Journal 2006 09 26
A Fine Morning
“a fine morning we commenced wrighting &c” And with that simple entry the written record of William Clark and the Corps of Discovery is complete.
What makes a morning fine? Is it the weather? Is it the night before? Is it the expectations for the day ahead? Is it in the anticipation of the future? As I write this at 11:05AM on September 28, 2006 in Everett, WA it is a fine morning by my definition. Beautifully blue clear skies, temperatures climbing their way into the low seventies and a slight breeze with a hint of fall nipping at my ears. The only thing that would make it more fine is to be in an alpine meadow on the shoulder of Mt. Rainier or some peak in the Rockies rifle in hand.
My favorite illustration that defines a fine day comes from a more contemporary soldier. Sergeant Major Basil Plumley served Colonel Hal Moore as he formed the US Army’s first Air Cavalry unit. He later led that unit into the first major US battle in Vietnam chronicled in the fantastic book, “We Were Soldiers Once, and Young.” In the movie the gruff, gray haired Plumley, played by gravely voiced Sam Elliot, challenges young Sgt. Ernie Savage regarding what constitutes a fine day.
The question is not answered until after the epic battle where Savage and his platoon is separated from the main force. Savage must assume command after the lieutenant is killed. Savage proves his worth in battle and in this, his weakest moment, covered with the filth of blood, flesh and dirt, that Plumley tells him, “Sgt. Savage, that is a fine day!” You could think about that response all your life.
Plumley was a paratrooper in WWII. He made every jump in Europe and fought in every war after. He was a man acquainted with battle. He was known for standing tall when others took cover in combat and for arming himself with an Army issue Colt 1911 .45 ACP pistol because he knew war was always close and always personal. He had seen enough of the indescribable events of war to know that his fate was no longer in his hands. Someone else must be responsible for the day and time of his death. So he lived as if he could not die.
“…I have been put to death with Christ on his cross, so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.” Paul the Apostle (Galatians 2:19-20 GNB)
I pray for each of us that we come to learn what a fine day is. Who holds your fate in His hands?
Proceed on.
Inspiration for today from America's Greatest Expedition, the Corps of Discovery!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Fiddler's Ball
Journal 2006 09 25
Fiddler’s Ball
St. Louis was celebrating the return of the Corps of Discovery. Yet like the rest of us two hundred years later work needed to be completed while it was day. Celebration was for after hours. Today the Captains oversaw the drying and storing of their goods as recorded by Captain Clark. “…had all of our Skins &c. Suned and Stored away in a Storeroom of Mr. Caddy Choteau”
And sometime later, “…payed Some visits of form, to the gentlemen of St. Louis. in the evening a dinner & Ball” According to Dr. Gary Moulton, who has published the most complete work regarding the expedition and whom I have principally drawn from for the text of the journals; “The affair was held at William Christy's tavern. Eighteen toasts were drunk, starting with one to President Jefferson, "The friend of science, the polar star of discovery, the philosopher and the patriot," and ending with "Captains Lewis and Clark—Their perilous services endear them to every American heart."
And indeed it is their courage in perilous service that has endeared them to my heart. I hope yours has been enlarged and encouraged in the process, too.
Their exists no record of which I am aware, but I can only wonder if the one eyed, near sighted riverman who was a lousy elk hunter but a wonderful fiddler took the stage and led the ball in a wilderness dance as he had so many times in Indian camps across the nation. Pierre Cruzatte, the first musician to play from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
I hope he brought the spirit of the wilderness celebrations to this ball on the westward press of the western world as he fiddled.
And as all of life eventually leads us to, this is another story about the heart. The heart of a visionary. The heart a leader and his fine friend. The hearts of twenty nine hearty young soldiers. And the heart a young bride with her baby whose courageous heart still stands as a tribute to all that is right with the human spirit. “Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it.” King Solomon (Proverbs 4:23 GW)
My desire, my prayer, for each of us is that we would live in that place which draws from us all we have to give, even more than we knew we had to give, so our hearts could be tested and revealed as it was for our forefathers. May it be so for our generations that follow. I hope they have a wilderness tested fiddler teaching them how to celebrate!
Proceed on.
Fiddler’s Ball
St. Louis was celebrating the return of the Corps of Discovery. Yet like the rest of us two hundred years later work needed to be completed while it was day. Celebration was for after hours. Today the Captains oversaw the drying and storing of their goods as recorded by Captain Clark. “…had all of our Skins &c. Suned and Stored away in a Storeroom of Mr. Caddy Choteau”
And sometime later, “…payed Some visits of form, to the gentlemen of St. Louis. in the evening a dinner & Ball” According to Dr. Gary Moulton, who has published the most complete work regarding the expedition and whom I have principally drawn from for the text of the journals; “The affair was held at William Christy's tavern. Eighteen toasts were drunk, starting with one to President Jefferson, "The friend of science, the polar star of discovery, the philosopher and the patriot," and ending with "Captains Lewis and Clark—Their perilous services endear them to every American heart."
And indeed it is their courage in perilous service that has endeared them to my heart. I hope yours has been enlarged and encouraged in the process, too.
Their exists no record of which I am aware, but I can only wonder if the one eyed, near sighted riverman who was a lousy elk hunter but a wonderful fiddler took the stage and led the ball in a wilderness dance as he had so many times in Indian camps across the nation. Pierre Cruzatte, the first musician to play from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
I hope he brought the spirit of the wilderness celebrations to this ball on the westward press of the western world as he fiddled.
And as all of life eventually leads us to, this is another story about the heart. The heart of a visionary. The heart a leader and his fine friend. The hearts of twenty nine hearty young soldiers. And the heart a young bride with her baby whose courageous heart still stands as a tribute to all that is right with the human spirit. “Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it.” King Solomon (Proverbs 4:23 GW)
My desire, my prayer, for each of us is that we would live in that place which draws from us all we have to give, even more than we knew we had to give, so our hearts could be tested and revealed as it was for our forefathers. May it be so for our generations that follow. I hope they have a wilderness tested fiddler teaching them how to celebrate!
Proceed on.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
New Garments
Journal 2006 09 24
New Garments
“I sleped but little last night however we rose early and Commencd wrighting our letters Capt. Lewis wrote one to the presidend and I wrote Govr. Harrison & my friends in Kentucky and Sent of George Drewyer with those letters to Kahoka & delivered them to Mr. Hays” William Clark.
These guys get right after things, don’t they? Arriving in St. Louis yesterday at noon they are up most of the night. Can you imagine the stories? How and where would you start? Having spent the past two years swimming in the history of this epic I contend most of the story is still untold! The human drama is highlighted as the historical events are chronicled. The historical record is so large and so significant that it overshadows the entirely human drama of this military and scientific expedition. The classic mountain man movie “Jeremiah Johnson” post dates this expedition and contains only a fraction of the events contained in this record. I can see a movie epic in the making. Ken Burns made his always extraordinary chronicle of the Corps of Discovery. National Geographic produced a short IMAX film that is inspiring in its presentation. The raw human effort poured out by sheer will under the sovereign grace of Providence has yet to be captured. The story has inspired American hearts for two centuries and I believe it brings to light the underlying stream of freedom and expansion that is the United States of America and has made America the light of the world.
Would you imagine with me for a minute that you are Meriwether Lewis, William Clark or any one of the men of the Corps of Discovery? Who would you contact first? Duty calls Lewis to send a brief report to President Jefferson as his first post mission act. He stops the mail and delivers the letter. Clark wrote his old Army friend who is now the Governor of Indiana and then sends letters to his friends and family in Kentucky. If they, like us, had cell phones I bet their next calls would have been to their parents. Neither was married. And I wager we would all do the same. Helps identify who and what is really important in life, doesn’t it?
“…we dined with Mr. Chotoux to day, and after dinner went to a Store and purchased Some Clothes, which we gave to a Tayler and derected to be made.” William Clark. The men had been trading their buckskins for linen shirts as they met traders headed up the Missouri. Now the Captains get properly robed for the duties that lie ahead. That meant trading the utility of their clothes made of deer and elk hides for the refinement only possible with wool, linen, silk and cotton.
“…to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah (Isaiah 61:3 ASV) Jesus quotes Isaiah as He announces the beginning of the work of His mission to the world two millenniums ago. In the declaration He brings a series of exchanges. One of them is exchanging a spirit of heaviness for a garment of praise. This seems the fitting tribute to today’s remembrance.
Lewis and Clark were fitted with the finest garments tailored perfectly for them and no one else. They were exchanging the heaviness of hard work for the great joy that resides in praise. The purpose of the series of exchanges is that Jehovah God may be glorified.
As the men of the Corps of Discovery celebrated all night they were entering into a period of praise. Are you mourning? Is your heart heavy? I pray that this parallel journey has shown you that we have a Divine, Providential Traveler along on every journey we take. He is the Son of God given for the Father’s Glory and our benefit. He holds a garment of praise fitted perfectly for you. Will you let Him have your heaviness and trouble and wear the robe of praise He has provided? I hope so. That was the purpose of His epic journey from Heaven to earth and becomes ours once we allow Him to adorn us according to His specifications.
As the mission of the Corps of Discovery comes to a close ours, yours, can just be beginning. Let’s put on praise so it is like a robe for all to see and celebrate the great work of conquering the difficult unknown for the Glory of God.
Proceed on.
New Garments
“I sleped but little last night however we rose early and Commencd wrighting our letters Capt. Lewis wrote one to the presidend and I wrote Govr. Harrison & my friends in Kentucky and Sent of George Drewyer with those letters to Kahoka & delivered them to Mr. Hays” William Clark.
These guys get right after things, don’t they? Arriving in St. Louis yesterday at noon they are up most of the night. Can you imagine the stories? How and where would you start? Having spent the past two years swimming in the history of this epic I contend most of the story is still untold! The human drama is highlighted as the historical events are chronicled. The historical record is so large and so significant that it overshadows the entirely human drama of this military and scientific expedition. The classic mountain man movie “Jeremiah Johnson” post dates this expedition and contains only a fraction of the events contained in this record. I can see a movie epic in the making. Ken Burns made his always extraordinary chronicle of the Corps of Discovery. National Geographic produced a short IMAX film that is inspiring in its presentation. The raw human effort poured out by sheer will under the sovereign grace of Providence has yet to be captured. The story has inspired American hearts for two centuries and I believe it brings to light the underlying stream of freedom and expansion that is the United States of America and has made America the light of the world.
Would you imagine with me for a minute that you are Meriwether Lewis, William Clark or any one of the men of the Corps of Discovery? Who would you contact first? Duty calls Lewis to send a brief report to President Jefferson as his first post mission act. He stops the mail and delivers the letter. Clark wrote his old Army friend who is now the Governor of Indiana and then sends letters to his friends and family in Kentucky. If they, like us, had cell phones I bet their next calls would have been to their parents. Neither was married. And I wager we would all do the same. Helps identify who and what is really important in life, doesn’t it?
