Letter written from Pres. Jefferson to Lewis (paraphased)

20 June 1803 To Meriwether Lewis esq. Capt. of the 1st regimt. of infantry of the U. S. of A.

The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri River and other rivers to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean for the purpose of trade. You should make detailed notes throughout your journey, and make several copies of thenotes. Choose the most trustworthy individuals to care for them. Make careful observations of latitude and longitude at all points on the river, especially at the mouths of rivers and other important places. We want to make new maps of the area. Plan to meet the Indian tribes and to begin trade with them. We want to know many things about the people you meet, including their tribe names, how many people are in each tribe, their languages and traditions, their occupations, any diseases they have and remedies they use, and the things they might need or offer in trade. Be sure to treat the natives in the friendliest manner that you are able. You should also notice and record information about new plants and animals that you observe and the minerals you find. Also record what the climate and landscape are like. Return the way you came and confirm the observations that you made on the way out.