. The Indians will be dispatched to their respective villages the day after tomorrow with some trusty interpreter to conduct them beyond the settlements with provisions until they pass the inhabitants.

I am with much respect your obed. Servant M.L.
[his signature] recorded September 30, 1809

18. WILL: SEPTEMBER 11, 1809, NEW MADRID18

I bequeath all my estate real and personal to my Mother Lucy Marks of the County of Albermarle and State of Virginia after my private debts are paid of which a stateant will be found in a small minute book deposited with

—Meriwether Lewis

Pernia my Servant
September 11, 1809
In the presence of F. S. Trinchard

Geau Peaeny

At Albermarle March Court 1810

The within instrument of writeing purporting to be the last will and testament of Meriwether Lewis deceased was produced into Court and the hand writeing with the Signature hereto was proven to be the hand writeing of said Lewis by the oathes of Dabney Carr. Thomas W. Maury and Dabney Minor and ordered to be recorded

—Teste
—John Nicholas CC

Copied from page 66, Will Book No. 5 at the Albermarle County Clerk's

office.

A copy—Erato Maupin, clerk

19. MERIWETHER LEWIS TO JAMES MADISON, SEPTEMBER 16,
1809, FORT PICKERING, CHICKASAW BLUFFS

Dear Sir,

I arrived here yesterday about 2 OCk P.M. yesterday very much exhausted from the heat of the climate, but having taken medicine feel much better this morning. my apprehension from the heat of the lower country and my fear of the original papers relative to my voyage to the Pacific ocean falling into the hands of the British induced me to change my route and proceed by land through the state to Tennisse to the City of washington. I bring with me duplicates of my vouchers for public expenditures &c. which when fully explained, or reather the general view of the circumstances and which they were made I flatter myself that they will receive both sanction & approbation and sanction.

Provided my health permits no time shall be lost in reaching Washington. My anxiety to pursue and to fulfill the duties incident to the internal arrangements incident to the government of Louisiana has prevented my writing you more frequently Mr. Bates is left in charge. Inclosed I herewith transmit you a copy of the laws of the territory of Louisiana.—I have the honour to be with the most sincere esteem your Obt. and very humble Obt. and very humble Servt.

20. MERIWETHER LEWIS TO AMOS STODDARD, SEPTEMBER 22,
180919, FORT PICKERING, CHICKASAW BLUFFS

Dear Majr:

I must acknowledge myself remiss in not writing you in answer to several friendly epistles which I have received from you since my return from the Pacific Ocean, continued occupation in the immediate disc discharge of the duties of a public station will I trust in some measure plead my apology.

I am now on my way to the city of Washington and had contemplated taking Fort Adams and Orlianes in my rout, but my indisposition has induced me to change my rout and shall now pass through Tennessee and Virginia, the protest of some bills which I have lately drawn on public account form the principal inducement for my going forward at this moment. an explanation is all that is necessary I am sensible to put all matters right, in the mean time the protest of a draught however just has drawn upon me at one moment all my private debts which have excessively embarrassed me. I hope you will therefore pardon me for asking you to remit as soon as is convenient the sum of $200 which you have informed me you hold for me I calculated on having the pleasure to see you at Fort Adams as I passed, but am informed by Capt Russel the commanding officer of this place that you are stationed on the West side of the Mississippi.

You will direct to me at the City of Washington untill the last of December after which I expect I shall be on my return to St. Louis.

Your sincere friend, & Obt. servt.

21. JAMES HOWE TO FREDERICK BATES,
SEPTEMBER 28, 1809, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

I arrived here two days ago on my way to Maryland—yesterday Majr Stoddart of the army arrived here from Fort Adams, and informs me that in his passage through the indian nation, in the vicinity of Chickasaw Bluffs he saw a person, immediately from the Bluffs who informed him, that Governor Lewis had arrived there (some time previous to his leaving it) in a state of mental derangement, that he had made several attempts to put an end to his own existence, which this person had prevented, and that Capt. Russell, the commang officer at the Bluffs had taken him into his own quarters where he was obliged to keep a strict watch over him to prevent his committing violence on himself and had caused his boat to be unloaded and the key to be secured in his stores.

I am in hopes this account will prove exaggerated tho’ I fear there is too much truth in it—As the post leaves this tomorrow I have thought it would not be improper to communicate these circumstances as I have heard them, to you.20

22. MISSOURI GAZETTE, OCTOBER 4, 1809, WEDNESDAY

A report prevailed here last week, that his Excellency Governor Lewis was much indisposed at New Madrid, we were informed yesterday by a person direct from that palce, that, he seen him off in good health for New Orleans, on his way to the Federal City.

23. MAJOR JAMES NEELLY TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, OCTOBER
18, 1809, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE²¹

It is with extreme pain that I have to inform you of the death of His Excellency Meriwether Lewis, Governor of Upper Louisiana who died on the morning of the 11th Instant and I am sorry to say by suicide.

I arrived at the Chickasaw Bluffs on or about the 18th of September, where I found the Governor (who had reached there two days before me from st. Louis) in very bad health—It appears that his first intention was to go around by water to the City of Washington; but his thinking a war with England probable & that his Valuable papers might be in danger of falling into the hands of the British, he was thereby induced to change his route, and to come through the Chickasaw nation by land; I furnished him with a horse to pack his trunks &c. on, and a man to attend to them; having recovered his health in some degree at the Chickasaw Bluffs, we set out together. And on our arrival at the Chickasaw nation I discovered that he appeared at times deranged in mind, we rested there two days & came on, one days Journey after crossing the Tennessee River & where we encamped we lost two of our horses, I remained behind to hunt them & the Governor proceeded on, with a promise to wait for me at the first houses he came to that was inhabited by white people; he reached the house of a Mr. Grinder about sun set, the man of the house being from home, and no person there but a woman who discovering the governor to be deranged gave him up the house & slept herself in one near it. his Servant and mine slept in the stable loft some distance from the other houses. The woman reports that about three o'clock She heard two pistols fire off in the Governors Room: the servants being awakened by her, came in but too late to save him. he had shot himself in the head with one pistol & a little below the Breast with the other—when his servant came in he says: I have done the business my good Servant give me some water. he gave him water. he survived but a short time. I came up some time after. I had him as decently Buried as I could in that place—if there is any thing wished by his friends to be done to his grave I will attend to their Instructions.

