the Columbia River. The very next year
after that I engaged the scientist Michaux to explore in that
direction; but he likewise failed.

"All my life I have seen what great opportunities would be ours if
once we owned that vast country yonder. As a private citizen I planned
that we should at least explore it--always it was my dream to know
more of it. It being clear to me that the future of our republic lay
not to the east, but to the west of the Alleghanies--indeed, to the
west of the Mississippi itself--never have I relinquished the ambition
that I have so long entertained. Never have I forgotten the dream
which animated me even in my younger years. I am here now to announce
to you, so that you may announce to all the world, certain news which
I have here regarding that Western region, which never was ours, but
which I always wished might be ours."

With the middle finger of his left hand the President flicked at the
mysterious bit of crumpled paper still held aloft in his right. There
was silence all down the long table.

"More than a year ago I once more chose a messenger into that
country," went on Thomas Jefferson. "I chose a leader of exploration,
of discovery. I chose him because I knew I could trust in his loyalty,
in his judgment, in his courage. Well and thoroughly he has fitted
himself for that leadership."

He turned his gaze contemplatively down the long table. The gaze of
many of his guests followed his, still wonderingly, as he went on.

"My leader for this expedition into the West, which I planned more
than a year ago, is here with you now. Captain Meriwether Lewis, will
you stand up for a moment? I wish to present you to these, my
friends."

With wonder, doubt, and, indeed, a certain perturbation at the
President's unexpected summons, the young Virginian rose to his feet
and stood gazing questioningly at his chief.

"I know your modesty as well as your courage, Captain Lewis," smiled
Mr. Jefferson. "You may be seated, sir, since now we all know you.

"Let me say to you others that I have had opportunity of knowing my
captain of this magnificent adventure. In years he is not yet thirty,
but he is and always was a leader, mature, wise, calm, and resolved.
Of courage undaunted, possessing a firmness and perseverance of
purpose which nothing but impossibilities can divert from its
direction; careful as a father of those committed to his charge, and
yet steady in the maintenance of order and disci