The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1851-06-05

Regions Of South America.
At the acquisition Of Louisiana, little was known
of the geography and products Of the vast territory
In fact the principal inducement with the Ameri-
can Government, was the possession Of the Missis-
sippi River. The rapid settlement Of the West;
the impossibility Of carrying on the, exports and
Imports the Aleghanies and the absolute neoes-
sty d the free navigation Of this river, operated on
the democratic party, which then had the ascen-
dancy, and led to the usurpation Of power not
conferred in the Constitution. The purchase of
Louisiana was undoubtedly the most important
measure which has ever been accomplished by the
American Government Mr.. Jefferson imme-
diately recommended the sending out Of an explor-
ing parry, and when the necessary law was passed,
he gave the command to Capt. Meriwether Lewis,
his private secretary Capt William Clarke was
the second in command. The party consisted of
twenv-eight men, besides the two officers. They
had mo surgeon Their directions were to enter
the Missouri atits mouth and ascend to its source
thence across the mountains by the shortest route
to the first navigable water on the western side,
which they were to follow as far as the shores Of
the Pacific Ocean, and then return. They entered
the Missouri on the 18th of April, 1904, and took
up their winter quarters the lst Of November in
the country Of the Mandans, distance of 1863
miles. They resumed their voyage on the 7th Of
April, and on the 18th Of August, reached the
highest navigable point, distance of 5000
miles from the mouth. Here they procured horses
and crossed the mountains, only distance of sixty
miles, and having reached one of the branches Of
| the Columbia River, they descended to its mouth
which was reached on the 18th of November On
the 9th of March, 1906, they set out on theil
return, and reached st. Louis on the 23d of Sep.
tehber, after journey of 5000 miles. The add.
tons to the geographical knowledge of the country
Il were valuable. Lewis and Clarke are not natural
lists and give but scanty descriptions Of the geology
and botany Of the vast regions over which they
passed But the face of the country, and the char
acter habits and strength of the Indian tribes,
particularly engaged their attention. The great
| length Of time spent in the upward trip, was owing
to the use Of barges, which had to be worked up
stream. This expedition excited lively interest,
only in this country, but among the learned in
Europe. Captain Lewis was appointed Governor
of Louisiana Territory, which embraced all the
country North of the present State of this name,
and West Of the Mississippi.
The journal was in preparation when it was
| retarded by melancholy event. Captain Lewis,
who had it in charge while in the Indian country,
on his way to Washington, committed suicide. 1t
was at first supposed that he had been murdered,
but the evidence showed clearly that he had fallen
avictim to hypochondria. The work was completed
by Captain Clarke, who was appointed Governor Of
the Northwest Territory.
| A very handsome English edition appeared
sbortly after its publication in this country. 1t
compares respectfully with the achievements Of