N3846

Lewis & Clark Expedition - Bicentennial

Fred's Anecdotal Note

Triumphant Return

Shortly after spotting cows on the riverbank on September 20, 1806 the expedition put in at the village of La Charette. The men fired a three-round salute as they approached, and it was answered by three rounds from those on shore. The Corps was overwhelmed by the welcome. Clark wrote, "Every person both French and Americans seem to express great pleasure at our return, and acknowledged them selves much astonished in seeing us return. They informed us that we were supposed to have been lost long since. " On the 21st they arived at St. Charles where Clark noted., "The inhabitants of this village appear much delighted at our return and seem to vie 'with each other in their politeness to us all. " On Septembet 23rd, Lewis and Clark led their Corps of Discovery to a triumphant return to St, Louis. All one thousand residents had gathered at the waterfront and in response to a salute fired by the approaching heroes, the assembled countrymen gave them three loud and robust cheers. Upon seeing them a resident noted, "They really have the appearance of Robinson Crusoes - dressed entirely in buckskins." Immediately Captain Lewis sent a report to President Jefferson by a postrider. After affirming their safe retum, Lewis must have felt very proud to have written, "In obedience to your orders we haye penitrated the continent of North America to the Pacific Ocean... "

During the next few days the captains dined and wined with the leading citizens of St. Louis. It can be assmed that the men were also treated in fine fashion as they recounted their amazing tales. A resident noted, "The daring adventure became the theme of universal conversation in our town. " A local surveyor named Silas Bent mote, "All parties have joined here in expressing their high sence of  the great merit of these gentlemen." The first fomal celebration was a dinner and ball on September 25th at Christy's Inn. That evening Lewis and Clark took part in 17 toasts. The first was to Thomas Jefferson in which he was referred to as the "polar star of discovery. " How appropriate and poignant! Following toasts included the men, the expedition, and the United States. Most ironically, the final toast of the night was made moments after the two leaders had left - "To Captains Lewis and Clark. Their perilous services endear them to every American heart. "