LXXIV. LXXIV
LEWIS TO MAJOR AMOS STODDARD
LXXIV. [From original MS. in possession of Missouri Historical Society.]
Fort Pickering Chickesaw Bluffs, September 22nd, 1809.
Dear Majr: I must acknowledge myself remiss in not writing you
in answer to several friendly epistles which I have received from you
since my return from the Pacific Ocean. continued occupation in the
immediate discharge of the duties of a public station will I trust in some
measure plead my apology.
I am now on my way to the city of Washington and had contemplated
taking Fort Adams and Orlianes in my rout, but my indisposition
has induced me to change my rout and shall now pass through
Tennessee and Virginia, the protest of some bills which I have lately
drawn on public account form the principal inducement for my going
forward at this moment. an explanation is all that is necessary I am
sensible to put all matters right, in the mean time the protest of a draught
however just has drawn upon me at one moment all my private debts
which have excessively embarrassed me. I hope you will therefore
pardon me for asking you to remit as soon as is convenient the sum
of $200 which you have informed me you hold for me I calculated
on having the pleasure to see you at Fort Adams as I passed, but am
Informed by Capt Russel the commanding officer of this place that you
are stationed on the West side of the Mississippi.
You will direct to me at the City of Washington untill the last of
December after which I expect I shall be on my return to St. Louis.
Your sincere friend, &
Obt servant
Meriwether Lewis.
[Superscription:] "To Maj. Amos Stoddard. Fort. Adams. Readdressed to Washington City."
