Corps of Discovery

Corps of Discovery

byDillon Foley

Based onThe Journey and Aftermath of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

Dillon FoleyPO Box 310, Somers MT. 59932(406)261-9860

FADE IN:

EXT. CLIFF - SUNRISE

Open on a lonely cliff. The sun rises in the distance over the trees and rolling hills.

MERIWETHER LEWIS, age 33, a brilliant but troubled outdoorsman, stumbles up to the top of the cliff. He stands there. Watching. Waiting. Soaking up every second of the time he has.

He looks out toward the East. Home. He turns back to stare into the West. Freedom.

WILLIAM CLARK, age 36, a strong viral specimen braver than any man alive, joins his good friend and partner on the cliff

Lewis moves his hand like he is reaching for his pistol.

Clark watches him like a hawk.

Lewis’s extracts a small Indian necklace from his coat. He looks down at it. Lost in a trance.

CLARKMeriwether.

Clark snaps Lewis out of his trance.

CLARK (CONT’D)The men are ready.

Lewis gives a weak nod.

EXT. RIVERBANK - LATER

The intrepid explorers LEWIS and CLARK walk down a hill. TWENTY-SEVEN MEN await their noble leaders. The dugout canoes are all packed up ready to shove off into the Missouri River.

The men board their canoes and take off rowing downstream along the rushing current.

Lewis gives one last glance back to the wild untamed west before he digs his paddle into the water and pushes on to the east.

EXT. MISSOURI RIVER - AFTERNOON

TITLE CARD: SEPTEMBER 23, 1806

The Corps of Discovery led by LEWIS and CLARK paddle down the river.

Children run along the riverbank.

All the men have broad smiles that take up their whole faces as they usurp all their strength to push on.

They round a bend.

EXT. ST. LOUIS - HARBOR - CONTINUOUS

A crowd of a thousand people erupts into thunderous applause.

Citizens fire their rifles into the air, a band strikes up a jaunty tune, and American flags boldly displaying the stars and stripes wave in the cool autumn breeze. The prodigal sons are back.

SEAMAN, Lewis’s Newfoundland dog, is so excited he breaks free of his master’s grip and jumps into the river.

The entire Corps of Discovery follows suit as they run to shore to meet their rejoicing family and friends.

INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

A MESSENGER bursts into the oval office.

THOMAS JEFFERSON, age 63, the slender intelligent statesman, founding father, and third president of the United States, looks up from his paperwork. He accepts the letter from the Messenger.

LEWIS (V.O.)Dear Mr. President. It is with pleasure that I announce the safe arrival of myself and party at twelve o’clock today.

Jefferson is overcome with joy, like a proud father.

LEWIS (V.O.) (CONT’D)In obedience to your orders, we have penetrated the continent of North America to the Pacific Ocean.

2.

INT. ST. LOUIS BALLROOM - NIGHT

LEWIS and CLARK are besieged by curious guests eager to hear news about the wild untamed west.

GUEST Did you meet many savages?

CLARKOh my, yes. In fact one of the Chiefs we met is here.

Clark calls to interpreter GEORGE DROUILLARD.

CLARK (CONT’D)George! George! Bring Big White over here.

(To Guests.)Big White is chief of the Mandan tribe we spent the first winter with. He is a very interesting fellow.

Lewis clangs a wine glass to get their attention. A hush quickly falls over the crowd.

LEWISThank you for the rousing and a spirited welcome.

The guests laugh.

LEWIS (CONT’D)You may note that we are a few members short. We set out for the west with a team of forty-two men. Two found the pressures of the expedition to be too much and deserted, only to be subsequently court-martialed and discharged upon their recovery. Ten were sent back to America after we reached the Mandan village laden with specimens for President Jefferson. And one, one man unfortunately died due to complications from bilius cholic. The twenty-eight men you see before you are the brave souls that make up the Corps of Discovery. The success of this mission does not rest solely on the my shoulders, nor my trusted partner William Clark. We owe everything to all of the men standing before you. So I propose a toast to the Corps of Discovery.

3.

Everyone raises their glasses and drinks to the Corps of Discovery.

INT. WASHINGTON D.C. BALLROOM - NIGHT

LEWIS and CLARK shake the hands of CONGRESSMEN and SENATORS.

SENATOR #1Is there any reason to continue calling the Columbia River by that name? If not, propose to name it “Lewis River.”

LEWISIf Congress would like to change the name, I will bow to the will of the people.

SENATOR #2What are your plans for the future?

LEWISI would like to be fortunate enough to find a wife. Beyond that, I have not given much thought.

CONGRESSMANYou ought to run for office, my boy. Not a man alive would dare oppose you.

LEWISAt the moment I am anxious to relax and spend time with my family.

CONGRESSMANOf course.

LEWISExcuse me, I need some fresh air.

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. BALLROOM - COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS races outside into the cold winter night. Snowflakes drift down. He closes his eyes as he breathes in the soothing fresh air.

CLARK joins him.

CLARKYou know that it is the middle of winter, right?

4.

LEWISIs it? I thought it was odd for snow to fall in summer.

CLARKCome back inside.

LEWISAfter two years spent lost in the untamed frontier of the new world, I should be thankful to have a roof over my head again. Instead I just find it -

CLARK- Suffocating.

LEWISRight.

CLARKHard to believe a few months ago we were rafting down the Missouri.

LEWISThere is no going back for us William. We were foolish to think we could return and everything would be just as we left it.

CLARKYou may be right.

LEWISThe remaining years of our lives will be dominated by portraits, interviews, and batting away the greedy politicians hungry for power.

CLARKWe have entered a new world.

LEWISOne where the Vice President has murdered one of the greatest political figures in our nation’s history.

CLARKUnfortunately.

LEWISNobody in that ballroom understands what we went through. I fear our greatest test is only beginning. We have survived the wilderness of the west, now we must survive society.

5.

CLARKA much easier challenge to accomplish.

LEWISPlease promise me nothing will change between us.

CLARKMy friend, I will always be there for you. I promise.

INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE - DAY

THOMAS JEFFERSON reclines in a chair reading a book.

There is a knock at the door.

JEFFERSONCome in.

LEWIS enters the oval office laden with maps, specimens, and journals.

JEFFERSON (CONT’D)Bless my soul, it is good to see you, my boy. The papers were ready to declare you dead, but I never lost hope.

LEWISThank you.

JEFFERSONCome, I cannot wait to see that map.

LEWISWhere shall I set it?

Every bit of table space is full. So Jefferson and Lewis unfurl the map on the floor. They get down together on their hands and knees as Lewis recounts their expedition.

JEFFERSONI want to know everything.

LEWISWe started off rowing up the Missouri River.

EXT. MISSOURI RIVER - DAY

The Missouri river snakes its way through the lush landscape of what is now present day Missouri.

6.

LEWIS (V.O.)Every inch of the land the Missouri river passes through looks like it was sculpted by God himself.

EXT. GREAT PLAINS - DAY

We soar over the flat barren Great Plains littered with buffalo, prairie dogs, and antelope.

LEWIS (V.O.)We reached this place where no timber grew and the grassland stretched as far as the eye could see. It was paradise.

EXT. ROCKY MOUNTAINS - DAY

We fly over the treacherous Rocky Mountains.

LEWIS (V.O.)We labored under the false assumption the mountain range would be easily passable, I am sorry to say that it encompasses hundreds of miles full of harsh terrain. Dominated by gigantic mountain that reach so high their peaks are covered with snow, even in the summer.


LEWISIt is the most beautiful sight you will ever see, but no ship or boat can pass through it.

JEFFERSON(Disappointed.)

Could an easier water route exist?

LEWISNo. But fear not, Mr. President, I have the idea for a deal that can still help us trade with the Orient.

JEFFERSONGo on.

7.

LEWISUtilizing the route I have provided, we can engage in the capture and transportation of animal pelts and completely take the British Empire out of the equation. The Nez Perce and Shoshones perform the same basic concept with horse herds. I would be more the willing to head back west to facilitate it if need be.

JEFFERSONI will look into it. How is your journal coming along?

LEWISI am afraid it is not quite finished yet.

JEFFERSONWhen do you think it will be completed?

LEWISI do not know, sir. I have a lot of notes and charts to examine. The last thing I want to do is rush it into completion.

JEFFERSONI understand. Take all the time you need.

LEWISThank you.

