Dear Mr. Jefferson,

The journey was the Corps at its best. The journey was America at its best. It not only gave us the opportunity to explore land we would never have fathomed we would see, it showed the true strife that young America has to make it to the end. But, this journey was not only for America, it was for ourselves.

As we first set sail up the Missouri river, I had absolutely no idea what we were in for, and I certainly found out soon. I promise you, if you think sailing down a river is difficult, you can hardly imagine the grueling, painstaking efforts it took to sail upstream. We would be like to make 20 miles in a day, and it more often less. But, we slowly and steadily continued up, up, and up the river, until we  reached Fort Mandan, where our luck took a turn. Not only was Sacagawea an incredible woman, she was a role model to all girls after her to we can do everything and more. She didn't just follow the Corps of Discovery, she didn't just guide them, she wasn't just a sixteen year old girl, she was with child. And, by all miracles, she made it, too. We made it over the great mountains, through three winters, through incredible hostile indians, through raging rapids, through sickness, and even through death because every single member of the Corps gave 150% all the time. And this is why, and only why, we made it to the ocean and back.

But, as I said, this was also an immense accomplishment for the new American country. And, we couldn't have done it without you, Mr. Jefferson. If it hadn't been for you, I certainly would never seen the Pacific ocean. I know that nothing is for certain, but I have a growing faith in our country that we will expand beyond our wildest dreams, and become a great country. Not to mention, isn't America all about being one: E Pluribus Unum? And we certainly showed that on our great journey.

To conclude, for my weekly labors, discoveries... for all my endeavors have brought this journey. I believe I should be payed the grade of an A.

Signed, Lottie Smith aka Marandah Field-Elliot