tageously at the head of the Missouri
(convenient as is supposed to the waters of the Colorado and Oregan
or Columbia) as at Nootka Sound, or any other point of that coast;
and that trade be consequently conducted through the Missouri and
United States more beneficially than by the circumnavigation now
practised.

"On your arrival on that coast, endeavour to learn if there be any
port within your reach frequented by the sea vessels of any nation,
and to send two of your trusty people back by sea, in such way as
shall appear practicable, with a copy of your notes; and should you
be of opinion that the return of your party by the way they went
will be imminently dangerous, then ship the whole, and return by
sea, by the way either of Cape Horn, or the Cape of Good Hope, as
you shall be able. As you will be without money, clothes, or
provisions, you must endeavour to use the credit of the United
States to obtain them; for which purpose open letters of credit
shall be furnished you, authorizing you to draw on the executive of
the United States, or any of its officers, in any part of the
world, on which draughts can be disposed of, and to apply with our
recommendations to the consuls, agents, merchants, or citizens of
any nation with which we have intercourse, assuring them, in our
name, that any aids they may furnish you shall be honourably
repaid, and on demand. Our consuls, Thomas Hewes, at Batavia, in
Java, William Buchanan, in the Isles of France and Bourbon, and
John Elmslie, at the Cape of Good Hope, will be able to supply your
necessities, by draughts on us.

"Should you find it safe to return by the way you go, after sending
two of your party round by sea, or with your whole party, if no
conveyance by sea can be found, do so; making such observations on
your return as may serve to supply, correct, or confirm those made
on your outward journey.

"On reentering the United States and reaching a place of safety,
discharge any of your attendants who may desire and deserve it,
procuring for them immediate payment of all arrears of pay and
clothing which may have incurred since their departure, and assure
them that they shall be recommended to the liberality of the
legislature for the grant of a soldier's portion of land each, as
proposed