lagiarism in Whitehouse's journal? --- "Hypocondriac affections" --- LCTHF welcomes new director
Lewis and Clark Trail H eritage Foundation I www.lewisandclark.org February 2010 Volu me 36, No. 1 HONORING MERIWETHER LEWIS PRESERVING HIS LEGACY
JOE DEKAl.8,TENNESSfE OEPAATMENTOFTOURISM Contents
President's Message: Board focus remains on transparency 2 and stability
Trail Notes: Lewis and Clark Trail superintendent 3 looking to future
Letters: Lewis's death still sparks debate and controversy 4
Editor's Note: Honoring dear friends and welcoming new 6 operations director Stephen Forrest
Preserving the Legacy of Meriwether Lewis 8 The letters of Samuel Latham Mitchill Samuel Latham Mitchill, p. 9 By Thomas C. Danisi
The Curious Case of the Purloined Preface 12 Half of Private Joseph Whitehouse's journal preface is taken from Alexander Mackenzie's journal, but Whitehouse may not have been the offender By H. Ca~ Camp
Meriwether Lewis August 18, 1774-0ctober 11, 1809 20 200th anniversary commemoration of the death of Meriwether Lewis October 7, 2009, Grinder's Stand, Natchez Trace Compiled by Wendy Raney Private Joseph Whitehouse, p. 13 Reviews 26 Shotgun on My Chest: Memoirs of a Lewis and Clark Book Collector; Atlas of Lewis & Clark in Missouri
L&C Roundup 28 41st annual meeting; new officers and board members; Buckley and Keith honored
Soundings 33 "Hypocondriac Affections": Letters help define Jefferson's phrase
Passages 34 Remembering Bob Hunt, a gentleman and scholar of Lewis and Clark
On the cover The Lewis and Clark Living H istory Association, led by members of the Discovery Expedi tion of St. Charles, led a procession to Meriwether Lewis's grave during a memorial service for the famed explorer on October 7, 2009. They were followed by the Tennessee State Guard (also pictured), individuals bearing the flags of each trail state, representatives of Meriwether Lewis, p. 23 families and organizations who would place wreaths on Lewis's grave, individuals carrying plants from each trail state, members of the Lewis family and service attendees. President's Message Board focus remains on transparency and stability February 2010 •Volume 36, Number 1 We Proceeded On is the official publication of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage t is an honor and Foundation, Inc. Its name derives from privilege to serve a phrase chat appears repeatedly in the as the 2009-2010 collective journals of tl:ie expedition.© 2010 1 E. G. Chuinard, M.D., Founder president of the LCTHF. ISSN 02275-6706 Your board of directors Editor and I are working Wendy M. Ra,ney daily to stabilize our P.O. Box 3434 Foundation on several Great Falls, MT 59403 levels and elevate its 406-454-1234 [email protected] perception in the public eye. Volunteer Proofreaders Dr. H. Carl Camp My remarks at Jerry Garrett the business meeting during our 4 lst annual Printed by PRISM Color Corporation, Moorestown, New Jersey meeting included the Jim and Paula Mallory hold a 15-star flag during their "John word "transparency." Colter trip" in 2005. The board of directors elected Jim president EDITORIAL A.DvtSORY BOARD We want to keep you at its October meeting in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Chairman James J. Holmberg informed about all of our actions partnerships and his staff is energized Louisville, Kentucky and make everyone aware of our for future projects. As part of our Dr. Jay Buckley Glen Lindeman Foundation's needs. One of those effort to be good partners, I have asked Provo, Utah Pullman, Washington Dr. H. Carl Camp Dr. Robert Moore, Jr. needs is an annual report from you Mark to share his thoughts with us in Omaha, Nebraska St. Louis, Missouri on the volunteer hours you donate Trail Notes starting with this issue of Dr. Robert Carriker Dr. Gary Moulton by promoting the Lewis and Clark WPO. Spokane, Washington Lincoln, Nebraska story through your many activities Trail stewardship is part of our Barb Kubik David Nicandri Vancouver, Washington Tacoma, Washington including chapter meetings, service mission and we encourage our chapters projects, committee work, and public from sea to sea to plan and carry out Membership Information or private presentations. Additionally, stewardship projects that benefit the Membership in the Lewis and Clark Trail we need annual chapter reports so that trail. The fun we have during these Heritage Foundacionis open to the public. we can communicate more effectively. projects is a bonus. Off-trail chapters Information and applications are available by Our previously announced staff also have exciting opporturut1es. writing Membership Coordinator, Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box realignment has moved forward with Partnering with other organizations 3434, Great Falls, MT 59403. the hiring of Dr. Stephen Forrest as to tell the Lewis and Clark story in We Proceeded On, the quarterly journal director of operations and member schools, senior centers or community of the Foundation, is mailed co current services. Stephen has a very high venues is just as valued as river clean members in February, May, August and energy level and experience in all the ups or trail restorations. All of these November. Articles appearing in this journal areas we need for our Foundation activities raise public awareness of our are abstracted and indexed in HISTORICAL ABSTRACTS and AMERICA: HISTORY AND LIFE. to be successful. Additionally, our Foundation and its mission. Please endowment funds are secure, though remember that good media exposure Annual Membership Categories: not as high as they were at the peak can lead to new members for the Student $30 of the securities market in 2008. chapter and the Foundation, so make Individual $49 We believe we will be able to make the local news outlets aware of your Individual 3-Year: $133 Family/International $65 withdrawals from the appreciated activity with a news release before the Trail Partner: $200 value of the endowed funds very event and picnires afterward. Heritage Club $100 soon. Th.rough your generosity we are The memorial service for Explorer Club $150 looking at a stronger financial funire Meriwether Lewis on October 7, 2009, Jefferson Club $250 Discovery Club $500 As part of our ongoing stabilization, at Grinder's Stand on the Natchez Trace Lifetime Membership: $995, $2,500 and $5,000 I visited with our partners in the Parkway helped promote the planned
The Lewis and Clark 1hil Heritage Foundation, National Park Service's Lewis and Meriwether Lewis Education Center Inc. is a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation. Clark National Historic Trail office at that hallowed site. Your board Individual membershjp dues are not tax deductible. in November. Mark Weekley, the new of directors approved a resolution The portion of premium dues over $49 is tax deductible. trail superintendent, truly understands of support for that new center and
2 - We Proceeded On February 2010 Trail Notes currently we are working to secure congressional approval and funding Lewis and Clark Trail superintendent looking to future for it. The Natchez Trace Parkway Association is leading this effort, but s the new superintendent of Public engagement will help the NPS our status as a national organization Lewis and Clark National achieve its full potential in the long can provide a major voice of support YI Historic Trail (NHT), I term management of the N HT. for the center. have taken some time to look back at The feasibility study for the Eastern An increasing amount of our future the history of the trail. I am amazed Legacy segment of the expedition will communications with members and not only by the tremendous success be a balanced and unbiased study chapters, including future issues of of the bicentennial commemoration, prepared by the N PS fo r Congress. The Orderly Report, will be through but also by the long history of people While the NPS will prepare the study, e-mail. I'm sure you will understand working to preserve the Lewis the agency must remain neutral in that e-mails are much less expensive and Clark NHT and studying the its findings. First and foremost the than paper and postage. expedition. I am, frankly, in awe of study will determine if the resource To facilitate ou1· e-mail the passion and energy that has been is nationally significant. It then must communications, please send focused on Lewis and Clark for many, determine if the resources are suitable your e-mail address to jgodfrey@ many years. While I want to continue and feasible additions to the National lewisandclark.org. Your privacy will to understand the past, I am also Park System. This study will answer be our top consideration and your excited to look forward. The future such questions as: Should the Lewis address will be used for Foundation is full of promise and opportunity for and Clark NHT be extended to information only. the Lewis and Clark NHT. While I include the Eastern Legacy or not? Please feel free to contact me have great respect for where we have How should the Eastern Legacy be at 859-278-7723 or pmjlmallory@ been, in many ways I think greater managed? What is the route or routes insightbb.com with comments that opportunities lie ahead of us. of the Eastern Legacy that should be will strengthen your Foundation. I Although we may never see the kind part of a trail extension? What would hope you will continue supporting of financial resources we had during the it cost to administer the Eastern your Foundation with your voice and bicentennial, we are in the early stages Legacy? Is there public support or finances by planning to attend the of two very exciting projects. One is opposition for making the Eastern 42nd annual meeting this August in the development of a comprehensive Legacy part of the Lewis and Clark Lewiston, Idaho. management plan and the other is the NHT? What are the potential impacts My wife, Paula, joins me in extend preparation of a feasibility study for of this action? This list goes on and on. ing our best wishes for the New Year. the possible eastward extension of the Once the study is complete, Congress - Jim Mallory trail to include the "Eastern Legacy." will decide what, if any, action to take. President, LCTHF This portion of the trail is tied to Even if resources are found to be expedition activities before Lewis and signifi cant, suitable and feasible, there Clark headed up the Missouri and may be other alternatives besides NPS after they returned from the Pacific. management of the route. NPS grant deadline is February 20 The development of the The estimated timeframe for The Lewis and Clark National Historic comprehensive management plan completion of the comprehensive Trail is happy to announce that the 2010 will include a process through which management plan is five years, while Challenge Cost Share Program is open the National Park Service (NPS) the feasibility study will take 18 to 24 for business and accepting applications will invite interested parties to help months. By its nature, a management for projects until February 20, 2010. provide input on how the NPS should plan prepares us for the future much Projects should begin this summer and administer the Lewis and Clark NHT. the way the Eastern Legacy focuses on be complete no later than September This plan will help guide us in our the preparations made by the Corps of 30, 2011. Financial assistance will be work as we preserve, interpret and use Discovery. The theme of preparation limited to $10,000 with a 100 percent the trail's resources, while working and looking forward is one that will non-federal matching requirement. within the framework of law and usher us into the new era of Lewis and We have updated some of our forms policy. A critical aspect of this process Clark N HT administration. Clearly, and processes so be sure to check will be the involvement of the public, this is going to be a busy and exciting us out at http://www.nps.gov/lecl/ who have ideas and insights as to time, please stay tuned for opportunities parkmgmt/cha llenge-cost-share.htm. how the NPS can best administer the to help with these projects. -Lee Smith trail and work in concert with other -Mark Weekley Administrative Officer, LCNHT groups, agencies and individuals. Superintendent, LCNHT
February 2010 We Proceeded On ~ 3 Letters The Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 3434, Great Falls, MT 59403 Lewis's death still sparks debate and controversy 406-454-1234 I 1-888-701-3434 Fax: 406-771-9237 www.lewisandclark.org I was offended by David Nicandri's To address all the issues I have with recent unfair attack on the character of the article I would need to write a paper Meriwether Lewis in his article, "Meri longer than this letter. To make my point, The mission of the LCTHF is: wether Lewis: The Solitary H ero," (p. I will mention just a few. When Lewis As Keepers of the Story - Stewards of the 2009 WPO . Trail, the Lewis and Clark Trail 8) in the N ovember I have found the Great Falls, he was notlooking Heritage Foundation, Inc. provides known Mr. N icandri fo r many years for glory as N icandri wrote, but rather national leadership in maintaining the and I have always been put off by his was leading the third and last scouting integrity of the Trail and its story through bias that Lewis was a selfi sh and vain party up the river, looking to assure the stewardship, scholarship, education, glorious explorer. There are two major expedition they were on the right course. partnership and cultural inclusiveness. theories about Lewis's death, neither of Two separate scouting parties preceded which can be proved 200 years later, and, Lewis, led by Patrick Gass and William as shown at the recent LCTHF annual Clark. Clark went farther than Gass and meeting, the debates continue. Mr. Ni had every opportunity to discover the Officers candri's dislike and slanderous attitude falls. Allowing others to go first is not toward Lewis show a lack of respect on the action of a glory seeker. President his part. When Lewis crossed the Continental Jim Mallory Lexington, Ky. D oN POPEJOY Divide at Lemhi Pass, he was not Spokane, Wash. looking for glory. H e was looking for President-Elect the Shoshones because the expedition Margaret Gorski Stevensville, Mom. needed horses, a guide and assistance I am only one of a countless number of to continue its journey. Lewis made the Vice-President people who devote their time and energy journey only because Clark could not. Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs to preserving the Lewis and Clark Trail Clark clearly stated this by writing in H elena, Mont. and the history of the expedition. I have his journal on August 9, 1805, "I Should Secretary been giving talks and demonstrations, have taken this trip had I have been able Larry McClure and doing living history for 15 years. to march, from the rageing fury of a Tualatin, Ore. I use WPO as one of my resources turner on my anckle mus le." Once again, Treasurer and highly recommend it to others. Lewis was not concerned with being Jerry Robertson It is, however, becoming harder to teach first. If Clark had been able to march, Se!Jersburg, Ind. when I have to spend time correcting it would have been Lewis laboring with Immediate Past President misinformation that is provided by the canoes while Clark was standing on Karen Seaberg others. I shake my head in despair and the Continental Divide. Atchison, Kans. wonder at what is happening to our At "Dismal Nitch," Lewis was not Director of Operations and Member Services heritage. Many people are getting the the first to go scouting or looking to see Stephen Forrest wrong story through inaccurate and if there was a ship in the area or a better biased material that erodes our history. place for the party to weather the storm. We should be preserving it. That is why Lewis, however, went the farthest. I joined this organization and donate By going all the way to the coast, he Directors at large my time and money. Am I the only one increased his chances to make contact Bryant Boswell, Star, Miss. • who can see what is happening? Where with fur traders. It should be noted that Jay Buckley, O rem, Utah • Lorna is the outrage at losing our history ? it was not always easy for ships to enter Hainesworth, Randallstown, Md. • Jane I use as an example the recent article the mouth of the Columbia. Considering Randol Jackson, The Villages, Fla. • in WPO by David N icandri titled Richard Prestholdt, Bridgewater, N .J. • the weather, it was possible that a ship Clay Smith, Great Falls, Mont. • Bill "Meriwether Lewis: The Solitary Hero. " was sitting off the coast waiting for Stevens, Pierre, S.D . • Richard Williams, The article could not be further from the conditions to change. Omaha, Neb. • Phyllis Yeager, truth regarding Lewis's character and These are just a few examples of some Floyds Knobs, Ind. motives. The author uses quotes from of the errors in the article that alter the the journals, but the rest of the article character of the expedition while casting is not based on facts. It is a distortion Meriwether Lewis in a negative light. of the truth to cast a negative light on When audiences have been exposed to Meriwether Lewis. N icandri has taken articles such as this, I have to take time Incorporated in l 969 under Missouri General facts out of context and superimposed away from my programs to correct Not-For-Profit Corporation Act. IRS Exemption them with biases to rewrite the history misinformation. Certificate N o. 50l{c)3, identification No. 510187715. this organization preserves. As a STEVE MOREH OUSE member, I am disappointed. Dillon, Mont.
