Securing and Protecting the Lewis and Clark Journals for Future Generations The Lewis and Clark Journals, Field Notes, Financial Records, artifact collections, maps, and drawings are the “backbone” of the Lewis and Clark story and exploration. These records are a rich heritage for present and future generations to explore. Some scholars and writers have concluded that Thomas Jefferson lost interest in the exploration after the Northwest Passage was found to be only a dream. Their conclusion is inaccurate, at the age of 73, Jefferson was actively engaged in trying to secure the Journals and related material, especially the astronomical observations. (1) Nicholas Biddle had the bulk of the journals and many of the other documents that included the astronomical observations and the Indian statistical table developed by William Clark. Through the repeated request of Thomas Jefferson and William Clark much of the material in the hands of Nicholas Biddle was delivered to the American Philosophical Society. On 8 April 1818, the American Philosophical Society received: Fourteen volumes of the Pocket Journals of Messrs. Lewis and Clark. A volume of astronomical observations & other matter by Captain Lewis. A small copy book containing some notes by Captain Lewis. A rough draft of his letter to the President from St. Louis announcing his return. Two statistical tables of the Indian tribes west of the Mississippi river made by Governor Clark This was a significant collection of the Lewis and Clark documents for the American Philosophical Society (APS), National Park Service – Independence Park, Philadelphia. (2) The collection is open to researchers having advance appointments. The Lewis and Clark Trust, Inc. is grateful to the National Park Service and the many other institutions and archives that protest the thousands of documents from the Lewis and Clark Expedition and post exploration activities. The preserved journals and documents assure us the daily highs and lows, excitements, victories, and failures anchor us to the reality of the expeditions day-by-day. They also vividly remind us, even today, that perseverance, shared responsibility, and pride in accomplishment will win success in every endeavor. Museum at Philosophical Hall – amphilsoc.org
Sources
(1) Cutright, Paul Russell, A History of the Lewis and Clark Journals, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, 1976, page 67- 70. (2) https://www.nps.gov/places/000/library-of-the-american-philosophical-society.htm