Here are the stories of a boy born with a truly venturesome spirit. His father had been an officer in George Washington's army, but had died when Meriwether was only seven years old. And when he was still very young, Meriwether was the "Young Marse" of the Virginia plantation where he lived with his mother. Uncle Nicholas Lewis lived at "The Farm" near by. The boy knew every inch of the woods surrounding the Big House; sometimes he stayed out all night hunting with his big dog. He was a quick thinker and self reliant. The plantation slaves liked their Young Marse and trusted him. Often Merne, as people called him, would ride all over the countryside with Uncle Nicholas, and visit beautiful Monticello, the home of their friend and neighbor the great Thomas Jefferson.

At the Michie Tavern he heard such wonderful stories about the Indians from Trader Jones that he made up his mind to go west some day himself and explore the wide unknown regions. Meanwhile there were plenty of "exploring" opportunities near home.

Once he had a scary time in a dark cave. The two boys who were with him had jumped across a deep stream, but Meriwether was younger and his legs were shorter than theirs, so he fell into the cold water. The fast thinking of a stranger who happened to be passing the mouth of the cavern saved Meriwether's life. Grateful for his rescue, Meriwether hoped to be able to do something in return for the red-headed boy whom he met so suddenly that day, and who introduced himself as Will Clark, brother of George Rogers Clark.

Winter and summer, in all kinds of weather, Meriwether spent most of his time out of doors roaming the forests, riding the fields, learning the secrets of the swamps, and becoming an expert hunter. Always he dreamed of the day when he would journey toward the West. His first chance to travel overland, however, took him south instead of west, when the family moved by wagon train to Georgia. 

Meriwether was to meet Will Clark again and again as he grew older. He never forgot the boy with the bright red hair who had saved his life. Later, when President Thomas Jefferson commissioned him to lead a party of exploration into the vast Northwest, Meriwether unhesitatingly chose Will Clark as co-leader. 

This is the first book Charlotta M. Bebenroth has written for the Childhood of Famous Americans Series. As a teacher in the public schools of Cleveland, she is in close contact with children and knows intimately the kind of stories young readers enjoy. The qualities of resourcefulness, courage and adventurous leadership in the character of Meriwether Lewis have fascinated the author. Her stories dramatizing his boyhood will thrill her readers. She has spent years following the trail of information about the famous leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. She combines the flavor of truth to nature and human nature with a fine storytelling talent to make this a book of sure-fire appeal to boys and girls. 

From the dust jacket