“…we dined with Mr. Chotoux to day, and after dinner went to a Store and purchased Some Clothes, which we gave to a Tayler and derected to be made.” William Clark. The men had been trading their buckskins for linen shirts as they met traders headed up the Missouri. Now the Captains get properly robed for the duties that lie ahead. That meant trading the utility of their clothes made of deer and elk hides for the refinement only possible with wool, linen, silk and cotton.
“…to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified.” Isaiah (Isaiah 61:3 ASV) Jesus quotes Isaiah as He announces the beginning of the work of His mission to the world two millenniums ago. In the declaration He brings a series of exchanges. One of them is exchanging a spirit of heaviness for a garment of praise. This seems the fitting tribute to today’s remembrance.
Lewis and Clark were fitted with the finest garments tailored perfectly for them and no one else. They were exchanging the heaviness of hard work for the great joy that resides in praise. The purpose of the series of exchanges is that Jehovah God may be glorified.
As the men of the Corps of Discovery celebrated all night they were entering into a period of praise. Are you mourning? Is your heart heavy? I pray that this parallel journey has shown you that we have a Divine, Providential Traveler along on every journey we take. He is the Son of God given for the Father’s Glory and our benefit. He holds a garment of praise fitted perfectly for you. Will you let Him have your heaviness and trouble and wear the robe of praise He has provided? I hope so. That was the purpose of His epic journey from Heaven to earth and becomes ours once we allow Him to adorn us according to His specifications.
As the mission of the Corps of Discovery comes to a close ours, yours, can just be beginning. Let’s put on praise so it is like a robe for all to see and celebrate the great work of conquering the difficult unknown for the Glory of God.
Proceed on.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
finis
Journal 2006 09 23
finis.
“about 12 oClock we arived in Site of St. Louis fired three Rounds as we approached the Town and landed oppocit the center of the Town, the people gathred on the Shore and Huzzared three cheers. we unloaded the canoes and carried the baggage all up to a Store house in Town. drew out the canoes then the party all considerable much rejoiced that we have the Expedition Completed and now we look for boarding in Town and wait for our Settlement and then we entend to return to our native homes to See our parents once more as we have been So long from them.— finis.” The final words written by Sgt. Ordway. The words of the enlisted men. They look forward to boarding in town and getting paid. Two years in the wilderness made for a great savings plan. Not hard to save money when you haven’t been able to collect on it.
This concept of storing up pay for the future while performing risky work illustrates the principle of “storing up treasures in Heaven.” Live and work according to the principles the Kingdom of God has in place and you will reap an eternal reward.
Yesterday the men stayed in St. Charles until late morning because of rain and I bet because they were enjoying their stay. They arrived at a new fort and visited old friends who were now stationed there. A seventeen cannon salute greeted their arrival. They spent the night at the fort with many old friends and acquaintances. The new fort also had a huge storehouse of trade goods for the Indians upriver.
After outfitting the Indian Chief with them and his family Clark and the party set out for St. Louis arriving at noon. They fired three volleys from their rifles as a salute to the town where “we were met by all the village and received a harty welcom from it's inhabitants &.”
“…here I found my old acquaintance Majr. W. Christy who had Settled in this town in a public line as a Tavern Keeper. he furnished us with Store rooms for our baggage and we accepted of the invitation of Mr. Peter Choteau and <par> took a room in <the> his house <of Mr. Peter Cadeaus Choteaus> we payed a friendly visit to <Mes. Choteau and> Mr <Ogustus> August Chotau and Some of our old friends this evening. as the post had departed from St. Louis Capt Lewis wrote a note to Mr. Hay in Kahoka to detain the post at that place untill 12 tomorrow which was reather later than his usial time of leaveing it” Clark.
How quick a transition is this for these men? From hunting for meat and keeping a wary eye out for hostile Indians to socializing with the businessmen and governors of St. Louis in the short course of a day!
Lewis attempts to hold up the mail in the next town in order to get word to President Jefferson that his steadfast trust in his protégé had been well placed. He and all his men, save Sgt. Floyd who died of natural causes early, were alive and well. It was painful for Lewis to inform President Jefferson that rather than a navigable waterway there existed a spiny backbone whose height and breadth was unknown and unimaginable to men of the Eastern Seaboard of the United States of America.
As Sgt. Ordway declared his work “finis” I can’t help but hear the words of Jesus on the Cross of Crucifixion shouting similar words, “It is finished!” He too was going home. Ordway was looking for a room and to settle his reward. Jesus was going to Heaven to build a mansion with a room for everyone who cried out to Him for salvation. And He will be the one to reward all those who work in His fields of harvest with the treasures of Heaven.
Are we working day to day so we can live payday to payday? Can we take inspiration from the completion of this journey that we shouldn’t be afraid to set aside today’s reward for the riches of a greater adventure?
As I age, I ask myself constantly, what am I doing today towards those things that are important? And I pray that I am working those very things that God has set in store for me, and only me, to work. I pray for each of us that when we are “finis” that we were found in pursuit of the important work, the work assigned by God in faith, not lived day to day in fear.
Don’t we, like Ordway, want to be able to “considerable much rejoice” that we just completed a great and mighty work beyond our own doing? It started almost three years ago when Ordway and thirty other young men volunteered. Let’s raise our hands today and say yes to His beginning that we may see the end and its reward before we even embark to destinations unknown.
Proceed on.
finis.
“about 12 oClock we arived in Site of St. Louis fired three Rounds as we approached the Town and landed oppocit the center of the Town, the people gathred on the Shore and Huzzared three cheers. we unloaded the canoes and carried the baggage all up to a Store house in Town. drew out the canoes then the party all considerable much rejoiced that we have the Expedition Completed and now we look for boarding in Town and wait for our Settlement and then we entend to return to our native homes to See our parents once more as we have been So long from them.— finis.” The final words written by Sgt. Ordway. The words of the enlisted men. They look forward to boarding in town and getting paid. Two years in the wilderness made for a great savings plan. Not hard to save money when you haven’t been able to collect on it.
This concept of storing up pay for the future while performing risky work illustrates the principle of “storing up treasures in Heaven.” Live and work according to the principles the Kingdom of God has in place and you will reap an eternal reward.
Yesterday the men stayed in St. Charles until late morning because of rain and I bet because they were enjoying their stay. They arrived at a new fort and visited old friends who were now stationed there. A seventeen cannon salute greeted their arrival. They spent the night at the fort with many old friends and acquaintances. The new fort also had a huge storehouse of trade goods for the Indians upriver.
After outfitting the Indian Chief with them and his family Clark and the party set out for St. Louis arriving at noon. They fired three volleys from their rifles as a salute to the town where “we were met by all the village and received a harty welcom from it's inhabitants &.”
“…here I found my old acquaintance Majr. W. Christy who had Settled in this town in a public line as a Tavern Keeper. he furnished us with Store rooms for our baggage and we accepted of the invitation of Mr. Peter Choteau and <par> took a room in <the> his house <of Mr. Peter Cadeaus Choteaus> we payed a friendly visit to <Mes. Choteau and> Mr <Ogustus> August Chotau and Some of our old friends this evening. as the post had departed from St. Louis Capt Lewis wrote a note to Mr. Hay in Kahoka to detain the post at that place untill 12 tomorrow which was reather later than his usial time of leaveing it” Clark.
How quick a transition is this for these men? From hunting for meat and keeping a wary eye out for hostile Indians to socializing with the businessmen and governors of St. Louis in the short course of a day!
Lewis attempts to hold up the mail in the next town in order to get word to President Jefferson that his steadfast trust in his protégé had been well placed. He and all his men, save Sgt. Floyd who died of natural causes early, were alive and well. It was painful for Lewis to inform President Jefferson that rather than a navigable waterway there existed a spiny backbone whose height and breadth was unknown and unimaginable to men of the Eastern Seaboard of the United States of America.
As Sgt. Ordway declared his work “finis” I can’t help but hear the words of Jesus on the Cross of Crucifixion shouting similar words, “It is finished!” He too was going home. Ordway was looking for a room and to settle his reward. Jesus was going to Heaven to build a mansion with a room for everyone who cried out to Him for salvation. And He will be the one to reward all those who work in His fields of harvest with the treasures of Heaven.
Are we working day to day so we can live payday to payday? Can we take inspiration from the completion of this journey that we shouldn’t be afraid to set aside today’s reward for the riches of a greater adventure?
As I age, I ask myself constantly, what am I doing today towards those things that are important? And I pray that I am working those very things that God has set in store for me, and only me, to work. I pray for each of us that when we are “finis” that we were found in pursuit of the important work, the work assigned by God in faith, not lived day to day in fear.
Don’t we, like Ordway, want to be able to “considerable much rejoice” that we just completed a great and mighty work beyond our own doing? It started almost three years ago when Ordway and thirty other young men volunteered. Let’s raise our hands today and say yes to His beginning that we may see the end and its reward before we even embark to destinations unknown.
Proceed on.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Sleeping Inside
Journal 2006 09 21
Sleeping Inside
“…rose early this morning Colected our men Several of them had axcepted of the invitation of the Citizens and visited their families. at half after 7 A. M we Set out.” Captain Clark records the first night that everyone slept inside since leaving Fort Clatsop last spring. Every morning when I take our new puppy out for a walk my thoughts ponder what sleeping in the open last night would have entailed. There is a reason we like to build and live in houses.
“…at 3 P M we met two large boats assending. at 4 P M we arived in Sight of St. Charles, the party rejoiced at the Sight of this hospital village plyed thear ores with great dexterity and we Soon arived opposit the Town, this day being Sunday we observed a number of Gentlemen and ladies walking on the bank, we Saluted the Village by three rounds from our blunderbuts and the Small arms of the party, and landed near the lower part of the town.” St. Charles one year later has more settlements along the river but it is still the westernmost city on the Missouri River. It has been the marker for the men that their mission was successful.
I write this on a Sunday and I find the reference to people strolling along the riverbank an idyllic one. Our nation has turned from a day of rest to full scale activity. I’m not sure we are the better for it. Most of Auburn, WA and Washington State was resting on Sundays until the late 1960’s and early 1970’s when I was boy and teenager.
“…we received invitations from Several of those Gentlemen a Mr. Proulx, Taboe, Decett, Tice Dejonah & Quarie and several who were pressing on us to go to their houses, we could only visit Mr. Proulx and Mr. Deucett in the course of the evening. Mr. Querie under took to Supply our party with provisions &c.” William Clark
Sgt. Ordway reports a now familiar refrain, “the people of the Town gathered on the bank and could hardly believe that it was us for they had heard and had believed that we were all dead and were forgotton.”
