own conduct will admit "; they were to impress upon the red men that the United States was not only their friend, but that she was a great and strong power able to afford them full protection. If possible, they should arrange to have a few influential chiefs visit Washington.
Other matters. The President made his instructions complete enough to cover every detail of the work proposed. Climate, soil, plants, animals, curious geological remains, Indian legends—all these and other matters were to be kept in mind, and all possible information secured concerning them. "Should you reach the Pacific Ocean," he said, "inform yourself whether the furs of those parts may not be collected as advantageously at the head of the Missouri ... as at Nootka Sound or any other point of that coast." If so, the trade not only of the Missouri and Columbia, but of the Northwest Coast as well, might be carried across the continent to the eastern seaboard of the United States. One of the most pleasing paragraphs in the instructions is that in which the humane philosopher says to Lewis, "We wish you to err on the side of your safety, and to bring back your party safe, even if it be with less information."
Preparations. Gathering the party. Captain Lewis spent several weeks in Philadelphia, under scientific instructors, and then set out for the West. He expected to get under way up the Missouri before the end of the year 1803. But delays at Pittsburg, where a drunken boat builder kept him waiting a
