ar did they fail to accomplish
what had been assigned to them.

The congressional appropriation for the purposes of the expedition was
based upon an estimate made by Captain Lewis himself, which is so
refreshing as to deserve literal quotation:--

_Recapitulation of an estimate of the sum necessary to carry
into effect the Miss^ie Expedition_

Mathematical Instruments $ 217
Arms and accoutrements extraordinary 81
Camp Ecquipage 255
Medicine and packing 55
Means of transportation 430
Indian presents 696
Provisions extraordinary 224
Materials for making up the various articles
into portable packs 55
For the pay of hunters, guides and interpreters 300
In silver coin, to defray the expences of
the party from Nashville to the last
white settlement on the Missisourie 100
Contingencies 87
-----
Total $2500

Eighty-seven dollars for the contingencies of a twenty-eight months'
journey of discovery, more than eight thousand miles in length, with a
company of forty-five men, and through a land literally unknown!

Captain Lewis set out from Washington in July, 1803, and was joined by
Captain Clark at Louisville, whence they proceeded to the rendezvous on
the Mississippi, near St. Louis. They intended to embark upon their
course in the autumn; but several delays occurred, of one sort and
another, and the party was not assembled until December. The officers
wished to establish winter quarters at the last white settlement on the
Missouri, a few miles above St. Louis; but the Spanish governor of the
territory had not yet learned of the change in ownership, and would not
suffer them to proceed. This compelled them to remain in the lower camp
until spring. The winter months were not lost, however; they were
passed in drilling and instructing the men in the details of the work
before them, thus greatly increasing their efficiency and no doubt
obviating delays at later times.

CHAPTER IV

THE START

As it was first organized, the party consisted of twenty-nine
members,--the two officers, nine