Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/49

46 spent chiefly in making maps and completing the notes of their journey.

Their Return. Being unable to sight a ship on which the Lewis and Clark party could go home, they began their return by land, March 23, 1806. The funds set apart for the expedition were nearly exhausted by this time. But Lewis and Clark were skilled in the use and preparation of herbs; and these remedies were bartered at prices corresponding to those charged by the Indians for horses, dogs and other necessities. The explorers were delayed by snow in the Rocky Mountains. But they were strong and determined; hence they journeyed steadily until they arrived at St. Louis exactly six months from the day they left Fort Clatsop.

Jefferson's Views of the Expedition. Upon the return of Lewis and Clark, there was much rejoicing throughout the United States over the success of their expedition; and the President, who was inclined to be temperate in his statements, said "Never did a single event excite more joy throughout the United States. The humblest of its citizens