Introduction to Dr. Thomas' Journal
Preface
William H. Thomas was the surgeon to the Missouri Fur Company's party, that,
in 1809, ascended the Missouri River to the Mandan Villages. The purpose of
their expedition, besides pursuing the fur trade, was to return Chief
Sheheke to his village. Sheheke had accompanied Lewis and Clark on their
return trip to Washington, and had been promised safe return to his people.
Lewis made an arrangement with the Missouri Fur Co., under Pierre Chouteau
Sr., to escort Sheheke. Manuel Lisa and Thomas James were also with this
expedition. James left an account of the trip, in his Three Years among
the Indians and Mexicans.
Thomas' journal includes an account of Colter's
run.
Bibliographical Information
The journal of Dr. Thomas was originally published in two parts in the
Missouri Gazette, St. Louis, November 30 & December 1809; and was
reprinted in the Pittsburgh Gazette, July 6 & 13, 1810. The two
parts were reprinted together in the Missouri
Historical Society Bulletin, 20, no. 3 (April 1964): 182-92, Donald
Jackson, ed.
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