JEFFERSONYou have done me a great service, Meriwether. Your country is greatly indebted to you.

Jefferson pours Lewis and himself a glass of whiskey. They raise their glasses.

JEFFERSON (CONT’D)A toast to you, Meriwether Lewis, for helping America stretch from sea to shining sea. Thanks to your efforts, we have the most complete map of this continent and can now move forward with colonizing it and establishing this great nation as a new world power.

Lewis hesitates before taking a drink.

8.

INT. CARRIAGE - DAY

LEWIS jumps inside a horse drawn carriage. He sits for a moment, lost in thought. He delves into his pack to retrieve his journal.

Quill in hand, Lewis sits poised to begin writing his personal account of the expedition. An ink drop drips off the quill and falls onto the blank page.

EXT. DIRT PATH - DAY - FLASHBACK

TITLE CARD: DECEMBER 2, 1802

LEWIS races along the beaten path on horseback.

Through the bare trees we can see Thomas Jefferson’s crowning achievement . . . Monticello.

INT. MONTICELLO - STUDY - DAY

THOMAS JEFFERSON searches through his vast library of books. He pulls one out. Skims it. Then tosses it aside to join an ever growing pile.

LEWIS enters.

JEFFERSONMeriwether, perfect timing.

LEWISYou sent for me.

JEFFERSONSo I did. I just received word about a long awaited deal which shall put the United States in a unique position to expand our borders.

LEWISNew Orleans? You got New Orleans. This is fantastic. Why are you holed up in your study? We need to celebrate.

JEFFERSONCalm down. There is much to celebrate. Yes, the French have offered us New Orleans . . . but that is not all. Tell me, Meriwether, how much do you know about the west?

9.

LEWISPrecious little. What is this all about?

JEFFERSONThe “Louisiana Purchase.” When finalized, this deal will double the size of the United States.

Lewis is speechless.

JEFFERSON (CONT’D)Little is known about the western areas of this continent. I need someone to lead an expedition into the heart of this mysterious uncharted area to record findings on wildlife and inform the indigenous people that they are now under the protection of the American flag.

LEWISMe?

JEFFERSONI can think of no man better for the job. You are resourceful, intelligent, and an experienced outdoorsman. Who better?

LEWISSir, it will be my honor lead this expedition.

JEFFERSONGood man. The Federalists alone treat this expedition as if it is destined for failure. I hope you will take care of yourself and be the living witness of their malice and folly.

Jefferson clears a place on his desk to set a map. He takes a quill and draws in the boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase.

JEFFERSON (CONT’D)This is the most complete map of North America. The Louisiana Territory encompasses the land owned by the French from the edge of the United States to the Pacific.

LEWISWhat do you want me to record?

10.

JEFFERSONEverything. I want plant samples, descriptions of animals, temperature readings, every single thing you encounter must be recorded.

LEWISA budget must be approved by Congress before we can stock up.

JEFFERSONWhat would you estimate?

LEWISOff the top of my head? . . . Two thousand to twenty-five hundred. Minimum.

JEFFERSONThe lower we keep the figure, the better chance we have of passing the bill.

LEWISMy thoughts exactly.

JEFFERSONThis expedition is vital for the continued survival of the United States. Much of the land you will be crossing is disputed between England, Spain, and the Russian Empire not to mention the savage Indian tribes who will do everything to retain their land. Then of course, there is the Northwest Passage.

LEWISWith all do respect, do you really think the Northwest Passage exists?

JEFFERSONI am certain of it. Above all, this is the part of your mission that you must accomplish. Explorers have been searching for the Northwest Passage since the days of Columbus. The discovery of an easy water route joining the Atlantic and Pacific will open us up to trading with the Far East. Whomever finds and controls the Northwest Passage will determine the future of this continent.

LEWISI will do all I can Mr. President. You have my word. Though, I cannot do this alone.

11.

EXT. MULBERRY HILL PLANTATION - HOUSE - DAY

On a beautiful summer day, WILLIAM CLARK rides up on a horse to his elegant home. He dismounts and tethers his stallion to a tree.

YORK, age 35, Clark’s manservant of herculean strength and man of few words, delivers a message to his master.

Clark opens the letter.

INT. MULBERRY HILL PLANTATION - HOUSE - STUDY - DAY

CLARK hastily takes out a sheet of parchment and quill. He sets to work writing his letter to Lewis.

CLARK (V.O.)Dear Meriwether, this is an undertaking fraught with difficulties. But I assure you, no man lives with whom I would prefer to take such a trip. My friend, I join you with hand and heart.

EXT. CAMP WOOD - DAY

MONTAGE:

FORTY-TWO YOUNG MEN assemble to begin their training.

LEWIS is a harsh taskmaster and makes the men run themselves ragged.

Meanwhile the men:

- Run laps in the harsh sun, pouring rain, and falling snow.

- Do pushups.

- Practice at the firing range.

- Team building exercises.

- Make canoes.

- Learn how to track.

END MONTAGE.

12.

EXT. ST. LOUIS PORT- DAY

TITLE CARD: MAY 14, 1804

All of St. Louis turns out to see the Corps of Discovery off.

The men hug their mothers and loved ones as they bid a tearful farewell.

MOTHERBe safe.

LEWISI will, mother.

The Corps board their three boats; a Keel Boat and two large canoes capable of holding six or seven men each. They push off from the shore.

The citizens of St. Louis wave good bye to them as they row upstream and begin their arduous journey west.

INT. CAPITOL BUILDING - HOUSE CHAMBERS - DAY - PRESENT DAY

Representative for South Carolina JOSEPH ALSTON reads aloud the proposed bill for the payment of the expedition.

ALSTONProposed compensation for the Corps of Discovery as outlined by Meriwether Lewis is henceforth; Sixteen hundred acres to both Captain Lewis and Lieutenant Clark and three hundred twenty acres to each of the enlisted men. Double pay for all enlisted men, which includes Warfington, Newman, Drouillard, and Charbonneau. Estimated cost of expenditure is Eleven thousand dollars.

The house representatives erupt into debate, shouting to be heard.

LEWIS and CLARK observe the proceedings.

CLARKThis does not look good.

13.

LEWISPolitics sickens me. Congress will pass a bill for millions of dollars without blinking, but when someone proposes a bill for a thousand dollars suddenly all hell breaks loose.

CLARKWhat did Secretary Dearborn say when you asked him to name me a captain?

LEWISDo not get me started on that stupid stubborn ass.

CLARKHe refused again?

LEWISSorry. Jefferson has indicated he intends on promoting you to lieutenant colonel. At least it is something. Surely you will be confirmed.

CLARKDoubt it.

LEWISTitle means nothing. You deserve every inch of the same amount of land Congress awards me. You are a captain, Clark, all you lack is the patch.

CLARKWhere are we on getting Chief Big White back home?

LEWISI have Pryor and Shannon on it. I think they will do a fine job.

CLARKLet us hope.

EXT. MISSOURI RIVER - KEEL BOAT - DAY

Former members of the Corps of Discovery, NATHANIEL PRYOR and GEORGE SHANNON, escort CHIEF BIG WHITE back to his camp in a keel boat.

Pryor stops rowing.

14.

SHANNONWhat is it?

PRYORI thought I saw something.

Out of nowhere ARIKARA WARRIORS attack the party. Bullets rain down on the beleaguered party from all directions.

Shannon, and the rest of their party return fire. Pryor shields Big White under the hail of gunfire.

PRYOR (CONT’D)RETREAT!

Shannon is hit in the left leg. He howls in pain.

Pryor shoots a warrior in the head.

The warrior falls into the water.

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. STREET CORNER - DAY

LEWIS walks cheerfully down the street.

A boy sells newspapers on a street corner.

Lewis pays for one. He freezes the minute he sees the front page headline. His once happy mood turns sour.

LEWISDamnit.

INT. TAVERN - NIGHT

PATRICK GASS drinks with his rowdy group of FRIENDS.

LEWIS enters the tavern gasping for breath and looking a little dishevelled. He makes a beeline for Gass.

GASSMy journal shall be the crowning achievement of the expedition. Soon the whole world shall know about the expedition for only a dollar.

Lewis appears behind Gass.

GASS (CONT’D)Captain Lewis? What brings you here?

15.

LEWISMay I have a word in private?

GASSAbsolutely.

Gass follows Lewis as he leads him away to a secluded corner.