Do not be forgetful of hospitality, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2 MKJV) Hospitality. Does it mark us as individuals? Does it describe our families? It is a bedrock, or distinctive, of my church. The author of the New Testament book of Hebrews includes it in his instructions to the fledgling Christian church. How are we doing two thousand years later? The city of St. Charles, not just a few people, but the city as a whole is remembered by the Corps of Discovery for its hospitality. Are we?
“…the inhabitants of this village appear much delighted at our return and seem to vie with each other in their politeness to us all.” William Clark. Sgt. Ordway closes the day noting that most of the men found quarters in homes and that it rained hard all night. Think anyone of the men slept warm and dry with a smile on their face?
Proceed on.
Sleeping Inside
“…rose early this morning Colected our men Several of them had axcepted of the invitation of the Citizens and visited their families. at half after 7 A. M we Set out.” Captain Clark records the first night that everyone slept inside since leaving Fort Clatsop last spring. Every morning when I take our new puppy out for a walk my thoughts ponder what sleeping in the open last night would have entailed. There is a reason we like to build and live in houses.
“…at 3 P M we met two large boats assending. at 4 P M we arived in Sight of St. Charles, the party rejoiced at the Sight of this hospital village plyed thear ores with great dexterity and we Soon arived opposit the Town, this day being Sunday we observed a number of Gentlemen and ladies walking on the bank, we Saluted the Village by three rounds from our blunderbuts and the Small arms of the party, and landed near the lower part of the town.” St. Charles one year later has more settlements along the river but it is still the westernmost city on the Missouri River. It has been the marker for the men that their mission was successful.
I write this on a Sunday and I find the reference to people strolling along the riverbank an idyllic one. Our nation has turned from a day of rest to full scale activity. I’m not sure we are the better for it. Most of Auburn, WA and Washington State was resting on Sundays until the late 1960’s and early 1970’s when I was boy and teenager.
“…we received invitations from Several of those Gentlemen a Mr. Proulx, Taboe, Decett, Tice Dejonah & Quarie and several who were pressing on us to go to their houses, we could only visit Mr. Proulx and Mr. Deucett in the course of the evening. Mr. Querie under took to Supply our party with provisions &c.” William Clark
Sgt. Ordway reports a now familiar refrain, “the people of the Town gathered on the bank and could hardly believe that it was us for they had heard and had believed that we were all dead and were forgotton.”
Do not be forgetful of hospitality, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2 MKJV) Hospitality. Does it mark us as individuals? Does it describe our families? It is a bedrock, or distinctive, of my church. The author of the New Testament book of Hebrews includes it in his instructions to the fledgling Christian church. How are we doing two thousand years later? The city of St. Charles, not just a few people, but the city as a whole is remembered by the Corps of Discovery for its hospitality. Are we?
“…the inhabitants of this village appear much delighted at our return and seem to vie with each other in their politeness to us all.” William Clark. Sgt. Ordway closes the day noting that most of the men found quarters in homes and that it rained hard all night. Think anyone of the men slept warm and dry with a smile on their face?
Proceed on.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Cows! Cause for Joy
Journal 2006 09 20
Cows! Cause for Joy
Three of the soldiers are suffering from an ailment that has there eyes and lips swollen to the point they can’t see or row. Yesterday “Dr.” Clark thinks it may be the low angle of the sun reflecting off the water. Modern chemists attribute the malady to dermatitis which can result from the handling of pawpaws. Or it could be a case of infectious conjunctivitis. (For those like me who are wondering what in the world is a pawpaw it is a papaya like fruit native to North America. It was spread by Native Americans and is many times called the “Poor Man’s Banana.”)
“…as three of the party was unabled to row from the State of their eyes we found it necessary to leave one of our Crafts and divide the men into the other Canoes, we left the two Canoes lashed together which I had made high up the River Rochejhone, those Canoes we Set a drift and a little after day light we Set out and proceeded on very well.” Captain Clark.
So the double canoe is left behind to wash up on the shore for some kids to play with! Think about what would happen with that canoe today. It would be accounted for and awarded to some museum curator for care and exhibition. Wouldn’t the Smithsonian Museum love to have the hand built canoes from the Yellowstone River hanging in Washington DC?
“Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier…” Paul the Apostle (2 Timothy 2:3-5 ASV) I’ve said many times in these writings that this was first and foremost a military mission. It was different in that part of the mission was also a scientific mission. The cargo was important the boat was not. Abandoning the canoes this close to the end of the mission illustrates that the Captains were still focused on the mission and not its memory. The race is never over until you cross the finish line. Captain Clark records “…the party being extreemly anxious to get down ply their ores very well…” and the men are finishing strong.
“…we Saw Some cows on the bank which was a joyfull Sight to the party and Caused a Shout to be raised for joy…” William Clark. No buffalo, no elk, no bear, no deer. Cows! How often do we see cows as a source of joy? Only if you are a city kid who never enters farmland. As we drive from our home in Bothell, WA to my hometown in Auburn, WA the freeway passes through a dairy and the cry is, “Cows! OOOh do they stink!”
I’m going to let William Clark’s words describe the balance of their day. “…the men raised a Shout and Sprung upon their ores and we soon landed opposit to the Village. our party requested to be permited to fire off their Guns which was alowed & they discharged 3 rounds with a harty Cheer, which was returned from five tradeing boats which lay opposit the village. we landed and were very politely received by two young Scotch men from Canada one in the employ of Mr. Aird a Mr. and the other Mr. Reed, two other boats the property of Mr. Lacomb & Mr. [blank] all of those boats were bound to the Osage and Ottoes. those two young Scotch gentlemen furnished us with Beef flower and Some pork for our men, and gave us a very agreeable supper. as it was like to rain we accepted of a bed in one of their tents…”
“…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, and were entirely given out by every person &c.”
The lost is found and there is great joy.
Proceed on.
Cows! Cause for Joy
Three of the soldiers are suffering from an ailment that has there eyes and lips swollen to the point they can’t see or row. Yesterday “Dr.” Clark thinks it may be the low angle of the sun reflecting off the water. Modern chemists attribute the malady to dermatitis which can result from the handling of pawpaws. Or it could be a case of infectious conjunctivitis. (For those like me who are wondering what in the world is a pawpaw it is a papaya like fruit native to North America. It was spread by Native Americans and is many times called the “Poor Man’s Banana.”)
“…as three of the party was unabled to row from the State of their eyes we found it necessary to leave one of our Crafts and divide the men into the other Canoes, we left the two Canoes lashed together which I had made high up the River Rochejhone, those Canoes we Set a drift and a little after day light we Set out and proceeded on very well.” Captain Clark.
So the double canoe is left behind to wash up on the shore for some kids to play with! Think about what would happen with that canoe today. It would be accounted for and awarded to some museum curator for care and exhibition. Wouldn’t the Smithsonian Museum love to have the hand built canoes from the Yellowstone River hanging in Washington DC?
“Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier…” Paul the Apostle (2 Timothy 2:3-5 ASV) I’ve said many times in these writings that this was first and foremost a military mission. It was different in that part of the mission was also a scientific mission. The cargo was important the boat was not. Abandoning the canoes this close to the end of the mission illustrates that the Captains were still focused on the mission and not its memory. The race is never over until you cross the finish line. Captain Clark records “…the party being extreemly anxious to get down ply their ores very well…” and the men are finishing strong.
“…we Saw Some cows on the bank which was a joyfull Sight to the party and Caused a Shout to be raised for joy…” William Clark. No buffalo, no elk, no bear, no deer. Cows! How often do we see cows as a source of joy? Only if you are a city kid who never enters farmland. As we drive from our home in Bothell, WA to my hometown in Auburn, WA the freeway passes through a dairy and the cry is, “Cows! OOOh do they stink!”
I’m going to let William Clark’s words describe the balance of their day. “…the men raised a Shout and Sprung upon their ores and we soon landed opposit to the Village. our party requested to be permited to fire off their Guns which was alowed & they discharged 3 rounds with a harty Cheer, which was returned from five tradeing boats which lay opposit the village. we landed and were very politely received by two young Scotch men from Canada one in the employ of Mr. Aird a Mr. and the other Mr. Reed, two other boats the property of Mr. Lacomb & Mr. [blank] all of those boats were bound to the Osage and Ottoes. those two young Scotch gentlemen furnished us with Beef flower and Some pork for our men, and gave us a very agreeable supper. as it was like to rain we accepted of a bed in one of their tents…”
“…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, and were entirely given out by every person &c.”
The lost is found and there is great joy.
Proceed on.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Lengthening Your Stride
Journal 2006 09 19
Lengthening Your Stride
“It's not that I've already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.” Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:12-14 GW)
“…our anxiety as also the wish of the party to proceed on as expeditiously as possible to the Illinois enduce us to continue on without halting to hunt. we Calculate on ariveing at the first Settlements on tomorrow evening which is 140 miles, and objecet of our party is to divide the distance into two days, this day to the Osarge River, and tomorrow to the Charriton a Small french Village” Captain Clark.
So there it is in plain view. The edge of civilization in their sights after just over two years due west of it. La Charette, Missouri was a small French settlement and had become the focus of the men. One hundred forty miles over next two days. “No problem Captains. We’ve done it before and we can do it again. We’ll live on pappows for the next two days if we need to.” This must have been the response of the soldiers to their leaders. Like a distance runner beginning to pick up the pace as the finish line beckons, the Corps of Discovery collectively begins to lengthen their stride and press towards the goal that they may indeed win the prize.
We live in a world that is in many ways artificial. Business wants to conduct itself daily at this finish line pace where the stride is lengthened and the pace picked up. That can’t happen in the real world. It can happen in a relay race where the baton is share among the team. The religious world wants to achieve mountaintop experiences every living moment on earth. The scientific world wants to move and travel outside the constraints of time and dimension.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens:…” King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 3:1 MKJV)
Allow God’s time and purpose to lead our lives. Is it time to go to the mountaintop for vision and renewal? Then go. Is it time to come down from the mountain and go back to work in the richness only the valley can provide? Then go to work. Is it time to run the race at a pace that allows you to even reach the finish line? (I can’t sprint the twenty-six miles of a marathon!) Are you at the finish line? Then it is time to lengthen your stride, press forward setting aside hunger and anything else that would distract from pouring out everything in you to reach the finish line first.
Each of us is probably in a different place today. Recognize it and respond correctly. If like the Corps of Discovery you can see the finish line set aside everything that so easily distracts us and set your mind on pressing forward with everything in you to cross that line a winner.
And as Captain Clark recorded today, “We…proceeded on very well the men ply their oares & we decended with great velocity…”
Proceed on well with great velocity.