I have got in my possession his two trunks of papers (amongst which is said to be his travels to the pacific Ocean) and probably some Vouchers for expenditures of Public Money for a Bill which he said had been protested by the Secy. of War; and of which act to his death, he repeatedly complained. I have also in my Care his Rifle, Silver watch, Brace of Pistols, dirk & tomahawk: one of the Governors horses was lost in the wilderness which I will endeavour to regain, the other I have sent on by his servant who expressed a desire to go the governors Mothers & to Monticllo: I have furnished him with fifteen dollars to Defray his expenses to Charlottesville. Some days previous to the Governors death he requested of me in case any accident happened to him, to send his trunks with the papers therein to the President, but I think it very probable he meant to you. I wish to be informed what arrangements may be considered best in sending on his trunks &c—I have the honor to be

With Great respect
Yr. Ob Sevt
James Neelly
U.S. Agent to the Chickasaw Nation
The Honble Thomas Jefferson late President of the United States
Monticello near Charlottesville Va—

24. JOHN BRAHAN TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, OCTOBER 18,
1809, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE22

It is with painful sensations that I announce to you the death of His Excellency Meriwether Lewis Governor of Upper Louisiana which took place on the morning of the 11th Instant; the following circumstances attending this unhappy affair I have obtained from Maj. James Neelly agent to the Chickasaw nation—he informs me that he left the Chickasaw Bluffs in Company with the Governor the last of Sept—on their way to this place—that the Governor appeared some days thereafter while on their journey to be some what deranged in mind; after crossing the Tennessee River and traveling one day of the Governor's & one of Maj. Neelly's horses got away from the place where they had encamped. The Governor proposed to the Majr to remain behind and find the horses, & that he would proceed on his Journey and wait for him at the first house from there inhabited by white people to which the Majr agreed & the Governor proceeded on with his Servant & Majr Neelly—to the house of a Mr. Grinder. When he arrived about sun set—no person being at home but the wife of Mr. Grinder—the woman discovering the governor to be deranged gave him up the house, and slept herself in another house near it—the two servants slept in a stable loft some distance off: about three o'clock the woman heard two pistols fire off. Being alarmed she went & waked the servants when they came in they found him weltering in his blood. He had shot himself first it was thought in the head. The ball did not take effect. The other shot was a little below his breast, which proved mortal. He lived until sun rise & expired. The Majr had him decently buried. Majr Neelly informs me that he has got his two trunks with his valuable papers, amongst which is his journal to the pacific Ocean, & perhaps some vouchers for Public Money expended in the Territorial Government of Upper Louisiana—he has also got his silver watch—his Brace of pistols, his Rifle & Dirk—one of his horses was lost in the wilderness which may probably be got again, the other horse John Purney the Governors Servant will ride on, who will leave here early in the morning for Monticello: Majr Neelly has given him fifteen dollars to take him on; and I was fearful that he might be short of money & have furnished him with five dollars more which will be sufficient—I would have given him more but was fearful it might cause him to drink as discover he has a propensity at present, but perhaps it may be from distress of mind at the death of the Governor. I shall remain in this place some time and will with great pleasure attend to any instruction you may think necessary either in sending on the trunks of papers or the other articles of his property wherever directed—which will probably be to Monticello—I feel great distress at the premature death of the Governor he was a very particular friend of mine, being intimately acquainted, and one for whom I had the Greatest respect.

Ps: I am told that Governor Lewis left two trunks & some other articles with Capt. Gilbert C. Russell Commanding officer at the Chickasaw Bluffs.

25. JOHN BRAHAN TO SECRETARY OF WAR, OCTOBER 18,
1809, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE.23

Dear Sir: It is with great concern that I announce to you the death of His Excellency Meriwether Lewis Governor of Upper Louisiana, which took place on the Morning of the 11th Instant at the House of a Mr. Grinder about seventy five miles from this on the Natchez Road—and what renders this unhappy affair more melancholy it is stated from a correct source that he committed Suicide. Majr. James Neelly agent for the Chickasaws had traveled with the Governor from the Chickasaw Bluffs until they got within a days Journey of the place where the unfortunate affair took place—they had lost two horses & the Majr. remained behind to hunt them, & the governor proceeded on to get to a house where a white man lived. he reached there before night, & about three oclock in the morning shot himself with two pistols: the first ball it is said wounded him in the head the other entered a little below his breast which caused his death in about three hours—majr. Neeley had him intered as decently as he could—and he informs me that he has in his Care two trunks of the Governors containing his Valuable papers, probably his Journal to the Pacific Ocean & perhaps vouchers for money expended in his Territorial Government; but I have not seen them: Maj. Neeley informs me that he has his Brace of Pistols Rifle gun & watch—which will remain in his hands until he learns what he is to do with them—he has communicated to Mr. Jefferson late president this unfortunate affair, & has informed him what he has got in his hands belonging to the Estate of Governor Lewis—Majr. Neeley informs that he discovered some days previous to the death of the Governor strong proofs of a derangement in his mind—

I have the honor to be
With Great Respect Yr. Obt.