LEWISYou cannot publish your journal.

GASSWhy not?

LEWISPresident Jefferson and I have an arrangement that dictates my journal is published first.

GASSYou have no editor. I cannot wait for you to get your act together.

LEWISHow does three hundred dollars sound?

GASSNo amount of money can change my mind. The journal will be published.

LEWISI am your commanding officer -

GASS- Not anymore.

LEWISPlease, do it as a favor to me.

GASSLet someone else shine for once. You were not the only man on that expedition. Get that through your thick head.

Gass returns to his friends.

Lewis keeps an eye on Gass as he takes a seat at the bar.

LEWISWhiskey.

The bartender sets a glass of whiskey in front of him.

16.

Lewis downs it in one gulp.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Keep it coming.


LEWIS waits patiently in the oval office for Jefferson. He flips through all the blank pages in his journal. Upon JEFFERSON’S entry, Lewis snaps the journal shut.

JEFFERSONSorry to keep you waiting, Meriwether.

LEWISNo apologies necessary.

JEFFERSONI heard the news about Mr. Gass.

LEWISI did all I could to prevent him from publishing his journal.

JEFFERSONHow far away are you?

LEWISDifficult to say. A lot of work still needs to be done. My publisher estimates it will cost forty-five hundred dollars to publish the journal.

JEFFERSONWhy so much?

LEWISMy plans include a two volume narrative, one entire part solely on scientific research, and Clark’s map in detail.

JEFFERSONThat is very ambitious of you.

LEWISOnce my journal is released, Gass’s will be about as valuable as toilet paper.

JEFFERSONGood. It may please you to know the Senate stands ready to confirm you for the post as Governor of the Louisiana Territory tomorrow.

17.

An AIDE pokes his head through the door.

AIDESorry to interrupt you, Mr. President, but there is a Frederick Bates here to see you.

JEFFERSONPerfect timing. Send him in.

FREDERICK BATES, age 30, a popular young politician, strides through the door.

BATESMr. President, so good to see you again. I apologize, if I am too early.

JEFFERSONNot to worry Mr. Bates, you are right on time. May I introduce you to -

BATES- No need for an introduction. Pleased to meet you Meriwether Lewis, I am Frederick Bates.

LEWISBates. I know a Tarelton Bates.

BATESMy brother.

LEWISBless my soul, it is a small world we live in. How is old Tarelton?

BATESDead, sir.

LEWISMy apologies. May I ask how he died?

BATESHe lost a duel, unfortunately.

LEWISTarelton never was one to shy a way from a fight.

BATESThat makes two brothers I have lost to the wretched sport. Rest assured that I will never pick up a blade or firearm with the intent to harm another man.

18.

JEFFERSONA noble vow, especially considering what happened to Master Hamilton.

BATESQuite.

JEFFERSONMr. Bates here has been kind enough to offer his services as your secretary.

BATESI am very well acquainted with the voters of St. Louis. The United States should have no trouble expanding westward with you and I leading the charge.

LEWISCorrect me if I am wrong, but I remember Tarelton being a staunch Federalist. Do you share the same political sentiments?

JEFFERSONThis is no time to call political affiliations into question.

BATESIt is quite alright, Mr. President. To be honest, in the past I have spoken out rather harshly against President Jefferson’s reforms. However, after discussing these issues at length, I find there are some aspects of Democratic-Republican Party that I agree with. And I feel the best politician is one who can look at both sides of an issue.

JEFFERSONAgreed. Now -

The AIDE bursts back into the room.

AIDE- I just received word Pryor and Shannon have been attacked.

JEFFERSONBy whom?

BATESThe Arikaras.

Lewis an Jefferson look at Bates.

19.

BATES (CONT’D)I had time to peruse a few documents on Indian Affairs. The Arikara nation is at war with the Mandans.

LEWISWere there any casualties?

JEFFERSON(Accepting the letter from the Aide.)

The letter says no serious casualties. Chief Big White is fine and back in St. Louis. My goodness, George Shannon had to have his leg amputated.

BATESThis requires swift and immediate action.

JEFFERSONRetaliation will be severe, I can promise you that much. A top priority for your office will be to make sure Big White returns to his people.

LEWISYou can count on me.

JEFFERSONGood man. Excuse me, I have meeting, but this discussion is far from over.

Jefferson exits.

Bates starts to stroll out after him.

LEWISOne moment, Bates. I would like to speak to you in private for a moment.

BATESI am afraid I have a prior engagement.

LEWISYou have admitted to being a Federalist. So tell me, Mr. Bates, have you really had a change of heart? Or is your lust for power so strong that you would abandon your principles?

BATESGoodbye, Mr. Lewis.

Bates exits without giving a straight answer.

20.

LEWISI wish I were Clark.

INT. CARRIAGE - DAY

CLARK nervously sits in the carriage as it rolls to a stop. He seizes a bouquet of flowers sitting next to him. He takes a deep breath and musters the courage to open the door.

EXT. HANCOCK FAMILY HOME - CONTINUOUS

CLARK exits the carriage driven by YORK.

JULIA HANCOCK, age 16, a bright charming beautiful young girl, exits her family’s home.

Clark bows to her. He kisses her hand.

EXT. FINCASTLE MAIN STREET - NIGHT

CLARK escorts JULIA down main street of Fincastle.

JULIAIt is a beautiful night.

CLARKNot nearly as beautiful as you.

JULIA(Giggles.)

Stop it.

CLARKIn two years the only thing that kept me going and pushed me to continue over the wild frontier was you.

JULIAI wish I could have gone to the west with you.

CLARKYou were with me every step of the way. I even named a river after you.

JULIAReally?

21.

CLARKIt is a delightful little river. From now on you will be immortalized as the namesake for the most wonderful body of water west of the mighty Mississippi. The Judith River.

JULIAJudith?

CLARKYes. Is that not your given name?

JULIANo, my given name has always been “Julia.”

CLARKBut when you were a child everyone addressed you as “Judy.”

JULIAIt was a nickname.

CLARKPlease accept my apologies, I was -

JULIA- Confused. I understand, William, it is alright.

CLARKI will make the necessary corrections first thing tomorrow morning.

JULIALeave it.

CLARKAre you sure?

Julia kisses Clark on the cheek.

JULIATell me about the west.

CLARKIt was like entering another world. You could travel for months and never see a soul. It is a treasure beyond anything man can comprehend.

JULIAWere you ever scared?

22.

CLARKAll the time.

EXT. MISSOURI RIVER - KEEL BOAT - DAY - FLASHBACK

The Corps of Discover continues up the Missouri River.

CLARK makes additions to his map as he navigates the Keel Boat upstream.

SARGENT CHARLES FLOYD bursts into a coughing fit. He painfully grasps his abdomen. His face is pale as a ghost and sickly.

CLARKCharles, are you alright?

FLOYDI am just a little ill.

CLARKPerhaps you should lay down.

FLOYDNo. Everyone is ill. I will not be the exception because we are flesh and blood. I will be fine in a couple weeks.

EXT. FLOYD’S BLUFF - DAY

SARGENT CHARLES FLOYD lays peacefully on his blanket like he is sleeping.

PRIVATE JOHN COLTER, a slender athletic young man from Kentucky, and SARGENT PATRICK GASS wrap his body in the blanket. They carefully deposit him in a dug out grave.

CLARK hammers a makeshift cross above the grave.

The men gather around.

LEWISCaptain Clark, he was your cousin. Would you care to say anything?

Clark does not respond. He stares solemnly down at Floyd’s lifeless body.

Lewis nods to a couple privates. They fill their shovels with soil and prepare start the burial.

23.

YORK“Will I be next?” We are all thinking it. You all know what you signed up for. This journey will push our bodies to their limits. Let Floyd’s spirit give you the strength of two men. Remember him. Remember this moment. Remember Floyd’s Bluff.

York turns to the grave.

YORK (CONT’D)Rest in peace, Charles.

Clark locks eyes with York.

CLARKThank you.

York nods.

EXT. MISSOURI RIVERBANK - DAY

LEWIS walks along the riverbank. He picks a small flower and presses it into his journal.

SARGENT PATRICK GASS races down from the nearby hilltop.

GASSCaptain Lewis. You have to see this.

EXT. HILLTOP - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS joins CLARK and the rest of the men on the hilltop.

A massive herd of upwards of three thousand buffalo cover the wide open landscape.

