N3814

Lewis & Clark Expedition - Bicentennial

Fred's Anecdotal Note

Seaman - The Black Newfoundland

In August of 1803, Lewis was in Pittsburgh experiencing a delay in the construction of the keelboat. While passing the time, he chanced upon a large, beautiful dog which he bought for $20. He named the black Newfoundland Seaman. During the expedition, the "newf" proved to be a good companion and a valuable asset. On May 29, 1805, the camp was sleeping when a huge bull bison charged through. "My dog saved us by causing him to change course...we were happy to find no one hirt." ln the summer of 1805, grizzlies were a constant threat. Lewis wrote, "Our dog gives us timely notice of their visits, he keeps constantly padroling all night. " On April 11, 1806, three Chinooks stole Seaman. Lewis was enraged and sent a party to rescue him writing,  "If they made the least resistance in surrendering the dog to fire on them. " The thieves were not ready to die, and Seaman was recovered. It must have been a comfort to the men that during the entire expedition on guard each night, ready to give the alert to danger from man or beast, was the vigilant black Newfoundland.