LXXXV. LXXXV
THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
ACCEPTS THE TRUST
LXXXV. [Extract furnished by Secretary Hays, from the minutes of the Historical and Literary Committee
of the Society.]
Nov. 19. 1817.
Present Dr. Wistar, N. Biddle, Rawle, Norris, Du Ponceau,
Vaughan, Tilghman
Mr. Jefferson under date of 7 Nov. relative to papers of Lewis
and Clark.
Also a letter from Gen'l Clark 10 Oct. 1816 to Mr. Jefferson
desiring his agent Mr. Nicholas Biddle to give up all the papers to the
Historical Committee under direction of Mr. Jefferson.
Mr. Jefferson in his letter desires Mr. Biddle to deliver them and says
that he will endeavor to procure from the Government all they may
possess.
Also a letter from Gov. Clark to Mr. Biddle desiring him to deliver
the Papers to Mr. Jefferson's order.
Also a letter 26 April 1816 from Mr. Jefferson to Mr. Correa corroborating
the above and stating that he thought the astronomical papers
were mentioned by Clark to Dr. Patterson.
Mr. Biddle stated that the vocabularies were on separate printed
sheets—as stated by Mr. Jefferson and with blanks to fill up the
vocabularies—accompanied by some in handwriting of Mr. Jefferson.
These were handed by him to Dr. Barton.
The manuscript journals of Mr. Clark are still in Mr. Biddle's hands
and also a Journal of a sergeant which Mr. Clark bought.
J. Vaughan reported that the astronomical papers had been in the
hands of Mr. Hassler[1]
who had given up the calculations in despair.
Mr. Du Ponceau delivered four manuscript volumes, one of which
appeared to belong to Barton's family being botanical.
To apply to Mrs. Barton, & Gov. Clark. & Dr. Patterson & Mr.
Hassler for information
April 8th.. 1818
Present. P. S. Du Ponceau, Cor. Sec'y., N. Biddle, J. P. Norris,
B. R. Morgan, Jno. Vaughan, Sec'y.
J. P. Norris in the Chair.
Mr. Nicholas Biddle deposited the original journals of Lewis and
Clark, with an account of them and of those journals and documents
which he was not possessed of, and reported to the Chairman Mr.
Tilghman. The documents were delivered by direction of Gen'l.
Clark received through Mr. Jefferson
His account embraced the following Particulars—That he had received
in 1810 from Gen'l C. all the documents necessary for the
publication of their Travels. They consisted of the following, viz.
1.
a Large Map embracg. the Country between the Pacific & Mississipi.
From this Lewis drew the Map published & [it] was returned to
Gov' Clark about 1813
2.
a map to send to Mr Hassler to whom the astronomical obss. & calcs
were Confided this may be in his hands.
3.
fome Documents for Dr Barton, these were relative to Botany
Natural Histy These were in Mss Books extracted from original
Journals chiefly. Also feveral Indian Vocaby in loose sheets
printed. each containing a vocaby in Engl. with the Corresps Indian
names in Mss. &. also a colecttion of Indian Vocs in Mr. Jeffersons
hand writing—which the preface to the Travels States "foon to
be published"
4.
The Mss. Journal of fergeant Ordway one of the party—purchased
of him by Clarke who in Jany 1818 desires Mr B. to fend it—he
has not yet done it
5.
The Pocket Journals of the Expedition from commencmt to the
End in 14 Vol now Deposited There is also one particularly
dedicated to astronl. Obs I vol. & a fmall Copy Book containing
some notes by Cap Lewis & others. Also rough dft. of his letter
to the Pt announcing his return—& finally Two Statistical Tables
of the various Nations of the mississipi—made by Govr Clarke
Ordered that the recording Secretary give a receipt to N- Biddle in
the following Terms—for the books & papers received—
Recd. April 8. 1818 of Nicholas Biddle 14 Volumes of the Pocket Journal of
Mess Lewis & Clarke = a Volume of astronomical observations & other Matter by
Capt Lewis = a small Copy Book containing fome Notes by Capt. Lewis—
A Rough draft of his letter to the President from st Louis announcing his return
—Two Statistical Tables of the Indian Tribes West of the Mississipi rever made
by Governor Clarke = All which are Deposited with the Hist Comee in compliance
with the request of Govr Clark in his Letter to Nicholas Biddle dated 10 Oct
1816 & forwarded to the Hist. Comee by Mr Jefferson.
It is understood & agreed on the part of the Histo: Comee in recieving these
books & papers, that Govr. Wm Clark his heirs or assigns shall at all times have
the full use of them for any future edition of his Travels. By order of the
Hist = Comee
Jn Vaughan recording Sec. of the Hist. & Lit. Class of the Am. Ph. Soc.
Copy of the acct to be fent to Mr Jefferson by the Cor. Secy