CLARKDid you ever once in your life think you would see something this magnificent?

LEWISThat may not be the right word.

CLARKWhat would you call it?

LEWISI have not settled on one yet.

24.

YORKLook!

York points to the horizon.

Clark yanks out his spyglass.

COLTERWhat do you see?

Through his spyglass, Clark sees a lone SIOUX WARRIOR sitting astride his horse. His head is turned toward the Corps of Discovery.

Clark lowers his spyglass.

CLARKIndians.

EXT. YANKTON SIOUX ENCAMPMENT - DAY

The Corps of Discovery enters the Yankton Sioux encampment. LEWIS and CLARK survey the encampment.

Curious children venture out of their teepees only to be ushered back inside by their mothers. Warriors boldly rise up to face the unwelcome intruders.

CHIEF WEUCHE “LIGHTNING CROW” strides toward them.

GEORGE DROUILLARD, a half Omaha interpreter and skilled hunter, speaks to Lightning Crow in his native language and translates for Lewis and Clark.

DROUILLARD(In Sioux.)

We come from America. This is Captain Lewis and Captain Clark. Our great father has sent us to declare this a land of peace.

LEWISThese peace medals are symbols of the binding contract you have with America. It is our hope that we can be friends and help each other survive. We will not interfere with your homeland. We believe that Americans and Yankton Sioux can coexist in harmony.

25.

CLARKHere we have a certificate signed by your new great chief making you official leaders as recognized by the United States.

The Corps of Discovery waits on bated breath for Lightning Crow to respond.

Lightning Crow speaks.

CLARK (CONT’D)What did he say?

DROUILLARDHis heart is gladder than it ever was before to see a white man. If we want to open the river, no one can prevent it. It will always be open to us.

The Yankton Sioux tribe lets out a collective cheer.

EXT. SIOUX ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT

The Corps of Discovery sits around the campfire with the Yankton Sioux as they perform a tribal dance for their enjoyment.

CLARK writes in the journal.

CLARK (V.O.)The Yankton Sioux are a stout bold-looking people, the young men handsome and well-made. Notwithstanding they live by the bow and arrow. The warriors are very much decorated with buffalo robes of different colors.

DROULLIARD ambles up to the captains.

DROULLIARDSirs.

CLARKDrouillard, have you been successful in communicating with our new friends?

DROULLIARDFrom what I can gather, they do not know if the Missouri flows into the Pacific.

26.

LEWISPity. Did you ask about other tribes in the area?

DROULLIARDEvery single elder advised us to be wary of the Teton Sioux. They are hostile toward the white man. Our gifts may not be enough for them to open the river.

LEWISWe will tread lightly.

CLARKOur mission is to maintain friendly relations with the tribes. The Teton Sioux must know the protection our flag offers. No matter what their reputation might be.

EXT. TETON RIVERBANK - DAY

LEWIS stumbles up the riverbank by himself. He bends down to splash some water on his face. He looks back down to see the reflection of a horse in the water.

His eyes travel upwards to see no less than thirty TETON SIOUX WARRIORS across the riverbank.

LEWISClark!

CLARK and the rest of the Corps of Discovery come running.

Three Teton Sioux Chiefs BLACK BUFFALO, PARTISAN, and BUFFALO MEDICINE ride up on their horses and come to a stop in the middle of the river.

EXT. CORPS OF DISCOVERY CAMP - LATER

The Teton Sioux chiefs and warriors observe the Corps of Discovery’s boats.

The Corps fire their rifles into the air as a demonstration of their firepower.

LEWIS and CLARK commence with business as usual.

LEWISChildren. You are to live in peace with all the white men.

27.

(MORE)

Injure not the persons of any traders who visit you under the protection of your great father's flag.

CLARKHere we have peace medals and certificates making you official leaders as recognized by the United States Government.

The chiefs accept the gifts.

Chief PARTISAN nods to his warriors.

Suddenly three Teton Sioux warriors seize the tow rope of one of the canoes.

Quick as flash, Clark unsheathes his sword and points it at Chief BUFFALO MEDICINE.

All hundred or so of the Teton warriors raise their bows.

The Corps draw their rifles.

Aboard the keel boat, Lewis readies the cannon.

Silence. Nobody dares to move a muscle.

BUFFALO MEDICINE(In Teton Sioux.)

Is this all?

CLARKDrouillard, talk to me.

DROUILLARDHe wants to know if we have anything else.

CLARKI am afraid this is all we have in the way of presents, but -

PARTISAN(In Teton Sioux.)

- These trinkets are meaningless. If you want us to open the road. You must provide us with boats and weapons.

DROUILLARD(In Teton Sioux.)

You ask for something that we cannot part with.

28.

LEWIS (CONT'D)


Then this is where your journey ends.

LEWISWhat are they saying?

DROUILLARDThey want our canoes and firearms.

CLARKTell them we cannot do it.

DROUILLARDI did. They refuse to let us pass.

CLARKPromise them they will get everything they want once they agree to let us pass.

DROUILLARDOkay.

CLARKDo it.

DROUILLARDGive me a minute.

(In Teton Sioux.)If you let us continue, you will receive bountiful gifts from our great nation. We promise.


We have heard many promises from white men. Your word means nothing.

DROUILLARD(In Teton Sioux.)

We do not want to hurt you. Please let go of our canoe.

Partisan is relentless. All hope of bargaining with the Teton Sioux seems to be lost until BLACK BUFFALO speaks.

BLACK BUFFALO(In Teton Sioux.)

We do not wish to engage in conflict. If you would kindly allow our women and children to see the boats, we will let you pass.

29.

DROUILLARDThey want to show the boats to their families.

CLARKDeal.

The Teton Sioux warriors let go of the tow rope.

EXT. TETON SIOUX ENCAMPMENT - DAWN

The Corps of Discover prepares to move on down the river.

CLARKWhy must we bow to these people's whims?

LEWISIt is important to maintain as steady relationship as possible with the Teton Sioux if we hope to pass through their land to get back home.

CLARKThey are a wicked hateful people.

LEWISIf we treat them with the kindness all humans on this earth deserve, they will have no reason to fight.

CLARKThese are the vilest miscreants of the savage race and must ever remain the pirates of the Missouri until such measures are pursued by our government as will make them feel a dependance on its will for their supply of merchandise.

Clark stalks off.

As Lewis and the rest of the Corps of Discover follow him snowflakes begin to fall.

INT. CHURCH - DAY - PRESENT

CLARK and JULIA stand hand in hand at the altar.

PRIESTDo you William Clark take Julia Hancock to be your lawfully wedded wife?

30.

CLARKI do.

PRIESTDo you Julia Hancock take William Clark to be your lawfully wedded husband?

JULIAI do.

PRIESTBy the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.

They kiss.

Guests rise up and applaud.

INT. LOCUST HILL PLANTATION - MANSION - LEWIS’S BEDROOM - DAY

LEWIS dozes contentedly in his bed.

He rolls over to see CLARK sitting in the chair next to his bed puffing on a pipe.

LEWISGood morning.

CLARKAfternoon.

LEWISI thought you were half way to your honeymoon.

CLARKI am leaving with Julia soon.

Lewis nurses his headache.

LEWISCould you get those pills on the dresser?

Clark fetches the pills.

CLARKWhat are these for?

LEWISMalaria.

31.

Lewis pops three pills into his mouth.

CLARKI must admit that I am dismayed to see you here. When Jefferson named you Governor of the Louisiana Territory, I thought you would take office in a couple months. It has been almost a year.

LEWISCan we not do this now?

CLARKNo. You have had ample time to relax from the expedition. There is no reason for you continue stalling.

LEWISI am not ready.

CLARKYou better be ready in a month or Jefferson will give the position to someone else.

LEWISNow listen here, just because I am not sitting behind a desk does not mean I am not in control. Mr. Bates and I are in constant correspondence.

CLARKReally? Tell me what you know about this.

Clark hands Lewis the letter.

CLARK (CONT’D)Do you recall, in any of your alleged correspondence with Frederick Bates, the name “Dickinson”?

LEWISYes. Bates hired him as a fur trapper. He praised Dickinson’s ability to track and his talent for dealing with Indians.

CLARKDickinson is a spy.

LEWISWhat?

32.

CLARKThat letter you hold in your hand confirms Dickinson’s allegiance to England.

LEWISI swear I had no knowledge of this.

