But wiser men prevailed. The expedition launched boldly out into the unknown, to carry the flag now into the new country, and perhaps to make possible the ownership of still a farther country, at the Pacific Ocean.
Time proved the wisdom of President Jefferson’s preparations made even before the territory had been bought. Just at the right moment the trail across the continent was opened. Louisiana Territory was valued at its future worth; the people were informed of its merits and possibilities; after the return of the explorers, the American citizens pressed forward, to see for themselves. And in due course the flag floated unchallenged in that Oregon where, also, the Lewis and Clark men had blazed the way.
I should like to have been under Captain Meriwether Lewis, turning thirty, and Captain William Clark, scant thirty-four. They were true leaders: brave, patient, resourceful and determined. And the company that followed them were likewise, brave, patient, resourceful and determined. These qualities are what bound them all together――the American, the Frenchman, the Indian――as one united band, and brought them through, triumphant.
CHAPTER PAGE THE EXPEDITION AND THE COUNTRY 11 THE RANK AND FILE 13 I. MAKING READY 19 II. THE START 29 I. THE COMING OF THE WHITE CHIEFS 41 II. PETER GOES ABOARD 55 III. PETER MEETS THE CHIEFS 65 IV. TO THE LAND OF THE SIOUX 79 V. BAD HEARTS 92 VI. THE CAPTAINS SHOW THEIR SPUNK 102 VII. SNUG IN WINTER QUARTERS 112 VIII. EXCITEMENT AT FORT MANDAN 121 IX. PETER WINS HIS SPURS 135 X. THE KINGDOM OF THE “WHITE BEARS” 148 XI. WHICH WAY TO THE COLUMBIA? 160 XII. SEEKING THE BIRD-WOMAN’S PEOPLE 170 XIII. HORSES AT LAST 185 XIV. ACROSS STARVATION MOUNTAINS 194 XV. HOORAY FOR THE PACIFIC! 206 XVI. THE WINTER AT FORT CLATSOP 217 XVII. FRIENDLY YELLEPT, THE WALLA WALLA 227 XVIII. THE PIERCED NOSES AGAIN 236 XIX. BACK ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS 244 XX. CAPTAIN LEWIS MEETS THE ENEMY 254 XXI. THE HOME STRETCH 263
The Purpose To get information upon the unexplored country extending from the interior of present Missouri to the mouth of the Columbia River in present Washington.
The Start At St. Louis, Monday, May 14, 1804.
The Finish At St. Louis, Tuesday, September 23, 1806.