Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose

Stephen E. Ambrose's Undaunted Courage details the life of Meriwether Lewis, specifically focusing on his transcontinental journey with William Clark. Familiar with Ambrose through the popular mini-series, Band of Brothers, I had not read anything by him until my father-in-law gave me a copy of this book last year. I knew virtually nothing of the challenges, perils, and truly remarkable aspects of the journey, but this book left me impressed and inspired.

Lewis, Clark, and the other 23 men that comprised the Corps of Discovery dared to think they could reach the Pacific Ocean and return to St. Louis, without any knowledge of what they would encounter or how many miles they would have to cross. They did not speak the language of the Native Americans, they did not know the magnificence of the Rockies, they did not know what supplies would be needed or even if they would have enough of what they did need. It is truly remarkable.

Perhaps the most amazing aspect of the journey is the leadership displayed by Lewis and Clark. They had only two very minor disputes and minimal disruptions from their men who followed without question or grumbling. Ambrose goes so far as to describe Lewis as "a great company commander, the greatest of all American explorers, and in the top rank of world explorers." After reading this book, I can hardly disagree.

As an aside, one of the more surprising things I learned concerned the controversy surrounding the Louisiana Purchase. It is difficult for me to imagine how the greatest land transaction in the history of the United States could be seen as anything beneficial. However, the Federalist's were adamantly opposed, claiming the Constitution did not grant the President power "to purchase additional lands and that in any case the United States should not pay money, of which it had too little, for land, of which it had too much." Jefferson argued the Constitution was silent on the issue. It caused me to consider current actions taken by the government that are controversial now, but may prove of great benefit and be no-brainers 200 years from now.

If this great feat by Lewis and Clark in any small way interests you, I recommend this excellent read without hesitation; I do not think you will be disappointed.

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