CLARKLouisiana is tearing at the seams and you are here sleeping. Big White still has yet to return home and he has been here for over a year. Jefferson charged you with this responsibility and you are pissing it all away. Get him home.

LEWISI know. I know.

CLARKI think it is time you take your rightful place as Governor of Louisiana.

LEWISYes, of course. I shall make the necessary arrangements.

CLARKWonderful. How is the journal coming along?

LEWISIt is . . . okay.

CLARKYou do not sound convinced. If you are having difficulty completing the journal, perhaps I can be of assistance.

LEWISThank you for the offer, but I do not require any help. The journal will be finished soon. You have my word.

CLARKI wish you all the luck in the world, then.

Clark exits.

33.

INT. MANDAN VILLAGE - EARTH LODGE - DAY - FLASHBACK

The Corps of Discovery sits around the earth lodge with the Mandans.

Chief BIG WHITE stands in the center.

Drouillard translates Big White’s words as he speaks.

DROULLIARDOur wish is to be at peace with all. If we eat, you shall eat. If we starve, you must starve also.

LEWIS and CLARK nod to each other.

EXT. MANDAN VILLAGE - FOREST - MORNING

MANDAN WARRIORS lead the Corps out into the forest surrounding their village armed with axes to chop down trees for their winter quarters.

CLARK shakes off the snow from a nearby tree.

CLARKThis one will do.

GASSIt is much too small to function as part of a cabin.

CLARKIt is not for a cabin.

COLTERThen what is it for?

CLARKChristmas.

The men get to work chopping down trees.

Clark joins Lewis to survey their progress.

LEWISWe are extremely fortunate to find a tribe able to put us up for the winter.

CLARKThe customs and habits of these people has inured them to bear more cold than I thought it possible for man to endure.

34.

LEWISAgreed.

CLARKSo where are we on finding an interpreter?

LEWISI have interviewed a few Indians, but none of them know English very well.

CLARKWe need someone who can speak Hidatsa. Drouillard’s skills can only get us so far.

LEWISI know.

TOUSSAINT CHARBONNEAU, age 37, a French Canadian trapper, walks up to Lewis and Clark. He knows only a few words of English, not nearly enough to communicate on the same level as the captains.

CHARBONNEAUExcusez-moi. Je ne pourrais pas aider mais vous surprendre ayez besoin d'un interprète.

CLARKMy apologies, but we do not speak French.

CHARBONNEAUI . . . interpret.

LEWISDo you know Hidatsa?

CHARBONNEAU Oui. Un peu.

LEWISWhat is your name?

CHARBONNEAU Ce qui?

LEWIS(Speaking slowly.)

Your name.

35.

CLARKGive it up. He cannot understand us. Where are Cruzatte and Labiche when we need them?

CHARBONNEAUToussaint Chabonneau.

LEWISCharbonneau.

CHARBONNEAUOui.

CLARKCruzatte!

PIERRE CRUZATTE, a one-eyed half French/Omaha interpreter and skilled navigator, rushes to the captains.

CRUZATTESirs?

CLARKThis man seeks to offer his services as an interpreter. We need you to translate.

CRUZATTEJe suis Pierre Cruzatte, je représente capitaines Lewis et Clark. Nous sommes sur notre chemin au Pacifique. Nous avons besoin d'un homme qui sait le secteur.

CHARBONNEAUJe connais le secteur, mais moi exigerai certaines dispositions.

CRUZATTEHe has demands.

LEWISOf course he does. Go on.

CRUZATTEProcédez.

CHARBONNEAUTout d'abord, je ne te réponds pas, je ne suis pas l'un de vos hommes que vous pouvez commander autour. Ne me demandez pas de tenir le garde ou le travail. Je me réserve le droit de laisser toutes les fois que je veux.

36.

CRUZATTEExcusez-moi.

Cruzatte takes Lewis and Clark aside.

CRUZATTE (CONT’D)You cannot hire him.

LEWISWhy?

CRUZATTEBecause he refuses to do any work. Listen, we will encounter hardships on our journey. We cannot afford have a man in our company who will not pull his own weight. Imagine the message that will send to the other men.

CLARKI trust you, Cruzatte. If you say he is not right, then we find someone else.

Cruzatte turns back to Charbonneau.

CRUZATTENous ne pouvons pas accepter un homme dans notre compagnie qui ne travaillera pas. Beau jour à vous.

Lewis, Clark, and Cruzatte leave Charbonneau standing dumbfounded.

EXT. MANDAN VILLAGE - LATER

YORK carries a log over his shoulder through the deep snow. A small group of MANDAN CHILDREN follow him. He turns. The children scream and run away. When York turns back the children follow him again.

LEWIS and CLARK observe the work on Fort Mandan as he writes in his journal.

CLARKUh oh, here comes Charbonneau again.

CHARBONNEAUExcusez-moi.

CHARBONNEAU strides up to them with his two INDIAN WIVES in tow.

37.

LEWISI thought Cruzatte made our position clear, there is no place for you on this expedition if you are not willing to work. Listen to me trying reason with you, you cannot understand a word I say.

SACAGAWEAI can.

One of Charbonneau’s wives SACAGAWEA, age 16, a kind and gentle pregnant Shoshone woman, steps forward. She is fluent in French and various Indian dialects, her English is limited, but it is much better than Charbonneu’s.

CLARKWho are you?

SACAGAWEASacagawea.

CHARBONNEAUWife.

SACAGAWEAMy husband wants to work for you.

LEWISOur decision stands.

CHARBONNEAUJe peux faire cuire.

SACAGAWEAHe can cook.

CLARKYou do not look like the Mandans. What tribe do you belong to?

SACAGAWEAShoshone.

CLARKYou have lived among the Hidatsa?

SACAGAWEAYes.

CLARKExcuse us.

Clark takes Lewis aside out of earshot.

38.

CLARK (CONT’D)This woman could be a valuable asset to the expedition.

LEWISI would not mind having a woman on the trip, but we cannot hire her.

CLARKWhy not?

LEWISLook at her. She looks like she could give birth any second. What is she going do? Carry the baby the whole way?

CLARKLet her make the decision whether she wants to make the journey or not.

LEWISShe will die. No woman could possibly travel that far. Do you want the blood of a mother and her child on your hands?

CLARKI think you are underestimating her.

LEWISLet us not forget that bringing the girl along means we have to hire Charbonneau. Cruzatte warned us about him. Man cannot be trusted to big things if they cannot be bothered to do little things.

CLARKI will take responsibility for them.

LEWISFine. Do whatever you want. You know how I feel about this.

Lewis stalks away.

Clark turns to Sacagawea.

CLARKWe have a proposition for you.

EXT. FORT MANDAN - NIGHT

The Corps of Discovery’s winter quarters, Fort Mandan, has finally been completed.

39.

INT. FORT MANDAN - LEWIS’S CABIN - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS writes in his journal by candlelight.

A MANDAN BOY rushes inside. He knocks the journal out of Lewis’s grasp.

Lewis forcibly pries the Mandan Boy off him. He takes the Boy by the hand and starts to throw him out.

The Boy struggles to think of a way to convey the urgency of the situation in a way Lewis will understand.

MANDAN BOYBaby.

LEWISBaby?

MANDAN BOYBaby.

EXT. FORT MANDAN - CONTINUOUS

The MANDAN BOY and LEWIS race outside into the bitter cold winter.

INT. MANDAN VILLAGE - EARTH LODGE - LATER

SACAGAWEA shrieks in pain as she gives birth. A group of MANDAN WOMEN help her through the pain.

LEWIS enters. He sets to work delivering Sacagawea’s baby.

LEWISThe baby is stuck. Sacagawea, I need you push.

Sacagawea is too exhausted to continue.

The MANDAN BOY rushes inside with a dead rattlesnake.

One of the Mandan women seizes the rattlesnake. She attempt to administer the venom to Sacagawea.

LEWIS (CONT’D)What the bloody hell are you doing?

Lewis attempts to knock the rattlesnake away.

The Mandan women fight him off.

40.

The rattlesnake venom is dripped into Sacagawea’s open mouth.

Lewis rushes back to Sacagawea’s aid.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Oh my God, I can see the head. Push.

SACAGAWEAI-I cannot.

LEWISPUSH!

Sacagawea unleashes a blood curdling scream as she pushes with all her might.

Lewis proudly holds up a healthy baby boy.