Lengthening Your Stride
“It's not that I've already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.” Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:12-14 GW)
“…our anxiety as also the wish of the party to proceed on as expeditiously as possible to
So there it is in plain view. The edge of civilization in their sights after just over two years due west of it. La Charette, Missouri was a small French settlement and had become the focus of the men. One hundred forty miles over next two days. “No problem Captains. We’ve done it before and we can do it again. We’ll live on pappows for the next two days if we need to.” This must have been the response of the soldiers to their leaders. Like a distance runner beginning to pick up the pace as the finish line beckons, the Corps of Discovery collectively begins to lengthen their stride and press towards the goal that they may indeed win the prize.
We live in a world that is in many ways artificial. Business wants to conduct itself daily at this finish line pace where the stride is lengthened and the pace picked up. That can’t happen in the real world. It can happen in a relay race where the baton is share among the team. The religious world wants to achieve mountaintop experiences every living moment on earth. The scientific world wants to move and travel outside the constraints of time and dimension.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens:…” King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 3:1 MKJV)
Allow God’s time and purpose to lead our lives. Is it time to go to the mountaintop for vision and renewal? Then go. Is it time to come down from the mountain and go back to work in the richness only the valley can provide? Then go to work. Is it time to run the race at a pace that allows you to even reach the finish line? (I can’t sprint the twenty-six miles of a marathon!) Are you at the finish line? Then it is time to lengthen your stride, press forward setting aside hunger and anything else that would distract from pouring out everything in you to reach the finish line first.
Each of us is probably in a different place today. Recognize it and respond correctly. If like the Corps of Discovery you can see the finish line set aside everything that so easily distracts us and set your mind on pressing forward with everything in you to cross that line a winner.
And as Captain Clark recorded today, “We…proceeded on very well the men ply their oares & we decended with great velocity…”
Proceed on well with great velocity.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
The Rumors of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
Journal 2006 09 17
The Rumors of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
“…at 11 A. M. we met a Captain McClellin late a Capt. of Artily of the U States Army assending in a large boat. this gentleman an acquaintance of my friend Capt. Lewis was Somewhat astonished to See us return and appeared rejoiced to meet us. we found him a man of information and from whome we received a partial account of the political State of our Country, we were makeing enquires and exchangeing answers &c. untill near mid night. this Gentleman informed us that we had been long Since given out by the people of the U S Generaly and almost forgotton, the President of the U. States had yet hopes of us;…” William Clark.
It must have been a little amusing, yet disconcerting, that in a time when news crawled across the land in days and weeks rather than the speed of light that we have come to see as the standard that people had given up hope for the Corps of Discovery. We always think tasks will be easier than they turn out to be, don’t we?
Evidently only President Jefferson still held out hope for the success of this mission and the safe return of his expeditioners. And in his steadfast hope he exhibits a quality of great leaders; the ability to trust in the quality of leaders he has chosen to complete a tough task. Jefferson knew the task was worthy. He knew its time was ripe. And he knew he had chosen the right leader. He found Meriwether Lewis to be a man of “courage undaunted.” Stephen Ambrose used this very description of Lewis as the title to his book about this mission. I recommend “Undaunted Courage” to all as the best single book about the Corps of Discovery.
Too bad Lewis has stopped writing. I would love to know his response to hearing that no matter what others in the nation thought, President Jefferson held onto hope in his ability to successfully bring this mission home. Don’t you want someone in your corner who always stands on their faith in your strengths and abilities rather than casting doubt because of your weaknesses and shortcomings?
“Of course not! God is true, even if everyone else is a liar. As it is written, "You are right when you speak, and win your case when you go into court.” (Romans 3:4 ISV)
“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence…” (Jude 1:24 GNB)
Trust the naysayers and doubters or put your faith in those who have the authority to authorize, equip and protect your life? “And if it seem evil to you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15 KJV)
The Corps of Discovery is still alive and quite well as the nation is about to discover. And Mark Twain’s words while yet many years past the death of these men held the perfect response to the doubters, “The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”
Proceed on.
The Rumors of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
“…at 11 A. M. we met a Captain McClellin late a Capt. of Artily of the U States Army assending in a large boat. this gentleman an acquaintance of my friend Capt. Lewis was Somewhat astonished to See us return and appeared rejoiced to meet us. we found him a man of information and from whome we received a partial account of the political State of our Country, we were makeing enquires and exchangeing answers &c. untill near mid night. this Gentleman informed us that we had been long Since given out by the people of the U S Generaly and almost forgotton, the President of the U. States had yet hopes of us;…” William Clark.
It must have been a little amusing, yet disconcerting, that in a time when news crawled across the land in days and weeks rather than the speed of light that we have come to see as the standard that people had given up hope for the Corps of Discovery. We always think tasks will be easier than they turn out to be, don’t we?
Evidently only President Jefferson still held out hope for the success of this mission and the safe return of his expeditioners. And in his steadfast hope he exhibits a quality of great leaders; the ability to trust in the quality of leaders he has chosen to complete a tough task. Jefferson knew the task was worthy. He knew its time was ripe. And he knew he had chosen the right leader. He found Meriwether Lewis to be a man of “courage undaunted.” Stephen Ambrose used this very description of Lewis as the title to his book about this mission. I recommend “Undaunted Courage” to all as the best single book about the Corps of Discovery.
Too bad Lewis has stopped writing. I would love to know his response to hearing that no matter what others in the nation thought, President Jefferson held onto hope in his ability to successfully bring this mission home. Don’t you want someone in your corner who always stands on their faith in your strengths and abilities rather than casting doubt because of your weaknesses and shortcomings?
“Of course not! God is true, even if everyone else is a liar. As it is written, "You are right when you speak, and win your case when you go into court.” (Romans 3:4 ISV)
“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence…” (Jude 1:24 GNB)
Trust the naysayers and doubters or put your faith in those who have the authority to authorize, equip and protect your life? “And if it seem evil to you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15 KJV)
The Corps of Discovery is still alive and quite well as the nation is about to discover. And Mark Twain’s words while yet many years past the death of these men held the perfect response to the doubters, “The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”
Proceed on.
Friday, September 15, 2006
City on a Hill
Journal 2006 09 15
City on a Hill
“…we set out early with a Stiff Breeze a head saw Several deer Swiming the river soon after we Set out. at 11 A. M. passed the enterance of the Kanzas river which was very low, about a mile below we landed and Capt Lewis and my Self assended a hill which appeared to have a Commanding Situation for a fort, the Shore is bold and rocky imediately at the foot of the hill, from the top of the hill you have a perfect Command of the river, this hill fronts the Kanzas and has a view of the Missouri a Short distance above that river.” That hill is downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Pretty good call by the Captains. Clark also notes “we passd Some of the most Charming bottom lands to day and the uplands by no means bad, all well timberd.”
The men spotted a huge “buck” elk on an island and sent hunters after it. Turns out it was one of the biggest, healthiest and best elk of the trip. The men also stopped once to collect apples. Evidently rattlesnakes must have been attracted to the apples on the ground, too. Clark only mentions the stop to collect apples. Sgt. Ordway adds to the record, “…as the men were gathering them Saw a number of rattle Snakes and killed one of them and saved the skin.”
As the return trip allows the Captains to add the foundation of their earlier observations Clark records the following analysis. “…the weather disagreeably worm and if it was not for the constant winds which blow from the S. and S E. we Should be almost Suficated Comeing out of a northern Country open and Cool between the Latd. of 46° and 49° North in which we had been for nearly two years, rapidly decending into a woody Country in a wormer Climate between the Latds. 38° & 39° North is probably the Cause of our experiencing the heat much more Senceable than those who have Continued within the parralel of Latitude.” Another good call by William Clark. Climatologists at universities will concur with his observations.
How visionary are we? Are we looking for a place to build for the future? Have we ventured onto unknown ground with an eye to building what can only be seen in our minds eye? We should. It takes work to have vision. Vision came with hope. Out of hope came the work of the mission. The work of the mission yielded vision for a new city on a hill.
You’ve been promised a city. “So says Jehovah: … And the city shall be built on her own hill, and the palace shall remain in its own place.” (Jeremiah 30:18 MKJV)
“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14 ISV)
“And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband. And it had a great and high wall, with twelve gates. … And the twelve gates were twelve pearls. …And the street of the city was pure gold, as transparent glass. And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty is its temple, even the Lamb. And the city had no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they might shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:2, 12-23 MKJV)
I’m looking for a better future and a new place to build. Now and in Heaven. I’m looking for and to that city on a hill.
Proceed on.
City on a Hill
“…we set out early with a Stiff Breeze a head saw Several deer Swiming the river soon after we Set out. at 11 A. M. passed the enterance of the Kanzas river which was very low, about a mile below we landed and Capt Lewis and my Self assended a hill which appeared to have a Commanding Situation for a fort, the Shore is bold and rocky imediately at the foot of the hill, from the top of the hill you have a perfect Command of the river, this hill fronts the Kanzas and has a view of the Missouri a Short distance above that river.” That hill is downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Pretty good call by the Captains. Clark also notes “we passd Some of the most Charming bottom lands to day and the uplands by no means bad, all well timberd.”
The men spotted a huge “buck” elk on an island and sent hunters after it. Turns out it was one of the biggest, healthiest and best elk of the trip. The men also stopped once to collect apples. Evidently rattlesnakes must have been attracted to the apples on the ground, too. Clark only mentions the stop to collect apples. Sgt. Ordway adds to the record, “…as the men were gathering them Saw a number of rattle Snakes and killed one of them and saved the skin.”
As the return trip allows the Captains to add the foundation of their earlier observations Clark records the following analysis. “…the weather disagreeably worm and if it was not for the constant winds which blow from the S. and S E. we Should be almost Suficated Comeing out of a northern Country open and Cool between the Latd. of 46° and 49° North in which we had been for nearly two years, rapidly decending into a woody Country in a wormer Climate between the Latds. 38° & 39° North is probably the Cause of our experiencing the heat much more Senceable than those who have Continued within the parralel of Latitude.” Another good call by William Clark. Climatologists at universities will concur with his observations.
How visionary are we? Are we looking for a place to build for the future? Have we ventured onto unknown ground with an eye to building what can only be seen in our minds eye? We should. It takes work to have vision. Vision came with hope. Out of hope came the work of the mission. The work of the mission yielded vision for a new city on a hill.
You’ve been promised a city. “So says Jehovah: … And the city shall be built on her own hill, and the palace shall remain in its own place.” (Jeremiah 30:18 MKJV)
“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14 ISV)
“And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband. And it had a great and high wall, with twelve gates. … And the twelve gates were twelve pearls. …And the street of the city was pure gold, as transparent glass. And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty is its temple, even the Lamb. And the city had no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they might shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:2, 12-23 MKJV)
I’m looking for a better future and a new place to build. Now and in Heaven. I’m looking for and to that city on a hill.
