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Terrific letter from William Clark to his brother on the Lewis & Clark Expedition...
Terrific letter from William Clark to his brother on the Lewis & Clark Expedition...
Item # 715523
November 13, 1806
BOSTON GAZETTE, Nov. 13, 1806 Taking nearly a full column on the front page is an extraordinary letter that is prefaced with: "TRAVELS IN AMERICA". The following letter presents an interesting and authentic account of the important discoveries which have been made by Captains Clark and Lewis, in their successful attempt to find a new and more direct passage to the Pacific Ocean."
We don't believe this letter was picked up by many newspapers of the era.
It is dated at: "St. Louis, 23rd September, 1806", carries over to take half a column on page 2 where it is signed in type: "I am your affectionate brother, WM. CLARK."
It is a truly wonderful account of their journey both west and then east with much interesting detail.
The letter begins with noting his arrival at St. Louis: "We arrived at this place at 12 o'clock today, from the Pacific Ocean, where we remained during the last winter near the entrance of the Columbia River..." followed by a wealth of fine reading. A few bits include: "...we went out, in order the more effectually to explore the country and discover the most practicable route which does exist across the continents by the way of the Missouri and Columbia rivers: In this we were completely successful...we have discovered the best route which does exist across the continent of North America...total distance from the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi, to the discharge of the Columbia into the Pacific Ocean 3555 miles...On the 17th of Nov. we reached the ocean, where various considerations induced us to spend the winter..." and much, much more.
Four pages, never-trimmed at three of the margins, very nice condition.
Category: Pre-Civil War
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