John Brahan, Capt.

2nd Regt. US. Infy.

26. MISSOURI GAZETTE, OCTOBER 19, 180924

Col. Bissell politely favored us with the following extract of a letter from Maj. Stoddard dated Nashville, Sept. 8 [probably 18th]—We sincerely hope that the next communication may bring the agreeable news of Gov Lewis’ health being perfectly restored.

I have some unhappy intelligence to give you. I saw a gentleman in the Chickasaw nation, directly from the Bluffs, who informed me, that Governor Lewis was at that place much indisposed. That he was so for several days previous to his arrival. Capt. Russell received him into his quarters and stored his property.

He was under the hands of the surgeons mate, Dr. Smith, but no alteration for the better had taken place when my informant left the bluffs. This affair has given me much pain, and I leave it with you to divulge it to the Governors friends, in such manner as you may think proper.

27. DEMOCRATIC CLARION, OCTOBER 20, 1809, NASHVILLE,
TENNESSEE²⁵

To record the untimely end of a brave and prudent officer, a learned scholar and scientific gentleman this column of the Clarion is ushered to the world in black.

On the night of the 10th instant Meriwether Lewis, esq. governor general of Upper Louisiana, on his way to washington city, came to the house of Mr. Grinder near the Indian line in this state—called for his supper and some spirits of which he partook and gave some to his servants. Mr. Grinder not being at home, Mrs. Grinder retired to the kitchen with her children, and the servants (after the governor went to bed, which he did in good order) went to a stable about three hundred yards distant to sleep—no one in the house with the governor—and some time before mid-night Mrs. Grinder was alarmed by the firing of 2 pistols in the house—she called to the servants without effect—and at the appearance of day light the servants came to the house when the governor said he had now done for himself—they asked what, and he said he had shot himself and would die, and requested them to bring him water, he then laying on the floor where he expired about 7 o'clock in the morning of the 11th—he had shot a ball that grazed the top of his head and another through his intestines, and cut his neck, arm and ham with a razor. when in his best senses he spoke about a trunk of papers that he said would be of great value to our government. He had been under the influence of a deranging malady for about six weeks—the cause of which is unknown, unless it was from a protest to a draft which he drew on the secretary at war, which he considered tantamount to a disgrace by government.

In the death of governor Lewis the public beheld the wreck of one of the noblest of men—he was a pupil of the immortal Jefferson—by him he was reared—by him he was instructed in the tour of the sciences—by him he was introduced to public life, when his enterprising soul, great botanical knowledge, acute penetration, and personal courage soon pointed him out as the most proper person to command a projected exploring party to the north west coast of the American continent—he accepted the arduous command on condition that he might take Mr. Clark with him—they started, the best wishes of the American people attended them. After an absence of two years, to us of anxious solicitude, we were cheered with the joyful return of our countrymen. A new world had been explored—additional knowledge in all the sciences obtained, at a trifling expence of blood and treasure. The voice of fame echoed the glad tidings thro’ the civilized world—the name of Lewis was the theme of universal praise.—The national legislature voted a complimentary donation to the brave little band.

Scarcely had the governor time to pay his respects to a widowed mother, before he was again called into public service. The territory of Upper Louisiana had been torn to pieces by party feuds, no person could be more proper to calm them—he appeared and all was quiet.

The limits assigned this notice do not admit of a particular detail of his executive acts—suffice it to say that the parties created by local circumstances and Wilkinson were soon united—the Indians were treated with [presents] and large purchases of valuable land made of them—the laws were amended, and judicious ones adopted—to the securing the citizens of the territory from a renewal of the scenes of 1806.

During the few leisure moments he had from his official duties, he was employed in writing the particulars of his celebrated tour up the Missouri—to complete which appears to have been the wish nearest his heart—and it gives us much pleasure, if we can feel pleasure in the present melancholy instance, to state that we have it from a source which can be depended upon, that he had accomplished the work in three very large volumes, with an immense number of paintings—& all was ready for the press. We hope these volumes may be the means of transmitting to posterity the worth of a man whose act cast a gloom over the fair pages of his early life.

“The boast of heraldry, the pomp of pow'r,
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave
Await alike th’ inevitable hour________
The path of glory lead but to the grave.”26

28. JAMES MADISON TO THOMAS JEFFERSON,
OCTOBER 30, 180927

We just learn the melancholy fate of Governor Lewis which possibly may not have travelled so quickly into your neighborhood. He had, it seems, betrayed latterly symptoms of a disordered mind; and had set out under the care of a friend on a visit to Washington. His first intention was, to make the trip by water; but changing it, at the Chickasaw Bluffs, he struck across towards Nashville. As soon as he had passed the Tennissee, he took advantage of the neglect of his companion, who had not secured his arms, to put an end to himself. He first fired a pistol, at his head, the ball of which glancing, was ineffectual. With the 2d. he passed a Ball thro’ his body, wch. being also without immediate effect, he had recourse to his Dirk with wch he mangled himself considerably. After all he lived till the next morning, with the utmost impatience for death.

29. JOHN BRECK TREAT TO FREDERICK BATES,
OCTOBER 31, 1809, WASHINGTON CITY²⁸

My Dear Friend

This moment the Secretary of War has mentioned to me his having by this days Mail received an account of the extraordinary death of Governor Lewis: for which no one here undertakes to account for—& certainly the short acquaintance I had with him at St. Louis in June last wholly precludes my having any reason to offer for his committing an act to any extraordinary & unexpected—It is already ask'd here who will become Govr of the Territory….