4 ~ We Proceeded On February 2010 accurately interpret period medicine withal.It reading period literature. An article should be buttressed by facts. Otherwise it is opinion and should be noted as such. JOHN w. FISHER Juliaetta, Idaho
Awards deadline approaching The deadline for submitting nominations for the Foundation's annual awards is May 1, 2010. The Awards Committee will review nominations for Meritorious EDITOR'S NOTE Achievement, Distinguished Service, "Herc is the story ofwhat fuels the wild passions of In the November 2009 issue of WPO, Youth Achievement, Chapter and a man hell-bent on building a great collection .. ." I used the painting, The Captains Appreciation awards, and the newly - Chnrles Stluzicki, Fine & Rare Books Lewis and Clark: Trusted Leaders, revived Robert Betts Library and OOCXX> Loyal Friends (p. 14 ), by Charles Fritz Archives Award. The awards give special Order your copy of Roger W endlick's to illustrate David N icandri's article, recognition to deserving individuals. Shotgun 011 My Chest for "Meriwether Lewis: The Solitary Hero. " Criteria and nomination guidelines $28 plus shipping at Amazon.com The article advanced Nicandri's theory are available on the Foundation For inquiries about limited editions of this work, that Lewis and Clark may not have Web site at www.lewisandclark. contact Roger Wcndlick at: shared the intimate friendship many org/?p::::about&n::::awards-committee. [email protected] historians have suggested. The use of this KEN J uTZI image and the accompanying caption Committee Chairman was insensitive on my part. Its use was Camarillo, Calif. not to imply that Fritz's depiction of the captains as loyal friends was, in any way, incorrect. Two great ways to explore the Trail! Lewis and malaria, revisited MISSOURI RIVER We Proceeded On readers who did not attend the 2009 LCTHF EXPEDITION "' annual meeting, which included a Grab a paddle and commemorative ceremony honoring RIVE~ DA.NCE LOD~E I DA HO ' S O U TDOO R A D VE N TU RE RES O RT board one of ROW's the life of Meriwether Lewis, should 34' Canoes to travel the know that of all the speakers, Thomas waters that Lewis & Clark C. Danisi influenced the most people paddled nearly 200 years ago, concerning Governor Lewis's death. His hiking and exploring along the way{.------J well-documented presentation of the ROW provides all equipment, professional guides, possible malarial cause of Lewis's death gourmet dining and a luxury camping experience. was in striking contrast to Dr. Ronald Loge's article, "Meriwether Lewis and Over 1200 people, ages 5 to 87 have enjoyed this trip! Malaria," (WPO, May 2002, p. 33), which "The expert help ofR OWs strong, young canoeists who prepared our offered inadequate documentation in cnmps and doubled as cooks three footnotes. Additionally, Dr. David extraordillaire made the Irie Peck's dismissal that malaria contributed as enjoyable as it was easy. to Lewis's death, "The Death of - Gary Moulton, Editor, Lewis & Clark Journals, Meriwether Lewis," (WPO, November .. University of Nebraska Press . 2009, p. 16) offers no citations from ...... -.- ~ --- www.RiverDancelodge.com www.ROWadventures.com period literature. I look forward to every issue of WPO, • For a free brochure about River Dance Lodge, Missouri River trips, reading it from cover to cover looking for ROW's whitewater rafting trips, as well as international adventures new sources of information. I frequently .,. ' including history-oriented yacht cruises in Croatia, Turkey or read the endnotes and sometimes A 0 v [ N T u R E s Greece, barging in France and more, call 800•451 •6034. check the original sources. You cannot PO Box 579-WP, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816 • E-mail: [email protected]
February 2010 We Proceeded On ~ 5 Editor'sNote Honoring dear friends and welcoming new operations director Stephen Forrest
During the past year, the beaten several dead horses with my conversation moved from Foundation Foundation said goodbye to own research on Sacagawea. history to Lewis and Clark anecdotes 2') two dear friends, Meriwether The 2006 annual meeting, which and from personal connections to Lewis and Bob Hunt. Meriwether coincided with the final signature event food and music. Long after coffee Lewis has been gone for two centu of the bicentennial commemoration, and dessert had been served, our ries, but Bob Hunt passed away just opened with a re-enactment of the party reluctantly departed the club. last summer. We have chosen to honor welcome ball held in Lewis and Clark's However, I had made a new friend these two extraordinary individuals in honor at William Christy's Tavern on through Bob and my correspondence this issue of We Proceeded On. September 25, 1806. The festivities with Al has continued. We have featured countless articles included a dance/processional that I miss Bob very much and over on the life and death of Meriwether took pairs of "dancers" around the time, so will readers of WPO. We Lewis. We have glorified him, room in intricate patterns. I had provide a tribute to Bob in this analyzed him, and debated his actions the good fortune to be Bob Hunt's issue ("Remembering Bob Hunt, a and decisions. N o doubt that will partner, which gave us nearly an hour gentleman and scholar of Lewis and continue for a long time to come. to visit and get to know one another. Clark," p. 34) and a bibliography of However, on October 7, 2009, a few I remember my excitement when he his articles in WPO. The August issue of days prior to the 200th anniversary introduced himself. Here was a prolific WPO will include the best of his work of his death, we stopped glorifying, contributor to WPO who thought as determined by a team of scholars analyzing and debating for an outside the traditional boundaries of and enthusiasts who have followed afternoon and simply honored him. Lewis and Clark scholarship, and I Bob's work over two decades. The National Park Service estimates had just begun to edit my first issue As we say goodbye to these that 2,500 people attended a memorial of this publication. We soon realized individuals, I know that we will not service for Lewis at his gravesite that the evening would not provide soon forget the contributions both near Grinder's Stand on the Natchez enough time to cover all of our mutual have made to the scholarship we all Trace. The commemoration of his interests . Thus, our correspondence love to study, explore and debate. death included tributes, speeches, the began. unveiling of a bust, a re-enactment, a Bob had stopped using e-mail by Welcome Stephen Forrest solemn procession to his grave, dinner the time we met so he corresponded On that note, I would like to turn on the lawn, and the opportunity through cards and letters, sometimes our attention from goodbyes to a for individuals to pay their respects a couple of sentences long and other warm welcome to Montana native and honor a great American. The times, several pages in length. I have Stephen Forrest, who recently was ceremony included speeches from always been a bit traditional about hired as our director of operations historian Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs; correspondence and much prefer a and member services. He assumed the Howell Lewis Bowen, a collateral handwritten note to an e-mail, though position in January. descendant of Meriwether Lewis; and I admit to a great overuse of this mod Forrest brings extensive experi Peyton "Bud" Clark, a great-great ern communication. He sent me story ence in the non-profit sector and fiscal great grandson of William Clark. ideas and drafts of articles. H e sent management to our national member Their speeches, along with photos comments, criticisms and compli ship organization. H e is internation of the historic event, are included in ments on items appearing in WPO. He ally recognized as an innovative and this issue ("Meriwether Lewis August asked for updates on my family and in skilled historical educator, historic 18, 1774 - October 11, 1809," p. 20). short time, became a dear and trusted preservationist and policy advocate. WPO also has featured 21 articles, friend. Since 2008, he has served as a four of which appeared in two parts, by In July 2008, I had the opportunity lecturer at St. Clare's, Hertford and scholar and Foundation member Bob to dine with Bob, his wife, Pat, and St. Catherine's Colleges, University Hunt. I had long been familiar with their good friends Al and Virginia of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Bob's work before I had the pleasure of Furtwangler at the Rainier Club in Prior to that, he was a faculty member meeting him. His contributions to WPO Seattle. It was a wonderful evening in history and education at Montana spanned two decades and his topics, all at which time, on behalf of the State University in Great Falls. intriguing and well researched, were Foundation, Carol Bronson and Forrest holds a doctor of phi not mainstream subjects and therefore I gave Bob a bound copy of all losophy degree in history from the appealed to me, for I had long since of his contributions to WPO. The University of Oxford and a doctor
6 ~ We Proceeded On February 2010 of education in adult education from sense of place in history, Jeffersonian Oklahoma State University. These education, and the integration of his are in addition to his master of arts in tory, anthropology and geography. history from the London School of In his new position, Forrest is Economics and undergraduate degrees responsible for the overall operation from the University of Montana. of the Foundation's programs In addition to managing non-prof and supervision of the staff. H e is its, Forrest has worked with Native responsible for financial reporting; American, African American and Lati recruiting, retaining and strengthening no American communities, along with our relationships with members and people from more than 20 countries. chapters; developing relationships and Forrest has developed a variety of working with volunteers and partner educational programs, including uni organizations; and coordination with versity degrees and for-credit classes, chapters hosting Foundation meetings. and numerous partnerships between Forrest will work with the board to educational institutions and com develop an annual operations plan munity agencies. He also has served and with staff members to establish as a speaker and panel moderator for priorities and work plans. popular and academic audiences on "Lewis and Clark stand as one of American history, Native American America's great epic stories," Forrest history, Irish history, community de said. "Helping preserve and protect velopment and education. He has co the story and trail by becoming part ordinated lecture series and speaking of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage engagements for national and inter Foundation is a great honor." Stephen Forrest grew up near Great Falls and national scholars. His personal schol returned this January as the Foundation's di - Wendy Raney arly interests include the impact of the rector of operations and member services. Editor /in excellent study of a misunderstood hero."
Meriwether Lewis by Thomas C. Danisi & John C. Jackson 424 pp (Illustrations) I HC I $28.98 /ISBN 978-1-59102-702-7
ndependent scholars Danisi "This is by Jar the best biography ef I and Jackson have written the serious, sexy, dangerous halfef this defi nitive biography based the Lewis & Clark e.xpedition, the on twelve years of meticulous eternally puzzling and contradictory research, re-examining the Meriwether L ewis." original Lewis and Clark SteveReads.blogspot.com documents and searching through obscure and overlooked "This is an excellent study a sources to reveal a wealth of ef fascinating new information on misunderstood hero and ef the early the enigmatic character and life national period in US. History." of Meriwether Lewis. David Lee Poremba, The Past in Review online
~ Prometheus Books ~ 800-421-0351 I www.prometheusbooks.com
February 2010 We Proceeded On~ 7 PRESERVING THE LEGACY OF MERIWETHER LEWIS
The letters of Samuel Latham Mitchill
BY THOMAS c. DANIS!
amuel Latham Mitchill was known by various About the time I started to worry about uncovering titles: doctor, senator, professor, representative and some truly new material that would reveal the personal Shu sband. An avid and prolific letter writer to his side of Meriwether Lewis, a faint thought persistently wife, Catherine Akerly Mitchill, he wrote some of his reminded me of a Frederick Bates letter.1 A month after most beautiful and descriptive letters about Meriwether Lewis's death, Bates had written to his brother scoffing Lewis. He worked seven months a year in Washington, at Lewis because "he had been spoiled by the elegant D.C., and the other five on North Hempstead, Long praises of Mitchell & Barlow ... "2 While familiar with Island, a seaside nook a few miles from New York City. Joel Barlow's ode to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, I Mitchill spent his personal hours at home working as an had no idea of Lewis's connection to Mitchill. 3 editor, analyzing chemistry formulas, and tending to his Years earlier, I had found a couple of letters praising wife, Catherine, and their two daughters. James MacKay's explorations for the Spanish.4 Those Information about Mitchill was difficult to obtain, letters were printed in the Medical Repository, the and it was only because I was eager to enliven and dig leading scientific journal founded and edited by Samuel deeper into the story of Meriwether Lewis that I have Latham Mitchill.5 The more I dug, the more I found, and this information at all. John Jackson said that unless in October 2004, I made a trip to the Museum of the City we had new information to present in our co-authored of New York to examine the Samuel Latham Mitchill biography of Lewis, it would not be worth writing. collection.6 I already had spent four years tracking clues and facts I made a chronological wish list of his letters because, on Lewis's long-standing physical illness, but finding in the event that it would be difficult to read his additional new information felt like a daunting task. handwriting, I had to prioritize what I thought were the I thought of Mahlon Dickerson, a close friend of most important years.7 Within moments of putting on Lewis's. Perhaps there was more about him that historian the white gloves and opening the December 1806 case, I Donald Jackson had failed to uncover. However, the learned that his handwriting, thankfully, was readable. Dickerson Papers were in New Jersey and I guessed It was well known that Lewis arrived in Washington, that a lot of money would be spent for a small return. D.C., after the completion of his western exploration, late I considered other friends of Lewis, and his brother in the day of December 28, 1806, so I started reading the Reuben. I thought of many individuals, but most did not letters dated a few days earlier.8 Initally, they offered no have a known "collection of papers" and the rest did not mention of Lewis, but the Mitchill letter dated December write about Lewis. 30 revealed exciting news:
