“Ready to Follow any Where They Thought Proper to Direct”
Journal 2005 06 08
“Ready to Follow any Where They Thought Proper to Direct”
Lewis has penetrated an estimated sixty miles up the right fork of the river in a quest to determine the chances of it being the Missouri. The soldiers, to a man, are convinced by the milky white flow of the river, which matches the flow of the Missouri, that this branch must be the Missouri. Lewis believes this river gives the Missouri its muddy appearance. However, he is convinced that its northward bearing will not allow it to originate at a westward, or southerly, enough position to be the Missouri River.
The Captains also relied on the information received from the Indians regarding the character of the Missouri River. They are surprised that the Indians neglected to speak of this fork. The men of the Corps of Discovery were expecting a great waterfall as their next marker along the Missouri. Sixty miles and no great waterfall also adds to Lewis’ confidence that this right fork is not the Missouri.
Lewis and his party are now seriously overdue from the “day and a half “ exploration agreed upon three days ago. Clark’s concern is rightfully raised and he has the men prepare all the rifles as a precaution. Finally, at 5pm, Lewis’ exhausted party returns to camp. A brief report is given and it is agreed that the following day will bear much “cogitation” over the correct course of action.
As you can imagine, there has been much speculation among the soldiers regarding the choice that must be made. All of the men from both parties are of the opinion that the milky right fork is the Missouri River. Only the Captains have concluded that although the water running from the left fork is clear it is most likely to be the continuation of the Missouri River.
The fertile fields of the plain could be soil rich for rebellion in most camps when those who are commanded disagree with those commanding them. Can you sense the opportunity that dissension has presented for discontent and rebellion to become an unwelcome member of this expedition?
Remember, most of these men were highly experienced and capable river men themselves and their opinions were not uninformed. All had proven themselves capable of living in the wilderness. What would be their response to the decision that only their leaders could make and that they were obligated by rank to obey?
The men replied, that even though they were firm in their belief that the right, or north, fork was the Missouri, “…they said very cheerfully that they were ready to follow us any wher we thought proper to direct…
How is my response when I firmly disagree with those with command and authority? Am I, are you, “ready to follow any wher they thought proper to direct?”
“Ready to Follow any Where They Thought Proper to Direct”
Lewis has penetrated an estimated sixty miles up the right fork of the river in a quest to determine the chances of it being the Missouri. The soldiers, to a man, are convinced by the milky white flow of the river, which matches the flow of the Missouri, that this branch must be the Missouri. Lewis believes this river gives the Missouri its muddy appearance. However, he is convinced that its northward bearing will not allow it to originate at a westward, or southerly, enough position to be the Missouri River.
The Captains also relied on the information received from the Indians regarding the character of the Missouri River. They are surprised that the Indians neglected to speak of this fork. The men of the Corps of Discovery were expecting a great waterfall as their next marker along the Missouri. Sixty miles and no great waterfall also adds to Lewis’ confidence that this right fork is not the Missouri.
Lewis and his party are now seriously overdue from the “day and a half “ exploration agreed upon three days ago. Clark’s concern is rightfully raised and he has the men prepare all the rifles as a precaution. Finally, at 5pm, Lewis’ exhausted party returns to camp. A brief report is given and it is agreed that the following day will bear much “cogitation” over the correct course of action.
As you can imagine, there has been much speculation among the soldiers regarding the choice that must be made. All of the men from both parties are of the opinion that the milky right fork is the Missouri River. Only the Captains have concluded that although the water running from the left fork is clear it is most likely to be the continuation of the Missouri River.
The fertile fields of the plain could be soil rich for rebellion in most camps when those who are commanded disagree with those commanding them. Can you sense the opportunity that dissension has presented for discontent and rebellion to become an unwelcome member of this expedition?
Remember, most of these men were highly experienced and capable river men themselves and their opinions were not uninformed. All had proven themselves capable of living in the wilderness. What would be their response to the decision that only their leaders could make and that they were obligated by rank to obey?
The men replied, that even though they were firm in their belief that the right, or north, fork was the Missouri, “…they said very cheerfully that they were ready to follow us any wher we thought proper to direct…
How is my response when I firmly disagree with those with command and authority? Am I, are you, “ready to follow any wher they thought proper to direct?”
posted by @2007 Dick Cinkovich | 12:22 PM
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