Discovering Western America

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The reason that we have the western part of U.S. was because of the successful planed

expedition by Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson insisted that it would be necessary to know more

about the land west "In an address to Congress on Jan. 18,180, President Thomas Jefferson

mentioned the need for knowing more about the lands west of the Mississippi River." (Field

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Enterprises Educational Corporation1). Once the Congress accepted his proposal he sent a

letter to his private secretary asking him to lead this expedition and he choose William Clark to

lead with him "To lead the exploratory expedition, Jefferson chose Captain Meriwether Lewis ,

his private secretary. To help Lewis, he selected William Clark, ...and a close friend of Lewis."

(Field Enterprises Educational Corporation 1). Although Lewis and Clark both had men with

them to help them on this expedition the journey was not so easy to accomplish.

This expedition had many purposes. In the letter that Thomas Jefferson send to Lewis it

explained their mission

The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri River, and such principal streams of it, as, by its course and communication with the waters for the pacific Ocean, whether the Columbia, Oregan, Colorado, or any other river, may offer the most direct and practible water-communication across the continent, for the purposes of commerce. (Letter from

President Thomas Jefferson ).

This is just one part of their mission they also had to find out the kind of people that lived near

the Missouri River "Their language, traditions, monuments...food, clothing, and domestic

accommodations...Moral and physical circumstances which distinguish them from the

tribes...Peculiarities in their laws, customs, and dispositions"(Letter from President Thomas

Jefferson ). Lewis and Clark also had to report any supplies that might be useful or unknown by

the United States

The soil and face of the country, its growth and vegetable productions, especially those not of the United States...animals of the country generally...remains and accounts of any which may be deemed rare...mineral productions of every kind, but more particularly metals, lime-stone, pit-coal, and saltpeter; salines and mineral waters, noting the temperature of the last, and such circumstances as may indicate their character (Letter from President Thomas Jefferson ).

Lewis had a fascination with plants mostly because his mother was a practicing herbalist. He

also relied on the plants. Since he was in charge of the health of the men he and Sacagawea were

always looking out for plants that might be useful for medical aid or as a food.

Lewis was entrusted with caring for the health of the men. He and Sacagawea were always alert for plants with medicine value. They were also constantly on the look out for those plants they could use for food. For future reference, Lewis described native plants on which the Indians and members of the expedition relied for food and medicine. He knew such information would aid future travelers to the region (The Discovery of Plants by Lewis and Clark1).

Lewis and Clark found shrubs, wild onions, Bitterroot and flax "Lewis and Clark discovered an

abundance of a shrub called golden current...Lewis collected blossoming Bitterroot

specimen...Wild onions were discovered in the Three Forks area...Lewis also discovered flax in

this area (The Discovery of Plants by Lewis and Clark 1).

Sacagawea was a slave that had been sold to a French trapper, Toussaint Charbonneau.

She originally came from the Shoshone a tribe from the Rocky Mountains. She was kidnaped

by the Hadasta when she was 1 yrs old "When she was 1 years old, she had been kidnaped and

taken as a slave. Her captors were Hidatsa....then sold her to Toussaint Charbonneau"

(Sacagawea 1). Lewis and Clark met her in Mandan, where they had built Fort Mandan, when

Charbonneau looked for them and offered to help on the expedition "At Fort Mandan ,

Charbonneau sought out the party and offered his services as an interperter...Lewis and Clark had

contracted with Charbonneau as an interpreter and Sacagawea had given birth to a

son...Charbonneau , Sacagawea and little Jean Baptiste joined the expedition"(Sacagawea 1).

Sacagawea became an essential part of the expedition. She was the one who could speak

Shoshone and had knowledge of the native plants and the fact that she was a women and had a

child gave them security

Sacagawea became an invaluable member of the expedition. Her courage and knowledge of native plants, languages, and terrain all contributed to the success of the expedition. She served as an interpreter, and was the only person who could speak Shoshone. Sacagawea also offered the party a measure of protection . Since women and infants were never included in war parties (Sacagawea 1).

Sacagawea helped Lewis and Clark during the expedition once the boat that they were traveling

on almost tipped over she stayed in the boat and saved all of the important papers and

instruments "Her husband couldn't swim, and as other members of the party scrambled to paddle

the waterlogged boat to shore, she remained calm and stayed with the boat, reaching out into the

heavy waves to retrieve nearly all of the Corps' important papers and instruments" (Sacagawea

1). When Lewis and Clark reached the Shoshones' in the Rocky Mountains, there they found out

that Sacagawea's brother was the chief of the Shoshones' "In an amazing twist of fate, the tribe's

chief, Cameahwait, was none other than Sacagawea's brother" (Sacagawea 1). This ensured

Lewis and Clark horses and a person to guide them through the mountains "Were it not for

Sacagawea and Cameahwait, the party likely would not be outfitted [for the rest of the

expedition]. Lewis and Clark were able to secure many horses, and even an experienced guide to

take them across the mountains" (Sacagawea 1).

