Captain Clark shifted his stance uncomfortably. The French trader, Charbonneau, and his wife, Sacagawea, stood before him offering their services as interpreters and guides through the unchartered territory of The Louisiana Purchase. But Sacagawea was just a young girl, Clark silently observed. She couldn't be more than fifteen years of age, and she was obviously expecting a child! Besides, Clark knew that Charbonneau had a reputation for being difficult and untrustworthy.
Captain Clark looked toward Captain Lewis, who appeared troubled also. Both men knew they would need horses to cross the western mountains, and Charbonneau had assured them that Sacagawea could negotiate with her native tribesmen for them. The Shoshone were known for their fine line of horses.
Sacagawea stepped forward confidently then, smiling as she presented the captains with a beautiful buffalo robe. Her gentle, self-assured manner moved them. Yes, they would take the chance. They could not cross the mountains without horses.
Thus began their journey. It was a precarious one full of uncertainty, danger and physical adversity. But it was also a rich and powerful journey, laced with adventure, joy and love. Sacagawea proved to be an invaluable asset. When the expedition ended, and Captain Clark and Sacagawea parted ways, Clark could hardly contain his anxiety and pain. He sent a letter to Charbonneau, desperately urging the family to follow him to St. Louis, where they could establish a residence close to his.