After being commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to map, explore, and compile information on the lands that had just been purchased as part of the Purchase of Louisiana, Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark set off on one of the greatest expeditions of all time. This article will explore the adversities that the Corp of Discoveries faced. From militant Indians to diseases like dysentery, they have faced it all. And as Captain Lewis documented: “We have come as close to hell as we can get in this life. » (11.Perry)On April 30, 1803, the United States purchased 828,000 square miles of unexplored land from France. This is called the Louisiana Purchase. A little over a year later, Jefferson's famous "Corps of Discovery" set out from Camp River DuBois on the Missouri River. This group was led by Captain Meriwether Lewis, President Jefferson's private secretary, and Second Lieutenant William Clark. They carried with them a keelboat, two small rowboats called canoes, and fifty-five men, including translators, soldiers, a slave, and a dog named Seaman. The main goal of the expedition was to find a waterway connecting the Columbia and Missouri rivers. Finding this route would lead to increased trade and travel. While trading with the Indians, they organized the first phase of the fur trade in the Oregon Country. This then led to strong diplomatic relations with some Native American tribes. Lewis and Clark also contributed greatly to the botanical and zoological fields by documenting 174 new plant species and 134 new animal species. But it wasn't all fun and games, as you'll see. (4. "Lewis and Clark Expedition - Reading 1.") (11.Perry) (5. "Facts, information, photos of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.") Throughout the journey...... middle paper.. .... 2014. .8. “The nations on the track.” State Historical Society of North Dakota 2008. January 27, 2014. .9. “Native Americans.” USGS 2005. US Department of Geological Survey. January 27, 2014. .10. “Nebraskastudies.org.” Nebraska Studies January 31, 2014. .11. Perry, Douglas. “Lewis and Clark Expedition.” National Archives Gig Harbor High School. January 23, 2014. .12. Scott, Clark. “Medical Aspects of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.” Lweis and Clark Trail January 27 2014.