He, however, became entangled in the Genet conspiracy to wrest Florida and Louisiana from Spain, and had to be recalled.
Next in order came the successful Lewis and Clark venture of 1803. This, too, as pointed out above, was undertaken at what seemed a very opportune time in view of what was impending. These several promptings to exploration from Jefferson prove that his interest in the Pacific side of America was at least a live and perennial yearning. An intimation of an expedition to this region from Europe roused him. He seemed especially stirred to action to forestall colonization or permanent occupation of it by any European power.
The line of leaders selected by Jefferson while making these successive efforts may also have significance. The man applied to on the first occasion was George Rogers Clark, of Kaskaskia and Vincennes fame—one with military prestige; then Ledyard, a typical explorer; next came Michaux, a scientist, to go under the auspices of a scientific society; and in 1803 a naturalist, other things equal, would again have been his first choice—if we are to believe what he wrote Doctor Barton on February 27, 1803. He says:
"You know we have been many years wishing- to have the Missouri explored, and whatever river, heading with that, runs into the western ocean. Congress, in some secret proceedings, have yielded to a proposition I made them for permitting me to have it done. It is to be undertaken immediately with a party of about ten, and I have appointed Captain Lewis, my secretary, to conduct it. It was impossible to find a character who, to a complete science in Botany, Natural History, Mineralogy, and Astronomy, joined the firmness of constitution and character, prudence, habits adapted to the woods, and familiarity with the Indian manners and character, requisite for this undertaking. All the latter qualifications Captain Lewis has. Although no regular botanist, etc., he possesses a remarkable store of accurate observation on all the subjects of the three kingdoms, and will therefore readily single out whatever presents itself new to him in either; and he has qualified himself for taking the observations of longitude
