Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 6.djvu/25

 and latitude necessary to fix the geography of the line he passes through. In order to draw his attention at once to the subjects most desirable, I must ask the favor of you to prepare for him a note of those in the lines of botany, zoology, or of Indian history, which you think most worthy of inquiry and observation. He will be with you in Philadelphia in two or three weeks, and will wait on you, and will receive thankfully on paper and any verbal communications which you may be so good as to make to him. I make no apology for this trouble, because I know that the same wish to promote science which has induced me to bring forward this proposition will induce you to aid in promoting it."

These selections for leadership show that Jefferson's interest in securing geographical and other scientific data was a growing one. At the same time there is greater appreciation on his part of the demands made by such an undertaking for practical conditions of success. His is no longer a suggestion to a single lone explorer as with Ledyard and Michaux, but for a company large enough to ensure success if prudence is exercised. The instructions to Michaux, written by Jefferson in 1793, state that the "chief objects are to find the shortest and most convenient route of communication between the United States and the Pacific Ocean within the temperate latitudes, and to learn such particulars as can be obtained of the country through which it passes, its productions, inhabitants, and other interesting circumstances." Again, in admonishing him to have concern for his personal health and safety, Jefferson urges that this is not merely Michaux's personal interest but "the injunction of science in general which expects an enlargement from your inquiries, and of the inhabitants of the United States in particular, to whom your report will open new fields and subjects of commerce, intercourse, and observation."

The official instructions conveyed to Lewis and the several communications sent him by Jefferson, during the months intervening between his departure from Washington and his passing beyond the frontier, agree in making