Proceed on.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Prescription Chocolate
Journal 2006 09 14
Prescription Chocolate
“I felt my Self very unwell and derected a little Chocolate which Mr. McClellen gave us, prepared of which I drank about a pint and found great relief” William Clark, September 13, 1806. Good news to all the chocolate lovers. Don’t you know a Hershey bar or Mr. Goodbar will fix just about every ill? Expert outdoorsman and tracker teaches searchers to have a chocolate bar with them when searching for a child. Lost children will hide from rescuers after several days of being lost. A chocolate bar stuffed in the mouth seems to snap the lost child out of their state of shock and back into reality. Just reporting the facts. Please don’t send any studies to the contrary.
This morning the men set out early after only making eighteen miles yesterday because of high winds. All arms are put in order and the men are on high alert. “…this being the part of the Missouri the Kanzas nation resort to at this Season of the year for the purpose of robbing the perogues passing up to other nations above, we have every reason to expect to meet with them, and agreeably to their Common Custom of examining every thing in the perogues and takeing what they want out of them, it is probable they may wish to take those liberties with us, which we are deturmined not to allow of and for the Smallest insult we Shall fire on them.”
Around 2:00PM the Corps meets another party coming upriver to trade with the Yankton Sioux. They too give the men more whiskey! After making “only” fifty-eight miles today the men put to camp near the camp of July 1, 1804. They have a dram of drink and sing “in the greatest harmony” until 11:00PM.
The generosity towards the Corps of Discovery continues. “…all from St. Louis, those young men received us with great friendship and pressed on us Some whisky for our men, Bisquet, Pork and Onions, & part of their Stores, we continued near 2 hours with those boats,…”
“…that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to share, to be generous,…”
(1 Timothy 6:18 MKJV)
What an example of generosity we are witnessing as the men coming to the wilderness meet the men returning. So we see celebration tempered by a state of alertness required by the Kansas Indian Nation and their reputation for robbing travelers.
“I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” (Psalms 120:7 MKJV)
Are you for peace? Good. Are you prepared for war? You should be. Prepare for both and then celebrate!
Proceed on.
Prescription Chocolate
“I felt my Self very unwell and derected a little Chocolate which Mr. McClellen gave us, prepared of which I drank about a pint and found great relief” William Clark, September 13, 1806. Good news to all the chocolate lovers. Don’t you know a Hershey bar or Mr. Goodbar will fix just about every ill? Expert outdoorsman and tracker teaches searchers to have a chocolate bar with them when searching for a child. Lost children will hide from rescuers after several days of being lost. A chocolate bar stuffed in the mouth seems to snap the lost child out of their state of shock and back into reality. Just reporting the facts. Please don’t send any studies to the contrary.
This morning the men set out early after only making eighteen miles yesterday because of high winds. All arms are put in order and the men are on high alert. “…this being the part of the Missouri the Kanzas nation resort to at this Season of the year for the purpose of robbing the perogues passing up to other nations above, we have every reason to expect to meet with them, and agreeably to their Common Custom of examining every thing in the perogues and takeing what they want out of them, it is probable they may wish to take those liberties with us, which we are deturmined not to allow of and for the Smallest insult we Shall fire on them.”
Around 2:00PM the Corps meets another party coming upriver to trade with the Yankton Sioux. They too give the men more whiskey! After making “only” fifty-eight miles today the men put to camp near the camp of July 1, 1804. They have a dram of drink and sing “in the greatest harmony” until 11:00PM.
The generosity towards the Corps of Discovery continues. “…all from St. Louis, those young men received us with great friendship and pressed on us Some whisky for our men, Bisquet, Pork and Onions, & part of their Stores, we continued near 2 hours with those boats,…”
“…that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to share, to be generous,…”
(1 Timothy 6:18 MKJV)
What an example of generosity we are witnessing as the men coming to the wilderness meet the men returning. So we see celebration tempered by a state of alertness required by the Kansas Indian Nation and their reputation for robbing travelers.
“I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” (Psalms 120:7 MKJV)
Are you for peace? Good. Are you prepared for war? You should be. Prepare for both and then celebrate!
Proceed on.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Search Party
Journal 2006 09 12
Search Party
Rivers in the early part of the 19th Century were the equivalent of our Interstate highways. No Oregon Trail yet existed and certainly no Northern Pacific Railroad to carry men and goods. Rivers were freeways. Canoes instead of Cadillacs. No yellow lines, concrete barriers or wide medians separating traffic on the river. Those traveling downstream met those traveling upstream. Every day for the past few days the Corps of Discovery encounters upstream traffic. Zebulon Pike, of Pike’s Peak, is among them. All parties coming upstream are glad to encounter our intrepid travelers. Rumors abound regarding how they may have met their end. Seeing the eastbound travelers all alive and well had to strengthen the hearts of those headed upstream. They could take genuine hope for success with them after seeing the Captains and their men alive and well.
Today the men met an old friend and a colleague on the River.
Sgt’s Ordway and Gass put the concern into the most human terms. Gass records, “He, and two Frenchmen who were with him had severally instructions from the government to make inquiry after our party; as they were beginning to be uneasy about us”. Ordway writes it this way, “Mr. McLanen informed us that the people in general in the united States were concerned about us as they had heard that we were all killed then again they heard that the Spanyards had us in the mines &C. Mr. Gravveleen & Mr Drewyong had orders to make all enquiries for us.”
Not a search party per se, but orders to investigate their welfare none the less. Robert McClellan was Captain Clark’s friend. He had been a soldier with him in war. McClellan would be buried on Clark’s estate in St. Louis in 1815 upon his death. Joseph Gravelines had been in the Indian camp when the men wintered there in 1804. He was one of the men who took the Chief of the Arakara’s to Washington, DC.
Both parties stopped for the rest of the day to update one another. Can you imagine the joy of the upstream party seeing the Corps of Discovery in good health and spirits? Like every upstream group of travelers, McClellan and Gravelines offered the men whatever they had. Ordway records, “Mr. McLanen gave our officers wine and the party as much whiskey as we all could drink.”
A celebration. Rightfully so. There was a lot to celebrate between these men who have been to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans since the winter of 1804. And it appears that a whole nation had begun to worry “about that which was lost.”
“My son was dead and has come back to life. He was lost but has been found.' Then they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:24 GW)
Ever thought you lost something only to find it later? Feels good doesn’t it? Ever lost anyone? Most of us have. Remember the joy in the finding? I do. My little special needs daughter and her little friend headed up the road after the runaway dog determined to corral him. Two blocks, several gray hairs and a near coronary later I found them hot on the dog’s path. I can’t describe the relief and joy in seeing them marching up the road.
William Clark’s famous line upon seeing the Pacific Ocean was repeated by Robert McClellan and Mr. Gravelines this day when they saw their friends. I bet they uttered some form of Clark’s famous words, “Oh the Joy!”
Proceed on.
Search Party
Rivers in the early part of the 19th Century were the equivalent of our Interstate highways. No Oregon Trail yet existed and certainly no Northern Pacific Railroad to carry men and goods. Rivers were freeways. Canoes instead of Cadillacs. No yellow lines, concrete barriers or wide medians separating traffic on the river. Those traveling downstream met those traveling upstream. Every day for the past few days the Corps of Discovery encounters upstream traffic. Zebulon Pike, of Pike’s Peak, is among them. All parties coming upstream are glad to encounter our intrepid travelers. Rumors abound regarding how they may have met their end. Seeing the eastbound travelers all alive and well had to strengthen the hearts of those headed upstream. They could take genuine hope for success with them after seeing the Captains and their men alive and well.
Today the men met an old friend and a colleague on the River.
Sgt’s Ordway and Gass put the concern into the most human terms. Gass records, “He, and two Frenchmen who were with him had severally instructions from the government to make inquiry after our party; as they were beginning to be uneasy about us”. Ordway writes it this way, “Mr. McLanen informed us that the people in general in the united States were concerned about us as they had heard that we were all killed then again they heard that the Spanyards had us in the mines &C. Mr. Gravveleen & Mr Drewyong had orders to make all enquiries for us.”
Not a search party per se, but orders to investigate their welfare none the less. Robert McClellan was Captain Clark’s friend. He had been a soldier with him in war. McClellan would be buried on Clark’s estate in St. Louis in 1815 upon his death. Joseph Gravelines had been in the Indian camp when the men wintered there in 1804. He was one of the men who took the Chief of the Arakara’s to Washington, DC.
Both parties stopped for the rest of the day to update one another. Can you imagine the joy of the upstream party seeing the Corps of Discovery in good health and spirits? Like every upstream group of travelers, McClellan and Gravelines offered the men whatever they had. Ordway records, “Mr. McLanen gave our officers wine and the party as much whiskey as we all could drink.”
A celebration. Rightfully so. There was a lot to celebrate between these men who have been to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans since the winter of 1804. And it appears that a whole nation had begun to worry “about that which was lost.”
“My son was dead and has come back to life. He was lost but has been found.' Then they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:24 GW)
Ever thought you lost something only to find it later? Feels good doesn’t it? Ever lost anyone? Most of us have. Remember the joy in the finding? I do. My little special needs daughter and her little friend headed up the road after the runaway dog determined to corral him. Two blocks, several gray hairs and a near coronary later I found them hot on the dog’s path. I can’t describe the relief and joy in seeing them marching up the road.
William Clark’s famous line upon seeing the Pacific Ocean was repeated by Robert McClellan and Mr. Gravelines this day when they saw their friends. I bet they uttered some form of Clark’s famous words, “Oh the Joy!”
Proceed on.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Channel Fever
Journal 2006 09 09
Channel Fever
My grandpa, George Washington Bennett, was the son of a San Francisco policeman. He grew up in Alameda, CA a suburb just north of the “City by the Bay.” He remembers stories of the great fire and if memory serves me correctly, he remembers seeing the night sky lit by the great volume of flames as a young boy.
Known to most as “Benny” he was quite a man. He was short and wiry. He was actually my mother’s step dad. But to all of us he was the only grandpa we had known on my mother’s side of the family. And he was a lot of fun. As my brothers and sister and I came into adolescence Grandpa Benny was retiring from a twenty-eight year Coast Guard career as a Master Chief with service hashmarks past the elbow on the sleeve of his uniform. Too many stories to tell here. He enlisted when he was twenty eight years old. Some of my favorite tales are from his times on the wind-driven ice breakers that plied the frigid waters and ice floes around Alaska in the early years of the 20th Century. There are several books written about our nations adventures in the Arctic just after the turn of century. He knew most of the characters and is mentioned in one when he was just a young seaman.