8 - We Proceeded On February 2010 Capt. Lewis has reached this place after the Jefferson. At the conclusion of a church service in the performance of a journey across the Continent of House of Representatives, sh e accidentally stepped on North America, quite across to the Pacific O cean, and back again. The distance is computed to be his toes and was "so prodigiously frighten'd," she told considerably more than three thousand miles ... her sister, "that I could not stop to make an apology, but I feel rejoiced on his own account; an account of got out of the way as quick as I could." 14 Catherine's Geography & Natural History; and on account of letters to her sister also described the latest news. In the Character and H onour of Country that this expedition has been successfully performed.9 August of 1807, sh e wrote that her husband, "Sam," had accompanied Robert Fulton on the maiden voyage of his Mitchill must have been near or in the presidential steamboat in N ew York harbor. "An ingenious piece of mansion when Lewis arrived, for this letter was three pages workmanship," Catherine remarked and was surprised long and filled with details of the expedition. Mitchill how fast the steamboat moved through the water "with biographer Alan D . Aberbach the tide against her. " 15 described President Jefferson Catherine lived in a won and Dr. Mitchill as having the drous and fortunate time curiosity of little children and and enjoyed the additional said they "listened for hours benefit of being married as Lewis reported on his tale to a man with a consum of hardship and success." 10 ing hunger for knowledge. Mitchill had become a A witty friend once stat member of the Legislature of ed, "Tap the doctor at any N ew York in 1790 and was time, he will flow. " 16 The elected to the U.S. House H ouse of Representatives of Representatives in 1801. referred to him as the H e became a senator in "Stalking Library," Thomas November 1804 and remained Jefferson called him the in that capacity until 1813 "Congressional Dictionary" when he decided to return and to his admirers he was to New York and attend known as the "Nestor of to scientific pursuits. 11 His American Science." 17 first observation of Thomas He first met Meriwether Jefferson occurred about a Lewis at a dinner at the month after Mitchill's initial presidential mansion m arrival in Washington: January of 1802. Jefferson Samuel Latham Mitchill (1764-1831) was founder of the New York H e is tall in stature and Academy of Sciences and served as its president from 1817-1823. "h as generally a company rather sp are in flesh. His of eight or ten to dine with dress and manners are very plain; he is grave, or him every day. The dinners are neat and plentiful, and no rather sedate, but without any tincture of pomp, healths are drunk at table nor any toasts or sentiments ostentation, or pride, and occasionally can smile, and both hear and relate humorous stories as well given after dinner." At this first dinner, seven were as any other man of social feelings. At this moment invited and the "President and his secretary, Captain he has a rather more than ordinary press of care Lewis, completed the party."18 By April 29, Mitchill and solicitude, because Congress is in session had become a select member of the dinner party of and he is anxious to know in what manner the Representatives will act upon his Message ... 12 regulars. Afterward, Mitchill said that he accompanied Lewis into the "President's Council Chamber," and For the 12 years that he resided in Washington, "saw two ... Busts of Indian Hatuary, lately found near Mitchill w rote almost daily to his wife. She visited him the Mississippi. I did not know until I saw these that infrequently, and with two daughters it was difficult to sculpture had advanced so far among the N ative red -men make the trip from New York to the nation's capital.13 of N ortl1 America."19 In M arch 1806, she made a trip to Washington an d Mitchill wrote some of the most interesting had an awkward encounter with President Thomas d escriptions of Meriwether Lewis later and he never lost
February 2010 We Proceeded On - 9 an opportunity to write a review in the Medical Repository plants; and shewed me several presses . . . in fine regarding Lewis and Clark's accomplishments.20 preservation. These make an instructive herbarium of the Regions to which he passed . . . But his Legislative historians have struggled for years to Map of those parts of North America is the most understand why there were no written records of the instructive of his bounties.24 inauguration of what today is called, the Lewis and Clark Expedition. All that exists in the congressional On February 18, 1807, Mitchill met William Clark at one files is mention that Jefferson delivered a secret message of Jefferson's dinners. to Congress on January 18, 1803, and Congress approved After the adjournment, I went to dine with Mr. a 10- to 12-man expedition on February 26, 1803.21 Jefferson. There I found Capt. Clarke the traveller to the Pacific Ocean. He is a fine-looking soldierly Discovery of Mitchill's letter to his wife dated January man, and very conversant with the North American 31, 1803, finally enhanced those records. He began with: Indians. My seat at the table was between the President and him. So of course I could converse, My Dear Kate: I write you from a secret conclave by turns, with each. I improved the opportunity of Congress . . . the House of Representatives is now setting with closed doors. The Galleries were to inquire of Capt. C. concerning the manners and Customs of the native tribes he had visited on the cleared a little while ago to receive a confidential 25 communication. After receiving it, a Debate arose Missouri. whether it ought to be considered as a secret any longer or whether the Injunction of Secrecy should It is almost indescribable how the Samuel Latham be taken off. And that discussion is now going on. Mitchill papers have augmented and expanded the record So I thought I would write you, my dear, a few lines of Lewis and Clark's " bounties." They originated with to let you know ... something about this Political one man who was easily Thomas Jefferson's scientific Secret, was I not restrained by my own decision because I have just set down after making a Speech equal and who excitedly shared information with the against taking off the Injunction of Secrecy. You scientific and geographical community. D escriptive must however not imagine any thing about it, letter writing is a disappearing art. Some corners of the nor pretend to suppose that a secret expedition is past remain dark and unknown for lack of such letters, meditated up the river Missouri to its source, thence across the Northern Andes and down the Western while others are illuminated and brought to life because water-courses to the Pacific Ocean, and that the of a single dedicated correspondent. Some faithful reason of keeping it secret is that the English and letter writers, such as Mitchill, are located in important Spaniards may not find it out and frustrate it.22 places at crucial times in history, and record exciting Mitchill had sworn to secrecy, probably on a stack facts and observations mixed in with the more mundane of Bibles, but could not help himself and told his wife descriptions of family life and personal incidents. anyway! What a treasure for the Lewis and Clark archives. On January 11, 1807, Mitchill dined alone with Lewis and wrote his wife: During the expedition, communications . . . and Foundation member Thomas Danisi is a frequent contributor productions of the country were . . . forwarded to to WPO. His article on a newly discovered letter by Lewis, the President. Where that mode of intercourse was "Observations and Remarks from Lewis to Dearborn in not possible, the articles collected were ... brought 1801," appeared in the August 2009 issue. The author thanks home by the adventurers in person. They achieved Robert Moore, Jr. for his insight and masterful editing of the so much, that I told Lewis . . . shortly after his original draft of this article. return to Washington, when he dined with me, I looked upon him .. . as a man arrived from another NOTES planet.23 1 Bates attended the banquet at Stelle's Hotel on January 14, Five days later Mitchill sent Catherine an elaborate letter. 1807, and witnessed the plethora of toasts as well as Barlow's A short excerpt follows: oration. I thank Bates for his comments toward Lewis. They enriched my understanding of his character. It was no mistake A few evenings ago, I went to the Presidents House that Clark described Bates as a "little animale." The other little to see the specimens of Natural History brought animal in the Lewis biography was William Simmons, the by Capt. Lewis from Louisiana, and his Map of the accountant of the War Department. Simmons was crueler than regions he has visited between the Mississippi and Bates, however, because he controlled so many people's purses the Pacific. He has several non-descript animals. and ignored the inadvertent hardships that he caused. James . . . He has brought with him the seeds of many Holmberg, Dear Brother, Letters of William Clark to H is
10 ~ We Proceeded On February 2010 Brother Jonathan (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002), 14 Copied verbatim from an online exhibit at the Library p. 248; Thomas C. Danisi and John C. Jackson, Meriwether of Congress entitled, "Religion and the Founding of the Lewis (Amherst: Prometheus Books, 2009), pp. 131-132 and American Republic: The State Becomes the Church, Jefferson 271-275. and Madison, Part IL" Incident at Congressional Church 2 Thomas Maitland Marshall, The Life and Papers of Frederick Services, Catherine Akerly Mitchill to Margaret Miller, April Bates, 2 volumes (St. Louis: Missouri Historical Society, 1926 ), 8, 1806, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (document Vol. 2, p. 108. 167), Washington, D.C., http://www.loc.gov/exhibits /religion/ rel06-2.html and http://www.loc.gov/exhibits /religion/f0609s. 3 Joel Barlow, "On the D iscoveries of Lewis, January 14, 1807," jpg (original letter). in Richard Dillon, Meriwether Lewis, A Biography (Santa Cruz: Western Tanager Press, 1965 ), pp. 269-270. 15 Catherine Mitchill to Margaret Miller, August 17, 1807, Misc. Mss., Manuscript Department, New York Historical Society, 4 In January 1804, James Mackay met with Meriwether Lewis New York, New York; Carolyn Hoover Sung, "Catherine and William Clark at Camp River Dubois and lent them his Mitchill's Letters from Washington 1806-1812," The Quarterly map of the first 1,500 miles of the Missouri River. Thomas C. Journal of the Library of Congress, Vol. 34 Quly 1977), pp. 171- Danisi and W. Raymond Wood, " Lewis and Clark's Route 189. Map: James MacKay's Map of the Missouri River," Western Historical Quarterly, Vol. 35 (Spring 2004), pp. 53-72; 16 "Dr. Mitchill's Letters from Washington: 1801-1813," p. 740. Thomas C. Danisi and W. Raymond Wood, "James MacKay: 17 Courtney Robert Hall, A Scientist in the Early Republic, International Explorer," Missouri Historical Review, Vol. 102 Samuel Latham Mitchill 1764-1831 (New York: Russell & (April 2008), pp. 154-164. Russell, 1962), pp. 13-14. 5 Samuel L. Mitchill, ed., Medical Repository, 12 volumes (New York: 1804-1812), Vol. 4, pp. 27-36; Ibid., "Descriptive 18 Samuel L. Mitchill to C atherine Mitchill, January 10, 1802, Observations on Certain Parts of the Country in Louisiana," Harper's N ew Monthly Magazine, Vol. 58 (April 1879), p. Medical Repository (1806), Vol. 3, p. 309. Mitchill was chairman 744. of the special committee established to investigate the possibility 19 Samuel L. Mitchill to Catherine Mitchill, April 29, 1802, of exploring the Louisiana Territory and he introduced the bill folder41.321.10, Museum of the C ity of New York, New York that authorized Lewis and Clark to explore the country to the City. The term "hatuary" used by Mitchill in his letter refers to Pacific Ocean. Alan D avid Aberbach, In Search of an Identity: the headdress on the bust. Samuel Latham Mitchill, Jeffersonian Nationalist (New York: Peter Lang, 1988), pp. 69-70. 20 Samuel L. Mitchill, "Lewis's Map of the Parts of North America," Medical Repository, Vol. 3 (1806), pp. 315-318; 6 The Samuel Latham Mitchill papers are held at the Museum Samuel L. Mitchill, "Review: Message from the President of the City of New York in New York City. In July 2004, the of the United States Communicating Discoveries Made in Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation awarded me a small Exploring the Missouri," Medical Repository, Vol. 4 (1807), pp. research grant, which helped fund this important trip. 165-174; Amos Stoddard, "The Greatest Lead Mines in Upper 7 The first date was December 1806, then 1807, 1805, the rest of Louisiana," Medical Repository, Vol. 3 (1806), pp. 87-88. 1806, 1804, 1808, 1801 and1802. 21 8 U.S. Congress, House Journal, 7th Congress, 2nd session, Stephen E. Ambrose, Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, January 18, 1803; U.S. Congress, Senate Journal, 7th Congress, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening ofthe American West (New 2nd session, January 18, 1803; Jefferson's Message to Congress, York: Simon & Schuster, 1996), p. 409. January 18, 1803, Donald Jackson, ed., Letters of the Lewis 9 Samuel L. Mitchill to Catherine Mitchill, December 30, 1806, and Clark Expedition with Related Documents, 1783-1854, 2 folder 41.321.464, Museum of the City of New York, New volumes (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1978), Vol. 1, p. York City, New York. 13; U.S. Congress, House Journal, 7th Congress, 2nd session, 10 Aberbach, In Search of an Identity, p. 70. February 26, 1803; Danisi and Jackson, Meriwether Lewis, pp. 57-58. 11 The Congressional Journals of the U.S. Senate: Thomas Jefferson Administration, 8 volumes (reprint, Wilmington: 22 Samuel L. Mitchill to Catherine Mitchill, January 31, 1803, Michael Glazier), Vol. 3, p. vii; Alan D . Aberbach, "Samuel folder 41.321.265, Museum of the City of New York, New Latham Mitchill: A Physician in the Early Days of the York City. Republic," Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, 23 Samuel L. Mitchill, Discourse on Thomas Jefferson, more Vol. 40 Quly 1964), p. 508. especially as a Promoter of Natural & Physical Science (New 12 Samuel L. Mitchill to Catherine Mitchill, January 10, 1802, York: G&C Carvill, 1826), p. 28; Samuel L. Mitchill to "Dr. Mitchill's Letters from Washington: 1801-1813," Harper's Catherine Mitchill, January 7, 1807, folder 41.321.75, Museum New Monthly Magazine, Vol. 58 (April 1879), pp. 743-744. of the City of New York, New York City. Mitchill arrived in Washington on December 7, 1801. 24 Samuel L. Mitchill to Catherine Mitchill, January 16, 1807, 13 Ibid., p. 740. A digital reproduction is available through folder 41.321.103, Museum of the City of New York, New Cornell University Library - The Making of America, York City. http://digital.li brary.cornell. edu: 80/ cgi/ t/ text/ pageviewer idx ?c=harp;cc=harp;rgn=full % 20text;idno=harp005 8- 25 Samuel L. Mitchill to Catherine Mitchill, February 18, 1807, 5;didno=harp0058-5;view=image;seq=0750;node=harp0058- folder 41.321.69, Museum of the City of New York, New York 5%3Al3. City.
February 2010 We Proceeded On ~ 11 THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE PURLOINED PREFACE
Half of Private Joseph Whitehouse's journal preface is taken from Alexander Mackenzie's journal, but Whitehouse may not have been the offender
BY H. CARL CAMP
ore than 200 years after the Lewis and Clark not involve merely an occasional word here and there, Expedition, the records and documents of that but long passages that were mirror images of one another. M historic voyage of discovery still occasionally Unambiguous evidence of an act of plagiarism lay before yield a surprise. A research project I am pursuing has me. (See the accompanying sidebar for a comparison of the required me to read-actually, re-read very closely-all two documents. The plagiarized passages are rendered in 2 of the journals kept by members of the expedition. To italics in the Whitehouse version. ) be specific, I have read volumes 2 through 11 of Gary Mackenzie's preface runs approximately 1,380 words; Moulton's definitive edition of The Journals of the Lewis & Whitehouse's is essentially the same length at 1,340 words. Clark Expedition. One-half, or more, of the Whitehouse preface repeats the A short time ago as I began reading Private Joseph words of Mackenzie. To be sure, in some passages of the Whitehouse's journal (in volume 11 ), I experienced a strong Whitehouse document there is evidence of adaptation and sense of deja vu. I was sure I had encountered these same paraphrasing, obviously done to customize it and make it words and phrases in an entirely different publication. As I appear to be the plagiarizer's own, i.e., changes involving wracked my brain trying to identify a likely source, I settled national identity, background and experience, motivation, on Alexander Mackenzie's 1801 publication recounting his aspirations, et cetera. Consequently, some passages have 1789 and 1793 journeys across Canada to the Arctic and been moved about within the composition. Even with Pacific oceans. About six years ago, in conjunction with these adjustments, it is clear the Whitehouse preface closely another research project, I read Mackenzie's fascinating adheres to the basic format established in the Mackenzie account of the numerous challenges he and his small document. band of explorers met and overcame in pursuit of their Authors customarily inscribe their name and place and transcontinental objectives. 1 date of writing at the end of a preface. Alexander Mackenzie In short order I obtained a copy of the book and placed was no exception; at the end of his preface he appended his Whitehouse's preface alongside Mackenzie's. The wording name and this notation: "London, November 30, 1801. " of the opening paragraphs in the two documents gave me Joseph Whitehouse (or possibly some other unknown a jolt. The similarities were unmistakable. As I continued scribe) followed suit fi ve years later with his name and to read and compare, the degree of correspondence this: "Saint Louis December l O'h 1806" (He did not include between them became more pronounced. The match did punctuation.)
12 - We Proceeded On February 2010 In late August 1805, high in the Rocky Mountains, Private Joseph Whitehouse stitches a pair of buckskin overalls as Sergeant John Ordway catches up on the day's activities in his journal. Seaman, the New foundland dog that Meriwether Lewis purchased prior to the expedition, lounges beside Ordway. During the Lewis and Clark Expedition, much of the clothing the men wore had to be made from scratch from animal hides. Born in 1775, Whitehouse was the key figure in the manufacture of this clothing, as he had been a "skin dresser" prior to joining the army. This was a busy time for him as he oversaw the cutting and sewing of enough clothing to hopefully get them to the Pacific Ocean.
