  [From the Philadelphia edition, 1823] In selecting from a large mass of notes and journals the materials of the following volumes, our design has been to present a compendious account of the labors of the Exploring Party, and of such of their discoveries as were thought likely to gratify a liberal curiosity. It was not deemed necessary to preserve uniformity of style, at the expense of substituting the language of a compiler for that of an original observer. Important contributions of entire passages from Major Long and Mr. Say, will be recognized in various parts of the work, though we have not always been careful to indicate the place of their introduction. Those gentlemen have indeed been constantly attentive to the work, both to the preparation of the manuscript and its revision for the press. In the following pages we hope to have contributed something towards a more thorough acquaintance with the Aborigines of our country. In other parts of our narrative where this interesting topic could not be introduced, we have turned our attention towards the phenomena of nature, to the varied and beautiful productions of animal and vegetable life, and to the more magnificent if less attractive features of the inorganic creation. {2} If in this attempt we have failed to produce any thing to amuse or instruct, the deficiency is in ourselves. The few minute descriptions of animals and plants that were thought admissible, have been placed as marginal Descriptions of the greater number of the animals and plants collected on the Expedition, remain to be given. These may be expected to appear from time to time, either in periodical journals or in some other form. Not aspiring to be considered historians of the regions we traversed, we only aimed at giving a sketch true at the moment of our visit, and which, as far as it embraces the permanent features of nature, will we trust, be corroborated by those who shall follow our steps. Much remains to be done not only on the ground we have occupied, but in those vast regions in the interior of our continent, to which the foot of civilized man has never penetrated. We cannot but hope, that the enlightened spirit which has already evinced itself in directing a part of the energies of the nation, towards the development of the physical resources of our country, will be allowed still farther to operate; that the time will arrive, when we shall no longer be indebted to the men of foreign countries, for a knowledge of any of the products of our own soil, or for our opinions in science. We feel it a duty incumbent upon us, to acknowledge our obligations to many distinguished individuals, both {3} military and scientific, and particularly to several members of the Philosophical Society at Philadelphia, for their prompt offers of any aid in their power to contribute towards advancing the objects of the expedition at its commencement. We are indebted more especially to Professors James, Walsh, and Patterson, to Dr. Dewees and Mr. Duponceau; each of whom furnished a number An interesting communication from Messrs. Gordon and Wells, of Smithland, Kentucky, was received after the first volume had gone to press, consequently too late for insertion. As a farther introduction to our narrative, we subjoin an extract from the orders of the Honourable Secretary of War to Major Long, exhibiting an outline of the plan and objects of the Expedition. "You will assume the command of the Expedition to explore the country between the Mississippi and the Rocky Mountains." "You will first explore the Missouri and its principal branches, and then, in succession, Red river, Arkansa and Mississippi, above the mouth of the Missouri." "The object of the Expedition, is to acquire as thorough and accurate knowledge as may be practicable, of a portion of our country, which is daily becoming {4} more interesting, but which is as yet imperfectly known. With this view, you will permit nothing worthy of notice, to escape your attention. You will ascertain the latitude and longitude of remarkable points with all possible precision. You will if practicable, ascertain some point in the 49th parallel of latitude, which separates our possessions from those of Great Britain. A knowledge of the extent of our limits will tend to prevent collision between our traders and theirs." "You will enter in your journal, every thing interesting in relation to soil, face of the country, water courses and productions, whether animal, vegetable, or mineral." "You will conciliate the Indians by kindness and presents, and will ascertain, as far as practicable, the number and character of the various tribes, with the extent of country claimed by each." "Great confidence is reposed in the acquirements and zeal of the citizens who will accompany the Expedition for scientific purposes, and a confident hope is entertained, that their duties will be performed in such a manner, as to add both to their own reputation and that of our country." "The Instructions of Mr. Jefferson to Capt. Lewis, which are printed in his travels, will afford you many valuable suggestions, of which as far as applicable, you will avail yourself." It will be perceived that the travels and researches of the Expedition, have been far less extensive than {5} those contemplated in the foregoing orders:—the state of the national finances, during the year 1821, having called for retrenchments in all expenditures of a public nature,—the means necessary for the farther prosecution of the objects of the Expedition, were accordingly withheld.
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