Later in his career he spent many years as a station chief along the coasts of Washington and Oregon manning lighthouse stations. In addition to the lighthouses, most of those Coast Guard stations had rescue stations for ships and boaters in trouble. One summer when I was nineteen I was able to take a trip with him and my grandmother where we visited several of those stations in Oregon. When my grandma would tell the men currently on duty of their time at the base we were visiting we got treated like visiting royalty. These young men knew the courage these old sailors showed when they entered their boats to rescue civilians caught in the ravages of storms. It was an honor to be a witness to the respect and admiration showed by young sailors to an old “seadog.”
We were blessed to be able to travel and fish Washington and British Columbia with him as kids. He has been gone for many years now, but the fond memories still bring laughter as our family gathers. The time he stood on his head for us at age seventy-six will give you a glimpse into his love of life. I had the privilege as a young Christian of praying with him as his body was fighting against his life at age eight six. We all saw him miraculously touched by God and given a second chance on eternity just long enough to gain entrance into Heaven before finally succumbing to death. We miss him.
I write about him today because he described a time in every shipboard sailors life when the cruise is coming to an end but not yet over. He described the scene as the great sailing ship the “Bear” was returning from an Arctic cruise. Men had been able to set their hearts and minds on the duties at hand and survive months of starkness in the frozen waters of the far north without the luxuries life in the United States offered. However within minutes of entering the channel leading to safe harbor in San Francisco a strange disease would take hold of the crew. He called it “channel fever.” Men who hadn’t shaved in many months would all break out razors and scrape off beards. Clothes would be washed and pressed. The conversation would turn to girlfriends and families and cars and shore leave and plans for the future. Most importantly, time would wind down to a crawl and the ship would seem to move backwards because channel fever had taken over the crew. Brave and hardy young men only wanted to get off the confinement of the ever decreasing limits of the deck of their great ship and set feet on terra firma.
“…our party appears extreamly anxious to get on, and every day appears produce new anxieties in them to get to their Country and friends.” Sounds like channel fever is showing its first signs of infecting these same brave young men of the Corps of Discovery. It probably started when they met the first group of traders coming upriver and exchanged buckskins for linens to make themselves presentable in St. Louis. “Dr.” Clark notes the condition as well as the condition of Lewis. “My worthy friend Cap Lewis has entirely recovered his wounds are heeled up and he Can walk and even run nearly as well as ever he Could. the parts are yet tender…”
Ever had channel fever? I have. Anyone with young children on a long car trip has experienced an adolescent form of it in the question, “Are we there yet?” The end of a thing is said to be better than the beginning. Anxiety is at its highest before an event and then reappears as the event is closing. Channel Fever.
We are more “sophisticated” in our machinations as adults and deal with our anxieties differently today. We still have them. “…You have known my soul in troubles; and have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a broad place.” (Psalms 31:7-8)
Like the young sailors on the Bear, like the hardy young travelers on the Missouri River two hundred years ago and like many of us today aren’t we looking for that “broad place” where our feet and our souls find solid ground?
“From the end of the earth I cry to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the Rock higher than I.” (Psalms 61:2) Will we let channel fever lead us to this Solid Rock of Ages?
Proceed on.
Channel Fever
My grandpa, George Washington Bennett, was the son of a San Francisco policeman. He grew up in Alameda, CA a suburb just north of the “City by the Bay.” He remembers stories of the great fire and if memory serves me correctly, he remembers seeing the night sky lit by the great volume of flames as a young boy.
Known to most as “Benny” he was quite a man. He was short and wiry. He was actually my mother’s step dad. But to all of us he was the only grandpa we had known on my mother’s side of the family. And he was a lot of fun. As my brothers and sister and I came into adolescence Grandpa Benny was retiring from a twenty-eight year Coast Guard career as a Master Chief with service hashmarks past the elbow on the sleeve of his uniform. Too many stories to tell here. He enlisted when he was twenty eight years old. Some of my favorite tales are from his times on the wind-driven ice breakers that plied the frigid waters and ice floes around Alaska in the early years of the 20th Century. There are several books written about our nations adventures in the Arctic just after the turn of century. He knew most of the characters and is mentioned in one when he was just a young seaman.
Later in his career he spent many years as a station chief along the coasts of Washington and Oregon manning lighthouse stations. In addition to the lighthouses, most of those Coast Guard stations had rescue stations for ships and boaters in trouble. One summer when I was nineteen I was able to take a trip with him and my grandmother where we visited several of those stations in Oregon. When my grandma would tell the men currently on duty of their time at the base we were visiting we got treated like visiting royalty. These young men knew the courage these old sailors showed when they entered their boats to rescue civilians caught in the ravages of storms. It was an honor to be a witness to the respect and admiration showed by young sailors to an old “seadog.”
We were blessed to be able to travel and fish Washington and British Columbia with him as kids. He has been gone for many years now, but the fond memories still bring laughter as our family gathers. The time he stood on his head for us at age seventy-six will give you a glimpse into his love of life. I had the privilege as a young Christian of praying with him as his body was fighting against his life at age eight six. We all saw him miraculously touched by God and given a second chance on eternity just long enough to gain entrance into Heaven before finally succumbing to death. We miss him.
I write about him today because he described a time in every shipboard sailors life when the cruise is coming to an end but not yet over. He described the scene as the great sailing ship the “Bear” was returning from an Arctic cruise. Men had been able to set their hearts and minds on the duties at hand and survive months of starkness in the frozen waters of the far north without the luxuries life in the United States offered. However within minutes of entering the channel leading to safe harbor in San Francisco a strange disease would take hold of the crew. He called it “channel fever.” Men who hadn’t shaved in many months would all break out razors and scrape off beards. Clothes would be washed and pressed. The conversation would turn to girlfriends and families and cars and shore leave and plans for the future. Most importantly, time would wind down to a crawl and the ship would seem to move backwards because channel fever had taken over the crew. Brave and hardy young men only wanted to get off the confinement of the ever decreasing limits of the deck of their great ship and set feet on terra firma.
“…our party appears extreamly anxious to get on, and every day appears produce new anxieties in them to get to their Country and friends.” Sounds like channel fever is showing its first signs of infecting these same brave young men of the Corps of Discovery. It probably started when they met the first group of traders coming upriver and exchanged buckskins for linens to make themselves presentable in St. Louis. “Dr.” Clark notes the condition as well as the condition of Lewis. “My worthy friend Cap Lewis has entirely recovered his wounds are heeled up and he Can walk and even run nearly as well as ever he Could. the parts are yet tender…”
Ever had channel fever? I have. Anyone with young children on a long car trip has experienced an adolescent form of it in the question, “Are we there yet?” The end of a thing is said to be better than the beginning. Anxiety is at its highest before an event and then reappears as the event is closing. Channel Fever.
We are more “sophisticated” in our machinations as adults and deal with our anxieties differently today. We still have them. “…You have known my soul in troubles; and have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a broad place.” (Psalms 31:7-8)
Like the young sailors on the Bear, like the hardy young travelers on the Missouri River two hundred years ago and like many of us today aren’t we looking for that “broad place” where our feet and our souls find solid ground?
“From the end of the earth I cry to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the Rock higher than I.” (Psalms 61:2) Will we let channel fever lead us to this Solid Rock of Ages?
Proceed on.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Evaporation
Journal 2006 09 08
Evaporation
Yesterday Captain Clark records this observation as a note to his regular record, “…(note the evaperation on this portion of the Missouri has been noticed as we assended this river, and it now appears to be greater than it was at that time. I am obliged to replenish my ink Stand every day with fresh ink at least 9/10 of which must evaperate.)”
Today, he ponders the wonder of this observation. “The Missouri at this place does not appear to Contain <as much> more water than it did 1000 Miles above this, the evaperation must be emence; in the last 1000 miles this river receives the water 20 rivers and maney Creeks Several of the Rivers large and the Size of this river or the quantity of water does not appear to increase any…”
Captain Lewis made a record regarding evaporation in September 1804. If my memory is correct they timed how long it took for a teaspoon of water to evaporate.
The Corps makes about seventy-eight miles today after only making twenty-eight yesterday. High winds and a sumptuous dinner of fresh elk slowed their progress yesterday. Today they wanted to make the Platte River. They fell a little short of the Platte but reconfirmed their observations that the area around Council Bluffs would make a fine place for a fort or city.
The practical side of work complete, William Clark allows his ever practical mind to ponder the mystery that confronts his logical, scientific mind. That mystery is how twenty rivers of a size equal to the Missouri and numerous creeks can join the Missouri without increasing its flow. So he notices how rapidly his inkwell dries out and digs a little deeper to notice the high rate of evaporation. Could the atmosphere really soak up the water of over twenty rivers in the course of one thousand miles? Clark concludes maybe and probably. I don’t know the answer, but I bet someone reading this does.
What I do know is that we all understand the principle of “drying up.” I hope none of you have experienced a drying up in your lives, but I know I have at points and can guess that many of you have felt that dryness when it seems like everything in life is dry and unable to produce fruit. At the same time I hear that Sunday School refrain running through my brain, “I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me…”
Is it possible that the atmosphere of life can absorb the living water by a spiritual process similar to evaporation and suck us dry? I think so. The danger for us is that we can’t see it happening until the water no longer courses down the streambed.
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal. It was flowing from the throne of God and the lamb.” (Revelation 22:1)
Eternal water always enough to never get dried up. But this river isn’t available to us yet because this Scripture is for the future. But there is a well we can drink of that holds this same water, the water of life. “Jacob's Well was also there, and Jesus, tired out by the journey, sat down by the well. It was about twelve noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." For his disciples had gone off into town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, "How can you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews do not have anything to do with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, 'Please give me a drink,' you would have been the one to ask him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you don't have a bucket, and the well is deep. Where are you going to get this living water? You're not greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it, along with his sons and his flocks, are you?" Jesus answered her, "Everyone who drinks this water will become thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never become thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I won't get thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water." (John 4:6-15) He did and she drank.
And before He ascended Jesus declared, “On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have rivers of living water flowing from his heart.”(John 7:37-38)
Evaporation is going to happen. Sometimes faster than noticed. Are you thirsty? I am.
See you at Jacob’s Well.
Proceed on.
Evaporation
Yesterday Captain Clark records this observation as a note to his regular record, “…(note the evaperation on this portion of the Missouri has been noticed as we assended this river, and it now appears to be greater than it was at that time. I am obliged to replenish my ink Stand every day with fresh ink at least 9/10 of which must evaperate.)”
Today, he ponders the wonder of this observation. “The Missouri at this place does not appear to Contain <as much> more water than it did 1000 Miles above this, the evaperation must be emence; in the last 1000 miles this river receives the water 20 rivers and maney Creeks Several of the Rivers large and the Size of this river or the quantity of water does not appear to increase any…”
Captain Lewis made a record regarding evaporation in September 1804. If my memory is correct they timed how long it took for a teaspoon of water to evaporate.
