Communication Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson taught Lewis and Clark a special code that he prepared for the expedition. He didn’t want thieves to read their information. There were only two letters written in this secret code. The first letter was written by Thomas Jefferson talking about how it would be easier to return from the journey by sea. The second letter, by Lewis, told Jefferson that they were safe and the mission had been accomplished.

Lewis and Clark communicated with Jefferson during their journey by sending members of the expedition back with some of their discoveries. On April 7, 1805 the expedition sent back the keelboat which wasn't needed for the rest of the expedition. On this boat was an ear of Mandan corn, a couple of buffalo robes, a plant that cures the bite of a rattle snake, and a live Prairie Dog.

The most valuable report that Jefferson received was at the end of the trip when Lewis told him of his adventures. He showed Jefferson his maps, read parts of his journal, and told him about their encounteres with the Indians. He also told him that there wasn’t a water route across the continent.

"I have called [it] the barking squirrel.... It's form is that of the squirrel... [but] they bark at you as you approach them, their note being much that of little toy dogs; their yelps are in quick succession and at each they [give] a motion to their tails upwards.... It is much more quick active and fleet than it's form would indicate."
Meriwether Lewis