Quotes from Lewis and Clark Meriwether Lewis e William Clark

Ocian in view! O! the joy!

Context: William Clark writes this iconic exclamation on November 7, 1805. It marks the moment the expedition first glimpsed the Pacific Ocean, signifying the near completion of their arduous westward journey and capturing their immense relief and excitement.

Great joy in camp we are in number 1.

Context: William Clark records this on August 12, 1805, after Meriwether Lewis and his small scouting party successfully located the Shoshone Indians. This discovery was critical for acquiring the horses needed to cross the Rocky Mountains and brought significant relief to the expedition.

We discovered a remarkable mountain in the South, which we called 'Mount Hood'.

Context: William Clark notes this discovery on October 18, 1805, as the expedition navigated the Columbia River. This entry highlights their ongoing role in mapping and documenting significant geographical landmarks of the unexplored American West.

I saw some of the most beautiful women I have ever seen among the natives of America.

Context: William Clark writes this observation on October 20, 1805, noting the women among the Walla Walla or Umatilla people. It illustrates the expedition's continuous engagement with and detailed observations of diverse indigenous cultures.

The fog was so thick we could not see an object a few paces distant.

Context: William Clark frequently describes the challenging weather at Fort Clatsop, such as this entry from January 24, 1806. Such daily records emphasize the persistent hardships and environmental challenges faced by the expedition during their winter encampment.

This day I completed my thirty-first year, and in celebrating it, I could not but feel more sensibly the progress of time and the shortness of life.

Context: Meriwether Lewis pens this introspective reflection on his birthday, August 18, 1805, amidst the vast wilderness. This rare personal entry offers a glimpse into his thoughts on mortality and the passage of time during their extraordinary journey.

The most formidable of all the inhabitants of the wilderness.

Context: Meriwether Lewis uses this vivid phrase on May 5, 1805, to describe the grizzly bear after several challenging encounters. It highlights the awe and danger the explorers felt regarding this powerful and previously unknown species.

We are now about to penetrate a country at least two thousand miles in width, on which the foot of civilized man had never trodden.

Context: Meriwether Lewis writes this on May 14, 1804, at the outset of the expedition from Camp Dubois. It eloquently captures the immense scale and uncharted nature of their undertaking, setting the tone for their journey into the unknown American interior.

We were all very much pleased at the change of diet and the agreeable taste of the fresh meat.

Context: Meriwether Lewis records the expedition's delight on April 18, 1805, after successfully hunting game and enjoying fresh meat. This entry illustrates the daily struggle for sustenance and the simple yet profound pleasures derived from their challenging environment.

I determined to proceed on, and if I could not find the Indians, to go on myself, and by the assistance of my guides, find a practicable road across the mountains.

Context: Meriwether Lewis expresses his resolute leadership and determination on August 11, 1805, before the crucial meeting with the Shoshone. This entry demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the expedition's progress, even in the face of immense uncertainty.