Spring, 1806

Dear Mr. Jefferson,

The journey was the Corps at its best.  The journey was America at its best.  We made history by discovering new animal species and plants, but more importantly we found new american land.  I personally found some new recipes by spending time with all of the indian tribes and experimenting of new foods and flavors.  I would have gladly given my life for the Corps Of Discovery.  I am forever dedicated to this amazing country of ours.  I am also glad that we could all vote, using democracy on decisions so Sagagawea  and York's vote would count and we could hear what they had to say.  I thank you for giving me the privilege of being a part of the crew.

Sincerely,

Graham Collector

P.S. For my weekly labors, discoveries, recipes and all of my endeavors I have brought to this journey, I believe I should be paid the grade of an A-

The Pacific!

Winter/Spring 1806

We have gotten to the pacific ocean, and although it is wet rainy and foggy the fact that we made it with only one death in three years and that all the men are in great health is amazing.  I hope President Jefferson is happy with all the animals we sent back and will be pleased with the Captains drawings, and the rest of the corps's exquisite notes and journal entries.  We left as brave adventurers but will come back as heroes.  This has been an amazing journey that I should not soon forget, and hope the people living in america will now settle where we have explored.

For now,

Graham Collector 

Delicious Venison

At Fort Clatsop 1806

3 lbs. venison roast 1 large onion, chopped fine Salt and pepper to taste Pinch of rosemary 1 large carrot, grated Pinch of oregano Grease a large sheet of heavily layered paper and place in a roasting pan. Put the  roast in the center of the paper and add all the other ingredients. Wrap the paper securely over the roast, making sure it is leak-proof and that  moisture will not escape. Roast on a blazing open fire for 2½ hours or until done.   Taste.

Roast Elk Steak recipe

At Fort Clatsop 1806

2 lb elk round steak, cut 1/2 inch thick
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 tbsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 plum tomatoes -- 28 ounce size, diced
2 tsp garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)
2 medium size onions, peeled and sliced thickly
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
oil or fat for frying

Naked Boy..

September 7th 1805

Today while traveling we came upon a peculiar boy the age of about 13 or 14.  When Sea walked up to the boy he darted away.  We hope he is in a village near by so we can get food and rest our aching muscles.  The boy was Nez Pierce and he was up on the hill finding his spirit guide. also the tribe fed us delicious dog meat.  Seaman didn't seem too interested in it though.  We also met a very wise woman Watkueis, Who's grandson was on the hill, and he was delighted to see "Mountain Dog" or Seaman.

Gun explanation

August 15 1805

The guns we will hunt with are not talked about often.   The Corps shoots a rifle that is very slow reloading and has very bad accuracy.  However it will do its job.  How the gun operated is you pull the hammer back.  You push the slide forward and put your gun powder in the small space.  Then, you close the slide you take a small ball round and drop it down the barrel.  I suggest after you drop the round down the barrel you stick a rod (wooden or metal) down the breech to make the ball touch the gun powder.  When the hammer is released (by the trigger pull) it will snap down on a release and shoot a flame, thus making the gun powder explode and shoot the ball out of the barrel.  as I said, this is not very accurate, but it has significant force and will stop an animal dead in its tracks, and can be dry fired to get attention or intimidate someone or something  because of its loud bang.

Story of how I got the deer...

September 6 1804

Today, Sea, the cook, and I went out to hunt.  We would have to find something big or two animals, like a buck, a bison, or a grizzly bear.  I had hoped we would get at least two of the three because we use everything on the animal and these creatures have a lot to provide.  The Deer has antlers that can make knives along with the bones of a grizzly.  and the hide on all of them will provide us with materials for moccasins, bedding and clothing.  I love the meat on all except I do not love bear meat.  Oh well on an expedition who is complaining?  Meat is Food and food is health and energy!  We ended up killing a giant buck and a decent sized buffalo.  I am very grateful for our luck!  We will soon be tanning the hide of the deer and making new shirts and shoes.  We also will use the fur of the buffalo's fur for clothing and bedding for warmth because winter is coming fast.  Did I mention we will dine like kings tonight also?