Upon first encounter, this appears to be an open and were written rather than as paraphrased versions (Biddle, shut case: Joseph Whitehouse plagiarized his preface. 1814 and Coues, 1893).~ However, the matter is not so clear-cut. It is rather more In 1966, the so-called "paraphrased version" of complicated than it would seem at first glance. As Moulton Whitehouse's journal was discovered in a Philadelphia observes in Appendix B of volume 2 (pp. 543-544) and bookstore by a University of Illinois professor who informed in his "Introduction" to volume 11 (pp. xv-xvi), "Private Professor Donald Jackson, an established Lewis and Clark Joseph Whitehouse's journal is in two versions, both now scholar and editor of the University of Illinois Press, who at the Newberry Library, Chicago." The provenance of promptly notified the Newberry Library of the availability both versions is somewhat murky since the handwritten of the manuscript. The library acquired the document and manuscripts passed through the hands of multiple owners added it to its collection. It was first published in 1997 as (as well as editors and analysts) over the years since the volume 11 of the Moulton edition of the journals. The expedition ended. We need not recount here the minute handwriting was not that of Whitehouse. Despite the best details of their respective journeys into the public domain; efforts of Jackson, Cutright and other scholars, the identity Moulton provides a useful summary in the sources cited of the writer still is not known. above. A more detailed account of the discovery and eventual Of the "original Whitehouse journal," the following publication (or planned publication) of both documents can points bear particular emphasis: (1) there are notable gaps be found in Paul Russell Cutright's A History of the Lewis in the day-to-day entries; (2) the last journal entry is dated and Clark]ournals. 1 November 6, 1805-long before the end of the expedition; Whitehouse's handwritten "original journal," as it has (3) internal notations in the narrative strongly suggested become known, first came to light in 1903 when publishers there were additional entries to follow; and (4) no preface Dodd, Mead and Company purchased it from a private was published in the Thwaites edition, presumably because party. Reuben Gold Thwaites, director of the State Historical it was unavailable, having been separated from the main Society of Wisconsin, had been selected to edit the centennial body of the manuscript and "lost." (Or, perhaps it did not edition of the original Lewis and Clark journals, publication even exist at that time. )5 of which occurred in 1904-1905. Whitehouse's journal was Of the 1966 "paraphrased version," the following points volume 7 in that 8-volume series. The Thwaites edition of are particularly noteworthy: (1) some of the gaps in the the journals was the first presentation of the journals as they original journal are filled in, most notably the period from
February 2010 We Proceeded On - 13 Transcription of the preface to Alexander Mackenzie's journal
On presenting this Volume to my Country, it is not necessary to enter into a particular account of those voy ages whose journals fo rm the principal part of it, as they will be found, I trust, to explain themselves. It appears, however, to be a duty, which the Public have a right to expect from me, to state the reasons which have influ enced me in delaying the publication of them.
It has been asserted, that a misunderstanding between a person high in office and myself, was the cause of this procrastination. It has also been propagated, that it was occasioned by that precaution which the policy of commerce will sometimes suggest; but they are both equally devoid of foundation. The one is an idle tale; and there could be no solid reason for concealing the circumstances of discoveries, whose arrangements and pros ecution were so honourable to my associates and myself, at whose expence they were undertaken. The delay actually arose from the very active and busy mode of life in which I was engaged since the voyages have been completed; and when, at length, the opportunity arrived, the apprehension of presenting myself to the Public in the character of an Author, for which the course and occupations of my life have by no means qualified me, made me hesitate in committing my papers to the Press; being much better calculated to perform the voyages, arduous as they might be, than to write an account of them. However, they are now offered to the Public with the submission that becomes me.
I was led, at an early period of life, by commercial views, to the country North-West of Lake Superior, in North America, and being endowed by Nature with an inquisitive mind and enterprising spirit; possessing also a constitution and frame of body equal to the most arduous undertakings, and being familiar with toilsome exertions in the prosecution of mercantile pursuits, I not only contemplated the practicability of penetrating across the continent of America, but was confident in the qualifications, as I was animated by the desire, to un dertake the perilous enterprise.
The general utility of such a discovery, has been universally acknowledged; while the wishes of my particular friends and commercial associates, that I should proceed in the pursuit of it, contributed to quicken the execution of this favourite project of my own ambition; and as the completion of it extends the boundaries of geographic science, and adds new countries to the realms of British commerce, the danger I have encountered, and the toils I have suffered, have found their recompence; nor will the many tedious and weary days, or the gloomy and inclement nights which I have passed, have been passed in vain.
The first voyage has settled the dubious point of a practicable North-West passage; and I trust, that it has set that long agitated question at rest, and extinguished the disputes respecting it for ever. An enlarged dis cussion of the subject will be found to occupy the concluding pages of this volume.
In this voyage, I was not only without the necessary books and instruments, but also felt myself defi cient in the sciences of astronomy and navigation: I did not hesitate, therefore, to undertake a winter's voyage to the country, in order to procure the one and acquire the other. These objects being accomplished, I returned, to determine the practicability of a commercial communication through the continent of North America, between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which is proved by my second journal. Nor do I hesitate to declare my decided opinion, that very great and essential advantages may be derived by extending our trade from one sea to the other.
Some account of the fur trade of Canada from that country, of the native inhabitants, and of the exten sive districts connected with it, forms a preliminary discourse, which will, I trust, prove interesting to a nation Mackenzie'spreface continued on p. 16
14 - We Proceeded On February 2010 Transcription of the preface to Private Joseph Whitehouse'sjournal
On presenting this Volume to my fellow Citizens, it is not necessary to enter into particular account of this Voy age; but I trust that the generous public, will make such allowances as they shall think fit, to one who has never before presented himself to them in the character ofan Author; for which the course and occupations of my life; has by no means qualified me, being much better calculated to perform the Voyage (as arduous as it might be) than to write an account of it; however it is now offered to the Public, with the submission that becomes me. I was led at an early period of my life to enter into the Army of the United States, by views I had to acquire Military knowledge, & to be acquainted with the Country in which I was born; and accordingly was somewhat gratified by being ordered (shortly after I joined the Service) to Kaskaskias Village, in the Illinois Country.---- I there, from frequent conversations, I had with Traders; whose traffic was with the Indians, residing on the Mesouri River, contemplated that there might be a practibility ofpenetrating across the Continent of North America, to the Pacific Ocean by way of the Mesouri River, but found from the most perfect account that I could collect from any of them; did not extend beyond the Mandan Nation, who inhabited on the same River Mesouri, which lays in 47 24' 12 North Latitude, the Countries beyond that place, being utterly unknown to them, and even to the Indians inhabiting that Country.
I had been at Kaskaskia Village some time, when I was informed That His Excellency Thomas Jefferson Esquire, President of the United States, had appointed Captain Meriweather Lewis, and Captain William Clark, to take command of a party of Continental Troops, and Vo lunteers, in order to expl.ore the Mesouri River; and find out its source; and to find (if possible) by that rout a passage to the Pacific ocean.---- I was fortunate in being chosen one of the party of Continental Troops by them, which contributed much to quicken the execution of my favorite project, and of satisfying my own ambition. The dangers I have encounter'd, and the toils I have suffered, have found their recompence, nor will the many and tedious days, or the gloomy and inclement nights that I have passed, have been passed in vain.---- This Voyage I hope has settled the dubious point respecting the Source of the great Rivers Mesouri, and Columbia; and I trust that it has set that long agitated question at rest, in regard to a passage being across the Continent of North America, to the Pacific Ocean, and the Northern bound ary of Louisiana.----
In this Voyage I furnished myself with books, and also got from Captains Lewis and Clark, every infor mation that lay in their power, in order to compleat and make my Journal correct; and part of my Journals were kept by one of them when I was on a fataigue party. ---- This was done by them, in case of any great accident happening to the party, as that if any of them should return to the United States, or their Journals fa ll into the hands of any civiliz'd Nation, that the grand object of our discovery's might not be defeated. The object being accomplished, it lays with you to determine the practibility of a commercial communication across the continent of North America, between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which is proved by my Journal.---- Nor do I hesitate to declare, my decided opinion, that very great and essential advantages, may be derived; by extending our Trade, from one Sea, to the other.
The very great advantages of the fur trade, from that hitherto unknown Country, both by ascending the Mesouri River, and by way of the Columbia River to the Pacific ocean, will I trust prove Interesting to a Na tion, whose general policy, is blended with, and whose prosperity is supported by the persuits of commerce.---- It will also qualify the reader, to pursue the succeeding Voyages, with superior intelligence and satisfaction.---- This Voyage will not I fear afford the variety, that may be expected from it; and that which it offers to the Eye, is not ofa nature to be effectually transferred to the Page; Mountains and Valleys, the vast Priaries; the wide spreading forests, the lakes and Rivers, on both sides of the Rocky Mountains, succeed each other in general description; Whitehouse'spreface continued on p. 17
February 2010 We Proceeded On ~ 15 Mackenzie's preface continuedfrom p. 14
whose general policy is blended with, and whose prosperity is supported by, the pursuits of commerce. It will also qualify the reader to pursue the succeeding voyages with superior intelligence and satisfaction.
These voyages will not, I fear, afford the variety that may be expected from them; and that which they offered to the eye, is not of a nature to be effectually transferred to the page. Mountains and vallies, the dreary waste, and wide-spreading fo rests, the lakes and rivers succeed each other in general description; and, except on the coasts of the Pacific O cean, where the villages were permanent, and the inhabitants in a great measure station ary, small bands of wandering Indians are the only people whom I shall introduce to the acquaintance of my read ers.
The beaver and the buffalo, the moose-deer and the elk, which are the principal animals to be found in these countries, are already so familiar to the naturalists of Europe, and have been so often as well as correctly described in their works, that the bare mention of them, as they enlivened the landscape, or were hunted for food; with a cursory account of the soil, the course and navigation of lakes and rivers, and their various produce, is all that can be reasonably expected from me.
I do not possess the science of the naturalist; and even if the qualifications of that character had been at tained by me, its curious spirit would not have been gratified. I could not stop to dig into the earth, over whose surface I was compelled to pass with rapid steps, nor could I turn aside to collect the plants which nature might have scattered on the way, wh en my thoughts were anxiously employed in making provision for the day that was passing over me. I had to encounter perils by land and perils by water; to watch the savage w ho was our guide, or to guard against those of his tribe who might meditate our destruction. I had, also, the passions and fears of oth ers to control and subdue. To day I had to assuage the rising discontents, and on the morrow to cheer the fainting spirits, of the people who accompanied me. The toil of our navigation was incessant, and oftentimes extreme; and in our progress over land we had no protection from the severity of the elements and possessed no accommoda tions or conveniences but such as could be contained in the burden on shoulders, which aggravated the toils of our march, and added to the wearisomeness of our way.
Though the events which compose my journals may have little in themselves to strike the imagination of those who love to be astonished, or to gratify the curiosity of such as are enamoured of romantic adventures; nevertheless, w hen it is considered that I explored those waters which had never before borne any other vessel than the canoe of the savage; and traversed those deserts where an European had never before presented himself to the eyes of its swarthy natives; when to these considerations are added the important objects which were pursued, with the dangers that were encountered, and the difficulties that were surmounted to attain them, this work will, I flatter myself, be found to excite an interest, and conciliate regard, in the minds of those who peruse it.
The general map which illustrates this volume, is reduced by Mr. Arrowsmith from his three-sheet map of North America, with the latest discoveries, which he is about to republish. H is professional abilities are well known, and no encomium of mine will advance the general and merited opinion of them.
Before I conclude, I must beg leave to inform my readers, that they are not to expect the charms of embellished narrative, or animated description; the approbation due to simplicity and to truth is all I presume to claim; and I am not without the hope that this claim will be allowed me. I have described whatever I saw with the impressions of the moment which presented it to me. The successive circumstances of my progress are related
Mackenzie'spre face continued onp. 18
16 ~ We Proceeded On February 2010 Whitehouse's preface continued from p. 15
The permanent Villages, both on the Rivers Mesouri, and Columbia; and the Inhabitants in general, with bands of wandering Indians, are the only people, whom I shall introduce to the acquaintance ofmy readers. --- The Buffalo, the white Bear; the Elk, the Antelope, the mountain Goat, & the Beaver; are mostly so familiar to the Naturalists, and are so frequently described, that a bare mention of them, as they enliven'd the landscapes, or were hunted for food; with a cursory account of the soil, the course of the Rivers, and their various produce, is all that can reasonably be expected from me.---- The toil of our Navigation to the source of the Mesouri, was incessant; and often times extreme; and in our progress over the Rocky Mountains with the Burthens on our shoulders, which aggravated the Toils of our march, and added to the wearisomeness of our way, adding to which the extreme dangers we encounter'd in descending the River Columbia at a season of the Year, that not even the Natives of the soil would attempt; I hope will convince my readers, that Manly fortitude and perseverance was our only guide.----
Though the events which compose my j ournal, may have little in itself to strike the imagination of those who love to be astonished; nevertheless, when it is consider'd that we explored those Waters, which had never before borne any other Vessell, than the Canoe of the Savage; and traversed those Forests and plains, where no American Citizen , or European had ever before presented themselves, to the Eye of its swarthy natives; when to these considerations, are added, the Important objects which were pursued; with the dangers that were encounter'd, and the difficulties that were surmounted to attain them; this work will, I flatter myself, be found to excite an interest, and conciliate regard, in the minds of those who peruse it.---- I hope the generous public will indulge me, by believing; that I have laid before them, only whatever I saw, (or were seen by Captains Lewis or Clark) with the impression of the moment; that it was told by them, or presented itself to me, and have never al lowed myself to wander into conjecture, but have given as full, and exact account of the Country, and other trans actions, that occur'd in the Country, that we passed through, as my abilities would allow. I cannot in justice to myself omit saying, that the manly, and soldier-like behaviour, and enterprising abilities; of both Captain Lewis, and Captain Clark, claim my utmost gratitude: and the humanity shown at all times by them, to those under their command, on this perilous and important Voyage of discovery; I hope will ever fill the breasts of Men who were under their command with the
I am not a candidate for literary fame, at the same time, I cannot but indulge the hope, that this volume, with all its imperfections, will not be thought unworthy the attention ofthe scientific Geographer; and that by unfolding Countries; hitherto unexplored, and which I presume, may be considered as a part belonging to the United States, it will be received as a faithful tribute to the prosperity ofmy Country.
Saint Louis Joseph Whitehouse
December l O'h 1806
February 2010 We Proceeded On - 17 Mackenzie'sprefa ce continued from p. 16
without exaggeration or display. I have seldom allowed myself to wander into conjecture; and whenever conjec ture has been indulged, it will be found, I trust, to be accompanied with the temper of a man who is not disposed to think too highly of himself: and if at any time I have delivered myself with confidence, it will appear, I hope, to be on those subjects which, from the habits and experience of my life, will justify an unreserved communication of my opinions. I am not a candidate for literary fame: at the same time, I cannot but indulge the hope that this vol ume, with all its imperfections, will not be thought unworthy the attention of the scientific geographer; and that, by unfolding countries hitherto unexplored, and which, I presume, may now be considered as part of the British dominions, it will be received as a faithful tribute to the prosperity of my country.
