The Eighteen Toasts

When the Lewis and Clark Expedition returned to St. Louis on 23 September 1806, William Clark recorded that the explorers were “met by all the village and received a harty welcom from it’s inhabitants.” Just how “harty” that welcome was became clear when two days later prominent St. Louis citizens celebrated the expedition’s return with a grand dinner and ball. The event was held at the inn operated by William Christy, a noted city businessman, politician, and someone Clark described as “my old acquaintance.”

Because St. Louis did not have a newspaper until 1808, the only report of the festivities appeared in the Frankfort, Kentucky Western World for October 11, 1806. It is here reprinted.^[2]The author would like to thank his good friend James Holmberg, Curator of Manuscripts at The Filson Club, Louisville, Kentucky, for helping him obtain a copy of this very rare issue of The Western … Continue reading

Arrival of Captains Lewis and Clark At St. Louis

This desirable and unexpected event, took place on Tuesday, the 23rd of this instant, about the hour of 10 o’clock in the morning. On Monday evening the news reached this place, that Captains Lewis and Clark had arrived at the cantonment; near the mouth of the Missouri; and the great concourse of people that lined the bank of the river at the time of their landing at this place the next day, must be considered as a strong evidence of the respect entertained of those gentlemen for the danger and difficulties they must have encountered in their expedition of discovery. But the citizens of St. Louis, anxious to evince fully their joy at this event, (which cannot but be considered as very interesting to every American) united in celebrating their arrival by a splendid dinner at Christy’s Inn, on the 25th, which was succeeded by a Ball in the evening. The respectable number of persons who attended both the dinner and ball, given on the occasion, together with the unanimity which prevailed throughout the company, cannot but be esteemed an honorable testimony of the respect entertained for those characters who are willing to encounter, fatigue and hunger for the benefit of their fellow citizens: but what is not due to those who penetrate the gloom of unexplored regions, to expel the mists of ignorance which envelope science, and overshadow their country?

The following were the Toasts drank at the Dinner:

1. The president of the United States—The friend of science, the polar star of discovery, the philosopher and the patriot.
2. The Heads of Department—The pillars that support the world’s best hope.
3. The Missouri expedition—May the knowledge of the newly explored regions of the West, be the least benefit that we may derive from this painful and perilous expedition.
4. The hardy followers of Captains Lewis and Clark—May they be rewarded by the esteem of their fellow citizens.
5. The United States—Whilst they tolerate a spirit of enquiry, may never forget, that united they stand – but divided they fall.
6. The Territory of Louisiana—Freedom without bloodshed, may her actions duly appreciate the blessing.
7. The memory of Christopher Columbus—May those who imitate his hardihood, perseverence [sic] and merit, never have, like him, to encounter public ingratitude.
8. The Federal Constitution—may the Eagle of America convey it to the remotest regions of the globe; and whilst they read they cannot but admire.
9. The memory of the illustrious Washington, the father of America—May his guardian spirit still watch over us, and prove a terror to the engines of despotism.
10. The Capitol of the United States—May the goddess of liberty, never cease to preside there.
11. Peace with all nations; but submission to none.
12. The Commerce of the United States—The basis for the political elevation of America.
13. Agriculture and Industry—The farmer is the best support of government.
14. Our fathers who shed their blood and laid down their lives to purchase our independence—May we emulate their actions, and inherit their virtues.
15. The Missouri—Under the auspices of America, may it prove a vehicle of wealth to all the nations of the world.
16. Our National Council—May the baneful influence of private ambition and political intrigue, be ever expelled thence by the genuine spirit of republicanism.
17. The fair daughters of Louisiana—May they ever bestow their smiles on hardihood and virtuous valor.

After Capts. Lewis and Clark retired:

18. Captains Lewis and Clark—Their perilous services endear them to every American heart.