N3822

Lewis & Clark Expedition - Bicentennial

Fred's Anecdotal Note

Meriwether Lewis on the Prairie

In October of 1804, Captain Lewis spent most days on shore venturing inland from the river. Often he went alone with his dog, Seaman. His usual dress was a fringed deerskin jacket, broadcloth pants, a tri-cornered leather hat, and buffalo hide moccasins. He carried his rifle, a knife, a pistol, a powder horn and lead ball (bullets), jerky to eat, and a knapsack which contained his notebook for observations. He also carried an espontoon which was a pike-like weapon often carried by infantry officers as a synbol of authority. About 6 feet long with a wooden shaft and metal blade, Lewis used it as a walking stick, weapon of last resort, and most importantly, a support rest for his rifle on long shots. This was made possible by a cross bar at shoulder height on which the barrel of his rifle could be placed for a long-distance shot, thus improving accuracy. It should be noted that Lewis was an expert marksman. During those long solitary walks, Lewis would collect plant and animal specimens and note the physical characteristics of the land and soil.

A small sampling of his comments speaks volumes. Re: jackrabbit - "They appeor to run with more ease and to bound with greater agility than any animal I ever saw. " Re: prairie dogs - "The whole of the plain was intirely occupied by the burrows of the barking squril." Re: pronghoms - "Extremely shye and watchfull" and with speed that appeared tobe "the rappid fiight of birds than the motion of quadrapeds. " Meriwether Lewis, day

after day, fulfilled President Jefferson's vision of discovery.