CLARK, William (1770-1838).
Autograph letter signed, one page.
Fredricksburgh, July 5th, 1801 to John Thompson Mason, integral address leaf.
8 3/8" x 6 1/2" sheet, 23 1/4" x 16 1/8" framed.
In this letter, the celebrated explorer gives instructions and a change of address to a Washington attorney employed by the Clark family in the case of Bazidone vs. Clark. In 1796, Clark had resigned his commission in the Army and was engaged in a series of journeys on behalf of his brother, George Rogers Clark, "who had lost heavily during his Revolutionary services, and whose accounts Virginia had refused to settle. Thereupon he was sued, his lands attached, and William had much difficulty in saving anything from the wreck of his brother's fortune".

Dr William Clark writes to the attorney, "As your instructions in the Case of Bazidone vs. Clark have not yet come forward to this place- and being doubtful whether or not I gave you my address fully-makes me conclude Po that you are at a loss to what place to direct your letters. I must request you to direct your instructions to me at this place and as my stay in this quarter will be but short, I hope you will do me the favor to let me hear from you as soon as possible. With the highest sentiments of respect and confidence, I am..."

In 1803, Clark received a letter from his friend Merriwether Lewis, inviting him to join in an expedition ordered by President Jefferson to explore the continent and find a route to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition set wout near St. Louis on 14 May, 1804. The Lewis and Clark expedition had implications for the future of the United States which rivalled that of the Louisiana Purchase from France (also directed by Thomas Jefferson) and which had taken place the year before. Clark was appointed the first Governer of Missouri, which had been part tu of the Louisiana Territory until admitted to the Union as a state in its own right in 1813 and he served in this post until 1818.