Meriwether Lewis. Source - PBS. |
Meriwether Lewis was a Virginian and protégé of Thomas Jefferson. Lewis was familiar with western life. Once, he was stationed at a Mississippi River fort, traveled across Kentucky, and canoed the Ohio River. He was probably the most fascinating member of the expedition, but also the most complex. He suffered from serious emotional problems and was impulsive. Lewis had what Jefferson described as "occasional depressions of the mind." Yet, he enjoyed a close personal relationship with Thomas Jefferson and knew Jefferson's mind. He was Jefferson's handpicked man for Jefferson's pet project — exploration of the Louisiana Territory. He would become Jefferson's eyes and ears in the West.
President Jefferson worked closely with Meriwether Lewis to ensure that he was well prepared in anticipating what the party would need in the way of arms, food, medicines, camping gear, scientific instruments, and presents for the Indians. The two men prepared well. While the expedition ran out of such luxuries as whiskey, tobacco, and salt, they never ran out of rifles and powder. The latter were needed for self-defense and as a means of acquiring food. They also never ran out of ink and paper, needed to record their findings.
Unfortunately, after the expedition, Jefferson appointed Lewis as Governor of Louisiana. It was a mistake because Lewis was not a politician, and he became involved in land speculation and took to drinking very heavily. He sank into a depression. His creditors started calling in his debts, and Lewis became a physical wreck due to drugs (to treat malaria) and alcohol. He became suicidal and killed himself in 1809. It was a very unfortunate end for a man who had great character, great integrity, and a keen sense of leadership.
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The Louisiana Purchase "Opens" the West