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Meriwether Lewis’s life was marred by tragedy after his triumphant
return with the Corps of Discovery in 1806. Widely celebrated for his
and William Clark’s achievements, Lewis was made Governor of the
Louisiana Territory in 1808. His great abilities as leader of the expedition,
however, did not translate into a successful political career. Lewis found
himself ill-suited to politics and quickly made enemies with his sometimes
imperial manner. His Lt. Governor, one William Bates, hated Lewis and
was the source of a number of allegations about his improper use of government
funds. Feeling the pressure of these political intrigues, along with Jefferson’s
persistent demands that the journals be finished, caused Lewis to apparently
sink into a deep depression. In 1809, while traveling to Washington, DC
to answer some of these allegations, Meriwether Lewis committed suicide.
It was a tragic end to a great life filled with accomplishment and valor.
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