He severs the umbilical chord with a knife in one swift stroke. Once the baby is gingerly wrapped in his coat, Lewis hands him to his brave mother.

Sacagawea beams as she cradles her infant child, Jean Baptist.

EXT. ST. LOUIS - DAY - PRESENT

The blossoming city of St. Louis is alive with excitement as people bustle around going about their normal business.

EXT. MAIN STREET - GOVERNOR’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

A carriage rolls to stop outside the Governor’s office.

LEWIS climbs out. He stares up at the imposing building before him. With a deep breath, he summons the courage to enter.

INT. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS throws open the door to his office.

FREDERICK BATES works diligently over his desk. He is so busy he fails to notice his boss standing before him.

BATESI am not seeing anyone right now. Kindly make an appointment with my secretary.

41.

LEWISAhem.

Bates looks up.

BATESCaptain Lewis, I -

LEWIS- Governor.

BATESRight. My apologies, I have been a little busy as of late and have not yet found the time to pack my belongings.

LEWISCall a staff meeting. I would like to address everyone on the goals of this office.

BATESYes of course.

LEWISSend for Mr. McFerron, I have a special job for him.

BATESI am afraid Joseph McFerron no longer works for this office.

LEWISWhy? What happened to him?

BATESI fired him. A friend of mine, Thomas C. Scott is now the Court Clerk. Would you still like to meet with him?

LEWISNo.

BATESWhen would you like to schedule a time to address the work I have done in your absence?

LEWISIs there anything to discuss beyond the letters you have sent me?

BATESPerhaps a few details.

42.

LEWISVery well then, we will set aside a time to discuss additional cases you feel I should be made aware of and your future with this office.

BATESExcuse me?

LEWISDo not pretend you were not expecting this. You hired a British spy to -

BATES- Now listen here, I had no idea Dickson was a spy. By all accounts, he seemed to be a fine trustworthy young man.

LEWISThere are already rumors that we may be going to war with England yet again. You better hope Dickson was not able to convince any Indians to take up arms against us. All the work Clark and I had done on the expedition could be ruined.

BATESSurely you can forgive me for making this one mistake.

LEWISWhen you are tasked with something as important as this territory, all it takes is one mistake.

BATESYou have been gone for a year. What do you know?

LEWISExcuse me, did you spend two years trekking across the west?

BATESNo.

LEWISThen I suggest you keep that in mind the next time you decide to insult my work ethic.

BATESYou seem to rely on using the expedition as an excuse an awful lot.

43.

(MORE)

I doubt it was ever as difficult as you make it out to be.

LEWISYou have no room to speak, Mr. Bates. Now please excuse yourself so I do not have any further cause to terminate you.

Bates exits.

INT. CARRIAGE - DAY

BATES rides in a carriage with THOMAS SCOTT.

SCOTTFired?!

BATESSorry Thomas, I tried to reason with him.

SCOTTWhat were his exact words?

BATESIt does not matter. The deal is done. Meriwether Lewis took all of five seconds to relieve me of my duty.

SCOTTWhat is going to happen to me?

BATESI do not know, but it would not surprise me if Lewis decided to fire everyone I have hired in the past year.

SCOTTWe all have families to support. You cannot let Lewis put us out on the street.

BATESI am confident you will land on your feet. Whether Lewis intends to reverse all the ordinances I have put in place is a much more serious matter.

SCOTTIt should be you behind that desk.

44.

BATES (CONT'D)

BATESAll in good time. The Louisiana territory is double the size of the United States, making the man who presides over it the second most powerful person in this country.

SCOTTAs long as that oaf is in office, you will never be able to fully exercise your political might.

BATESI know, but rest assured, Meriwether Lewis will not be Governor for long.

SCOTTWhat do you plan to do?

BATESDestroy him.

EXT. MISSOURI RIVERBANK - DAY - FLASHBACK

It is one of the rare occasions when both LEWIS and CLARK are on the riverbank following along with the keel boat and canoes.

EXT. MISSOURI RIVER - CANOE - CONTINUOUS

A few feet away, SACAGAWEA and CHARBONNEAU with baby JEAN BAPTIST cooing at their side paddle along the fast current.

A sudden gust of wind tips their canoe over, spilling all the specimens and supplies on board the canoe into the river . . . including Lewis and Clark’s journals.

Lewis and Clark are powerless to do anything but watch the chaos unfold.

Chabonneau urgently struggles against the current to keep himself from sinking.

Sacagawea rights the canoe. She sets Jean Baptist aside before diving into the river to retrieve the journals and all the supplies she can.

EXT. MISSOURI RIVER - KEEL BOAT - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS and CLARK grin broadly at her display of heroism.

45.

LEWISAlright, she can stay.

EXT. MISSOURI RIVER - FORK - DAY

The Corps reaches a fork in the river. The north fork is murky and dirty. The southwest fork is a little cleaner.

Lewis and Clark are at a crossroads and cannot decide which river to take.

LEWISBig White said nothing about a fork.

COLTERWe should take the north fork. It looks most like the Missouri.

LEWISThey both look like the Missouri. There in lies the quandary.

A scout team, including PATRICK GASS, returns from exploring the south fork.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Did you see the falls?

GASSNo, sir.

LEWISAnything to let us know which is the Missouri?

GASSSorry.

CLARKSacagawea, which river do we take?

Sacagawea shrugs.

LEWISTerrific.

CRUZATTECaptains, we have reached a consensus. The men all agree that the north fork is the correct river to follow.

LEWISI do not.

46.

CRUZATTEMy knowledge of this river is unrivaled by any man here.

LEWISYour expertise has been taken under consideration, but I am not convinced. We must be sure that we are on the right river. To choose the wrong one may cost us the expedition.

CRUZATTEThe south fork will lead us away from the mountains and the Columbia.

LEWISAnd the north fork veers too far north for my liking. The last thing I want is to spend a hundred or so days needlessly exploring an area that only brings us further from our goal.

CRUZATTEBut the men’s -

LEWIS- Opinion does not count. Clark, what do you think?

CLARKI am with you, Meriwether. The south fork is the Missouri.

LEWISVery well, then, we shall proceed south on the Missouri. We will call the north fork Maria’s River. Ready the boats.

Cruzatte does not see fit to challenge the Captains any longer. He joins the men as they prepare to continue up the Missouri river.

CLARKWho is Maria?

LEWIS(Blushing.)

Just a girl.

EXT. GREAT FALLS - DAY

A succession of waterfalls flow into raging rapids threatening to kill any man bold enough to cross.

47.

LEWIS and CLARK stand on the river’s edge surveying the new obstacle in their way.

CLARKWe must have taken a wrong turn.

LEWISNo, Big White said we would encounter these falls. This proves we are on the right track.

CLARKThere has to be an easier route.

A trio of men, including COLTER and DROULLIARD, come back from a scouting mission.

DROUILLARDNo luck, Sirs. At least four more waterfalls continue up the river dominated by the fiercest rapids I have ever seen. This river is impassible.

CLARKMaybe Maria’s River offers a better route.

LEWISThere is no telling where that river will take us.

CLARKIf you have a better idea, I would love to hear it.

SACAGAWEAAround.

CLARKWhat is she talking about?

LEWISGoing around the river instead of doubling back.

COLTERAre you considering this?

LEWISYes.

DROULLIARDCaptain, it is physically impossible to cross those hills with our craft.

48.

LEWISWe could do it. There must be an inlet a few miles away. It could take us less than a day to get there.

GASSCaptain Clark, surely you must see this is lunacy.

CLARKYour commanding officer has made up his mind. Do not ask me to interfere.

DROULLIARDWhat about the keel boat?

EXT. FOREST - LATER

The Corps of Discovery chops down trees.

EXT. RIVERBANK - LATER

Laying logs down horizontally, the men push the Keel Boat out of the water.

GASSReady! One . . . two . . . three . . . Heave!

Slowly but surely the Keel boat rolls up onto the logs.

EXT. FIELD - DAY

MONTAGE:

The blistering hot sun beats down on the Corps of Discovery as they push the Keel Boat.

Men have to pick up logs in the back and place them in the front so they can keep rolling forward. They are all so exhausted they could collapse any second, but they push on.

SACAGAWEA, with baby JEAN BAPTIST cooing on her back, stoops down to scour the earth for berries.

CLARK looses his footing and tumbles down the hill.

YORK stops him before he hits his head on a boulder.

49.

