XLVII. XLVII
CLARK TO MAJOR WILLIAM CROGHAN[1]
XLVII. [From transcript furnished by Mrs. Eva Emery Dye, Oregon City, Oregon.]
St. Charles, May 21, 1804.
Dear Sir: By Captain Lewis who arrived from St. Louis today I
had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 2nd inst. and am happy
to hear of the recovery of your family and my brother whom I was
much concerned about. I am sorry to hear that the negroes of the
estate of Wm. Thruston's hired so low, perhaps they may hire for
more the next year. My friend Captain Lewis expressed some sorrow
that you happened not to be at home at the time he passed down, but
hopes to see you on his return to the United States. As to myself I
have and shall always have that brotherly affection for you which you
are well assured I always professed and hope in less than two years
to see you and that family of yours whom I have every affection for,
at your own home. My route is uncertain. I think it more than
probable that Captain Lewis or myself will return by sea, the other
by the same route we proceed. the time is uncertain, all the alterations
which I did not inform you of have been made since I saw you and
the law authorizing the president to explore the country &c. has just
come to my knowledge. I have been at this place five days waiting
for Captain Lewis who has been detained at St. Louis to fix off the
Osage chiefs. he has just arrived and we shall leave this village
immediately and proceed on our journey. We have had a great deal
of rain, thunder and lightning, with wind for several days, past which
discommodes us a little in setting out.
The politeness of the gentlemen of the place and about 12 or 15
who came from St. Louis to see us set out and are constantly with us
prevents me giving you at this time a description of the country, river
or the occurrences which have or may happen.
Captain Lewis joins me in this most sincere wish for your, my sister
and the families health and happiness for many years.
With every sentiment, Your sincere friend,
Wm. Clark.
