Welcome

Recently, I have been doing research in Chicago at the Newberry Library and the Chicago History Museum. This photo was taken at the Newberry, one of the great research libraries for western American studies. I am preparing to write a book on the death of Meriwether Lewis in 1809. I believe he was murdered by agents of General James Wilkinson, one of the most notorious scoundrels in the history of the early American republic. I can't prove it, but I can make a case for it. I have been buying and reading second hand books and photocopies from archives for months now.

Lewis and Clark in 2009

Next year in 2009, we will most likely be seeing the story of Lewis and Clark on a ten hour HBO broadcast of Undaunted Courage, based on the book by Stephen Ambrose. Production is underway right now. It will star Edward Norton and Brad Pitt as Lewis and Clark, both really good casting choices, and is being co-produced by the two stars, the director Michelle Ashford, and the National Geographic. In my opinion, we have the best chance to see a great dramatization of the story from this team. I hope they will at least consider leaving the issue of Lewis's death open to question, as to whether it was suicide or murder. 2009 will also be the bicentennial of Meriwether Lewis's death on the Natchez Trace.

Shown here are two 1790's horse pistols of the type carried by Meriwether Lewis, and with which he supposedly committed suicide by shooting himself  in the forehead and  in the side of his chest. The story goes (in its several varying versions) that his two nearby servants, sleeping in the barn, did not come to investigate; that Mrs. Grinder, the inn keeper, and her children, who were in the adjacent cabin were too afraid to go to his aid; and that he took several hours to die while crawling around the yard begging for water.

Building the Lewis and Clark community

I am committed to publishing a monthly email newsletter, Proceeding On, which has an average of more than 700 readers. It contains Lewis and Clark news-related items from all over the country. Join our mailing list to receive it at the end of each month. I also write a blog about once a month. My own goal is to transfer the contents of the newsletter and blog to the forums on the website.

The forums and galleries are for all of us

• Are you a writer? An artist? A photographer? A video maker? A performer? A musician?
• Have you traveled the trail and want to share your experiences?
• Do you have a business that would benefit from publicity?
• Do you want to photograph the Lewis and Clark teddy bear on the trail?
• Are you a teacher and want to share your lesson plans and experiences?
• Do you want to post your Lewis and Clark chapter newsletters?

Get started posting on the forums and galleries. Some postings have already had more than 80 viewings. They can be responded to, and a threaded discussion can get going. They will endure, and always provide a place for people to learn about the trail and interact with each other. It is a simple way to promote your interests.

Where were they and what did they do in your neighborhood?

And lastly, are you a person who simply wants to learn where they were and what they did when they were in your neighborhood? The forums have maps showing their campsite locations. There is also a place for you to write about their adventures. This will all prove very interesting and practical when the ten hour television series comes out. People will be wanting to know where it all took place.

You might also want to start a study group (which only takes two or more persons). It is more fun to be in a group. Our Study Group in Omaha-Council Bluffs is entering its eighth year, and we will be happy to help you get one started.

Best wishes,

Kira Gale      kira@lewisandclarktravel.com        Visit Proceeding On Archives