Step 1: Who goes?

"... A judicious choice of our party is of the greatest importance to the success of this vast enterprise ..." William Clark, Aug. 3, 1803

uring the spring and summer of 1803, correspondence flew back and forth between Thomas Jefferson, Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark about the qualifications of the men needed for the expedition.

Think like a leader. What should your requirements be for members of this expedition?

A. "Stout, healthy men" who were "accustomed to the woods" and capable of bearing "bodily fatigue" in a pretty considerable degree.
B. Soldiers accustomed to following orders and serving in the western frontier forts who would be drafted into the expedition.
C. Well-educated "young gentlemen" who could read, write and draw.