The Expedition of Lewis and Clark

by Thomas Jefferson and Meriwether Lewis

1. How would you summarize Jefferson's attitude toward the Indians? How do you react to that attitude?

2. What do you learn about Jefferson the man from his letter to Lewis? Defend your answer with examples from the text.

3. What did you find surprising in Lewis's communications with Jefferson regarding the Shoshone people?

4. Lewis and Clark's explorations took more than two years. What do you find most remarkable about their achievements, as presented in these letters?

Essay Question

• Based on this text and information provided about Lewis's life, why do you think that Jefferson chose Meriwether Lewis to lead this expedition?