Alexander Mackenzie
London,
November 30, 1801.
November 7, 1805, to April 2, 1806; (2) the additional the publication he planned to issue based on his journal, material still ends months before the culmination of the but his book never materialized. Whether or not the plans expedition and there are scattered gaps elsewhere in the of these two encouraged Whitehouse to entertain similar narrative; (3) a preface-the preface in question-first aspirations remains a mystery. appears in the "paraphrased version" but was not published There is no direct evidence that Lewis and Clark included until 1997; (4 ) according to analyses and comparisons a copy of Alexander Mackenzie's published journals in the conducted by Cutright, Whitehouse (or the unknown scribe small library they carried along on the expedition. Bernard of the "paraphrased version") modeled many of his entries DeVoto asserted they did; a more cautious Donald Jackson on those of Patrick Gass and John Ordway, principally the inferred they probably did since some of their journal entries latter; was wordier than the original author; and introduced revealed a more than casual familiarity with Mackenzie's some new observations (not all of which were accurate); writing and mapmaking.7 If they did have a copy of the and, (5) the handwritten originals on which the paraphrased book with them, it seems likely that Whitehouse could additional materials allegedly were based still are missing.6 have gained access to it and made use of any selection that The central question in all of this, it seems to me, is this: would advance his purposes. He virtually says as much in Who authored the preface that's now under a cloud? Was it this passage from the preface: "In this Voyage I furnished Joseph Whitehouse or was it some as yet unknown person? myself with books, and also got from Captains Lewis and Joseph Whitehouse's name and the place and date of the Clark, every information that lay in their power, in order writing at the end of the preface encourage the reader to to compleat and make my Journal correct ... ." 8 It is clear believe he prepared this portion of the manuscript, unaided, from various other journal entries that the enlisted men within a few weeks of the expedition's homecoming. who were keeping accounts of the expedition's progress That suggests an extraordinary measure of discipline, read and borrowed from one another's writing. The co conscientiousness and calculation on his part, for the captains did so as well. In an environment where such inclusion of a preface would seem to indicate the intent practices were more or less routine, it should not be all that to publish his handiwork. That is somewhat surprising, surprising if a relatively unsophisticated journal keeper, involving as it does someone whose educational attainments such as Whitehouse, went so far as to "borrow" liberally were very modest to put it charitably. It is true, of course, from a formal publication available to him. To understand that Patrick Gass moved swiftly to arrange the publication how it might have happened is not, however, to condone of a heavily edited and paraphrased version of his journal in the practice. 1807, the first extensive account of the expedition to reach For whatever reason, and however it may have happened, the public. And Robert Frazer published a prospectus for it has long been assumed the preface in question and some
18 - We Proceeded On February 2010 other portions of Whitehouse's journal were separated from H. Carl Camp is a member of the WPO Editorial Advisory the main body of his writing, which led to the publication of Board. He is a retired political science professor from the a truncated version in the Thwaites edition. Presumably the University of Nebraska in Omaha. missing materials, if not destroyed, awaited later discovery. NOTES That apparently occurred in 1966 with the appearance of the 1 Alexander Mackenzie, Voyages from Montreal, on the River so-called "paraphrased version." St. Laurence, Through the Continent of North America to the The discovery of this additional Whitehouse material Frozen and Pacific Oceans, in the Years, 1789and1793 (London: R. Noble, Old Bailey, 1801). Found in reprint by W. Kaye brought his account of the expedition about six months Lamb, ed., The journals and Letters ofSir Alexander Mackenzie nearer to the date of its culmination. The paraphrased (London and New York: The Cambridge University Press, additional material contained the preface now in question 1970). The original publication was a ghost-written version of and it also rejoined the Mackenzie's journals. lUlssmg segments with 2 Gary E. Moulton, ed., The journals of the Lewis & those portions of the Clark Expedition, 13 volumes Whitehouse journal already (Lincoln: University of published. However, those Nebraska Press, 1983-2001), fragments in Whitehouse's Vol. 11 (Whitehouse), pp. 5-7; Alexander Mackenzie, Voyages original handwriting remain from Montreal, as found in W. missing since they did not Kaye Lamb, ed., The Journals accompany the handwritten and Letters of Sir Alexander "paraphrasedversion. "That's Mackenzie, pp. 57-60. a curious happenstance and 3 Paul Russell Cutright, A History of the Lewis and Clark raises an intriguing question: journals (Norman: University What if "Whitehouse's of Oklahoma Press, 1976). Preface" was not written Especially relevant to the (plagiarized) by him at all? Whitehouse journal are the fo llowing selections: Chapter VII What if the "paraphrased on "Reuben Gold Thwaites," pp. version" was written by 104-127; and Appendix A, "A an enterprising scribe who Journal of Joseph Whitehouse, A Soldier with Lewis and Clark," attributed the additional pp. 242-264. material to Whitehouse ~ Reuben Gold Thwaites, ed., in order to enhance the Original Journals of the Lewis market valu e of an historic and Clark Expedition, 1804- document? In that case, 1806, 8 volumes (New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, not only would the preface Alexander Mackenzie was born in Scotland in 1764 and by 1776 his family had moved to Canada. He explored a variety of routes across 1904-1905). After the Thwaites harbor indisputable evidence Canada in ·search of the Northwest Passage. centennial edition was published, of an act of plagiarism, but Dodd, Mead and Company sold also intent to defraud since authorship would have been the handwritten manuscript to a private collector of antique books and documents. That individual later donated the falsely attributed to Whitehouse. manuscript to the Newberry Library in Chicago. Alas, we end up with more unanswered questions-and 5 Cutright, A History ofthe Lewis and Clark journals, Appendix a bigger mystery-than when we started. O nly one thing A, pp. 242-264. is clear at this point: A flagrant act of plagiarism has been 6 Ibid. committed and has lain undetected, possibly for a couple 7 Arlen]. Large, "Mackenzie's Wonderful Trail to Nowhere," in of centuries. The finger of suspicion points to Joseph Robert A. Saindon, ed., Explorations Into the World of Lewis & Whitehouse. However, another person yet unknown could Clark, 3 volumes (Scituate, Massachusettes: Digital Scanning, have done it. Absent the appearance of conclusive evidence Inc., 2003 ), Volume I, pp. 11-18, especially p. 13. in Whitehouse's handwriting, we are unlikely to discover 8 Moulton, Vol. 11, p. 6. By contrast, Mackenzie lamented in his preface: "In this voyage [his first, to the Arctic], I was not the truth. Yet, given the history of the tardy appearances of only without the necessary books and instruments, but also felt other Lewis and Clark documents, such an outcome cannot myself deficient in the sciences of astronomy and navigation ... . " be ruled out entirely. Mackenzie/Lamb, p. 58.
February 2010 We Proceeded On - 19 MERIWETHER LEWIS AUGUST I 8, 1774 - OCTOBER I I, I 809
200th anniversary commemoration of the death of Meriwether Lewis October 7, 2009 Grinder's Stand, Natchez Trace
On October 7, 2009, Lewis and Clark Trail H eritage and discovery. It involved leading others into the heart Foundation members participated in a national of the unknown and bringing back accounts that would commemorative ceremony to honor Meriwether Lewis. show the world that America was a land of infinite The tragedy ofhis short life was mourned and his timeless promise; a place where the only limits were self-imposed, achievements celebrated. Collateral Lewis descendant w here even terrible mountains and frigid snows could Howell Lewis Bowen, historian Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs not impede "proceeding on." and Clark descendant Peyton "Bud" Clark addressed As Thomas Jefferson wrote: the crowd of roughly 2,500 people who came to honor Of courage undaunted, possessing a firmness an American hero. Their speeches are printed here along & perseverance of purpose which nothing but with photos of the special event. impossibilities could divert from it's direction, careful as a father of those committed to his charge, STEPHENIE AMBROSE TUBBS yet steady in the maintenance of order & discipline, HISTORIAN intimate with the Indian character, customs & PROGRAM CHAIR, 2009 ANNUAL MEETING principles, habituated to the hunting life, guarded by exact observation of the vegetables & animals of his ood afternoon. Thank you all for being here to own country, against losing time in the description share this commemoration of an extraordinary of objects already possessed, honest, disinterested, hero, Meriwether Lewis; the man we have come liberal, of sound understanding and a fidelity to G truth so scrupulous that whatever he should report to honor would be proud to know that 200 years after his would be as certain as if seen by ourselves, with passing he remains present in our thoughts and in our all these qualifications as if selected and implanted hearts. by nature in one body, for this express purpose, I could have no hesitation in confiding the enterprise His life, though brief, is an example of what can be to him. achieved through determination and hard work, no matter th e odds. His trail breaking and undaunted courage It was those words that inspired my father to write his continue to inspire us to reach beyond the familiar. His biography of Meriwether Lewis, and I feel certain my life reflects what can be achieved if you follow a dream. father is with us today celebrating the life of a man who For Meriwether Lewis, that dream involved exploration made himself a hero.
20 ~ We Proceeded On February 2010 As a military historian, my father admired the HOWELL LEWIS BOWEN accomplishments of Meriwether Lewis's leadership, COLLATERAL DESCENDANT OF MERIWETHER LEWIS but I think truly it was the lyrical way Lewis described the landscape of the West that captured my father's and tis not possible to express all the love and admiration mother's hearts to such an extent that they decided to the family has for, and would like to say about, take our family on the greatest camping trip of all time. I Meriwether Lewis in a short period of time, so I would like to read a poem where every word counts. They wanted us to experience those landscapes first hand, to appreciate the beauty and the grandeur of our country ODE TO GOVERNOR LEWIS from sea to shining sea, and to share their love for the By Janice Bowen variety and scale of the American West. Mostly, I think, in Lewis my father saw a man who Meriwether - you were a firm believer took on a great challenge given him by his most beloved Kind hearted captain - leader of men teacher and managed to live up to it. He kept his men Gentle lion of courage - uncommon man alive, brought all but one home safely, and kept the Devoted son from a tightly woven family fabric journals that would inspire all of us to travel his trail. Resolve and duty were early companions Certainly we know Lewis was a devoted son. His Aspiration's lust never settled on your brow letter from Fort Mandan to his mother conveys his loving reassurance that he would be all right and return While stroking Seaman's wide head home unharmed: Your gaze streamed westward You may expect me in Albemarle about the last of In a long shimmering blur next September twelve months. I request that you As you looked beyond complexities will give yourself no uneasiness with rispect to my Seeing only soaring flight fate, for I assure you that I feel myself perfectly as safe as I should do in Albemarle; and the only Broad reach to a shinning sea difference between 3 or 4 thousand miles and 130, is that I can not have the pleasure of seeing you as There were many brushes with death often as I did while at Washington .... Give my love Yet many more with grace to my brothers and sisters, and all my neighbours and friends, and rest assured yourself of the most You knew that wind taught dancing devoted filial affection of Yours, Meriwether Lewis On waters glassy face
When Lewis came to this place he had much on his You convinced danger to give up her weapons mind. Without doubt he was not at peace and in many While navigating vagrant, roiling waters ways in severe distress. It was not a place any who knew Then led your party skyward or loved him would have foreseen as his final stop. To draw closer to the western sun Yet here we are, and today is a day to remember what a uniquely remarkable man he was and how much he still It was thrilling to hold your red leather-bound means as an example of how to get the job done, no matter Journal - attention to detail on every page how formidable the obstacle. You do not have to be an Then reflect on your love for this flowing country expert in leadership to appreciate the life of Meriwether Showing your favor with sacrifice and service Lewis. You just have to understand that one man, following his dream, can make a difference if he loves his We imagine your fine hand pressing the quill country, his friends and most of all, his mentor. He set Caressing the beating wings of discovery out to explore the West and to bring back information As you painted psalms of praise for companions, that would prove useful to future generations. On that Creatures, plenty, the joy, and always for towering beauty account, I think we can all agree and say, "Well done, Captain Lewis, well done. Rest in Peace." We remember you, our glorious ancestor and hero Jefferson himself dictated the words to be inscribed Language thins and falters when according you here on Lewis's grave: "I died young but you, 0 Good Our unwavering affection and esteem Republic, live my years for me, as well as yours, with Please accept this wreath of honor better fortune." We lay gratefully at your feet
February 2010 We Proceeded On - 21 PEYTON "BuD" CLARK impression on the boys, but those years were also a GREAT-GREAT-GREAT GRANDSON mixture of tragedy. OF WILLIAM CLARK At the age of five, Meriwether's father rode off in the rain to return to service in the Revolution. Tragically, "HONOR AND FRIENDSHIP": he got thoroughly soaked crossing a swollen stream, A TRIBUTE TO MERIWETHER LEWIS contracted pneumonia and died soon after. William's five older brothers all served as officers in onored members of the Lewis family, ladies the Revolution. Captain John Clark died of consumption and gentlemen: Historians have often pointed as a result of his treatment while confined on a British H out how different Lewis and Clark were and prison ship. Brother Richard, while serving on the certainly the journals support this. frontier under brother George Rogers, Lewis, better educated, the left Fort Jefferson en route to Vincennes expedition botanist, mineralogist and and was never seen again. astronomer. A rather solitary man, but With three young children and a having a natural talent for leadership, plantation to care for, Meriwether's perhaps somewhat of an introvert and mother was soon remarried to another at times moody. Revolutionary War veteran, Captain Clark, little formal education, John Marks. While receiving his formal frontier surveyor and army engineer, education, Meriwether was often the the expedition map maker. A hearty, ward of his soldier uncle, Captain genial sort, socially inclined, more of Nicholas Lewis, living in Albemarle an extrovert. County not far from Monticello and Lewis's spelling, usually correct and under the watchful eye of Thomas always consistent, in short, boring! Jefferson. In his late teens, Lewis joined Clark's spelling, colorful, creative, the military. H e served with distinction often unique and always interesting. and proved to be a natural born leader. They complemented each other well! When the war was over, William However, I would like to make a Clark's family migrated to a new Peyton "Bud" Clark, a great-great-great case for how much alike they were, grandson of William Clark, prepares to ad settlement founded by George Rogers alike in terms of their upbringing and dress attendees at the memorial for Meri Clark at the Falls of the Ohio, taking wether Lewis. the values and principles they lived by. with them not only the family slaves, I would like to suggest that, in fact, the very moral fabric but the customs and traditions of the Virginia gentry. that made up the heart and soul of these two American In 1792, Clark joined the regular army under the heroes was woven from the same thread. command of "Mad" Anthony Wayne, and in August of The Clark and Lewis families had their roots set deep '94, he commanded a "chosen company of elite rifleman in Virginia soil and were counted among the social elite. sharpshooters" at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Their lifestyle was consistent with that of Virginia gentry, In 1795, young Ensign Lewis was transferred to General plantation owners, where the foundation for prosperity Wayne's Legion after reportedly challenging a superior was built firmly on the longstanding institution of officer to a duel. He was assigned to Wayne's Chosen Rifle slavery. It was an aristocratic world where the "code Company. His commanding officer, William Clark. There duello" still prevailed, and differences were often settled is no evidence that the two men had previously known with pistols on the "field of honor. " Among the elite, a one another, but certainly they were drawn together man's honor and integrity were paramount and his word by their common Virginia gentry background and their was his bond. "Death before dishonor" was not just a numerous mutual acquaintances. For certain there was catchy phrase etched in your sword blade, but rather the an undeniable chemistry, a certain magic that bound the code that men like Lewis and Clark lived by. two together, and a historic friendship unparalleled in the Young Lewis and William Clark were "Sons of the history of military exploration began. Revolution," raised in military tradition. The heroic By 1802, William had moved north of the river and deeds of their family members must have made a lasting was living with brother George Rogers at "Clark's Point"
22 - We Proceeded On February 2010 overlooking the Falls of the Ohio. It was there on July · This is huge! Lewis, duty bound, a strict military 17, 1803, he received the historic letter from Lewis telling disciplinarian, defies orders from the Secretary of War him of the expedition and asking him to take part: office! His honor is at stake here! He has given his ".. . If therefore there is anything under those word to his friend and his word is his bond, a bond circumstances, in this enterprise, which would induce far more important to Lewis than military orders from you to participate with me in it's fatiegues, it's dangers Washington. and it's honors, believe me Soon after the return there is no man on earth with from their western tour, whom I should feel equal President Jefferson appointed pleasure in sharing them as Meriwether Lewis Governor with yourself." of Louisiana Territories and Clark wrote back: "This is William Clark Brigadier an amence undertaking fraited General of the Militia and with numerous deficulteis, but Indian Agent for the Tribes of my Friend I can assure you the Territory of Louisiana. that no man lives with whome Once again Lewis and I would prefur to undertake Clark were a team in the & shear the Deficulteis of service of their country. . .. Such a Trip than yourself. "1 Once again, Lewis would (During the speech, Bud Clark enter an unknown world .. . a spontaneously added, "In this world filled with envy, greed sentence Clark invented two and petty, back-stabbing words and misspelled six!") Howell Lewis Bowen, a collateral descendant of Meriwether bureaucrats. It is obvious from their Lewis, read "Ode to Meriwether Lewis" before a gathering of On August 18th, 1809, his 2,500 people at Grinder's Stand, near Lewis's gravesite. letters that the two men had 35th birthday, having had a deep and profound respect for one another. Although his bills rejected, the deeply distressed Lewis replied Lewis had promised Clark that he would be equal in rank, to Secretary of War Eustis that he would travel to and the president had requested a captain's commission Washington to clear his name. "Be assured Sir," he wrote, for him, the War Department found "that my Country can never make 'A its own reasons for making him only a Burr' of me- She may reduce me to second lieutenant, a grade lower than Poverty; but she can never sever my when he had resigned. It was a bitter Attachment from her." disappointment to Clark and to Lewis. Lewis's honor and integrity had Captain Lewis wrote angrily to his been insulted by his political enemies, friend: and surely for a man like Meriwether ". . . it is not such as I wished, or had Lewis, this was a fate worse than death reason to expect; but so it is-a further weighing heavy on his troubled mind. explaneation when I join you. I think it Clark was haunted by his final will be best to let none of our party or meeting with Lewis. H e told his any other persons know any thing about brother Jonathan that on August 25th, the grade, you will observe that the grade his friend had expressed his distress "in has no effect upon your compensation Such terms as to Cause a Cempothy which by G-d, shall be equal to my which is not yet off." Clark assured ,, own. his brother, "I do not beleve there was Accordingly, and against all military The bust of Meriwether Lewis by sculptor ever an honest er [sic] man in Louisiana Harry Weber was unveiled at the memorial protocol, both men were known as and donated to the Natchez Trace Parkway nor one who had pureor motives than captains and they shared the command of the National Park Service. Govr. Lewis." The ever hopeful Clark with a lack of disagreement that has few, if any, equals in predicted, "I think all will be right and he will return the history of exploration. with flying Colours to this Country."
