Meeting with the Secretary-of -War

18 December (Note: Handwriting for the date only is questionable). my lodging at Mr. O Neels Rooming house ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ at 10 dol. Pr Week and went to see the Secretary of War had a long talk abt. gov. Lewis, pointed out his intentions, & views for his protest, Declaired (declared) the gov. had not lost the confidence of the gov.

(Note at the bottom of page)

Hask 1.25. post S. $3.75. hand for Letters

Editorial Note: A second page dated, 18 December 1809, has similar information but in greater detail. Apparently, William wanted to amplify on that day’s events and the meeting with Secretary William Eustis. After concern for his family, including Scott, Chloe, and Rachel, Willam had three missions in Washington. One, settlement of his rejected bill-of-exchange, Two, settle Meriwether Lewis’ rejected bill-of-change, Three, secure the expedition journals. Clark’s meeting with the Secretary of War would start the process of justifying the rejected bill-of-exchange for himself and Lewis before securing the journals.

18^th Dec. 1809 Tuesday arrives at City of Washington and took my Board at Mr. W. (William) Oneals (O’Neal) ⁽¹⁾ at 10 Dol. for week with Mr. (John Wayles) Epps. ⁽²⁾ Mr (William Branch) giles ⁽³⁾ Mr. (Benjamin) Howard ⁽⁴⁾

Visited the Secy of War ⁽⁵⁾ as stated on the other side. Recved letters 3 Maj(or) (William) Christy. ⁽⁶⁾ 1 Judge Coburn, ⁽⁷⁾ 1 Col. Edgar ⁽⁸⁾. 1 W.(illiam) Morrison. ⁽⁹⁾ 1 Bro(ther) Jon(athan) ⁽¹⁰⁾. 1 John Croghan^{. (11)} Dr. Hale ⁽¹²⁾ Statement inclosed in a record of Mr. W(illiam) Pope ⁽¹³⁾ and one from my Angel ⁽¹⁴⁾ which. Concerned me much to find that She was uneasy the reports of various persons but as I feel the rectitude of my own conduct, I fear nothing that can be paid by malignant packs.

For the transactions after this I shall enter in another Book. Comence today (See Book. 6). The entry “See Book 6” is in an unknown handwriting).