The Journals of Lewis and Clark

The Journals of Lewis and Clark, ed. by Bernard DeVoto

In his foreword to the book, Stephen E. Ambrose notes that "these journals are a national literary treasure...." I think I would be inclined to agree with that statement. While at times the journals can be difficult to read, as well as somewhat monotonous (and keep in mind that DeVoto's edition does not contain the entire journals by any means), they provide an amazing description of one of the greatest journeys in history, and perhaps the greatest in the short history of the United States. The most fascinating parts to me are their accounts while in the Rocky Mountains. It is interesting to imagine these men being the first whites to see many of these areas that I have grown up around and take for granted. Their physical descriptions of Native Americans as well as their accounts of their interactions with them are also priceless. They provide a detailed look at many different tribes, some of which have likely nearly disappeared. There is an innocence in the air, both of the explorers and the natives, that lends a glimmer of hope that the white men and the natives will co-exist peacefully. Unfortunately, we know this was not to be the case, but at this point in time it seems that both sides sincerely believed it could and would happen. While the journals are primarily kept as scientific records, etc., occasionally the explorers would convey their own personal feelings. One entry that really impressed me was from Lewis, dated August 18, 1805, where he writes: "This day I completed my thirty first year, and conceived that I had in all human probability now existed about half the period which I am to remain in this Sublunary world. I reflected that I had as yet done but little, very little, indeed, to further the hapiness of the human race or to advance the information of the succeeding generation. I viewed with regret the many hours I have spent in indolence, and now soarly feel the want of that information which those hours would have given me had they been judiciously expended. but since they are past and cannot be recalled, I dash from me the gloomy thought, and resolved in future, to redouble my exertions and at least indeavour to promote those two primary objects of human existence, by giving them the aid of that portion of talents which nature and fortune have bestoed on me; or in future, to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself." This passage really stuck out to me, especially coming from a man leading one of history's great expeditions. Perhaps he did not realize at the time the significance? However, it also seems he is not only referring to great things, but also to the little things he could do to better other people's lives. In this day and age, where it seems like everyone is so self-absorbed, this passage could teach us a valuable lesson. I'm glad I took the time to read this book, it has broadened my understanding of the expedition and given me insight into the thoughts and feelings of these men.

The entire journals can be viewed online through the University of Nebraska: http://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/index.html