30. MISSOURI GAZETTE, NOVEMBER 2, 1809, THURSDAY

By last mail we received the melancholy account of the premature death of his Ex'y Governor Lewis; he landed at the Chickasaw Bluffs much indisposed, and shortly after set out on his way to the Federal City via Nashville; about 40 miles east of the river Tennessee, the party stopped for the night and became much alarmed at the governor's behavior, he appeared in a state of extreme mental debility, and before he could be prevented, discharged the contents of a brace of pistols in his head and breast, calling to his servant to give him a basin of water; he lived about two hours and died without much apparent pain. The governor had been of late very much afflicted with fever, which never failed of depriving him of his reason….

31. ARGUS OF WESTERN AMERICA,
NOVEMBER 4, 1809, FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY29

Nashville, October 20—It is with extreme regret we have to record the melancholy death of his excellency Meriwether Lewis, Governor of Upper Louisiana, on his way to the City of Washington. The following particulars, are given us by a gentleman who travelled with him from the Chickasaw Bluffs.

The governor had been in a bad state of health, but having recovered in some degree, set out from the Chickasaw Bluffs and in travelling from that to the Chickasaw nation, our informant says, he discovered that the governor appeared at times deranged, and on their arrival in that nation, having lost two horses, the governor proceeded on, and the gentleman detained with a view of hunting the horses. The governor went on to a Mr. Grinder's on the road, found no person at home but a woman: she observed something wild in his appearance, become frightened and left the house to sleep in another near it, and the two servants that was with him went to sleep in the stable. About three o'clock the woman says she heard the report of two pistols in the room where he lay, and immediately awakened the servants, who rushed into the house, but too late! he had shot himself in the head and just below the breast, and was in the act of cutting himself with a razor. The only words he uttered, was “It is done, my good servant give me some water,” and expired in a few moments after.

He was as decently intered as the place would admit.

32. FREDERICK BATES TO RICHARD BATES,
NOVEMBER 9, 1809, SAINT LOUIS³⁰

You have heard no doubt, of the premature and tragical death of Gov. Lewis. Indeed I had no personal regard for him and a great deal of political contempt; Yet I cannot but lament, that after all his toils and dangers he should die in such a manner.

At the first, in Washington he made to me so many friendly assurances, that I then imagined our mutual friendship would plant itself on rocky foundations. But a very short acquaintance with the man was sufficient to undeceive me. He had been spoiled by the elegant praises of Mitchell & Barlow, and over whelmed by so many flattering caresses of the high & mighty, that, like an over-grown baby, he began to think that everybody about the House must regulate their conduct by his caprices.

‘De mortuis nil nisi bonum is a good old maxim; but my character has been assailed, as respects our late Governor, and I owe to those I love some little account of myself.

I never saw, after his arrival in this country, anything in his conduct towards me, but alienation and unmerited distrust. I had acquired and shall retain a good portion of the public confidence, and he had not generosity of soul to forgive me for it. I was scarcely myself conscious of my good fortune; for the still voice of approbation with which I was favored by the People, was, as yet drowned in the clamours of my enemies. As soon as I was seen in conflict with my associates in business, my friends came forward with a generous and unexpected support.—I bore in silence the supercilious air of the Governor for a long time; until, last summer he took it into his head to disavow certain statements which I had made, by his order from the Secretary's Office. This was too much—I waited on him,—told him my wrongs—that I could not bear to be treated in such a manner—that he had given me the orders, & as truth is always eloquent, the Public would believe it on my assurances. He told me to take my own course—I shall, Sir, said I, and I shall come, in future to the Executive's Office when I have business at it.

Some time after this, there was a ball in St. Louis, I attended early, and was seated in conversation with some Gentlemen when the Governor entered. He drew his chair close to mine—There was a pause in the conversation—I availed myself of it—arose and walked to the opposite side of the room. The dances were now commencing.—He also rose—evidently in passion, retired into an adjoining room and sent a servant for General Clark, who refused to ask me out as he foresaw that a Battle must have been the consequence of our meeting. He complained to the general that I had treated him with contempt & insult in the Ball-Room and that he could not suffer it to pass. He knew my resolutions not to speak to him except on business and he ought not to have thrust himself in my way. The thing did pass nevertheless for some weeks when General Clark waited on me for the purpose of inducing me to make some advances. I replied to him ‘NO, the Governor has told me to take my own course and I shall step a high and a proud Path He has injured me, and he must undo that injury or I shall succeed in fixing the stigma where it ought to rest. You come’ added I ‘as my friend, but I cannot separate you from Gov Lewis—You have trodden the Ups & the Downs of life with him and it appears to me that these proposals are made solely for his convenience.’

At last, I had business at the Executive Office—He pressed me to be seated and made very handsome explanations. I told him that they sounded well; but that I could not accept them unless with the approbation of my friend Wm. C. Carr—He, with some other Gentlemen were then called in, & this particular misunderstanding adjusted to the entire satisfaction of Carr and myself.

33. GILBERT RUSSELL TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, JANUARY 4,
1810, FORT PICKERING, CHICKASAW BLUFFS31

Concerning it a duty encumbered upon me to give the friends of the late Meriwether Lewis such information relative to his arrival here his stay and departure, and also of his pecuniary matters as came within my knowledge which they otherwise might not ascertain and presuming that as you were once his patron, you still remain'd his friend, I beg leave to communicate it to you and thru you to his mother and such other of his friends as may be interested.

He came here on the 15th of September last from whence he set off intending to go to Washington by way of New Orleans. His situation I tho't rendered it necessary that he should be stoped until he would recover, which I done & in a short time by proper attention a change was perceptible and in about six days he was perfectly restored in every respect & able to travel. Being placed then myself [page 2] in a similar situation with him by Bills being protested to a considerable amount I had made application to the General & expected a leave of absence every day to go to Washington on the same business with Governor Lewis. In consequence of which he waited six or eight days expecting that I would go on with him, but in this we were disappointed & he set off with a Maj. Neely who was going to Nashville.

