Letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush
by Thomas Jefferson
I wish to mention to you in confidence that I
have obtained authority from Congress to
undertake the long desired object of exploring the Missouri & whatever river,
heading with that, leads into the Western
ocean. About 10 chosen woodsmen headed
by Capt. Lewis my secretary will set out on it
immediately & probably accomplish it in two
seasons.
It would be very useful to state for him
those objects on which it is most desirable he
should bring us information.
For this purpose I ask the favor of you to
prepare some notes of such particulars as
may occur in his journey & which you think
should draw his attention & enquiry. He will
be in Philadelphia about 2 or 3 weeks hence &
will wait on you.
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