February 2010 We Proceeded On - 23 ... Sadly, William Clark would '·~~M~ never see his beloved friend again. Years later, Clark wrote to his 16-year-old son (my great great grandfather, George Rogers Hancock Clark) who was unhappy away at school, whining about how tough he had it and asking to come home. Clark's message to his son reflects the enlightenment beliefs he shared with his dear friend Meriwether Lewis: "You have capacity and can make of yourself any thing you please, do not suffer yourself to be unhappy from misfortune or disappointment; we all have to meet them and should bear them with firmness, resolved to use every exertion to better our situation and gain the good will of our fellow creatures." His advice to his son echoes the sentiments his beloved friend and co-captain had penned below Lemhi Pass some 33 years earlier, "... to redouble my exertions ... giving them the aid of that portion of talents which nature and fortune have bestowed on me; or in future, to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself" It was a longstanding tradition in the Clark family to name the first born son "John" or "Jonathan." Four of William Clark's older siblings honored that tradition, William did not.... The among us here today and always. love and respect he held for his friend and co-captain Thank you for the privilege of speaking here today, compelled him to name his first-born "Meriwether Lewis and may God bless our American family. Clark." Lewis and Clark, soldiers, explorers, statesmen ... American heroes, their lives are written in the history of Photos ofthe commemoration are courtesy ofJoe DeKalb, the country they loved and served. chief photographer for the Tennessee Department of Today we pay special tribute to Meriwether Lewis, a Tourism. true American hero who lived his life always with honor and integrity ... and with uncompromising devotion and NOTES 1 loyalty to his beloved friend. This quote is from a draft version of the response William Clark wrote to Meriwether Lewis. It is dated July 17, 1803, Lewis and Clark , compadres in life, forever joined in from Clarksville. William Clark Papers, E.G. Voorhis Memorial the history of their country ... their kindred spirits walk Collection, Missouri H istory Museum, St. Louis, Missouri.
24 ~ We Proceeded On February 2010 Opposite page: Josh Loftis, a descendant of Private George Shannon, portrays Meriwether Lewis's arrival at Grinder's Stand with Robert and Priscilla Grinder descendant Lisa Barber as Priscilla Grinder.
This page, clockwise from top: The 101st Airborne Infantry Band plays a musical prelude at the commemoration; the commemoration concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at Lewis's gravesite; members of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles pay their respects to the expedition leader; de scendants of Meriwether Lewis leave the monument after placing a wreath on it.
February 2010 We Proceeded On - 25 Reviews Journey to complete collection of L&C hooks is entertaining; Atlas worthwhile
nor from a wealthy family. H e was a Shotgun on My Chest: Memoirs of a blue-collar construction worker in Lewis and Clark Book Collector Portland buying books he couldn't afford (he once paid $12,500 for Roger Wendlick a set of the 1814 journals) and 12-Gauge Press developing strategies to pay for SHOTGUN ON MY CHEST 299 pages I $28.00 them. He maxed out his credit , j cards and then applied for another Memoinofa once saw a T-shirt with this message to extend his line of credit. He Lewis a11d Clark Book Collector Iacross the front, "When I get paid I re-financed his house three times - by - buy books. If there is anything left I to take advantage of the equity. ROGER WICNDl.LCK buy food and pay rent." This pretty There was always another book to well summarizes Roger Wendlick's buy. His collection grew, as did his fifteen-year search for old and rare debts. Lewis and Clark books. His goal was Collecting old and rare books to have them all! was an educational experience. He Wendlick was well known in learned, for example, what it meant the Portland area as a collector of when a used book was advertised all things associated with the 1905 as "missing a signature." (In the Lewis and Clark Exposition. His first process of printing, several pages venture into the world of Lewis and are printed onto a large single Clark books came in 1984 when he sheet that is then folded four, six or purchased a 1904 edition of the eight eight times. That folded sheet-a volume set of The Original Journals of signature- is then stitched into the Lewis and Clark Expedition edited the book and later trimmed.) He by Reuben Gold Thwaites. He believed became a knowledgeable collector, its own Lewis and Clark collection. it would fit nicely with his other 1905 even an expert, on Lewis and Clark After lengthy negotiations, Wendlick's Lewis and Clark items. That purchase literature. As his collection grew, so did $750,000 collection found a new home changed his life. Wendlick discovered its value. Protecting the rare volumes at Lewis and Clark College. there were many more Lewis and was only prudent. Wendlick's solution Is there life after a fifteen-year Clark books, many published before was a large vault in his bedroom, quest such as Wendlick's? Indeed the 1904 Thwaites edition of the disguised as a walk-in closet. His goal there is. He has served on the board journals. He was determined to get all was to have it all, every old and rare of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage of those books. book on Lewis and Clark ever printed. Foundation and is a member of the Shotgun on My Chest is a series of In his years of collecting, he had built Discovery Expedition of St. Charles stories about a man driven to find and the finest collection of Lewis and that retraced the Lewis and Clark buy a copy of every book on Lewis Clark literature ever assembled by an Expedition's route from 2003 to 2006. and Clark ever written. He added an individual. He was a recognized expert He is a re-enactor, portraying George 1814 set of the first journals published on the books of Lewis and Clark and Drouillard across the country. H e to his collection, then an early edition still working in construction. loves to tell stories of his book-buying of the Patrick Gass journals. He By 1998, he had collected literally expenences. became acquainted with the world every Lewis and Clark book he I found just one error in the book of used-book stores, public auctions wanted. Now that he had achieved in a re-telling of his trip following the of rare books and used-book dealers. his goal, he was unsure what to do trail. H e visited Spirit Mound in South He was familiar with dealers who with the collection. Over the years, Dakota and mistakenly places the potentially would have or know of Wendlick had made many friends in nearby town of Vermillion in Iowa. particular books he wanted. Sometimes the used-book community, among Nonetheless, this is a book to read and booksellers contacted him. them was Doug Erickson, head of enjoy. While many people collect books, special collections at Lewis and Clark -Ron Laycock few were as driven, or focused, as College in Portland, Oregon. The Book collector and Wendlick. He was not a wealthy man college was interested in increasing LCTHF past president
26 - We Proceeded On February 2010 River's confluence with Atlas of Lewis & Clark in Missouri the Mississippi River, Atlas of Lewis & Clark in IVIissouri up the Mississippi River JA M ES D . H A R L AN AND JAME S M . DE N N Y James D. H arlan and James M. Denny to St. Louis and up the
University of Missouri Press Missouri River to the 138 pages I $64.95 modern Iowa state line. Each map includes ex pedition campsites, ex ames D. Harlan, University of ploration sites, towns JMissouri cartographer, and James and villages, forts, the M. Denny, renowned Lewis and Clark expedition course, scholar with the Missouri Department historic hydrography, of Natural Resources, have created land grants, common the definitive geographical book fields and historical about the Lewis and Clark Expedition land cover. A couple within the state of Missouri. This of points I personally find intriguing what they saw as they traveled up the beautifully illustrated book combines are the overlays of the Mississippi and Mississippi River from November 20 the expedition's journal entries with Missouri rivers showing them today to December 13, 1803; up the Missouri original 1815 to 1819 U.S. General and in 1803, and the pinpointing of River from May 14 to July 18, 1804; Land Office surveys and surveyor Spanish and French land grants. and when they made their way back notes of the Mississippi and Missouri As I read the book, the recon to St. Louis from September 9 to rivers to re-create Missouri's historic structed maps, interwoven with the September 23, 1806. This atlas will be landscape of the 1800s. journal entries, put me in the keelboat a collector's item for Lewis and Clark Twenty-seven maps or plates show and pirogues with Lewis and Clark scholars. Lewis and Clark's route from the Ohio and the Corps of Discovery, seeing ~ane Randol Jackson
Order Your Bronze Sculpture
A life-size statue of Seaman, the Newfoundland dog that accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition w ill be installed at the Lewis and Clark Natio Historic Trail Interpretive Center in Grear Falls, Montana. A smaller . version cast in bronze is available in a limited edition of l 00.
Renowned wildlife sculptor Joe H alko of Choteau, Montana created the! day model prior to his death in March 2009. It was Halko's last project before he passed away. Halko worked as a full-time sculptor for more th 25 years and had a keen sense for injecting personality into his pieces. The project is parlially sponsored by Dr. James and Carol Mungas, whose Newfoundland dog Windsor was popular among touristsduring the Center's "' early years. Windsor's photos served as lbe model for the sculpture.
The Foundation is offering a smaller version of the life-size Seaman statue in bronze on a maple base (shown here). The bronze measures approximately 10 inches high and 11 inches long. Sales from the smaller bronzes will fu the large statue.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Foundation I (406) 791-77 PO Box 398, Great Falls, MT 59403 I View more photos at www.I
February 2010 We Proceeded On ~ 27 Meriwether Lewis Chapter brings Foundation south for 41 st annual meeting
28 - We Proceeded On February 2010 he Foundation's 41st annual meeting, T"Courage Undaunted-TheFinalJourney," provided ample oppor tunity for Foundation members to learn about the life of Meriwether Lewis, as well as his final days. Roughly 300 people attended the meeting in Olive Branch, Mississippi, October 4-7, and more than 2,500 people attended the commemoration ceremony to honor Meriwether Lewis at his gravesite near Grinder's Stand on October 7th. The week started with an optional trip that included a Memphis Queen III tour of the Mississippi River and a stop at Fort Pickering where Clay Jenkinson, as Governor Meriwether Lewis, discussed his journey from St. Louis to the fort and issues that concerned him at the time. The meeting officially began Sunday evening with a dinner and period dance. Presentations on Monday focused on local history. The evening presentation by Dan Jordan, "The Enduring Legacy of Thomas Jefferson," provided new information and insight into the Sage of Monticello. Tuesday's presentations included two roundtable discussions on whether Lewis was murdered or took his own life, and a presentation on Lewis's complex life. The highlight for attendees was the memorial ceremony commemorating the life of Meriwether Lewis. (See pages 20-25 for speeches from and photos of the ceremony.) Photos on opposite page, clockwise from top left: Presenters at the meeting included Jim • Laura Boswell and her daughters, Maggie (left) and Brinkley, welcome LCTHF members aboard the Memphis Queen Ill Riverboat. Holmberg, Jay Buckky, John D.W. Guice, • Foundation members aboard the Memphis Queen Ill encountered Governor Clay Jenkinson, David Nicandri, Daniel Meriwether Lewis on the Mississippi River on his way to Fort Pickering. Jordan, Thomas Danisi, James Crutchfield, • Clay Jenkinson as Meriwether Lewis is greeted by members of the Discovery Michael Petty, Michael Carrick, Ernest Expedition of St. Charles as he arrives at Fort Pickering. Cowan, Rick Keller and John Fisher. • Foundation members dance aboard the Memphis Queen Ill to music by the Booneslick Strings of St. Charles and Daniel Slosberg. • Rain greeted meeting attendees as they boarded the Memphis Queen Ill for a journey on the Mississippi River. A little water did not dampen the enthusiasm of members who were treated to a light brunch, musical entertainment and a presentation on the history of the Chickasaw Bluffs. • Meeting participants at Fort Pickering watch for the arrival of Governor Meri wether Lewis from an overlook above the Mississippi River.