At the request of Governor Lewis I enclose the land Warrant granted to him in consideration of his services to the Pacific Ocean to Bowling Robinson Esq., Secy of the Treasury at Orleans with instructions to dispose of it at any price above $2 an acre & to lodge the money on the Bank of the United States or any of the branch banks subject to his order.

He left with me two Trunks a Case and a bundle which will now remain here subject at any time to your order or that of his legal representatives. Enclosed is his memo respecting them but before the Boat in which he directed they might be sent got to this place I recd. a verbal message from [page 3] him after he left here to keep them untill I should hear from him again.

He set off with two trunks which containing all his papers relative to the expedition to the Pacific Ocean, Genl Clarks Land Warrant a Port-Folio, pocket Book, Memo, and note Book together with many other papers of both a public & private nature; two horses two saddles, & bridles a Rifle gun pistols pipe Tommy hawk & dirk, all ellegant & perhaps about two hundred & twenty dollars of which $99 58/100 was a Treasurer's Check on the U.S. branch Bank of Orleans endorsed by me. The horses and saddle and this Check I let him have. Where or what has become of his effects I do not know but presume they must be in the care of Major Neelly near Nashville.

As an individual I very much regret the untimely death of Governor Lewis whose loss will be great to his Country & severely felt by his friends. When he left this I felt much satisfaction for indeed I tho't I had been the means of preserving the life of one (?) valuable man, and as it has turn'd [page 4] out I still have the consolation that I discharged those obligations towards him that man is bound to do to his fellow.

It is probable that I shall go to the City of Washington in a few weeks—if so I shall give you a call and give you any further information you may require that has come within my knowledge.

Having had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Randolph, I pray you to tender my respects to him.

I remain Sir with the utmost veneration & respect

your Obt Servant

Meriwether Lewis's handwriting:

Capt. Russell will much oblige his friend Meriwether Lewis by forwarding to the care of William Brown Collector of the port of New Orleans, a Trunk belonging to Capt. James House addressed to M. Donald and Ridgely Merchants in Baltimore. Mr. Brown will be requested to forward the trunk to it's place of destination.—

Capt. R. will also send two trunks as packages and a case addressed to Mr. William C. Carr of St. Louis unless otherwise instructed by M. S. by letter from Nashville.—

M. Lewis would thank Capt. R. to be particular to whom he confides these trunks & a Mr. Cabbini [Cabanne] of St. Louis may be expected to pass this place in the course of the next month to him [page 6] they might be safely confided.—

Memorandum

Sent Capt. Hous's Trunk by Benjamin Wilkinson on the 29th Sept 1809

Russell

Govr. Lewis left here on the morning of the 29th Sept—32

34. GILBERT RUSSELL TO THOMAS JEFFERSON,
JANUARY 31, 1810, FORT PICKERING, CHICKASAW BLUFFS

I have lately been inform'd that James Neely the Agt to the Chickasaws with whom Govr. Lewis set off from this place has detain'd his pistols & perhaps some other of his effects for some claim he pretends to have upon his estate. He can have no just claim for any thing more than the expenses of his interment unless he makes a charge for packing his two trunks from the Nation. And for that he cannot have the audacity to make a charge after tendering the use of a loos'd horse or two which he said he had taken from the Nation & and also the aid of his servant. He seem'd happy to have it in his power to serve the Govr & but for his making the offer which was accepted I should have employed the man who packed the Trunks to the Nation to have taken them to Nashville & accompanyed the Govr. unfortunately for him this arrangement did not take place or I hesitate not to say he would this day be living. The fact is which you may yet be ignorant of that his untimely death may be attributed solely to the free use he made of liquor which he acknowledged verry candidly after he recovered & expressed a firm determination never to drink any more spirits or use snuff again both of which I deprived him of for several days & confined him to claret & a little white wine. But after leaving this place by some means or other his resolution left him & this agt being extremely fond of liquor, instead of preventing the Govr from drinking or putting him under any restraint advised him to it & from every thing I can learn gave the man every chance to seek an opportunity to destroy himself. And from the statement of Grinder's wife where he killed himself I cannot help believing that Purney was rather aiding & abetting in the murder than otherwise.

This Neely also says he lent the Govr. Money which cannot be so for he had none himself & the Govr had more than one hund. $ in notes & specie besides a check I let him have of 99.58 none of which it is said can be found. I have wrote to the Cashier of the branch bank of orleans on whom the check was drawn in favour of myself or order to stop payment when presented. I have this day authorized a Gentleman to pay the pretended claim of Neely & take the pistols which will be held sacrad to the order of any of the friends of M. Lewis free from encumbrance.

35. THOMAS JEFFERSON TO GILBERT C. RUSSELL,
APRIL 18, 181033

Sir

I have to acknowledge the reciept of your favors of Jan. 4. & 31. the last of which did not reach me till two days ago; and with my own, to express the thankfulness of all the friends of the late unfortunate governor Lewis for your kind attentions to him. we have all to lament that a fame so dearly earned was clouded finally by such an act of desperation. he was much afflicted & habitually so with hypochondria. this was probably increased by the habit into which he had fallen & the painful reflections that would necessarily produce in a mind like his. his loss to the world is a very great one, as it is impossible that any other can paint to them the occurencies of his journey so faithfully as he who felt them. I have duly handed on whatever you have communicated to me respecting his pecuniary interests to Capt. William Meriwether, his relation, his intimate friend & one of his executors, and pray you to accept the assurances of my esteem & respect.