The Corps makes about seventy-eight miles today after only making twenty-eight yesterday. High winds and a sumptuous dinner of fresh elk slowed their progress yesterday. Today they wanted to make the Platte River. They fell a little short of the Platte but reconfirmed their observations that the area around Council Bluffs would make a fine place for a fort or city.
The practical side of work complete, William Clark allows his ever practical mind to ponder the mystery that confronts his logical, scientific mind. That mystery is how twenty rivers of a size equal to the Missouri and numerous creeks can join the Missouri without increasing its flow. So he notices how rapidly his inkwell dries out and digs a little deeper to notice the high rate of evaporation. Could the atmosphere really soak up the water of over twenty rivers in the course of one thousand miles? Clark concludes maybe and probably. I don’t know the answer, but I bet someone reading this does.
What I do know is that we all understand the principle of “drying up.” I hope none of you have experienced a drying up in your lives, but I know I have at points and can guess that many of you have felt that dryness when it seems like everything in life is dry and unable to produce fruit. At the same time I hear that Sunday School refrain running through my brain, “I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me…”
Is it possible that the atmosphere of life can absorb the living water by a spiritual process similar to evaporation and suck us dry? I think so. The danger for us is that we can’t see it happening until the water no longer courses down the streambed.
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal. It was flowing from the throne of God and the lamb.” (Revelation 22:1)
Eternal water always enough to never get dried up. But this river isn’t available to us yet because this Scripture is for the future. But there is a well we can drink of that holds this same water, the water of life. “Jacob's Well was also there, and Jesus, tired out by the journey, sat down by the well. It was about twelve noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." For his disciples had gone off into town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, "How can you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews do not have anything to do with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, 'Please give me a drink,' you would have been the one to ask him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you don't have a bucket, and the well is deep. Where are you going to get this living water? You're not greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it, along with his sons and his flocks, are you?" Jesus answered her, "Everyone who drinks this water will become thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never become thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I won't get thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water." (John 4:6-15) He did and she drank.
And before He ascended Jesus declared, “On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and shouted, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have rivers of living water flowing from his heart.”(John 7:37-38)
Evaporation is going to happen. Sometimes faster than noticed. Are you thirsty? I am.
See you at Jacob’s Well.
Proceed on.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Whiskey
Journal 2006 09 06
Whiskey
The Fourth of July 1805 marked the last liquor consumed by the men of the Corps of Discovery. A few days ago they were given enough tobacco to get them to St. Louis. Today, they each have a shot of whiskey after they meet another trader coming up the Missouri River from St. Louis.
“…we purchased a gallon of whiskey of this man [NB: promised to pay Choteau who would not receive any pay] and gave to each man of the party a dram which is the first Spiritious licquor which had been tasted by any of them Since the 4 of July 1805.”
“Several of the party exchanged leather for linen Shirts and beaver for Corse hats.” After covering seventy-three miles today the men know they are coming home. They evidently want to look the part. Exchanging buckskins for linen and beaver pelts and hats for “coarse hats.”
The wilderness required a different style of life than did civilization. And this mighty river was carrying them from the place of its birth to first the sharp edge of civilization and onto the heart of western man captured in our nation’s capitol.
Don’t you wonder if the effect of the alcohol loosened the men’s thoughts and lips as they spoke of home? Were they bragging or fearful? Were they hopeful of great reward or concerned that the nation had abandoned them to the grave? Did any have girlfriends they hoped had waited a year longer than they may have expected? How many had worried mothers? How many would have proud fathers?
A gallon of whiskey among about thirty men. Nobody could get in too much trouble at two ounces each. Funny how a smoke or chew and a drink brings a taste of the life the men had grown up knowing. Familiar. Comfortable. At this point, longed for.
Do you wonder if these soldiers realized they had become mountain men somewhere along their journey? They had all proven themselves as river men or woodsmen or tradesmen or more to qualify for the expedition. Could they see the changes in one another? Could they see the changes in themselves? Many questions. Most of the answers lay in St. Louis and beyond.
“I sought in my heart to drag my flesh with wine, yet leading my heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, until I might see where the good for the sons of men might be, what they should do under the heavens all the days of their life.” (Ecclesiastes 2:3)
King Solomon asked the same questions millennia before and it was recorded for all to ponder and grow wise from. We ask the same question today as must have been asked during these days on the Missouri. “What are we going to do with the rest of our lives?” We will talk about the fate of the men later this fall. Today people young and old still wonder, “What am I going to do when I grow up?”
How about you? Have you answered that question?
Proceed on.
Whiskey
The Fourth of July 1805 marked the last liquor consumed by the men of the Corps of Discovery. A few days ago they were given enough tobacco to get them to St. Louis. Today, they each have a shot of whiskey after they meet another trader coming up the Missouri River from St. Louis.
“…we purchased a gallon of whiskey of this man [NB: promised to pay Choteau who would not receive any pay] and gave to each man of the party a dram which is the first Spiritious licquor which had been tasted by any of them Since the 4 of July 1805.”
“Several of the party exchanged leather for linen Shirts and beaver for Corse hats.” After covering seventy-three miles today the men know they are coming home. They evidently want to look the part. Exchanging buckskins for linen and beaver pelts and hats for “coarse hats.”
The wilderness required a different style of life than did civilization. And this mighty river was carrying them from the place of its birth to first the sharp edge of civilization and onto the heart of western man captured in our nation’s capitol.
Don’t you wonder if the effect of the alcohol loosened the men’s thoughts and lips as they spoke of home? Were they bragging or fearful? Were they hopeful of great reward or concerned that the nation had abandoned them to the grave? Did any have girlfriends they hoped had waited a year longer than they may have expected? How many had worried mothers? How many would have proud fathers?
A gallon of whiskey among about thirty men. Nobody could get in too much trouble at two ounces each. Funny how a smoke or chew and a drink brings a taste of the life the men had grown up knowing. Familiar. Comfortable. At this point, longed for.
Do you wonder if these soldiers realized they had become mountain men somewhere along their journey? They had all proven themselves as river men or woodsmen or tradesmen or more to qualify for the expedition. Could they see the changes in one another? Could they see the changes in themselves? Many questions. Most of the answers lay in St. Louis and beyond.
“I sought in my heart to drag my flesh with wine, yet leading my heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, until I might see where the good for the sons of men might be, what they should do under the heavens all the days of their life.” (Ecclesiastes 2:3)
King Solomon asked the same questions millennia before and it was recorded for all to ponder and grow wise from. We ask the same question today as must have been asked during these days on the Missouri. “What are we going to do with the rest of our lives?” We will talk about the fate of the men later this fall. Today people young and old still wonder, “What am I going to do when I grow up?”
How about you? Have you answered that question?
Proceed on.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Sgt. Floyd's Bluff
Journal 2006 09 04
Sgt. Floyd's Bluff
“I rose at the usial hour found all the party as wet as rain could make them.” Captain Clark had a good night's sleep in a dry tent. Captain Clark then asked to purchase tobacco for his men from Mr. Aird. “...as we were in want of Some tobacco I purposed to Mr. Airs to furnish us with 4 Carrots for which we would Pay the amount to any Merchant of St. Louis he very readily agreed to furnish us with tobacco and gave to each man as much as it is necessary for them to use between this and St. Louis, an instance of Generossity for which every man of the party appears to acknowledge.”
“Mr. Airs also insisted on our accepting a barrel of flour, we gave to this gentleman what Corn we Could Spear amounting to about 6 bushels, this Corn was well Calculated for his purpose as he was about to make his establishment and would have it in his power to hull the Corn & The flower was very acceptable to us. we have yet a little flour part of what we carried up from the Illinois as high as Maria's river and buried it there untill our return...”
Freely giving, freely receiving. Something special was going on between these travelers headed in opposite directions. The soldiers were glad to have tobacco and the traders were grateful to learn of the dangers and that might lie ahead. I pray we still show the same hospitality today. The two parties set out in opposite directions at 8:00AM.
“...at 11 A. M. passed the Enterance of the big Sieoux River which is low, and at meridian we came too at Floyds Bluff below the Enterance of Floyds river and assended the hill,...” Can't you picture the men somberly ascending the river bank and then the bluff to the grave markers they had constructed in August of 1804 for their “beloved” Sgt. Floyd. Floyd was the only “casualty” of the Corps of Discovery. Medical experts think he most probably died from a ruptured appendix. As the men approached the grave to pay their respects they found “the grave had been opened by the nativs and left half Covered. we had this grave Completely filled up, and returned to the Canoes and proceeded on to the Sand bar on which we encamped from the 12th to the 20th of August 1804...” Can you imagine the thoughts passing through the minds of these men? More than one must have wondered when they buried Floyd if any of them would ever live long enough to return and visit his grave. Most were probably angry that his grave had been desecrated. And I'm hoping all the party was feeling grateful to God that they were returning from their mission whole.
I have other thoughts in my mind for us today, but I want to stop right here with that last sentence. Have I, have any of us, arrived at a place that requires reflection over our accomplishments? What is the reply of my heart? Do I acknowledge my God and His sovereign care over me and my compatriots or do I grumble and complain about the hardships endured? I hope I would stand in front of that gravemarker inscribed with the name of Jesus Christ, Messiah, King of the Jews, Savior and be grateful that I am alive and blessed to transverse the unknown. No more reflection is needed at a moment like this. Grateful to be alive is enough for today. And I am grateful to count myself in the land of the living this day. It, like pain, reminds me I am alive and that God is not through with me yet!
Proceed on.
Sgt. Floyd's Bluff
“I rose at the usial hour found all the party as wet as rain could make them.” Captain Clark had a good night's sleep in a dry tent. Captain Clark then asked to purchase tobacco for his men from Mr. Aird. “...as we were in want of Some tobacco I purposed to Mr. Airs to furnish us with 4 Carrots for which we would Pay the amount to any Merchant of St. Louis he very readily agreed to furnish us with tobacco and gave to each man as much as it is necessary for them to use between this and St. Louis, an instance of Generossity for which every man of the party appears to acknowledge.”
“Mr. Airs also insisted on our accepting a barrel of flour, we gave to this gentleman what Corn we Could Spear amounting to about 6 bushels, this Corn was well Calculated for his purpose as he was about to make his establishment and would have it in his power to hull the Corn & The flower was very acceptable to us. we have yet a little flour part of what we carried up from the Illinois as high as Maria's river and buried it there untill our return...”
Freely giving, freely receiving. Something special was going on between these travelers headed in opposite directions. The soldiers were glad to have tobacco and the traders were grateful to learn of the dangers and that might lie ahead. I pray we still show the same hospitality today. The two parties set out in opposite directions at 8:00AM.
