For a intermediate level classe
Don't go too fast, most of them need a slow speed.
Thanks a lot
William Clark once called the expedition a vast enterprise; large, multi-faceted, planned meticulously, it was the product of many minds, many hands, hopes, dreams and many ambitions.
Its planning reflected the restless intellect of President Thomas Jefferson, his cabinet and some of the best scientific minds of the day. Once launched, the enterprise depended on the sweat and toil of roughly 50 people, including one African American, several men of both European and Native American descent and eventually one Native American woman and her infant son.
Lewis was just 29 years old, Clark 33, both single. Like the men they recruited, they were brave, resourceful and tough. They were both army veterans, skilled hunters, experienced backwoods travellers, and they were smart. Each, in his own way, possessed an avid curiosity, a hunger for knowledge, a doggedness about chasing down the facts. They were also funny, bawdy, fond of satire and occasional sarcasm. They must have been good company.
Lewis had more formal education, both in childhood and as President Jefferson’s personal secretary. Thanks to Jefferson, he had training in a variety of scientific disciplines. He was also a confident, practical doctor and understood the medicinal quality of plants. Clark was the cartographer, the map-maker, the better boatman and, apparently, the more consistent journalist. He had the more level head, the sunnier temperament and he led the longer, happier life.