—Th. Jefferson

36. ALEXANDER WILSON TO ALEXANDER LAWSON,
MAY 18, 1810 (EXCERPT)³⁴

Next morning (Sunday) I rode six miles to a man's of the name of Grinder, where our poor friend Lewis perished. In the same room where he expired, I took down from Mrs. Grinder the particulars of that melancholy event, which affected me extremely. This house or cabin is seventy-two miles from Nashville, and is the last white man's as you enter the Indian country. Governor Lewis, she said, came there about sunset, alone, and inquired if he could stay for the night; and, alighting, brought his saddle into the house. He was dressed in a loose gown, white, striped with blue. On being asked if he came alone, he replied that there were two servants behind, who would soon be up. He called for some spirits, and drank very little. When the servants arrived, one of whom was a negro, he inquired for his powder, saying he was sure he had some powder in a canister. The servant gave no distinct reply, and Lewis, in the mean while walked backwards and forwards before the door, talking to himself. Sometimes, she said, he would seem as if he were walking up to her; and would suddenly wheel round, and walk back as fast as he could. Supper being ready he sat down, but had not eat but a few mouthfuls when he started up speaking to himself in a violent manner. At these times, she says, she observed his face to flush as if it had come on him in a fit. He lighted his pipe, and drawing a chair to the door sat down, saying to Mrs. Grinder in a kind tone of voice, “Madam this is a very pleasant evening.” He smoked for some time, but quitted his seat and traversed the yard as before. He again sat down to his pipe, seemed again composed and casting his eyes wishfully towards the west, observed what a sweet evening it was. Mrs. Grinder was preparing a bed for him; but he said he would sleep on the floor, and desired the servant to bring the bear skins and buffaloe robe, which were immediately spread out for him; and it being now dusk the woman went off to the kitchen, and the two men to the barn, which stands about two hundred yards off. The kitchen is only a few paces from the room where Lewis was, and the woman being considerably alarmed by the behaviour of her guest could not sleep but listened to him walking backwards and forwards, she thinks for several hours, and talking aloud, as she said, “like a lawyer.” She then heard the report of a pistol, and something fall heavily on the floor, and the words “O Lord!” Immediately afterwards she heard another pistol, and in a few minutes she hear him at her door calling out “O madam! Give me some water, and heal my wounds.” The logs being open, and unplastered, she saw him stagger back and fall against a stump that stands between the kitchen and room. He crawled for some distance, raised himself by the side of a tree, where he sat about a minute. He once more got to the room; afterwards he came to the kitchen-door, but did not speak; she then heard him scraping the bucket with a gourd for water, but it appears that this cooling element was denied the dying man! As soon as day broke and not before, the terror of the woman having permitted him to remain for two hours in this most deplorable situation, she sent two of her children to the barn, her husband not being at home, to bring the servants; and on going in they found him lying on the bed; he uncovered his side and shewed them where the bullet had entered; a piece of the forehead was blown off, and had exposed the brains, without having bled much. He begged they would take his rifle and blowout his brains, and he would give them all the money he had in his trunk. He often said, “I am no coward, but I am so strong, so hard to die.” He begg’ d the servant [John Pernier] not to be afraid of him, for that he would not hurt him. He expired in about two hours, or just as the sun rose above the trees. He lies buried close by the common path with a few loose rails thrown over his grave. I gave Grinder money to put a post fence round it, to shelter it from the hogs, and from the wolves; and he gave me his written promise he would do it. I left this place in a very melancholy mood, which was not much allayed by the prospect of the gloomy and savage wilderness which I was just entering alone.

My thoughts dwelt with sad, but unavailing regret, on the fate of my unfortunate friend; and I endeavoured to give vent to the despondence of my mind in the following verses, which I wished to dedicate to his memory.

37. STATEMENT OF GILBERT RUSSELL, NOVEMBER 26, 1811,
FREDERICKTOWN, MARYLAND

Governor Lewis left St. Louis late in August, or early in September 1809, intending to go by the route of the Mississippi and the Ocean, to the City of Washington, taking with him all the papers relative to his expedition to the pacific Ocean, for the purpose of preparing and putting them to the press, and to have some drafts paid which had been drawn by him on the Government and protested. On the morning of the 15th of September, the Boat in which he was a passenger landed him at Fort pickering in a state of mental derangement, which appeared to have been produced as much by indisposition as other causes. The Subscriber being then the Commanding Officer of the Fort on discovering from the crew that he had made two attempts to Kill himself, in one of which he had nearly succeeded, resolved at once to take possession of him and his papers, and detain them there untill he recovered, or some friend might arrive in whose hands he could depart in Safety

In this condition he continued without any material change for five days, during which time the most proper and efficatious means that could be devised to restore him was administered, and on the sixth or seventh day all symptoms of derangement disappeared and he was completely in his senses and thus continued for ten or twelve days. On the 29th of the same month he left Bluffs, with the Chickasaw agent the interpreter and some of the Chiefs, intending to proceed the usual route thro’ the Indian Country, Tennissee and Virginia to his place of distination, with his papers well secured and packed on horses. By much severe depletion during his illness he had been considerably reduced and debilitated, from which he had not entirely recovered when he set off, and the weather in that country being yet excessively hot and the exercise of traveling too severe for him; in three or four days he was again affected with the same mental disease. He had no person with him who could manage or controul him in his propensities and he daily grew worse untill he arrived at the house of a Mr. Grinder within the Jurisdiction of Tennissee and only Seventy miles from Nashville, where in the apprehension of being destroyed by enemies which had no existence but in his wild immagination, he destroyed himself, in the most cool desperate and Barbarian-like manner, having been left in the house intirely to himself. The night preceeding this one of his Horses and one of the Chickasaw agents with whom he was traveling Strayed off from the Camp and in the Morning could not be found. The agent with some of the Indians stayed to search for the horses, and Governor Lewis with their two servants and the baggage horses proceeded to Mr. Grinders where he was to halt untill the agent got up.