“...at 11 A. M. passed the Enterance of the big Sieoux River which is low, and at meridian we came too at Floyds Bluff below the Enterance of Floyds river and assended the hill,...” Can't you picture the men somberly ascending the river bank and then the bluff to the grave markers they had constructed in August of 1804 for their “beloved” Sgt. Floyd. Floyd was the only “casualty” of the Corps of Discovery. Medical experts think he most probably died from a ruptured appendix. As the men approached the grave to pay their respects they found “the grave had been opened by the nativs and left half Covered. we had this grave Completely filled up, and returned to the Canoes and proceeded on to the Sand bar on which we encamped from the 12th to the 20th of August 1804...” Can you imagine the thoughts passing through the minds of these men? More than one must have wondered when they buried Floyd if any of them would ever live long enough to return and visit his grave. Most were probably angry that his grave had been desecrated. And I'm hoping all the party was feeling grateful to God that they were returning from their mission whole.
I have other thoughts in my mind for us today, but I want to stop right here with that last sentence. Have I, have any of us, arrived at a place that requires reflection over our accomplishments? What is the reply of my heart? Do I acknowledge my God and His sovereign care over me and my compatriots or do I grumble and complain about the hardships endured? I hope I would stand in front of that gravemarker inscribed with the name of Jesus Christ, Messiah, King of the Jews, Savior and be grateful that I am alive and blessed to transverse the unknown. No more reflection is needed at a moment like this. Grateful to be alive is enough for today. And I am grateful to count myself in the land of the living this day. It, like pain, reminds me I am alive and that God is not through with me yet!
Proceed on.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
News Report
Journal 2006 09 03
News Report
It has been over two years since the Corps of Discovery has received any news regarding the United States.
It is storm season in the Midwest. The men have no home or shelter to retreat to when thunder, lightning, high winds and rain pummel them. Last night was rough on them because of it. They camped on a sand bar hoping to avoid the ever “troublesome” mosquitos only to see the wind shift “...last night to the S. W. and blew the Sand over us in Such a manner as to render the after part of the night very disagreeable.” During a morning lull in the storm the explorers set out for the day. Around 4:00PM “...spy two boats and several men...” led by a Scotsman holding a permit from the United States Government to trade with the Sioux for one year. This Scotsman, James Aird, presents himself as an American to the Indians. He was one of the founders of Wisconsin and later worked as a British agent during the War of 1812. He lived the balance of his life in Wisconsin. Today he is sick with “the agu” which I believe is the flu. He greets the Captains and men warmly and in friendship. He has lost one boat laden with trading goods already during a storm.
Camp is set up as another violent storm breaks. Clark records that he is invited into Mr. Aird's tent of which he “partook” and found it dry.
Clark records, “our first enquirey was after the President of our country and then our friends and the State of the politicks of our country &c. and the State Indian affairs to all of which enquireys Mr. Aires gave us as Satisfactory information as he had it in his power to have Collected in the Illinois which was not a great deel.” Aird then gives the Corps their first news report in two years. The list surprised me because so much of it is recorded and familiar to us yet today.
First is news of their host and friend in St. Louis losing his house and possessions to fire.
Revolutionary War General Wilkinson has been appointed Governor of Missouri.
Three hundred U.S. soldiers are stationed near St. Louis in preparation for any Spanish military attacks after a U.S. vessel is fired upon by Spain in the Mediterranean.
Two British ships fire upon an American ship in New York harbor. This is one of several incidents leading up to the War of 1812.
“Mr. Burr & genl. Hambleton fought a Duel, the latter was killed” (in Clark's words and spelling!)
And finally, two Indians had been hung for murder with a third receiving a last minute commutation indicating a rapidly growing problem with whites and Indians as the nations clashed along the western edge of the swelling United States.
“Dr.” Clark adds to his medical chart regarding his patient Lewis, “I am happy to find that my worthy friend Capt L's is so well as to walk about with ease to himself...”
While not directly stated here, you'll notice that the first inquiry is to the political scene and the Presidential election. Meriwether Lewis' life would be greatly affected by who won the election of 1806. As it is today it was two hundred years ago. Friends in high places can do great good to an individual. And the converse is still true. Enemies in high places can do great harm to an individual. We will touch on this concept later as it applies to Lewis post mission.
“...a good report makes the bones fat.” Proverbs 15:30 (MKJV) William Clark slept in a dry tent after hearing a good report. Like Solomon said in this proverb centuries before, Clark had to feel as contented as if he had just finished a great meal. From yesterday's journal record we learn that the men stopped during a lull in the storm and took six fat buffalo cows. It is safe to deduce that William Clark had both a great meal of fat buffalo meat and a heartful of good news and slept like a baby for the first time in a long time.
Proceed on.
News Report
It has been over two years since the Corps of Discovery has received any news regarding the United States.
It is storm season in the Midwest. The men have no home or shelter to retreat to when thunder, lightning, high winds and rain pummel them. Last night was rough on them because of it. They camped on a sand bar hoping to avoid the ever “troublesome” mosquitos only to see the wind shift “...last night to the S. W. and blew the Sand over us in Such a manner as to render the after part of the night very disagreeable.” During a morning lull in the storm the explorers set out for the day. Around 4:00PM “...spy two boats and several men...” led by a Scotsman holding a permit from the United States Government to trade with the Sioux for one year. This Scotsman, James Aird, presents himself as an American to the Indians. He was one of the founders of Wisconsin and later worked as a British agent during the War of 1812. He lived the balance of his life in Wisconsin. Today he is sick with “the agu” which I believe is the flu. He greets the Captains and men warmly and in friendship. He has lost one boat laden with trading goods already during a storm.
Camp is set up as another violent storm breaks. Clark records that he is invited into Mr. Aird's tent of which he “partook” and found it dry.
Clark records, “our first enquirey was after the President of our country and then our friends and the State of the politicks of our country &c. and the State Indian affairs to all of which enquireys Mr. Aires gave us as Satisfactory information as he had it in his power to have Collected in the Illinois which was not a great deel.” Aird then gives the Corps their first news report in two years. The list surprised me because so much of it is recorded and familiar to us yet today.
First is news of their host and friend in St. Louis losing his house and possessions to fire.
Revolutionary War General Wilkinson has been appointed Governor of Missouri.
Three hundred U.S. soldiers are stationed near St. Louis in preparation for any Spanish military attacks after a U.S. vessel is fired upon by Spain in the Mediterranean.
Two British ships fire upon an American ship in New York harbor. This is one of several incidents leading up to the War of 1812.
“Mr. Burr & genl. Hambleton fought a Duel, the latter was killed” (in Clark's words and spelling!)
And finally, two Indians had been hung for murder with a third receiving a last minute commutation indicating a rapidly growing problem with whites and Indians as the nations clashed along the western edge of the swelling United States.
“Dr.” Clark adds to his medical chart regarding his patient Lewis, “I am happy to find that my worthy friend Capt L's is so well as to walk about with ease to himself...”
While not directly stated here, you'll notice that the first inquiry is to the political scene and the Presidential election. Meriwether Lewis' life would be greatly affected by who won the election of 1806. As it is today it was two hundred years ago. Friends in high places can do great good to an individual. And the converse is still true. Enemies in high places can do great harm to an individual. We will touch on this concept later as it applies to Lewis post mission.
“...a good report makes the bones fat.” Proverbs 15:30 (MKJV) William Clark slept in a dry tent after hearing a good report. Like Solomon said in this proverb centuries before, Clark had to feel as contented as if he had just finished a great meal. From yesterday's journal record we learn that the men stopped during a lull in the storm and took six fat buffalo cows. It is safe to deduce that William Clark had both a great meal of fat buffalo meat and a heartful of good news and slept like a baby for the first time in a long time.
Proceed on.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Came Together
Came Together
Ever had a plan “come together?”
Haven't every one of us hoped that things would “come together” so we could be finished with something or proceed on with something else?
William Clark records three separate “coming togethers” in this record.
“...at the lower point of the Island all the Canoes & hunters Came together. Labeech killed an Elk only the flesh of which was brought on in the perogue. at this island we brought 2 years together or on the 1st of Septr. 1804 we Encamped at the lower point of this Island. after we all Came together we again proceeded on down to a large Sand bar imediately opposit to the place were we met the Yanktons in Council at the Calumet Bluffs and which place we left on the 1t of Septr. 1804.”
Meeting the needs of this day the hunters and the canoes “came together” joining the party traveling east with their supply of food for the day as provided by the hunters.
More significant to history and to us today is when Captain Clark records that “at this island we brought 2 years together on the 1st of Septr. 1804.” Work had been driven by purpose and mission required time. Here today the work accomplished between September 1, 1804 and September 1, 1806 rested the heart and soul of the Corps of Discovery fulfilling their mission.
Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, also find themselves resting on the same piece of ground. Between them rests a body of work that still breathes life into our spirits today.
I think we spend most of our days looking for either the Alpha or the Omega in our lives never believing they could rest in the same spot!
What would our lives be like if we could see in this example that our work could end at the same spot it began, changing the world in the process? Would it change our attitudes? Would we approach the time between the joining of the years differently?
Let's ask the One who is the Alpha and Omega, the One who set Genesis and Revelation in place to open our eyes to see how He would send us on a mission where we would find the end was also the beginning and the only thing separating them was the work and purpose that filled the time between Beginning and End.
Proceed on.
Ever had a plan “come together?”
Haven't every one of us hoped that things would “come together” so we could be finished with something or proceed on with something else?
William Clark records three separate “coming togethers” in this record.
“...at the lower point of the Island all the Canoes & hunters Came together. Labeech killed an Elk only the flesh of which was brought on in the perogue. at this island we brought 2 years together or on the 1st of Septr. 1804 we Encamped at the lower point of this Island. after we all Came together we again proceeded on down to a large Sand bar imediately opposit to the place were we met the Yanktons in Council at the Calumet Bluffs and which place we left on the 1t of Septr. 1804.”
Meeting the needs of this day the hunters and the canoes “came together” joining the party traveling east with their supply of food for the day as provided by the hunters.
More significant to history and to us today is when Captain Clark records that “at this island we brought 2 years together on the 1st of Septr. 1804.” Work had been driven by purpose and mission required time. Here today the work accomplished between September 1, 1804 and September 1, 1806 rested the heart and soul of the Corps of Discovery fulfilling their mission.
Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, also find themselves resting on the same piece of ground. Between them rests a body of work that still breathes life into our spirits today.
I think we spend most of our days looking for either the Alpha or the Omega in our lives never believing they could rest in the same spot!
What would our lives be like if we could see in this example that our work could end at the same spot it began, changing the world in the process? Would it change our attitudes? Would we approach the time between the joining of the years differently?
Let's ask the One who is the Alpha and Omega, the One who set Genesis and Revelation in place to open our eyes to see how He would send us on a mission where we would find the end was also the beginning and the only thing separating them was the work and purpose that filled the time between Beginning and End.
Proceed on.
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