EXT. CREEK - DAY

Rain pours down on the Corps of Discovery as they boldly continue pushing the keel boat over a small creek.

EXT. HILL - DAY

The Corps pushes with all their might as they ascend a hill.

EXT. HILLTOP - DAY

COLTER screams in agony as he accidently steps on a sharp rock. He looks down to see his Moccasins are falling apart at the seams. The soles of his feet are a bloody disgusting mess.

EXT. CORPS OF DISCOVERY CAMP - NIGHT

The men sit around the campfire repairing their moccasins.

EXT. RIVERBANK - DAY

They are finally able to get the Keel Boat back into the river.

Everyone rejoices.

END MONTAGE.

LEWIS looks up the river. His once high spirits come crashing down.

LEWISClark!

Clark walks up to Lewis.

CLARKWhat is it?

LEWISDoes the water look shallower to you?


The river is so shallow by now that the Corps must push the Keel Boat over the gravel.

50.

LEWIS scans the rolling hills.

LEWISEvery time I see a hill I think it is the last one.

CLARKOne can only hope.

LEWISMaybe we should consider leaving the Keel Boat behind. I think the shoreline is getting narrower.

CLARKWe cannot abandon the Keel Boat. It is too valuable. We may be able to trade it with the next tribe for horses.

LEWISIf we meet another tribe.

CLARKDo not give up hope, Meriwether. We are in uncharted territory. The tribes we encounter here have probably never seen a white man.

SACAGAWEA suddenly rushes up to the front of their parade. She jumps up and down and points at Beaver Head Mountain. She shouts in French.

SACAGAWEAJe connais cette colline! Je connais cette colline!

CLARKWhat is she saying?

CRUZATTEApparently she recognizes this mountain.

LEWISWe must be nearing her people.

YORKLook!

They all follow York’s finger.

Perched atop Beaver Head hill is a SHOSHONE WARRIOR astride a horse.

51.

LEWISSacagawea. What is the Shoshone word for “friend”?

SACAGAWEAIt has been long time since I speak that language.

LEWISDo you know it or not?

Sacagawea thinks long and hard.

SACAGAWEATab-ba-bone.

LEWISTab-ba-bone! Tab-ba-bone!

The warrior turns and ventures down the other side of the hill out of sight.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Where is he going?

Lewis races off to pursue the warrior.

CLARKWhere on earth are you off to?

LEWISTo find the warrior.

CLARKAlone?

LEWISYou need men to push the Keel Boat. I can manage by myself.

CLARKAt least take somebody with you.

LEWISNo, you continue on. I will meet back up with you soon. I promise.

Lewis ventures off. Seaman tags along.

EXT. VALLEY - LATER

LEWIS and SEAMAN find themselves in a land untouched by man.

52.

Thousands of dazzlingly beautiful flowers grace the hillside. Not a single cloud exists in the sky. It is paradise.

Seaman laps at a small creek snaking its way through the valley.

Lewis straddles the creek watching the water flow under his legs.

LEWISThis is no ordinary creek, boy. It is the headwaters of the Missouri. Which means the ocean cannot be far away.

EXT. CONTINENTAL DIVIDE - HILL - LATER

LEWIS races up the hill.

LEWISPlease God, let this be the Pacific. Please, please, make this the end.

The sight that meets Lewis’s eyes is not the ocean. He is not at the Pacific, he is at the Continental Divide. Gigantic mountains, some still with snow on the top, stretch out in front of him with no end in sight.

Lewis releases all his pent up emotions in a scream of anguish.

INT. ST. LOUIS CITY HALL - GOVERNOR’S OFFICE - DAY - PRESENT

LEWIS is bent over his desk surrounded by paperwork.

BATES enters. He drops a large stack of files in front of Lewis much to his chagrin.

Lewis inspects the files as Bates starts to exit.

LEWISNot so fast Bates.

BATES(Feigning politeness.)

Yes, your excellency?

LEWISWhere is your report about the current state of Indian Affairs?

53.

BATESNo, sir.

LEWISWhat have you been doing all day? How am I supposed to do my job? If I did not know any better, I would say you were making a conscious attempt to have me declared incompetent.

BATESI have not thought that you would require of me a report in writing of the affairs of the Territory. If, however it is your wish, you have only to command me.

LEWISForget it. You obviously cannot handle a simple task. I will ask William Clark to do it instead.

BATESWilliam Clark is not the secretary of Louisiana. I can have the report on your desk, you just need to give me time.

LEWISYou are dismissed, Mr. Bates.

BATESBut I -

LEWIS- Out.

Bate scowls as he walks exits the office.

INT. TAVERN - NIGHT

BATES drinks with JAMES MADISON.

BATESThe man is pathetic. Alcohol has drained his finances to the point where I would not be surprised to see him penniless.

MADISONOdd. I never would have suspected Meriwether would have difficulty as Governor.

54.

BATESHis decision to kick out the hunters has made powerful enemies. I lament the unpopularity of the Governor, but he has brought it on himself by harsh and mistaken measures.

MADISONSurely you must have some sympathy for what Lewis is going through.

BATESAs acting governor, I handled whatever came my way as righteously as possible. Lewis’s habits are decidedly military, he has no place in politics.

MADISONWhy are you so adamant in your distaste for Governor Lewis’s tactics?

BATESWe constantly disagree, he refuses to let me do my job, and he insults my honor every chance he gets.

MADISONI fail to see what I could do about it.

BATESI think you stand the best chance of being named the next President. No doubt you agree that Lewis is far more concerned about his precious Missouri Fur Company than the state of turmoil Louisiana is in.

MADISONMissouri what?

BATESMissouri Fur Company. Surely you must of heard about it.

MADISONI have not.

BATESPity. Apparently Lewis has formed some sort of privately funded company to explore the farthest reaches of Louisiana for profit.

55.

MADISONCurious. I never would have figured Lewis would dare go over the government’s head like that.

BATESI think it is impractical to be a politician and leader of a company at the same time. Too many conflicts of interest.

MADISONQuite.

BATESIf Lewis can navigate himself around the government like this, what is there to stop him from going further? Maybe even naming himself “King of Louisiana.”

MADISONThe mere thought of that makes me cringe.

BATESLewis’s sympathy for the Indian character will only hold this nation back. Put me in charge, and we will conquer the west.

EXT. VALLEY - DAY - FLASHBACK

LEWIS, accompanied by a small scouting party consisting of JOHN COLTER, DROUILLARD, and PATRICK GASS, explore the surrounding valley.

Lewis stops suddenly.

LEWISEverybody down.

They all drop down on their stomachs.

Lewis peers through the tall grass to see the backs of three Shoshone Women gathering food in the distance.

COLTER‘Bout damn time.

GASS(Whispering.)

Quiet. You want to scare them away again?

56.

LEWIS(Whispering.)

We must approach them as quietly as possible. Let me do the talking.

EXT. VALLEY - LATER

The group of SHOSHONE WOMEN continue to gather food.

LEWIS and his scouting party walk up to them.

LEWISTab-ba-bone.

The young adult Shoshone woman immediately flees.

The remaining elderly woman and girl about the age of twelve kneel down, as if they expect to die.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Sargent Gass, give me a peace medal.

GASSWe left them back at camp.

LEWISGive me something. Anything.

Gass reaches into his pack to give Lewis some beads, moccasin awls, pewter glasses, and paint.

The women graciously accept the gifts.

DROULLIARDWe should leave. The young woman may have alerted her camp.

LEWISWe are not going anywhere.

COLTERCaptain Lewis! Warriors spotted coming straight for us.

GASSWe have nowhere near the man power to contend with them if they attack.

LEWISStand your ground. If anyone so much as lay a finger on your rifles you will get twenty lashes. Do I make myself clear?

57.

The sixty Shoshone Warriors ride up on their wild stallions. They surround the small scouting party.

For a minute nobody moves or speaks.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Sargent Gass, take my rifle.

GASSWhat?

LEWISTake it.

Gass accepts Lewis’s rifle.

Lewis cautiously approaches the warriors.

The lead SHOSHONE WARRIOR dismounts his horse.

He and Lewis meet face to face.

The lead warrior embraces Lewis affectionately by putting his left hand on Lewis’s right shoulder, claps his back, and puts his left cheek to Lewis’s.

SHOSHONE WARRIOR(Whispering.)

Ah-hi-e, a-hi-e.

