In preparation for their return to Washington City, Meriwether Lewis purchases four horses from Charles Gratiot and goods or services for “public purposes” from William Christy and two other St. Louis merchants.
Bill of Exchange for Charles Gratiot
U.S. National Archives.
Christy’s Bill of Exchange
Saint Louis October 17th. 1806
Sir
My Bill of Exchange No. 111 of this date in favor of William Christy or order, for ninty one—Dollars fifty—Cents is on account of that sum advanced me in Specie, and which when paid will be charged to me on the faith of my final settlement with the party who accompanied me to the Pacific Ocean and for other public purposes
I have the honor to be with due Consideration
Your obt Servt.Meriwether Lewis Capt. 1st U.S, Regt. Infty.[1]National Archives Catalog, Record Group 107: Records of the Secretary of War, Unregistered Letters Received, 1805 THRU 1807, L-MISC-1806, catalog.archives.gov/id/450641036, accessed 21 Dec 2025.
Four New Horses
Saint Louis October 17th. 1806
My Bill of Exchange No. 112 of this date in favor of Charles Gratiot or order, fo[r] the sum of two hundred and sixty dollars is for four horses purchased by me of the said Gratiott for the public services, and which when paid will be charged to me accordingly.—
I am with due consideration and rispect
Your Obt Servt.Meriwether Lewis Capt. 1st U.S, Regt. Infty.[2]Ibid.
- No. 109: John Bustard for $100.00
- No. 110: George Ming for $55.40
Notes
| ↑1 | National Archives Catalog, Record Group 107: Records of the Secretary of War, Unregistered Letters Received, 1805 THRU 1807, L-MISC-1806, catalog.archives.gov/id/450641036, accessed 21 Dec 2025. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | Ibid. |
Experience the Lewis and Clark Trail
The Lewis and Clark Trail Experience—our sister site at lewisandclark.travel—connects the world to people and places on the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Discover More
- The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.
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