After he arrived there and refreshed himself with a little Meal & drink he went to bed in a cabin by himself and ordered the servants to go to the stables and take care of the Horses, least they might loose some that night; Some time in the night he got his pistols which he loaded, after every body had retired in a Separate Building and discharged one against his forehead not making much effect—the ball not penetrating the skull but only making a furrow over it. He then discharged the other against his breast where the ball entered and passing downward thro’ his body came out low down near his back bone. After some time he got up and went to the house where Mrs. Grinder and her children were lying and asked for water, but her husband being absent and having heard the report of the pistols she was greatly allarmed and made him no answer. He then in returning got his razors from a port folio which happened to contain them and Seting up in his bed was found about day light, by one of the Servants, busily engaged in cutting himself from head to foot. He again beged for water, which was given to him and as soon as he drank, he lay down and died with the declaration to the Boy that he had killed himself to deprive his enemies of the pleasure and honour of doing it. His death was greatly lamented. And that a fame so dearly earned as his should be clouded by such an act of desperation was to his friends still greater cause of regret.

—(Signed) Gilbert Russell
The above was received by me from Maj. Gilbert Russell of the [blank]
Regiment of Infantry U. S. on Tuesday the 26th of November 1811

at Fredericktown in Maryland.

—J. Williams

38. ALEXANDER WILSON, TRIBUTE TO MERIWETHER LEWIS,
CIRCA 1810–181335

For a more particular, and, doubtless, a more correct account of this, and the two preceding species,^* the reader is referred to General Clark's History of the Expedition, now preparing for the press. The three birds I have here introduced, are but a small part of the valuable collection of new subjects in natural history, discovered, and preserved, amidst a thousand dangers and difficulties, by those two enterprising travellers, whose intrepidity was only equaled by their discretion, and by their active and laborious pursuit of whatever might tend to render their journey useful to science and to their country. It was the request and particular wish of Captain Lewis, made to me in person, that I should make some drawings of such of the feathered tribes as had been preserved, and were new. That brave soldier, that amiable and excellent man, over whose solitary grave in the wilderness I have since shed tears of affliction, having been cut off in the prime of his life, I hope I shall be pardoned for consecrating this humble note to his memory, until a more able pen shall do better justice to the subject.36

^*Wilson here alluded to Clark's Crow, and the Louisiana Tanager, both of which are figured in the same plate with Lewis's Woodpecker.³⁷

39. THOMAS JEFFERSON TO PAUL ALLEN,
AUGUST 18, 1813, LATE GOV. OF LOUISIANA

Biographical Letter of Meriwether Lewis (excerpt):³⁸

In 1792. I proposed to the A.P.S. [American Philosophical Society] that we should set on foot a subscription to engage some competent person to explore that region in the opposite direction that is, by ascending the Missouri, crossing the Stony mountains, and descending the nearest river to the Pacific. Capt Lewis being then stationed at Charlottesville on the recruiting service, warmly sollicited me to obtain for him the execution of that object. I told him it was proposed that the person engaged should be attended by a single companion only, to avoid exciting alarm among the Indians. this did not deter him. but mr. André Michaux a professed botanist, author of the Flora Boreali-Americana, and of the Histoire des chesnes d’Amerique, offering his services, they were accepted. he recieved his instructions, and when he had reached Kentucky in the prosecution of his journey, he was overtaken by an order from the minister of France then at Philadelphia to relinquish the expedition, & to pursue elsewhere the Botanical enquiries on which he was employed by that government; and thus failed the 2d attempt for exploring that region.

When in 1803. Louisiana was ceded to the U.S. a knolege of the Missouri was no longer an object of mere geographical curiosity, but was become highly interesting to the nation, all the country covered by the waters running into the Misipi constituting the extent of their new acquisition in the upper country. Capt. Lewis was now become my private Secretary, and on the first mention of the subject he renewed his solicitations to be the person employed. My knolege of him, now become more intimate, left no hesitation on my part. I had now had opportunity of knowing his character intimately.

In 1803 The act for establishing trading houses with the Indian tribes being about to expire some modifications of it were recommended to Congress by a confidential message of Jan. 18. and an extension of it's views to the Indians on the Missouri. In order to prepare the way the message proposed the sending an exploring party to trace the Missouri to it's source, to cross the highlands and follow the best water communication which offered itself from thence to the Pacific ocean. Congress approved the proposition and voted a sum of money for carrying it into execution. Captain Lewis who had then been near two years with me as private secretary, immediately renewed his sollicitations to have the direction of the party. I had now had opportunities of knowing him intimately of courage undaunted, possessing a firmness & perseverance of purpose which nothing but impossibilities could divert from it's direction, careful as a father of those committed to his charge, yet steady in the maintenance of order & discipline, intimate with the Indian character, customs & principles, habituated to the hunting life, guarded by exact observation of the vegetables & animals of his own country, against losing time in the description of objects already possessed, honest, disinterested, liberal, of sound understanding and a fidelity to truth so scrupulous that whatever he should report would be as certain as if seen by ourselves, with all these qualifications as if selected and implanted by nature in one body, for this express purpose, I could have no hesitation in confiding the enterprize to him. to fill up the measure desired, he wanted nothing but a greater familiarity with the technical language of the natural sciences, and readiness in the astronomical observations necessary for the geography of his route. to acquire these he repaired immediately to Philadelphia, and placed himself under the tutorage of the distinguished professors of that place, who with a zeal & emulation, enkindled by an ardent devotion to science, communicated to him freely the information requisite for the purposes of the journey. while attending too, at Lancaster, the fabrication of the arms with which he chose that his men should be provided, he had the benefit of daily communication with mr. Andrew Ellicot, whose experience in Astronomical observation, and practice of it in the woods, enabled him to apprise Capt. Lewis of the wants & difficulties he would encounter, and of the substitutes & resources offered by a woodland and uninhabited country.

