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Captain Lewis had been taken on as the personal secretary to Jefferson

several years before, so that Meri could be trained to lead just such an
undertaking. Jefferson also had an abiding curiosity about all things scientific
and human. So we were to make maps, observe latitude and longitude, and
collect specimens and information wherever we went. Making contact with

the various Indian nations was to be one of our primary objectives, as was the
arranging of peace treaties among Indian nations.

16 Think of that, the boldness of it. We would cross the continent and be
the first Americans to do it. That in itself was enough to make me as eager

as a starved trout is to bite on a baited hook.

17 The best of the letter was at the end. Though this would be an enterprise
with its share of fatigue, dangers, and honors, if there was anything that
might induce me to participate, he said, “There is no man on earth with

whom I should feel equal pleasure in sharing them as with yourself.”
18 Not only that, we would share the command. Two captains together,
striking out across the continent. I lost no time in writing back to my
dear old companion.

19 “My friend,” I told him, “I join you with hand and heart.”

Sacajawea

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20 Wen did I first see the captains? I remember the first day we saw
them. It was the Moon when the Leaves Fall from the Cottonwoods. Word
had spread that their great boat filled with good things was still coming up

the river. Word about their travels had spread like a fire across the dry
autumn grass of the prairie.

21 Then, that day, a group of boys came running into Mitutanka, the
lower village of the Mandans. We were there that day, my friend Otter
Woman and I, along with your father, Charbonneau. He had brought us

along to carry the things he was trading for.

undertaking An undertaking is a large or difficult task or job.

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