XL. XL
JEFFERSON TO LEWIS
XL. [From original MS. in Bureau of Rolls—Jefferson Papers, series 1, vol. 10, doc. 1.]
Washington, Jan. 13, 1804.
Dear Sir: I wrote you last on the 16th. of Nov. since which I have
recieved no letter from you. the newspapers inform us you left
Kaskaskia about the 8th. of December. I hope you will have recieved
my letter by that day, or very soon after; written in a belief it would
be better that you should not enter the Missouri till the spring; yet not
absolutly controuling your own judgment formed on the spot. we have
not heard of the delivery of Louisiana to us as yet, tho' we have no
doubt it took place about the 20th. of December, and that orders were at
the same time expedited to evacuate the upper posts, troops of ours
being in readiness & under orders to take possession. the change will
probably have taken place before you recieve this letter, and facilitate
your proceeding. I now inclose you a map of the Missouri as far as
the Mendans, 12 or 1500 miles I presume above it's mouth. it is said
to be very accurate having been done by a mr Evans by order of the
Spanish government, but whether he corrected by astronomical observation
or not we are not informed. I hope this will reach you before
your final departure. the acquisition of the country through which you
are to pass has inspired the public generally with a great deal of interest
in your enterprise. the enquiries are perpetual as to your progress.
The Fed.[eralists] alone still treat it as philosophism and would rejoice
in it's failure. their bitterness increases with the diminution of their
numbers and despair of a resurrection. I hope you will take care of
yourself, and be the living witness of their malice and folly. present
my salutations to mr Clarke, assure all your party that we have our
eyes turned on them with anxiety for their safety & the success of their
enterprise. accept yourself assurances of sincere esteem & attachment.
Th. Jefferson.
Capt. Meriwether Lewis.