It was deemed necessary, also to provide an Associate properly qualified to succeed to the direction of the enterprize, in the event of accident to Capt. Lewis. He proposed William Clarke of Ohio, brother to Gl. Geo. Rogers Clarke, who was approved without hesitation.

Deeming it necessary he should have some person with him of known competence to the direction of the enterprise, & to whom he might confide it, in the event of accident to himself he proposed William Clarke, brother of Genl. Geo. Rogers Clarke, who was approved, and with that view recieved a commission of Captain.

In April 1803. a draught of his instructions was sent to Capt. Lewis & on the 20th of June they were signed in the following form. I here insert the instructions verbatim.

While these things were going on here, the country of Louisiana, lately ceded by Spain to France, had been the subject of negotiation at Paris between us & this last power; and had actually been transferred to us by treaties executed at Paris on the 30th of April. this information, recieved about the 1st day of July, increased infinitely the interest we felt in the expedition, & lessened the apprehensions of interruption from other powers. every thing in this quarter being now prepared, Capt. Lewis left Washington on the 5th of July 1803 and proceeded to Pittsburg where other articles had been ordered to be provided for him. the men too were to be selected from the military stations on the Ohio. delays of preparation, difficulties of navigation down the Ohio & other untoward obstruction retarded his arrival at Cahokia until the season was so far advanced as to render it prudent to suspend his entering the Missouri before the ice should break up in the succeeding spring. from this time his journal, now published, will give the history of his journey to and from the Pacific ocean until his return to St. Louis on the 23d of Sep., 1806.

He reached Washington accompanied by Capt. Clarke, about the middle of Feb. 1807. Congress being then in session never did a similar event excite more joy thro’ the United States. the humblest of it's citizens had taken a lively interest in the issue of this journey, and looked forward with impatience for the information it would furnish. their anxieties too for the safety of the corps had been kept in a state of excitement by lugubrious rumors, circulated from time to time on uncertain authorities, and uncontradicted by letters, or other direct information, from the time they had left the Mandan towns, on their ascent up the river in April of the preceding year, 1805, until their actual return to St. Louis.

It was the middle of Feb. 1807. before Capt. Lewis, with his companion Clarke, reached the city of Washington, where congress was then in session.39 that body granted to the two chiefs and their followers, the donation of lands which they had been encouraged to expect in reward of their toil & dangers. Capt. Lewis was soon after appointed Governor of Louisiana, and Capt. Clarke a General of it's militia, and agent of the U.S. for Indian affairs in that department.

A considerable time intervened before the Governor's arrival at St. Louis. he found the territory distracted by feuds & contentions among the officers of the government, & the people themselves divided by these into factions & parties. he determined at once, to take no side with either; but to use every endeavor to conciliate & harmonize them. the even-handed justice he administered to all soon established a respect for his person & authority; and perseverance & time wore down animosities and reunited the citizens again into one family.

Governor Lewis had from early life been subject to hypocondriac affections. it was a constitutional disposition in all the nearer branches of the family of his name, & was more immediately inherited by him from his father. they had not however been so strong as to give uneasiness to his family. while he lived with me in Washington, I observed at times sensible depressions of mind but knowing their constitutional source, I estimated their course by what I had seen in the family during his Western enterprize expedition, the constant exertion of body & mind to which he was favored which that required of all the faculties of body and mind, suspended these distressing affections; but after his establishment at St. Louis in sedentary occupations they returned upon him with redoubled vigor, and began seriously to alarm his friends. he was in a paroxysm of one of these when his affairs rendered it necessary for him to go to Washington. he proceeded to the Chickasaw bluffs, where he arrived on the 16th of Sep. 1809. with a view of continuing his journey thence by water. mr. Neely, agent of the US. with the Chickasaw Indians arriving there two days after, found him in ill health extremely indisposed, and betraying at times some symptoms of a derangement of mind. the rumors of a war with England, & apprehensions that he might lose the papers he was bringing on, among which were the vouchers of his public accounts, and the journals & papers of his Western expedition, induced him here to change his mind and to take his course by land thro’ the Chickasaw country altho’ he appeared somewhat relieved, mr. Neely kindly determined to accompany & watch over him. unfortunately, at their encampment a day's journey, on this side of the tennissee after having passed the Tennessee one day's journey, they lost two horses, which obliging mr. Neely being obliged to halt for their recovery. the Governor proceeded under a promise to wait for him at the house of the first white inhabitant on his road. He stopped at the house of the first white inhabitant on his road. he stopped at the house of a mr. Grinder, who not being at home, his wife discovering alarmed at the symptoms of derangement she discovered, gave him up the house, and retired to rest herself in an out house [outbuilding]; the Governor's and Neely's servants lodging in another. about 3. oclock in that the night he did the deed which plunged his friends into affliction and deprived his country of one of her most valued citizens whose valour & intelligence would have been now employed in avenging the wrongs of his country and in emulating by land the splendid deeds which have honored her arms on the ocean. it lost too to the nation the benefit of recieving from his own hand the Narrative now offered them of his sufferings and successes in endeavoring to extend for them the boundaries of science, and to present to their knoledge that vast & fertile country, which their sons are destined to fill with arts, with science, with freedom & happiness.

To this melancholy close of the life of one whom posterity will declare not to have lived in vain I have only to add that all the facts I have stated are either known to myself, or communicated by his family or others for whose truth I have no hesitation to make myself responsible: and I conclude with tendering you the assurances of my respect & consideration.