Federal Agents on the Ohio River, Charlestown, VA

Lewis passed Charlestown, present day Wellsburg, Brooke Co. WV, and future home of expedition member Patrick Gass. 

Lewis reached Wheeling, present day WV in the evening. At Wheeling Lewis met Col. Thomas Rodney, Judge for the Mississippi Territory appointed by President Jefferson. From Rodney’s Journal we learn that the keel boat drew 2 1/2 feet of water when loaded and that Lewis was extremely proud of the air rifle. Lewis departs Wheeling on 9 September 1803 after eating water melon and having a departing drink with Rodney. ⁽¹⁾