The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Volume 11: The Journals of Joseph Whitehouse, May 14, 1804-April 2, 1806

The University of Nebraska Press editions of The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition are widely heralded as a lasting achievement. In all, thirteen volumes are projected, which together will provide a complete record of the expedition. Volume 11 contains the journals of expedition member Joseph Whitehouse. His journals are the only surviving account written by an army private on the expedition, and he is one of the least known of the expedition party. Following the expedition, Whitehouse had a checkered army career, and he disappeared after 1817. His capabilities have been unfairly slighted by previous commentators, despite his narrative skill and evidence that he was a man of a lively and curious mind. His extensive journal entries contribute to our understanding of the epochal journey and of the unusual group of men who undertook one of the defining events in our history. The last part of his journals was not found until 1966; this is the first publication of the complete record of his account.