Newfoundland Dog Summer Lewis oversees construction of big keelboat in Pittsburgh, then takes it down Ohio River, picking up Clark and some recruits along the way. With Lewis is a Newfoundland dog, Seaman, he has purchased for 20 dollars. Clark brings along York, a slave he has owned since childhood. More men recruited and trained. March 10 Lewis and Clark attend ceremonies in St. Louis formally transferring Louisiana Territory from France to United States.
Members hail from every corner of the young nation.
Reuben and Joseph Field are brothers. George Drouillard, Pierre Cruzatte, Fran ois Labiche are sons of French-Canadian fathers and Indian mothers. Proceeding up Missouri River involves sailing, rowing, using setting poles, and sometimes wading along the bank to pull the boats with cordelling ropes. 14 miles is a good day's progress. August 3 First official council between representatives of United States and western Indians occurs north of present-day Omaha, when Corps of Discovery meets with small delegation of Oto and Missouri Indians.