During the expedition Lewis and Clark encountered many different Indian tribes. One of

the tribes that they met was the Sioux. To be able to speak to them Lewis and Clark would send

two of their men to tell them about it first "We sent sergeant Pryor and young Mr. Dorion with

some tobacco, corn, and a few kettles for them to cook in, with directions to inform the chiefs

that we would speak to them tomorrow" (the Journals of Lewis & Clark August 1804). Since

they had to take notes about all of the tribes that they encountered Sergeant Pryor informed them

all they saw in the Sioux camp

Sergeant Pryor informs me that when they came near the Indian camp, they were met... buffalo robe to carry them. Mr. Dorion informed they were not the owners of the boats and did not wish to be carried. The Sioux's camps are handsome-of a conic form, covered all around. An open part in the center for the fire, with buffalo robes. Each lodge has a place for cooking detached. The lodges contained from fifteen persons. A fat dog was presented as a mark of their great respect to the party, of which they partook heartily, and thought it good and well flavored (the Journals of Lewis & Clark August 1804).

In order to meet the chiefs and make a good start with them Lewis and Clark would prepare gifts

for them this way the chiefs would know that they came in peace and did not want to harm them

"After preparing some presents for the chiefs, which we intended to make by giving medals, and

finishing a speech, which we intended to give them" (the Journals of Lewis & Clark August 0

1804 ). When Lewis and Clark met with the chiefs they did it under a tree "we sent Mr. Dorion

in a pirogue for the chiefs and warriors, to a council under an oak tree, near where we had a flag

flying on a high flagstaff" (the Journal of Lewis & Clark August 0 1804). To show peace they

would all some the pipe of peace "We smoked out of the pipe of peace, and the chiefs retired to a

bower, made of bushes by their young men" (the Journals of Lewis and Clark August 0 1804).

While Lewis and Clark talked to the chiefs they would observe them to make specific reports

about them "The Sioux are a stout, bold-looking people; the young men handsome and well

made. The greater part of them make use of bows and arrows. Some few fuses [rifles] I

observed among them, notwithstanding they live by the bow and arrow" (the Journals of Lewis &

Clark August 0 1804). After the Indians talked amongst themselves over night they met on the

next day this time it was to close the agreement "After the Indians got their breakfast, the chiefs

met and arranged themselves in a row, with elegant pipes of peace all pointing to our seats. We

came forward, and took our seats. The great chief, The Shake Hand, rose, and spoke at some

length, approving what we had said, and promising to pursue the advise" (the Journals of Lewis

& Clark August 1 1804).While they stayed with the Indians they also took notes of what they

did "Last nigh the Indians danced until late in their dances...This nation is divided into twenty

tribes, possessing separate interests. Collectively, they are numerous-say from two to three

thousand men. Their interests are so unconnected that some band are at war with nations with

which other bands are on the most friendly terms" (the Journals of Lewis & Clark August 1

1804).

While Lewis and Clark were not meeting Indians and taking notes of their acts they

would write about the time they would start walking again and some of the land marks they saw

the rivers they passed or crossed "Set out early...Passed a large island. Opposite this island near

the head, the Ponca River comes into the Missouri from the west. Tins river is about 0 yards

wide" (the Journals of Lewis & Clark September 5 1804 ). Lewis and Clark would keep on

traveling and take notes of everything they saw every animal they found and killed or captured.

"In descending this cupola, discovered a village of small animals that burrow in the

ground...Killed one, and caught one alive, by pouring a great quantity of water in his hole. We

attempted to dig to the beds of one of those animals. After digging 6 feet, found, by running a

pole down, that we were not halfway to his lodge" (the Journals of Lewis & Clark September 7

1804). Lewis and Clark would also make note of the weather that they had "A very cold

morning. Wind S.E. Set out at daylight" (the Journals of Lewis & Clark September 7 1804).

Also, while they were on the expedition they would note all the mountains that they would pass

and how wide and tall they were "We landed after proceeding 51/ miles, near the foot of a

round mountain, which I saw yesterday, resembling a dome. Captain Lewis and myself walked

up to the top, which forms a cone and is about 70 feet higher than the high lands around it. The

base is about 00 feet" (the Journals of Lewis and Clark September 1804). When they would

find an animal that they did not recognize they would give a full description of it. If the

animal had any characteristics of another animal they would compare them "Those animals are

about the size of a small squirrel, shorter [or longer] and thicker, the head much resembling a

squirrel in every respect, except the ears, which they shake, and whistle when alarmed . The

toenails long. They have fine fur and the longer hair is gray" (the Journal of Lewis & Clark

September 7 1804). Lewis and Clark had many of these kinds of reports.

Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to make a better western empire for France. In order to get

what he wanted he would have to get Louisiana back from Spain "Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte

had a vision of a renewed western empire for France, and his schemes included the rapture of

Louisiana from Spain" (The Cabildo 1). Recovering Louisiana from Spain would give him the

opportunity to put a stop to the United States growth and he would supply goods to the French

colonies "Control over this vast territory would halt the westward expansion of the young United

States and would supply French colonies in the West Indies with the goods they needed (The

Cabildo1). Napoleon signed the Treaty of Ildefonso in secret withe Spain, to get Louisiana back "

In 1800, Napoleon signed the secret Treaty of Ildefonso withe Spain" (The Cabildo 1). By

signing this treaty he agreed to give the son-in-law of Spain's king a kingdom "an agreement that

stipulated that France would provide Spain with a kingdom for the son-in-law of Spain's king if

Spain would return Louisiana to France" (The Cabildo 1). All of Napoleon's plans were ruined

when the slaves beat the French resulting for them not to get to Louisiana "Napoleon's plan

collapsed when the twelve-year revolt of slaves and free blacks in the French colony of Saint-

Domingue succeeded, forcing the French troops to return defeated to France and preventing them

from reaching their ultimate destination�Louisiana�and from being able to defeat it" (The

Cabildo 1).

The United State wanted the Louisiana because it was at the mouth of the Mississippi

River and they needed to have free will over how to use the river that way they could use it as

transportation for goods "The United States wanted to acquire the area near New Orleans

primarily to guarantee its right to sail vessels down the Mississippi River through Spanish

territory and unload goods at New Orleans for shipment to the Atlantic coast and Europe.

Moreover, the United States wanted to posses the entire territory of Louisiana" (The Cabildo 1).

When the United States found out about the trading of Louisiana between France and Spain

Robert Levingston was sent to France to try to buy New Orleans from Napoleon "The United

States discovered the transfer of Louisiana from Spain to France and sent Robert Livingston to

France 1801 to try to purchase New Orleans" (The Cabildo 1). When Napoleon did not want to

sell the New Orleans Thomas Jefferson sent James Monroe to make an agreement but before he

could get to France Napoleon offered the United States the whole Louisiana "Napoleon initially

refused, leading President Thomas Jefferson to send James Monroe to secure the deal. However,

in April 180, just days before Monroe was to arrive in Paris, Napoleon offered to sell the United

States not only New Orleans but all of Louisiana (The Cabildo 1). All of the negotiations were

done with James Monroe, Levingston and Barbe-Marbois, the price of Louisiana would be $15

million in total "Napoleon's minister of the treasury, the Marquis de Barbe-Marbois , dealt with

Livingston and Monroe over terms of the Louisiana Purchase. The United States purchased

Louisiana for $11,50,000 and assumed claims of its own citizens against France up to

$,750,000, for a total purchase price of $15 million" (The Cabildo 1). William Charles Cole

Claiborne was elected by Thomas Jefferson to govern the lower part of Louisiana and General

James Wikinson backed Claiborne withe the power of the military "Thomas Jefferson selected

William Charles Cole Claiborne, former governor of the Mississippi territory and highest-

ranking civilian official in the vicinity, to govern lower Louisiana . Backing Claiborne with

military power was General James Wikinson" (The Cabildo ). The United States did not get

Louisiana at once first they got the lower part then they got the rest later on "On December 0.

180, again in The United States took formal possession of the full territory of Louisiana,

although its boundaries were vaguely defined in St. Louis three months later, France handed over

the rights to upper Louisiana" (The Cabildo ).Thomas Jefferson wanted to be remembered for

three accomplishments during his public life he was the third president of the United States he

was governor of Virginia and was the secretary of state under George Washington as vice-

president. "Thomas Jefferson wished to be remembered for three achievements in his public life.

He had served as governor of Virginia, as U.S. minister to France, as secretary of state under

George Washington as vice-president in the administration of John Adams, and as president of

the United States from 1801 to 180 (Thomas Jefferson 1). Even though he wanted people to

remember him for these accomplishments on him tombstone he did not put any of them on it, it

was his will not to "On his tombstone, however, which he designed and for which he wrote the

inscription, there is no mention of these offices. Rather, it reads that Thomas Jefferson was

author "author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statue of Virginia

for the religious freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia" (Thomas Jefferson 1).

If it weren't for the following people and events much of the United States wouldn't have

come into existence Louisiana Purchase, Sacagawea, Jefferson, Lewis, and Clark. Those people

and events are the reason why the western part of the United States exists. Field Enterprises Educational Corporation. The World Book Encyclopedia L. U.S.A.

T 160

Letter from President Thomas Jefferson. AP Online 1August 00

http//www.mt.net/~rojomo/landc.htm

Sacagawea. AP Online 1 August 00

http//montanakids.com/db_engine/presentation.asp?pid=104&sub=The+story+of+sacagawea

The Cabildo. AP Online 1August 00

http//lsm.crt.state.la.us/cabildo/cabildo.htm

the Journals of Lewis & Clark. AP Online 1 August 00

http//www.sierraclub.org/lewisandclark/journal/index.asp?date=8/0/1804&source=Clark

The Discovery of Plants by Lewis and Clark . AP Online 0 August 00

http//montanakids.com/db_engine/presentation.asp?pid=17&sub=Plants

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