May 16, 1803
The necessary instruments
In Washington City, Jefferson writes to Lewis updating him on the expedition’s navigational instruments. Jefferson is undecided about the need for a theodolite and says to refer to his mentors.
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May 7, 1803
Delicate horizon
In Lancaster, Lewis is given a letter to deliver to Robert Patterson in Philadelphia. In it, master surveyor and cartographer Andrew Ellicott discusses a key component of an artificial horizon.
April 30, 1803
Corn mills
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Lewis receives training in celestial navigation from Andrew Ellicott while in Washington City, President Jefferson suggests the expedition take some corn mills with them.
April 27, 1803
Philadelphia mentors
Jefferson tells Lewis of the mentors waiting for him in Philadelphia and informs the public that the expedition is headed to the Mississippi. In Paris, the price for Louisiana’s purchase is negotiated.
April 22, 1803
Lewis's replacement notified
In Washington City, Thomas Jefferson writes to his new secretary, Lewis Harvie, informing him of Lewis’s detention at Harpers Ferry and discusses Spain’s cession of New Orleans to France.
April 15, 1803
Order for portable soup
From Frederick, Maryland, Lewis writes a letter to the Superintendent of Schuylkill Arsenal ordering two hundred pounds of portable soup—a reduced gelatinous mixture that can be stored in tin cans.
April 13, 1803
Of vast importance
In Washington City, Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin asks Thomas Jefferson to include a report on the fertility of the soil and species of trees his list of questions for Meriwether Lewis.
April 10, 1803
Napoleon renounces Louisiana
Napoleon decides to sell the entire Louisiana colony to the United States forever altering the history of the younger nation and a decision necessary for the success of Jefferson’s Western Expedition.
March 18, 1803
The smallpox vaccine
Cambridge, MA Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse sends Thomas Jefferson his latest book on the smallpox vaccine which includes letters to and from Jefferson about the subject.
March 16, 1803
Jefferson's letter made public
Richmond, VA The Richmond Recorder reprints Thomas Jefferson’s letter to Kentucky governor James Gerrard, explaining the administration’s effort to solve the closure of New Orleans through diplomatic means.
March 9, 1803
Thornton's Recapitulation
Philadelphia, PA The British Ambassador writes a letter to his superior explaining why he issued a British passport to Meriwether Lewis. En route to Monticello, Jefferson reaches Culpeper, Virginia.
March 4, 1803
Jefferson's secret plans
Washington, DC Louis-André Pichon, secretary to the French legation to the United States, explains with remarkable detail and accuracy Jefferson’s secret plans for the Western Expedition.
March 2, 1803
Madison's instructions
Washington, DC James Madison writes his instructions for negotiations with France, Thomas Jefferson asks Robert Patterson to tutor Meriwether Lewis, and the Board of Agriculture’s appeal to the American citizens is published.
February 28, 1803
Philadelphia mentors
Washington, DC Thomas Jefferson signs the bill authorizing the expedition and asks for help from Benjamin Rush and Caspar Wistar. Lewis is issued a British passport.
February 22, 1803
Expedition funded
In Washington City, the Senate approves Jefferson’s request to fund the expedition. Also, the American Board of Agriculture organizes with Lewis as a member representing the District of Columbia.
February 20, 1803
Rodney asks Jefferson
Dover, DE Thomas Rodney asks President Thomas Jefferson for a federal position. His eventual appointments in the Mississippi Territory led him to travel down the Ohio at the same time as Lewis.
February 19, 1803
Stoddard's orders
Washington, DC Captain Stoddard receives orders to pick up tools at Fort Fayette and proceed to Kaskaskia, and Thomas Jefferson criticizes Senator Ross’ attempt to raise a force to take New Orleans by force.
February 18, 1803
Livingston's strategy
Paris, France French envoy Robert Livingston explains his strategy to convince France to cede territory in West Florida and Louisiana. Jefferson advances Lewis $15.
February 7, 1803
Thomas Rodney recommended
Pennsylvania Governor Thomas McKean asks President Thomas Jefferson to find a Federal appointment for Thomas Rodney, who would parallel and intersect with Lewis’s travel down the Ohio next fall.
February 2, 1803
Harrison's nomination
Washington, DC President Thomas Jefferson nominates William Henry Harrison to another term as governor of the Illinois Territory.
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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).