On May 25, 1805, Thomas Jefferson wrote to Lawrence Dunbar: The work we are now doing is I trust done for posterity, in such a way that they need not repeat it. For this we are much indebted to you not only for the labour & time you have devoted to it, but for the excellent method of which you have set the example, and which I hope will be the model to be followed by others. We shall delineate with correctness the great arteries of this great country: those who come after us will extend the ramifications as they become acquainted with them, and fill up the canvas we begin. With my acknolegements [sic] for your zealous aid in this business, accept by friendly salutations & assurances of great esteem & respect. |
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Lawrence Dunbar led the 1804-05 expedition to explore the southwestern boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson was writing Dunbar to thank him for the labour and time you have devoted and to relay details about the Lewis and Clark expedition, which had begun in May 1804. The expedition, called the Corps of Discovery, was President Thomas Jefferson's visionary project to explore the American West -- to fill up the canvas of America. |
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