Exploring the Unknown Territories: Journals of Lewis and Clark Expedition Members

Date: November 7th, 1805

I grew up in Kentucky and Virginia, and later joined the Virginia military before becoming a part of the Army. Little did I know that I would experience everything that I have seen because I was asked to help lead this expedition. Today started early and it's a gloomy and lonely day. We met with Native Americans to trade supplies on various islands. As we reached column rock, I could hear the ocean and the waves crashing on the rocks. The Native Americans guided us down the river. I can't wait to see the Pacific Ocean.

Date: Tuesday, June 18th, 1805

From being a military captain to a politician, I am now a leader on a mission given by President Jefferson. With 30 men, we are set to explore unknown territories. I have spent time studying records from others who have been in parts of the territory before. President Jefferson has tasked me with creating a map with a new route to the Pacific Ocean, collecting samples, and documenting activities for future study. I aim to gather as much information as possible about the geography and people we encounter on this journey. Challenges like starvation, exhaustion, diseases, harsh conditions, and weather await us, but we hope to receive assistance from locals as we head west.

Date: February 11, 1805

As a Shoshone Indian and the wife of Toussaint Charbonneau, I was once kidnapped by the Hidatsa Indians at the age of 12. Lewis and Clark hired my husband as their interpreter. Today, I gave birth to my son Jean Baptiste after a long and painful labor. He is a beautiful baby boy, my first child.

Date: August 24, 1804

Being William Clark's body servant since the age of 14, I take care of him. Today, I went hunting and brought back two deer to make stew for him. Although I long for freedom, I enjoy being part of this journey, witnessing new sights and the thrill of hunting. The journey is tough, but I appreciate the opportunities it brings.

Can somebody make this sound more fluent please?

From Clark's Journal Date: November 17, 1805 When I was a child, I lived in Kentucky and Virginia. Eventually, I joined the Virginia Army. I have seen unbelievable things since I joined the Army. One early dreary morning, we got together with the Native Americans to trade supplies from the islands. That day, we arrived at column rock and I could hear the sea and the waves crashing on the rocks. The Native Americans helped us today by showing us how to get to the waterway. I can't wait to see the Pacific Ocean. From Lewis's Journal Date: June 18, 1805 I have been a military captain, a politician, and now I am a pioneer. President Jefferson requested that I take 30 men and myself to explore an unknown area. I have spent a lot of time inspecting records of what others have seen before me. President Jefferson asked me to make a map with an alternative route to the Pacific Ocean. In the map, he wants me to draw examples of landmarks and take notes. This keeps my mind busy. I have to keep as much data as possible about the terrain so others can take this same journey. I am sure that we will experience difficulties in our future like starvation, depletion, infections, unforgiving conditions, and climate conditions. Hopefully, we will find locals willing to help as we travel west. From Sacagawea Journal Date February 11, 1805 I am a Shoshone Indian and the spouse of Toussaint Charbonneau. I was kidnapped when I was 12 by the Hidatsa Indians. Lewis and Clark employed my husband to be a mediator for them. Today, I had my fourth child, Jean Baptiste. The labor was long and agonizing, but he is a fine-looking child and he is mine. From York Journal Date August 24, 1804 I have been William Clark's personal servant since I was 14 years old. I deal with Mr. Clark daily. Today I had a hunt and I killed two deer that later became stew for Mr. Clark. I need to be free, but I also like to travel and see all that he sees. This excursion is hard, but I like getting to hunt and travel.