The story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition has been told many times. But what became of the thirty-three members of the Corps of Discovery once the expedition was over?The expedition ended in 1806; and the final member of the corps passed away in 1870. In the intervening decades; members of the corps witnessed the momentous events of the nation they helped to form—from the War of 1812 to the Civil War and the opening of the transcontinental railroad. Some of the expedition members went on to hold public office; two were charged with murder. Many of the explorers could not resist the call of the wild; and continued to adventure forth into America’s western frontier.Engagingly written and based on exhaustive research; The Fate of the Corps chronicles the lives of the fascinating men (and one woman) who opened the American West.
#75335 in Books 2002-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.72 x 1.03 x 4.96l; .65 #File Name: 0300097557384 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Greatly added to my understanding of the early RepublicBy SCMThis is a fascinating look at the early republic from almost a purely emotional point of view--specifically; the culture of honor that was intrinsic to gentlemen at the time (but which is pretty damned foreign to most people now). I now know the nuances involved in caning; spitting; and dueling; although I fortunately have little cause to use them in my daily life.I stumbled onto this book while researching something entirely different and was hooked. I'm so glad. For one; it's engaging; and although I'm over the Revolution of 1800 (see further: Election of 2000); Professor Freeman manages to put a new spin on it.Minor quibbles: the organization is a bit on the odd side (this may be a result of the topic itself; which is not particularly linear) and it does drag toward the end; but if you're interested in American history and politics (or American historical politics); I recommend it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very informativeBy TetsuVery informative book about early US politics. It is illuminating to compare the speech of the 1790s with that of politicians today. Lots of food for thought about how political operations have changed over the centuries. Well written and contains a large number of references. Very useful.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Affairs of HonorBy djwatkins487Freeman's survey of early American politics illustrates the discomforting fact that things don't change. When we hear of the bantering; lying; and mischief that occurs in contemporary politics we like to think back to a time when things were different. A time when things were simpler; issues were black and white; and politicians were men of principle and honor. Like; say; those men active in the early American Republic. With the exception of a few practices such as dueling (affairs of honor); antiquated media outlets; and the universal acceptance of "personal reputation as the currency of national politics" (one could now argue that currency is the currency of national politics); politicking hasn't changed much in two hundred years. The author sums it up best with a quotation from the period; "The man of honor does not care if he stinks; but he does care that someone has accused him of stinking."The politics of early America are detailed through the examination events; contemporaneous media; and journals. With this review of the past one fact can be determined over all others; politicians of early America; no matter their party affiliation; financial wealth; or the issues that form there time in office; held their own honor above all else. Given the information provided in the book; Freeman's assertion about "personal reputation" mentioned above is certainly accurate. Honor was the prized possession of any man; but especially that of the politician; due to the social changes that took place at the conclusion of the Revolution. When the war ended; so did the social hierarchical norm that consisted of aristocracy; heritage; land ownership (to a certain extent); and military prestige. Men in early America were left with little else but their reputation from which to hang their hat.The author provides the reader with the information necessary to understand why men were willing to duel at the drop of an insult and how the federal government was able to pass such an overreaching law as the Sedition Act (making it seditious to print libels against the government). After all; it was a mans duty to defend his reputation. While jockeying for position in a new federal government; these men had to balance their reputation; political affiliation; and local personas. It makes for interesting reading no doubt. The book is well written and researched. However; there are several areas that become difficult to follow (due mostly to chronology) and others that seem mundane and repetitive. Otherwise; excellent book.
