In Washington City, Louis-André Pichon, secretary to the French legation to the United States, explains with remarkable detail and accuracy President Jefferson‘s supposedly secret plans for the Western Expedition.
Jefferson’s Secret Plans
Citizen Minister [Charles Talleyrand],
Georgetown 13 Ventose Year 11 [4 march 1803]
For a long time Mr. Jefferson has been concerned with the means of exploring the sources of the Missouri beyond which he supposes must be found those of the river Origan which flows into the Pacific Ocean, and of which only the mouth is known; I believe that is the river named, if I am not mistaken, the river Columbia by the explorer McKenzie.
. . . . .
He [Jefferson] explained his purpose to me, on the big map by Arrow Smith.
. . . the expedition is entrusted to a Capt. Merrywether [Meriwether Lewis]; I have not been able to determine the number of men who are accompanying him. The President told me that it would be eight or ten, if my memory is correct. The travelers must return by sea. They will find an opportunity on the Northwest coast, even by American ships.
Citizen Minister, accept my respects,
L. A. Pichon[1]Louis-André Pichon to Charles Maurice Talleyrand in Letters of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with Related Documents: 1783-1854, 2nd ed., ed. Donald Jackson (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, … Continue reading
Pichon’s Ask
Pichon to James Madison (1802)
Manuscripts and Archives Division, The New York Public Library. “Letter from From Louis-André Pichon” New York Public Library Digital Collections, https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/30151560-8ee5-0132-9f18-58d385a7b928 accessed 8 May 2022.
In his letter to James Madison, Louis-André Pichon discusses the detainment of some American sailors in Barbados. The portion shown above reads,
My present difficulties have nearly broke my heart both as a french man and as the agent of my country.
If it could be by any means obtained could not, Sir, the Government put in my hands the whole amount of the claims. I will pay Mr < Cheriot?> immediately <on> my bill. I beg, sir you will accept of the assurance of my sincere regard and respect.
L. A. Pichon[2]2 April 1802, Founders Online, National Archives, founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/02-03-02-0113 accessed 8 May 2022. [Original source: The Papers of James Madison, Secretary of State Series, … Continue reading
Notes
| ↑1 | Louis-André Pichon to Charles Maurice Talleyrand in Letters of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with Related Documents: 1783-1854, 2nd ed., ed. Donald Jackson (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1978), 22–23. |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | 2 April 1802, Founders Online, National Archives, founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/02-03-02-0113 accessed 8 May 2022. [Original source: The Papers of James Madison, Secretary of State Series, vol. 3, 1 March–6 October 1802, ed. David B. Mattern, J. C. A. Stagg, Jeanne Kerr Cross, and Susan Holbrook Perdue [Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia, 1995], 95–96.] |
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.
This site is provided as a public service by the
Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance
with cooperation and funding from the following organizations:
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
- Montana Committee for the Humanities
- Idaho Governor's Lewis and Clark Trail Committee
- The Capital Gallery (Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation)
- Yellowstone Public Radio
Unless otherwise noted, journal excerpts are from The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, edited by Gary E. Moulton, 13 vols. (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1983-2001).