Photos on this page, from top: • Camp Pomp part.icipants learned sign language from Roger Wendlick (left) and Josh Loftis. They also had the opportunity to spend time at the living history encampment, enjoy and learn about period music, and participate in a number of crafts to learn more about expedition tools and equipment. • The grounds of the conference center were filled with a living history encamp ment hosted by the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles; the replica keel boat from St. Charles, Missouri; and campsites of local Boy Scouts of America troops. • Adults and children alike participated in the period dance at the meeting's welcome reception with music provided by the Booneslick Strings.
February 2010 We Proceeded On ~ 29 L&C Roundup Jim Mallory elected president of LCTHF: Boswell and Hainesworth join board
t the O ctober board of directors' new treasurer and Larry McClure will Clark Trail. Tubbs Ameeting in O live Branch, Mis serve another year as secretary. lectures across the sissippi, James Mallory of Lexington, Board members elected by Foun country about her Kentucky, was elected president of the dation membership through mail-in expenences and Foundation. His term runs from Oc ballots were announced at the annual observations on tober 1, 2009, to September 30, 2010. meeting. Jay Buckley, Bill Stevens and the trail, which Mallory has served five years on Clay Smith were elected to three-year she first followed the Foundation's board of directors. terms. Bryant Boswell was appointed in 1976 with her He and his wife, Paula, became mem by the board to a two-year term and father, author bers of our orga Lorna Hainesworth to a one-year Ambrose Tubbs Stephen Ambrose. nization in March term to fill positions vacated by Mal Tubbs works 1986. They started lory and Tubbs when they assumed with citizen groups to preserve and attending annual their rolls as president and vice presi protect the trail and adjoining wilder meetings regularly dent. ness areas. She serves on the boards of in 1998 and have Margaret Gorski is the tourism and Montana Preservation Alliance, the been actively in interpretation program leader for the American Prairie Foundation, Friends volved in the Ohio U.S.D .A. Forest Service's Northern of Montana PBS and the Lewis and River Chapter for Region, based in Missoula, Montana. Clark Interpretive Center Founda many years. Mallory She has worked tion. H er service includes work on the He has traveled the Lewis and for nearly 30 Foundation's Trail Stewardship and Clark National Historic Trail over the years m van Trail Completion committees. She has past 20 years, covering several parts ous assignments served on the Foundation board since four or five times. He retraces por in three national 2005 and lives in Helena, Montana. tions of the journey in Kentucky on a forests and three Jerry Robertson retired after 33 weekly basis. national parks years in the export grain trade, where Mallory bas a bachelor's degree in in the West. Her he worked in upper management for economics from Missouri Valley Col experiences have several international grain companies. lege in Marshall. He is a retired busi included work- He earned a bachelor's degree in eco Gorski nessman who spent 13 years of his ing as a district nomics from Indiana University and 23-year career with a garment manu ranger, district recreation staff, recre a master's degree in agricultural eco facturer as a corporate account sales ation planner, landscape architect and nomics and man man. seasonal park ranger-naturalist. She agerial account He has served on a variety of re served for eight years as the Forest ing from Cornell gional and national Lewis and Clark Service's Lewis and Clark Bicentenni University. committees including the Kentucky al national field coordinator, directing Robertson has Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commis the agency's strategic planning for and served for several sion. He is past president of the Foun involvement in the national bicenten years as chairman dation's Ohio River Chapter and was nial commemoration. of the Founda co-chairman of the Foundation's 34th She has a master's degree in tion's Financial annual meeting in Louisville, Ken landscape architecture from the Affairs Commit- tucky, in 2002. He is chairman of the University of California, Berkeley Robertson tee. He is a past Foundation's Trail Completion Com and a bachelor's degree in forest president and treasurer of the Ohio mittee, which is focused on extending resources outdoor recreation from the River Chapter and served on the board the Lewis and Clark National His University of Washington. of the Falls of the Ohio Bicentennial toric Trail east, to include the prepa Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs is an au Committee. He has served on various ratory and return routes of Captains thor, historian and national speaker. church committees and helped start Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. She co-authored The Lewis and Clark endowment funds for two different Margaret Gorski was named pres Companion; An Encyclopedic Guide churches. He is a collateral descendant ident-elect and Stephenie Ambrose to the Voyage of Discovery and wrote of William Bratton on his mother's Tubbs was elected vice president. Why Sacagawea Deserves the Day Off side and of John Shields on his father's. Jerry Robertson is the Foundation's and Other Lessons from the Lewis & He lives in Sellersburg, Indiana.
30 ~ We Proceeded On February 2010 Larry McClure, a retired educator, and Clark Expedition. He is working tage Route Chapter and has served is interested in on two books, a fur trade history of as chairman of the Foundation's Fi how schools can the Great Plains and Canadian prai nance Committee. Smith served as incorporate the ries, and an examination of the life of interim president Lewis and Clark Zebulon M. Pike. of the Foundation storyintolearning Buckley has served on the in the fall of 2009. activities and has Foundation's Archives Committee He also served as promoted teacher and has a solid working knowledge chairman of the awareness as a of the collections in the Foundation's Foundation's 2008 board member of William P. Sherman Library and annual meeting in the Foundation's McClure Archives. He was the Portage Route Great Falls, Mon- Oregon Chapter Chapter's Scholar-in-Residence in tana. He earned a and on the Foundation's behalf. 2004. H e currently serves on the WPO - bachelor's degree Smith In 2005, McClure served on the Editorial Advisory Board. He lives in in science educa Foundation's local coordinating com Orem, Utah. tion from Oregon State University, a mittee for its annual meeting hosted by Bill Stevens has served on the master's degree in business adminis the Oregon and Washington chapters LCTHF board since 2006 and has tration from Northeastern University in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, been president of and a Ph.D. in college student services Washington. He was elected to the the Encounters administration from Oregon State Foundation's board of directors in on the Prairie University. 2006. For 16 months, he wrote a local Chapter in central He retired as a lieutenant colonel weekly column summarizing Corps South Dakota for from the U.S. Air Force in 1984 after of Discovery activities and area bicen nearly a decade. serving 22 years. He worked as vice tennial events. H e volunteers as direc He is the owner president for enrollment, management tor of the Tualatin Heritage Center in of Stevens Video and student services at Saint Martin's his hometown in Oregon. Services in Pierre, College in Lacey, Washington, for Jay Buckley was first elected to South Dakota. seven years before taking the same Stevens the board of directors in 2007. He Stevens has a position at the University of Great is an associate professor of history bachelor's degree in political science Falls in 1998. He retired in 2002 and and director of the Native American and a master's degree in public resides in Great Falls. Studies program at Brigham Young administration from the University of Bryant Boswell is a dentist from University. South Dakota. Star, Mississippi. He earned a bach H e has a Ph.D. in history from the H e worked for 19 years in South elor's degree in University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Dakota government fiscal management biology from and master's and as deputy commissioner in the Con Mississippi State bachelor's de stitutional Office of School & Public University and grees in history Lands, special projects director and a graduate de from Brigham executive director of the South Dakota gree from Bay Young U niver Public Utilities Commission, legislative lor University sity. fiscal analyst to the legislature's Joint College of Den He worked Appropriations Committee and execu tistry. as an editorial tive fiscal aide to three South Dakota H e served as assistant for the governors. He serves on the Founda president and Boswell tion's Membership and Trail Comple Buckley Center for Great secretary/treasurer of the Mississippi Plains Studies tion committees. Stevens has served Dental Association and the Missis and completed his Ph.D. under the di three years as chairman of the Pierre sippi Chapter of the American Col rection of Lewis and Clark historian Area Chamber of Commerce Lewis lege of Dentists. Boswell also served and journal editor Gary E. Moulton. and Clark Trail Bicentennial Promo for 12 years as scoutmaster of a local Buckley's monograph, William Clark: tion Committee. H e has led thousands Boy Scout troop. He is a member of Indian Diplomat, was released in 2008. of students, tourists and local residents the Sons of the American Revolu He co-authored By His Own Hand? on tours along the trail. tion, serves on the board of directors The Mysterious Death of Meriwether Clay Smith recently completed a of the LCTHF Meriwether Lewis Lewis and has published numerous ar third one-year term as Foundation Chapter and was instrumental in de ticles on various aspects of the Lewis treasurer, is past president of the Por- veloping the Lewis and Clark Living
February 2010 We Proceeded On - 31 L&C Roundup (cont)
History Association. He portrayed Private Robert Frazier and Captain Buckley and Keith receive distinguished honors Meriwether Lewis during the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial and served as CTHF board to the community, the host/planner for the LCTHF 2009 Lmember Jay H. have given their annual meeting in Olive Branch, Mis Buckley, a professor talents in the pro sissippi. He served three years in the at Brigham Young motion of human U.S. Army. University, recently welfare and com Lorna Hainesworth is a retired was awarded the munity well-being, government employee from Randall 2009 State Historical and who- through stown, Maryland. She has a bachelor's Society of Missouri their integrity, sen degree in secondary education from Book Award and sitivity and com the University of the Eagleton-Waters mitment-serve as Wisconsin-Osh Book Award for his models for students kosh and a Certifi monograph William and alumni of IU cate in Education Clark: Indian Dip Southeast. for Public Man lomat, published by Keith has been agement from the the University of the executive direc School of Business Oklahoma Press in tor of the Clark and Public Admin 2008. This is the first Floyd Counties istration at Cornell time the same book Convention and University. Hainesworth has received both Tourism Bureau She began an in- awards. since 1981. During tensive study of the Corps of Discov Senator Thomas F. Eagleton and his time as director he spearheaded the ery's expedition in August 2003. She society trustee Henry J. Waters III es successful "Sunny Side of Louisville" retraced the entire Lewis and Clark tablished the Eagleton-Waters Book campaign. Keith has been an active journey from March to August 2004 Award to recognize the author of the Foundation member and key support beginning in Washington, D .C., and best book published on the political er of our education, stewardship and ending at the Pacific Coast, and de history of Missouri. The award is pre outreach programs. Through his com scribed her adventure in Road Spirit sented biennially, and winners receive mitment to the Foundation, the Clark Rules. Hainesworth is a member of a certificate and $1,000. The society's Floyd Counties Convention and several chapters and attends events such executive director selects a committee Tourism Bureau as historical marker installations and to review nominations, which are re has been one of statue dedications related to the Lewis ceived from publishers and authors. the Foundation's and Clark Expedition. She has become The Missouri History Book Award strongest advo the Lewis and Clark resource contact is given annually to the author of the cates and sup for the Frederick County Daughters of best book written on the history of porters in recent the American Revolution and the Hes Missouri and Missourians. Original years. sian Barracks in Frederick, Maryland. scholarship in the form of historical He is an ac She currently is researching primary biographies, monographs and/or gen tive member of resource documents to discover new eral studies is eligible for a $1,500 cash his community expedition facts. award and a citation. A panel of judges and serves as an Keith Other members of the board of di determines the winner of the award elder at First Presbyterian Church, is rectors are Phyllis Yeager of Floyds from submissions made by publishers a 40-year member and past president Knobs, Indiana; Dick Williams of and authors. of the Jeffersonville Rotary Club and Omaha, Nebraska; Jane Randol Jack Jim Keith, executive director of the is active in Leadership Southern Indi son of The Villages, Florida; and Dick Clark-Floyd Counties Convention ana. H e also is involved with the Ohio Prestholdt of Bridgewater, New Jersy. and Tourism Bureau, is a recipient River Greenway Development Com Karen Seaberg is the Foundation's of the 2009 Chancellor's Medallion mission. He is chairman of the Indiana past president and serves on the Execu awarded by Indiana University South Lewis and Clark Commission/Foun tive Committee with Mallory, Gorski, east. The Chancellor's Medallion is the dation, which promotes the state's in Ambrose Tubbs, Robertson and Mc highest honor presented by the chan volvement in the Lewis and Clark sto Clure. The board meets three times a cellor of the university. It is given to ry and supports IU Southeast's Lewis year in person and by conference call individuals who have rendered distin and Clark Summer Teachers' Institute on an as-needed basis. guished service to the university and trammg. 32 - We Proceeded On February 2010 Soundings "Hypocondriac Affections": Letters help define Jefferson's phrase
