N3813

Lewis & Clark Expedition - Bicentennial

Fred's Anecdotal Note

Sergeant Charles Floyd

Charles Floyd was one of the first men chosen by the captains for the expedition. Lewis called him "a man of much merit, " and, before starting, he was designated one of the three sergeants along with John Ordway and Nathaniel Pryor. His father had served with George Rogers Clark, Williarm's older brother, and the Floyd family was well thought of. Charles was destined to be the only man lost on the joumey.

As of August 20, 1804, Sergeant Floyd had been extremely ill for several days. Shortly after noon, he asked for a warm bath, and the Corps stopped to accommodate his wish. Before it could be prepared, he said to Clark, "I am going away, I want you to write me a letter." At 2 pm, "with a great deal of composure," he died at age 22. He was buried with full military honors on a high bluff which was given his name. A cedar post marked the grave "Sergeant C. Floyd died here 20th of August 1804." That evening, Lewis wrote, "This man at all times gave us proofs of his firmness and determined resolution to doe service to his countrey ond honor to himself.