The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-01-05

tcereu 20 JOIN MN. Ills instructions were
made out and he had already proceeded IA
far as Kentucky, when, as in the case OF
Ledyard's expedition, this second attempt
for the same object WAS az suddenly brought
20 an end. The French Minister to the
United States. having heard that Mr.. Andre
Michaux, who had been employed by his
government 20 investigate the flora OF Ger
tain parts Of America, had gone with Lewis.
sent messenger TO recall him, with orders
% return 10 his proper duties. Thus the
frcnce Ambassador TO the nited States be-
came TO NJ. Michaux what the Russian EN-
press had been 10 the unfortunate Iedyard.
Mr.. Jefferson was not 90 be deferred from
the purpose which for 50 many years
had engossed his though Is and en-
listed his patriotism. lie continued 10
watch for any opportunity which might pre-
sent chance for the execution Of his de-
signs. The favorable moment had now ar
rived. While he was President, an act Of
Congress passed some years before proyid-
ing for trading facilities with the Western
Indians was about TO expire. lie at once
took advantage OF the circumstance BY
sending a special message 90 Congress re-
commencing its re-enactment with certain
amendments. Chief among these was that
its provisions should be extended 90 the In
dams located far up along the banks Of the
Missouri river. and that an exploring party
should nc the same time be sent 10 prepare
the way for the traffic expected from that
quarter as the result OF this legislation.
To his qualification tho bill was passed by
Congress. money was appropriated tOpay
the expenses OF the expedition. and the
President authorized 20 appoint the leader
Of the enterprise and 20 prepare the neces-
sary instructions. The latter were in sub
stance much the same as those that had
been given 10 Ledyard, except that the di-
rectiOn Of the expedition was reversed. In
this case the party were expected 20 reach
the Pacific by ascending the Missouri river.
in accordance with the instructions give TO
Lewis and MichauX in their late failure
under the auspices Of the Philosophical So
ciety.
This, the third effort to penetrate 10
the Pacific ocean, being by authority Of
and under the direction Of the Unites states
Government. could only fail because Of the
incOmpetency or ineficionce Of the agents
employed. The other two expeditions were
% have been at the risk Of those who were
90 undertake them. II had not been deem
cd necessary even 20 get the consent or the
aid OF the French government The state
Of things was now quite different 1hepur-
chase OF louisiana in 1903, under the aus
pieces Of MIR. jefferson, put the matter upon
a different footing, and he at once took steps
20 realize his long deferred hopes by first
engaging the attention Of the nation, and
then organizing and despatching an ex-
petition within few months after the ac-
QUESTION Of the country.
Meriweather Lewis, who had been select
by the President 10 take charge Of the
second expedition, was now appointed 10
the leadership Of this. lie was, at tnat
time, a captain Of the First Regiment OF the
United states Infantry, but for several
ft.... II Iaear.urifG election IN fIH
Presidency, had been his private secretary
and intimate companion. Lewis came OF an
old and distinguished family in Virginia.
Members of it had occupied prominent posi-
tiOns i'm the colonial government, and others
had afterwards become active participants
i'm the struggle against the mother country,
and especiaily against the Indians, where
their personal prOwess and knowledge OF
the character of their willy enemies, made
them conspicuously successful They
were noted for their personal courage,
nfexible integrity and genial dispositions.
Being connected by marriage with the
Washingtons, Randolphs and other prOmi-
nent families. their social position was
equal 10 any i'm tins state. The subject OF
our immediate notice was born in Albemarle
county, not far from the town Of Charl0ites-
willie. in August. 1774. consequently was IN
the yigOr of youth when he TOOK charge Oh an
undertaking which was 20 make his name
immortal He 10 represented as being Oh
lofty and commanding stature, OF perfectly
pronOrtiOnod figure and gifted with hercu-
lean strength. Having been reared IN the
cotintrg his originally good constitution had
been hardened boy exercise IN the open AR
and i'm the indulgence Of his passion for ield
sports Of all kinds in the pursuit OF when
he excelled by reason Of bis bOdness ana
untiring energy. From his childhood he
had manifested uncommon selt-reliance ana
taste for adventure. II is said Of HIM, "thai
when only eight years Of age he haDllualll
went out in the dead Of night alone win
bis dogs in the forest 10 hunt the raccooh
and opOseum. which seeking their food IN
the night. can only then be taken Nhen
he had made up his mind 20 90 of on one OF
these night hunts nothing could divert MN
from his purpose. nor storm. nor cold OF any
other circumstance. I'm these juvenile CHAR
acteristics may be discovered the germs oui
of which the boy was 10 become iather 10
such a man. ,,.-. ,,..;.,a
Young Lewis education had been limited
To a few wears at a school founded at Nhai-
lottesyille by Mr.. Jefferson, when was inc
CORN of the future University OF virginia
| Ills father died while he was scarcely
'rro,vn. This circumstance obliged him "a
| return 10 his home 10 take charge OF the
| farm. his mother. and younger bIotner
the responsibility Of his position developed
/ habits of industry. caution, and prudence
/ lie was "a close observer, was fond Oh study
iny nature. and had thus made himself
familiar with the beauties ana sluuies
of the vegetable world ana ln'
habits Of animals But the life he wa.
/ then leading soon became tame anc
uneventnll. When about twenty years oil
ace he volunteered i'm the Virginia militia
called out 10 suppress the popular outbreaks
i'm the western country against the taNe'
| laid by the government upon certain 40
nestle commodities.
Having attracted the attention OF ms su
periOrs while in the service, he was alloWe'
a position in the regular army, was maui
"A lieutenant. and at twenty years oil as'
was promoted TO captaincy
rrO RE CONTINUED.