Lot 50
William Clark and Meriwether Lewis, two signed documents, first is St. Louis Oct. 10th 1817 Justice of Peace appointment document signed "William Clark" as Governor of Missouri Territory, second is 1809 Judge Advocate of the 2d Regiment of Militia part-printed appointment boldly signed "Meriwether Lewis" as Governor and Commander in Chief of Louisiana Territory; professionally framed together for display, Very Fine and choice pair of Lewis and Clark territorial governor documents.Estimate $7,500 - 10,000.
William Clark and Meriwether Lewis are best known for their roles as leaders of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from May 1804 to September 1806, was the first American expedition to cross the western portion of the United States. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 to explore and to map the newly acquired territory, to find a practical route across the western half of the continent, and to establish an American presence in this territory before Britain and other European powers tried to claim it. The campaign's secondary objectives were scientific and economic: to study the area's plants, animal life, and geography, and to establish trade with local American Indian tribes. The expedition returned to St. Louis to report its findings to Jefferson, with maps, sketches, and journals in hand.
Meriwether Lewis (1774-1809) was an American explorer, soldier, politician, and public administrator. President Thomas Jefferson appointed him Governor of Upper Louisiana in 1806, serving until his death by gunshot wounds in what was either a murder or suicide, in October 1809. His signature is scarce as a result of his untimely death at the age of 35.
William Clark (1770-1838) was an American explorer, soldier, Indian agent, and territorial governor. A native of Virginia, he grew up in prestatehood Kentucky before later settling in what became the state of Missouri. Clark was a planter and slaveholder. Before the expedition, he served in a militia and the United States Army. Afterward, he served in a militia and as governor of the Missouri Territory. From 1822 until his death in 1838, he served as Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
Complete images:
View gallery or Download PDF (4.9MB)
Realized: $14,000