Meaning: This quote is a journal entry from Meriwether Lewis, an American explorer who, alongside William Clark, led the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804 to 1806. The entry describes the weather and the success of the hunters in the party, providing a glimpse into the daily experiences and activities of the expedition.

The quote begins with a description of the weather, stating that it was "fine and moderate." This brief observation reflects the attention to detail and meticulous record-keeping that was characteristic of the expedition. Weather conditions were significant for the safety and progress of the journey, and Lewis made it a point to document the prevailing conditions in his journal.

Following the weather description, the quote details the successful outcome of a hunting trip undertaken by members of the expedition. It mentions that all the hunters returned, having collectively killed three elk, four deer, two porcupines, a fox, and a hare during their absence. This successful hunting expedition would have provided the party with much-needed food and resources, ensuring their sustenance during their journey through the uncharted territories of the American West.

The inclusion of specific details about the animals killed during the hunt offers insight into the wildlife encountered during the expedition. It also speaks to the resourcefulness and self-sufficiency of the explorers, who relied on hunting and gathering to supplement their provisions as they traversed the wilderness.

Meriwether Lewis's journal entries, including the quoted passage, are valuable historical documents that provide a firsthand account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, aimed to explore and map the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase, establish trade with Native American tribes, and find a practical route to the Pacific coast.

Lewis and Clark, along with their Corps of Discovery, embarked on their arduous journey in May 1804, traveling up the Missouri River and eventually reaching the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. Throughout the expedition, Lewis diligently recorded the daily events, observations, and scientific findings in his journal, creating a comprehensive record of their discoveries and experiences.

The success of the hunting trip described in the quote underscores the expedition's reliance on hunting and foraging to supplement their rations and sustain themselves in the wilderness. The ability to procure game and other resources from the environment was crucial for the survival of the party, especially as they ventured into unfamiliar and often challenging terrain.

In addition to providing sustenance, the hunting activities of the expedition also served practical and strategic purposes. The acquisition of animal pelts and furs, for example, was important for trade and diplomacy with Native American tribes encountered along the way. The expedition sought to establish friendly relations with indigenous peoples and often relied on the exchange of goods, including animal products, to facilitate communication and cooperation.

Moreover, the successful hunts described by Lewis reflected the team's skills in navigating and adapting to the natural environment. The ability to track, hunt, and harvest a variety of game animals demonstrated the resourcefulness and adaptability of the explorers, highlighting their deep understanding of the land and its inhabitants.

Overall, the quoted passage from Meriwether Lewis's journal offers a glimpse into the daily life and activities of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It captures the significance of weather conditions, the reliance on hunting and gathering, and the practical considerations that shaped the expedition's experiences and interactions with the natural world. Lewis's meticulous record-keeping and detailed observations continue to provide valuable insights into this historic journey and the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way.