Letter
Lewis’s Letter to William Clark Inviting Him to Co-Command
Lewis's letter to his former commanding officer William Clark, offering him co-command of the expedition and promising equal rank and authority. This letter established the unique dual-command structure that would define the Corps of Discovery. Clark accepted immediately, beginning one of the most successful command partnerships in American military and exploration history.
Writing from Washington, Lewis described the expedition’s objectives and invited Clark to share command: “If therefore there is anything… which would induce you to participate with me in its fatigues, its dangers and its honors, believe me there is no man on earth with whom I should feel equal pleasure in sharing them as with yourself.” Lewis promised Clark a captain’s commission, though the War Department ultimately only granted him a lieutenant’s rank — a bureaucratic slight that Lewis concealed from the men, insisting Clark be addressed as “Captain” throughout the journey.
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