River Walk

Lewis & Clark Trilogy #1

by Rita Cleary

When he joins the historic expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark across North America, John Collins must overcome many obstacles and dangers, both natural and manmade, when he falls in love with Laughing Water, a young Mandan widow with a child. Original.

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a "coming of age story, if you will, about John Collins and his comrades picked for their strength, sharp shooting ability, etc. but not for wisdom in decision making when egos were challenged or emotions aroused. The journey they signed on for was to follow the Northwest passage under direction of Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark per assignment of President Jefferson following the Louisiana Purchase. Meriwether Lewis had been Thomas Jefferson's secretary. Meriwether's mission was to enlist men for the US Army to explore the unknown Louisiana. Part of the challenge was to cross territories claimed by Spain and Briain both of whom sabotaged their progress not willing to give up their hold on the land they claimed. These efforts severely complicated their progress already difficult because of the fast-changing weather and unyielding landscape. In addition, the regiment had to learn to adjust to the ways, habits, and personalities of their fellow comrades exacerbated by the intentional inclusion of spies in the group unknown to the powers that be. Propensity to give in to drinking without moderation leads to serious trouble for all as well as a love interest that has long term consequences particularly for John Collins the twenty -year old recruit and the youngest in the pack.

Author is distantly related to the John Collins portrayed in this story. Consequently, this story was written to honor his memory and enlighten us on the challenges his group encountered pursuing the mission the US army was given under leadership of Lewis and Clark. In that she did a good job. I presume much of what she reported about the journey was true based on the journals of those in the regiment; namely, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Charles Floyds, John Ordway, Joseph Whitehouse and Patrick Gass. John Collins was illiterate as were others in the group and/or English was not their first language ie. those of Indian and French descent. She accomplished her mission
to educate her readers but the story while interesting did not really have a plot. It was hard to read about torture ensued by army superiors to keep those in their command follow regiment.

[Chi Dubinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictional account of the Lewis and Clark expedition, told through the eyes of John Collins, who was persuaded by his friend George Drouillard to join the journey. Also in the series, “Charbonneau’s Gold.”

[Cws]

LP Cle