Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1917-04-25
CHAPTER TX.
The Partino.

smile, but which at that time represent
ed the wisdom Of the world regarding
the interior uf the great North Ameri-
can continent. It had served to afford
anxious study for two men these many
hours.
"Yonder it lies, Captain Lewis" said
Mr.. Jefferson at length. "How vast,
how little known! We know our eli.
mate and soil here. It Is but reason
able to suppose that they exist yonder
as they do with us, in some part at
least. If SO, yonder are homes for mil
lions now unborn. Had General Bona
parte known the value Of that land he
would have fought the world rather
than ALLEVIATE such a region"
The president tapped long forefin-
ger on the map.
"This, then," he went on, "is your
country. Find it out-bring back to
me examples Of its soil, its products, its
vegetable and animal life. Espy out
especially for us any strange animals
there may be Of which science has not
yet account. I hold it probable that
there may be yonder living examples Of
the mastodon, whose bones we have
found in Kentucky. You yourself may
see those enormous creatures yet alive"
Meriwether Lewis listened in silence.
Mr.. Jefferson turned to another branch
Of his theme.
II fancy that some time there will be
a canal built across the isthmus that
binds this continent to the one below
canal which shall connect the two
great oceans. But that is far in the
future. 1t is for you to spy out the
way now across the country itself. Ex-
plore it-discover tit is our new
world.
"A few must think for the many" he
went ON. II had to smuggle this APP
preparation through congress 81 800
the price of a poor Virginia farm! !
have tempered with the constitution It.
self in order to make this purchase of
q country not included in our original
territorial lines. I have taken my own
chances-just as you must take yours
now. The finger of God will be your
guide and your protector. Are you
ready, Captain Lewis? 1t is late"
Indeed. the sun was rising over
Washington; the mists of morning
were reeking along the banks of the
Potomac.
II can start in half an hour" re-
piled Meriwether Lewis.
"Are your men ready. your supplies
gathered together?"
1.-THE rendezvous is at Harpers Fer
ry, up the river. The wagons with the
supplies are ready there. l will take
boat from here myself with few of
the men. Not later than tomorrow
afternoon promise that we will be
on our way. We burn the bridges be-
hind us and cross none until we come
to them"
Spoken like II soldier: 1t is in your
hands. Go then"
There was one look, one hand clasp.
The two men parted. Nor did they
meet again for years.
The sun still was young when Meri-
wether Lewis at length descended the
steps Of the executive mansion.
He was clad now for his journey.
not in buckskin hunting garb. but with
regard for the conventions Of coun-
try by no means free OF convention.
His jacket was Of close wool. belted;
his boots were high and suitable for
riding. His stock. snowy white-for
always Meriwether Lewis was immac-
ulate-rose high around his throat in
spite of the hot summer season. and
bis hands were gloved. He seemed
soldier, leader, officer and gentleman.
No retinue. however. attended him:
no servant was at his side. He went
afoot and carried with him his most
precious luggage-the long rife which
be never intrusted to any hands save
his own. Close wrapped around the
stock, on the crook Of his arm and not
yet slung over his shoulder, was a
soiled buckskin pouch which went al
ways with the rife. the possible sack"
If the wilderness hunter Of that time.
It contained his bullets. bullet molds.
hints, bar or two Of lead, some tin.
Ter for printing. set Of avis.
Such was the leader Of one OF the
great expeditions Of the world.
Meriwether Lewis had few goodbys
% say. He had written but one letter.
% his mother. late the previous even.
ng. 1t was worded thus:
The day after tomorrow shall set out
or the western country. l had calculat-
d on the pleasure OF visiting you before |
started. but circumstances have render
d 1t impossible. My absence will probably
70 equal to fifteen or eighteen months
The nature Of this expedition Is by no
means dangerous. My route will be alto
ether through tribes of Indians friendly
o the United States; therefore ] consider |
he chances of life just as much In my
avor as should conceive them were ! to
emain at home. The charge Of this expe- |
ition is honorable to myself, as it is i'm
ortant to my country.
For its fatigues feel myself perfectly
repaired, nor do 1 doubt my health and
trength of constitution to bear me
trough 1t. go with the most perfect
reconviction In my own mind of return
,g safe and hope, therefore that you
I'LL not suffer yourself to indulge in any
nxiety for my safety.
1Klu Xrite aRatQ On ny arrival II Pitts