Chapter 32 - Five Fingers Parted through Chapter 35 - The Final Word and Author's Note Summary

In Chapter 32 - Five Fingers Parted, Clark describes the rationale that leads to the expedition reorganizing into five separate parties, each with a specific goal. One small group carries a letter to a British agent and transports most of the horses to the Mandan villages. Lewis takes another group to search for the Blackfoot Indians and seek an enduring peace settlement. Clark takes another group to search for a better passage across the mountains. Yet another group would take the canoes and equipment by river. The five smaller groups plan to meet again at the Mandan villages. Clark's portion of the expedition is uneventful. Lewis' overture to the Blackfeet Indian is refused and ends in bloodshed and...