Chapter 8 Washington to Pittsburgh June - August 1803 Summary and Analysis

Lewis returns to Washington and spends several critical weeks with Jefferson. Copies of the voyage orders document are circulated among Jefferson's intimate circle and various revisions are proposed and accepted. Lewis meanwhile continues to gather maps and fragmentary knowledge of the deep interior of the continent. Jefferson writes and signs a carte blanche order allowing Lewis to draw any funds or equipment from any branch or station of the United States Government; it also requests private enterprises to assist Lewis so far as practicable and orders military installations to cooperate with Lewis in any circumstance. The author notes the document is the most unlimited letter of credit ever issued by an American president.

During this time, a second officer was considered indispensable to the voyage's success; Lewis immediately extends...