BY ANN ROGERS leaving Fear astern. My hopes indeed convent school and he was serving as hat did Thomas Jefferson mean sometimes fail; but not oftener than minister to France. Eight days earlier, he Wwhen he wrote that Meriwether the forebodings of the gloomy." 4 had written to a Parisian friend, Madame Lewis had been "subject to hypocon Jefferson clearly was comparing de Tesse. Already "smitten" with the driac affections"? Was he referring to opposing temperaments: his self Hotel de Salm in Paris, he admitted a a physical disease when he wrote that described sanguine nature contrasted new infatuation in the city of Nimes: Lewis "was much afflicted & habitu to the "gloomy and hypocondriac H ere I am, Madam, gazing whole ally so with hypocondria"? Jefferson minds" that lacked hope and were hours at the Maison quarree, offered no definition of the word "hy filled with fear. like a lover at his mistress. The pocondria" when he used it in an 1810 This 1816 letter to Adams is strong stocking-weavers and silk letter to Captain Gilbert Russell and evidence that}efferson's use of the term spinners around it consider me no explanation of the term "hypocon "hypocondriac affections" in 1813 also as an hypochondriac driac affections" when he used it in an referred to temperament. A dictionary Englishman, about to write with 1813 letter to Paul Allen. 1 Fortunately, definition of "affection" is "a mental a pistol the last chapter of his 8 letters Jefferson wrote to John Adams state or tendency; disposition."> This history. and others shed light on the way he definition can be applied easily in the The tone is lighthearted but the image is understood and used these terms. 1813 letter in which Jefferson wrote startling, especially when set alongside The Adams-Jefferson correspon that Lewis's "hypocondriac affections" the memoir of Meriwether Lewis, writ dence extended over more than four were directly "inherited by him from ten a quarter-century later, in which decades and, unsurprisingly, the two his father," that they abated when Jefferson described a man of "hypoco former presidents covered a wide Le;wis's mind and body were fully ndriac affections," a man he believed range of topics. In March 1816, Adams engaged and that they returned during wrote his last chapter with a pistol. posed this question to his old friend: periods of "sedentary occupations. "6 In a recent biography of Lewis, "Would you go back to your Cradle The passage often is quoted because Thomas Danisi and John C. Jackson and live over again Your 70 Years?" the letter in which it appears was quote from the 1813 memoir and state Jefferson replied in a letter written at published in the Biddle edition of the that "Thomas Jefferson used a term Monticello on April 8, 1816. After re Lewis and Clark journals under the that has since been widely misunder minding Adams that there would be, title "Memoir of Meriwether Lewis." stood." Danisi and Jackson present in fact, 73 years to relive, he responded In finding a correlation between the argument that "Hypochondriac af in the affirmative, expressing his belief Lewis's activity level and his f ections actually referred to the disease that "it is a good world on the whole, "hypocondriac affections," Jefferson known as hypochondriasis, a complex, that it has been framed on a principle was repeating his long-held belief that physical sickness" and that "the hypo of benevolence, and more pleasure a positive mental outlook required "a chondriasis that afflicted Meriwether than pain dealt out to us. "2 habit of industry and activity." In a was a debilitating complication of Recognizing that not everyone 1787 letter written to his then 15-year chronic untreated malaria. "9 This ar shared this positive view, he added: old daughter Martha, he counseled gument links Jefferson's phrase to an "There are indeed (who might say her to avoid indolence: "Body and etymologically-related medical term Nay) gloomy and hypocondriac mind both unemployed, our being without giving attention to the way minds, inhabitants of diseased becomes a burthen, and every object Jefferson used the words "hypochon bodies, disgusted with the present, about us loathsome, even the dearest. driac" and "hypochondria" in his own and despairing of the future; always Idleness begets ennui, ennui the writing. counting that the worst will happen, hypochondria, and that a diseased Lewis may, indeed, have experi because it may happen. "3A lthough body.";·As in his 1810 letter to Russell, enced bouts of malaria, a disease com Jefferson noted that "hypocondriac Jefferson offered no definition of mon in his time and in the regions in minds" can be "inhabitants of diseased the term "hypochondria," but he which he lived. One can speculate that bodies," he was not describing a placed it between ennui and disease. he was suffering a recurrence during physical disease. Instead, he was In Jefferson's chain of "begets," his final journey and even that a re describing an outlook, a disposition, a hypochondria followed from mental currence may have played a role in his state of mind. and physical inactivity and, in turn, death. However, Jefferson's references He continued in the same paragraph: could lead to physical disease. to Lewis's "hypocondria" and to his "My temperament is sanguine. I steer Jefferson wrote the advice to his "hypocondriac affections" are not my bark with Hope in the head, daughter while she was attending a Please see "Soundings" on page 36 February 2010 We Proceeded On - 33 Passages Remembering Bob Hunt. a gentleman and scholar of Lewis and Clark
ith the recent passing of Bob Hunt, Journals. Bob had long lived and classic British poets and essayists, our Wthe Foundation lost a beloved worked in Seattle, my hometown, and personal rambles and observations member and a prolific scholar whose I was just beginning to sketch ideas fo r on the trail and overseas, and articles wide-ranging articles about the Lewis another book, about Chief Seattle. We and performances either of us had just and Clark Expedition informed and had a lot to talk about, more than we read or seen. Often, one of us would entertained WPO readers for decades. could possibly finish then and there. show up with a little list of topics and Bob was born in St. Joseph, For a few years we got by with we stayed on till we ran through them Missouri, in 1920 and died in Seattle a regular correspondence between all-long after the waiter vanished, the on September 4, 2009, at age 89. H e annual meetings. If I dropped a hint cookie plate lay empty and the teapot was a graduate of the University of about a current project, he would notice was cold. Two retired gents in proper Pennsylvania, served in the Air Force relevant leads and send me clippings jackets and ties just kept on talking during World War II and the Korean and library references. H e also kept at and laughing at a table by the window, War, and spent most of his life as glad of each other's company, glad to a banker, retiring as a senior vice have each other to prepare for and president of Seattle Trust and Savings. LEWIS keep up with, season after season. AHO I am sure Bob's career was important - Al Furtwangler to him, but it was his avocation as a Author and L&C scholar
~ CLARK .~ Lewis and Clark scholar that nurtured . his spirit and doubtless contributed ::-::-:; to his longevity. Under the byline For a number of years, each time I of Robert R. Hunt he indulged his received my copy of We Proceeded On endless fascination with the great I'd check to see if there was an article journey in 21 pieces published in by Jim Large or Bob Hunt. If so, then WPO from 1987 to 2007. His fixation I could be assured of a quality piece with all things related to the Corps of that would capture my interest and Discovery knew no bounds; his topics challenge my intellect. We lost Jim a ran the gamut from matches to music number of years ago and now Bob is to fishing reels. As this magazine's Bob Hunt suggested a race between Lewis gone. We'll not see their likes again. editor from 2000 to 2006, I was and Clark enthusiasts, proposing that mem Bob was one of the kindest and most privileged to publish six of his pieces bers in Oregon and Washington form teams thoughtful people I knew from my and in the give-and-take between that would run on their respective sides of Lewis and Clark associations. In spite the Columbia River. His idea became a 505- writer and editor to experience up mile, eight-day relay event in April of 1989. of his ability to keep coming up with close his probing, boundless curiosity. new topics on the expedition or bring I will remember Bob best as a person me with friendly proddings and made new light to old ones, he was one of the and friend. I always looked forward perceptive, encouraging comments on most self-effacing people I've met. His to spending time with him at the any papers or chapters I sent him. interests were as big as his heart and annual meetings -a sweet, gentle, In 1996, my wife and I left eastern covered a multitude of Lewis and Clark self-effacing man. That sentiment Canada and moved to Oregon, topics: fish, horses and mosquitoes; was widely shared, as the following and Bob urged me to meet him for fun, games, music and amusements; statements attest. lunch at the Rainier Club whenever guns and the espontoon; footgear - Jim Merritt we came to Seattle for an opera or a and shelters; crime, punishment and Former editor, WPO family visit. We began to see each whiskey; and sign language and trade other every month or two, a routine jargons. And he covered them all with we both counted on for the next 13 thoroughness, grace and wit. I'll miss Bob and I first met at the LCTHF years. Over time, Bob became my him. annual meeting in Collinsville/St. closest friend in the Foundation and -Gary Moulton Louis. That was back in 1993, when one of my dearest friends in life. Editor, The Journals of the Lewis & he was just joining the WPO editorial We met and talked about a lot of Clark Expedition board and I was just launching my things: Lewis and Clark, Northwest book Acts of Discovery: Visions of history, operas, Shakespeare, naval America in the Lewis and Clark explorations, Jefferson and Hamilton, My memories of Bob Hunt go back
34 ~ We Proceeded On February 2010 It is from such detailed study that dedication to the story and faithfulness we learn so much more about the to the organization. As a newcomer I Corps of Discovery and its journey. so appreciated his smiling face and Bob ranks among the most prolific the interest he took in me as a person. and dedicated contributors to WPO. Certainly We Proceeded On benefited Exchanges of e-mail with Bob from his continuing scholarship and about a Lewis and Clark question engaging articles. H ow fortunate we or point of interest were always were to have had him with us these educational and enjoyable for me. many years. Bob was a true gentleman, and I -Jane Henley will forever fondly remember him Past president, LCTHF and appreciate his efforts on behalf of the Lewis and Clark story. - Jim Holmberg Bob was a gentleman, always willing L&C scholar and former director, to visit and share his vast knowledge of LCTHF Lewis and Clark. I once talked to him Bob Hunt was a frequent contributor to WPO, with about a paper I was working on and more than 21 articles to his credit. (Four were two ::-::-::. my struggles with a particular section. part articles.) He attended annual meetings through Bob's articles in We Proceeded He said, ''I'll send you something." A 2006. Here he enjoys friendship and scholarship at On were some of the best we've few days later a packet arrived in the the 1996 annual meeting in Sioux City, Iowa. seen. He wrote about the smallest mail. In it was an article Bob had once almost twenty years, when I first details of the people, the story and the written on the very subject we had became involved with the Foundation. journey. His research was thorough, discussed, along with some research The William Clark to Jonathan Clark his ' writing smooth and his subject material he had used and a personal letters had recently come to light and matter always fascinating. H e wrote note of encouragement. A true scholar I'd begun editing them for publication. well, and his articles read well; Bob's and friend. Such a discovery, and all the historical works were the kind I wanted to read, - Ron Laycock information it contained, was right think about and re-read ... preferably Past president, LCTHF up Bob's alley. I remember Bob's while sitting on my deck with a cold curiosity and excitement about such beer or before a fire with a hot toddy! a Lewis and Clark-related find. This As a historian I relied on his research, Bob Hunt was a fine person who made extended to other subjects as well. his written word and his endnotes to an impression on many lives. I had the It was always a delight to talk with help me write a better report, locate pleasure of reading his articles in WPO Bob. I remember many a collegial a new source of information and/or for several years before I met him. conversation with him at annual check my own facts. His subjects ran from the mundane of meetings. They might take place He set a very high standard for tents and footwear to comparisons of in the conference hotel, on a bus researchers, for writers and for We the expedition with H omer's Odyssey. motoring to a field trip destination or Proceeded On. He was always a Bob's articles stretched my mind, visiting a Lewis and Clark site. One gentleman, always kind and always and when I read them, the Lewis and particularly memorable chat was at interested in what others were working Clark story took on new dimensions. the 1998 annual meeting in Great Falls on. I shall miss him. Bob was a gentleman, and talking when we strolled along the banks of -Barb Kubik with him was always a pleasure. I last the Missouri discussing various Lewis L&C scholar and past president, visited with him in St. Louis during and Clark matters. With his trusty LCTHF the 2006 annual meeting and final combination walking stick and chair signature event of the Lewis and Clark in hand, we walked along the Lewis bicentennial. He was frail of body, but and Clark trail. My earliest recollections of Bob go his mind was strong, and I could sense It was as chair of the Foundation's back to my first annual meeting of the how much it meant to him to share publications committee that I truly LCTHF, in 1993. I must have met him his knowledge about Lewis and Clark learned to appreciate Bob's dedicated at that time, and every year afterward with others. Thanks, Bob, for a job scholarly efforts on behalf of Lewis he was always there, always friendly, well done. We wish you well on your and Clark. He took some facet of the always welcoming. In many ways he Trail Eternal. expedition-one often little known or represented the best of the Lewis and - Jim Mallory overlooked-and examined it in detail. Clark Trail Heritage Foundation in his President, LCTHF
February 2010 We Proceeded On ~ 35 Soundings (cont) Passages (cont)
Frompage33 evidence that he was diagnosing any Bob Hunt's We Proceeded On bibliography physical disease. From the 1787 letters to Martha Jefferson and Madame de ollowing is a complete list of articles and Clark Expedition," May 1994. Tesse to the 1816 letterto John Adams, Fby Robert R. Hunt published in We 10. "Hoofbeats and Nightmares" Jefferson consistently used the term Proceeded On over a 20-year span, (horses and the expedition), 2 parts, "hypochondriac" in relation to a dark from 1987 to 2007. Those published November 1994 and February 1995. outlook on life. That outlook could, through 1999 can be found in the 11. "Tent Shreds and Pieces" he believed, lead to physical disease, three-volume Explorations into the (nomadic shelter on the expedition), but he did not equate it with a disease. World of Lewis and Clark (Robert A. February 1996. He used the terms "hypochondriac" Saindon, ed.), published in 2003 by 12. "Fish Feast or Famine: Incomplete and "hypochondria" to refer to apes the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Anglers on the Lewis and Clark simistic disposition or temperament Foundation. Expedition," February 1997. that could be influenced for good by 13. "Luck or vigorous activity or for ill by seden 1. "Of Rivers and Providence?" (nar tary habits. The way Jefferson used Oceans" (comparing row escapes on the these terms across nearly three de the Lewis and Clark Lewis and Clark cades of his correspondence provides Expedition with trail), August 1999. FIRE PATHS O F LEWIS & CLARK a context in which to understand his an ill-fated French 14. "Matches and comments on Meriwether Lewis. exploration of the Magic" (how the Pacific), May 1987. explorers made fire),
2. "Merry to the ) , ' August 2000. Rogers's book Lewis and Clark in Fiddle Music: The 15. "For Whom the Missouri (University ofMissouri Press) Musical Amusement Guns Sounded" is in its 3rd edition. She has a Ph.D. in of the Lewis and Clark (Sergeant Charles English and taught American litera Party," November Floyd's funeral ture for 12 years. 1988. P LUS: L EWISS BRAN DINC IRON WOLVES & PRA IRIE revisited), February 3. "Crime and WOLVES BEi\RCLAW NP.Cll.1.ACE L&C C ROSSWORD 2001. NOTES Punishment on the 16. "The 'Odyssey' of 1 Donald Jackson, ed., Letters of the Lewis and Clark" (a Lewis and Clark Expedition with Related Lewis and Clark Documents, 1783-1854, 2 volumes (Urbana: Expedition," 2 parts, look at the expedition University of Illinois Press, 1978), Vol. 2, May 1989 and August through the lens of p. 728; pp. 591-592. 1989. Homer), February 2 LesterJ. Cappon, ed., The Adams-Jefferson 4. "The Espontoon: EYE TALK, EAR T ALK: 2003 . Co}IJ.IUN ICATT:-.1<; 17. "Fire Paths of Letters (Chapel Hill: University of North Captain Lewis's Magic WITH f NDlA."'15 Carolina Press, 1959), pp. 464 and 467. Stick," February 1990. Lewis and Clark" CARNIVOROUS 3 Ibid., p. 467. 5. "Mockersons: An EXP LORERS : (the role of fire on How M UCH m :AT 4 Ibid. Unspoken Tongue" um THEY EAT? the expedition), May 5 Webster's New World Dictionary of the (footwear and the C HRONICLING 2004. American Language (New York: World expedition), August K EY EVENTS: 18. "Wireless in L1::'tm & C LAU\ 's Publishing, 1968). 1990. COMrRO'tlSE the Wilderness" 6 Jackson, Vol. 2, p. 592 6. "Gills and Drams of (the many ways of 7 Julian P. Boyd, ed., The Papers of Thomas Consolation: Ardent commurucatmg on Jefferson, (Princeton: Princeton University Spirits on the Lewis and Clark the Lewis and Clark trail), May Press, 1955), Vol. 11, p. 250. Expedition," 2 parts, August 1991 2005. 8 Ibid., Vol. 11, p. 226. I thank Linda and November 1991. 19. "Eye Talk, Ear Talk" (sign Monaco at Princeton University Library 7. "The Blood Meal: Mosquitoes language, translation chains and for alerting me to the Madame de Tesse and Agues on the Lewis and Clark Chinook jargon), August 2006. letter and to another written to James Expedition," 2 parts, May 1992 and 20. "Following the Peripatetic Madison, in which Jefferson described a Captains" (walking and learning in man with whom he was corresponding as August 1992. "a little hypocondriac and discontented." 8. "Fun and Games on the Lewis & the footsteps of Lewis and Clark), Ibid., Vol. 11, p. 95. Clark Expedition" (sport, play and May 2007. 9 Thomas C. Danisi and John C. Jackson, physical conditioning), August 1993. 21. "Of Thermometers and Meriwether Lewis (Amherst, New York: 9. "Games, Sports and Amusements Temperatures on the Lewis and Clark Prometheus Books, 2009), pp. 307-309. of Natives Encountered on the Lewis Expedition," November 2007.
36 - We Proceeded On February 2010 Coming from The Dakota Institute Press ... Spring, 2010
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