EXT. SHOSHONE ENCAMPMENT - LATER

The Shoshone Warriors lead LEWIS and his scouting party into their encampment. The Shoshone’s number is noticeably less than the other tribes they have run in to.

INT. SHOSHONE ENCAMPMENT - CAMEAHWAIT’S TEE PEE - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS and his scouting party sit on the floor adorned with antelope skins. Everyone sits around a “magic circle” about two feet in diameter.

CHIEF CAMEAHWAIT smokes his pipe. He points the stem to the sky then to the earth and finally the magic circle, then he puffs three times before offering it to Lewis.

Lewis puffs on the pipe. He bursts into a coughing fit as he quickly hands it off to DROUILLARD.

58.

LEWIS(Using sign language as he speaks.)

This land is now under the control of the United States of America.

Lewis passes a folded up American flag to Cameahwait.

LEWIS (CONT’D)I ask that you join us our camp so that we may present you with more gifts symbolizing our new alliance.

Cameahwait sits stone faced.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Do you think he understood me?

Drouillard shrugs.

EXT. SHOSHONE ENCAMPMENT - AFTERNOON

CHIEF CAMEAHWAIT and seven of his warriors mount their horses as they depart with LEWIS and his scouting party back to the Corps of Discovery’s camp.

The Shoshone Women sing a dreary hymn like the men are marching to their death.

EXT. CAMP FORTUNATE - DUSK

The party consisting of CHIEF CAMEAHWAIT, his seven warriors, LEWIS, and his small scouting party near the Corps of Discovery camp.

Chief Cameahwait nods to his warriors.

They silently load their bows and take aim at the backs of Lewis’s men.

As they march over the hill, they see the rest of the Corps of Discovery camping out at the foot of the hill.

CHARBONNEAU looks up to see the scouting party.

CHARBONNEAUCapitaine Lewis est de retour!

The members of the Corps of Discover eagerly rush to greet their returning comrades.

59.

The Shoshone warriors see SACAGAWEA. Her presence makes it clear to them the Corps is not a war party. The warriors lower their bows.

INT. TENT - LATER

LEWIS, CLARK, CHARBONNEAU, CRUZATTE, and SACAGAWEA wait for CHIEF CAMEAHWAIT and a few of his WARRIORS to enter the tent.

LEWISWelcome. Sacagawea this is -

SACAGAWEA- Cameahwait.

Sacagawea rushes to Chief Cameahwait and throws her arms around him.

At first Cameahwait is taken aback but he readily embraces Sacagawea.

They speak rapidly in Shoshone.

CLARKWhat are they saying?

LEWISCruzatte, can you translate?

CRUZATTEI do not know Shoshone.

CHARBONNEAUIl est son frère. Sacagawea a été enlevé de sa maison à un âge très jeune. C'est plus que juste sa tribu. C'est sa famille.

CRUZATTEThey are family.

CLARKWhat?

CRUZATTEChief Cameahwait is her brother.

LEWISMy God. I suppose this means we will get our horses.

60.

CRUZATTEChabonneau said Sacagawea was kidnapped at a young age.

CLARKLooks to me like she has finally come home.

INT. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE - NIGHT - PRESENT

LEWIS assembles the Missouri Fur Company consisting of WILLIAM CLARK, MANUEL LISA, PIERRE CHOUTEAU, AUGUSTE CHOUTEAU, BENJAMIN WILKINSON, and his brother REUBEN LEWIS.

LEWISGentlemen, thank you for coming to the first meeting of the Missouri Fur Company. I will now turn the floor over to William Clark.

Everyone claps as Clark rises up.

CLARKThank you Meriwether. The primary goal of the Missouri Fur Company is to engage in the capture and transport of animal pelts for trade with the Orient. Our hope is that, through business partnerships with several Indian tribes, we can build a strong alliance and move closer to commercializing the west and, if all goes according to plan, colonizing it. The first duty of this company will be to privately fund an expedition to return Chief Big White to his people and begin preparations to accumulate furs. The first part of this expedition will be led by Pierre Chouteau. Stand up Pierre.

Pierre Chouteau rises from his seat amid the applause.

CLARK (CONT’D)Chouteau will return Big White to his family as I am sure he is sorely missed. After which, Manuel Lisa will lead the second leg to the Yellowstone.

Manuel Lisa proudly stands up to cheers from his friends and colleagues.

61.

CLARK (CONT’D)Time is not on our side, gentlemen. We do not have the luxury of relying upon the U.S. Government to help us this time. All servicemen must be recruited from outside the military. All food, weapons, and supplies must be privately collected. It will be a lot of work, but I believe we can and will accomplish it for the good of the nation.

Push in on the door to see it is slightly a jar. FREDERICK BATES crouches behind it listening to every word.

INT. CLARK’S HOUSE - EVENING

LEWIS dines with CLARK and JULIA.

LEWISThank you for having me.

CLARKPleasure is all ours, Meriwether. You are like family. It will not be long till we will be calling you “Uncle.”

Julia grins broadly as she caresses her pregnant belly.

JULIAHave you been looking at many prospective homes?

LEWISSome. I would like to find a home where I could raise a family.

JULIAHow nice. You should not have any trouble finding a wife with your reputation

LEWISIf only that were true.

CLARKCome now, it cannot possibly be that difficult to find a woman. I think you are revelling in the attention on you so much so that you subconsciously do not want it to end.

LEWISI am fully invested in finding a wife.

62.

CLARKWhatever happened to Maria? The girl you named that river after.

LEWISI would rather not talk about it.

Awkward silence.

The only sound we can hear is the scraping of forks against plates until Julia breaks the tension.

JULIAMeriwether, tell me a story about the expedition.

CLARKI have told you about it at length.

JULIAYes, but I have not had the pleasure of hearing from Meriwether.

LEWISOur experiences on the expedition could fill several volumes.

JULIAPlease tell me one story.

LEWISWilliam and I were not solely responsible for the success of the expedition.

JULIANaturally. I am sure the other men in your party played a considerable role.

LEWISThat is not what I am getting at. We never would have survived the journey if it had not been for the Indian tribes we met on the way. One in particular.

INT. TENT - DAY - FLASHBACK

LEWIS awakes inside his tent. He shivers as he walks to the opening.

LEWIS (V.O.)In September of 1805, we were hiking up the mountains on the Lolo Trail.

63.

EXT. LOLO TRAIL - TENT - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS ventures outside to find the ground covered in snow.

The few members of the expedition that slept outside shake off the snow that fell over them during the night.

LEWIS (V.O.)There were days when we would awake to find the earth barely recognizable from the land we had seen the day before.

EXT. LOLO TRAIL - DAY

Snow drifts down on the Corps of Discovery as they hike through the deep snow. A few members of the Corps hungrily eye the twenty-nine horses and mule carrying their supplies.

SACAGAWEA holds baby JEAN BAPTIST close to her bosom to keep him warm as she powers on.

LEWIS (V.O.)We had run out of food. Everyone was sick.

LEWIS is gravely ill, but he pushes on through the cruel trail.

Colter digs into his pack to find a candle. His stomach releases a loud grumble. Colter begrudgingly sinks his teeth into the candle, breaking off a piece and chewing the wax with a pained look on his face.

EXT. LOLO TRAIL - BASE - DAY

The Corps of Discovery stumbles out of the forest emaciated and dehydrated.

CHARBONNEAU collapses, weak from exhaustion.

SACAGAWEA tries to pull him up. He will not budge.

LEWIS (V.O.)It was only by the grace of God that we met our saviors . . . The Nez Perce.

LEWIS and CLARK stop dead in their tracks.

A group of Nez Perce Indian children watch them intently.

64.

EXT. NEZ PERCE ENCAMPMENT - DAY

The Nez Perce Indians lay the weak Corps of Discovery side by side in their camp. The Women and children look on as the men disappear inside a tee pee.

INT. NEZ PERCE ENCAMPMENT - TEE PEE - CONTINUOUS

The Nez Perce men assemble to discuss the fate of the Corps of Discovery.

Their dialogue is subtitled.

NEZ PERCE MAN #1We have to kill them.

NEZ PERCE MAN #2What if there are more?

NEZ PERCE MAN #3Then we will deal with them the same way.

NEZ PERCE MAN #1Whoever these people are, they have powerful tools. Thirty slits across the throat is all it would take for us to possess the might of the white man.

NEZ PERCE MAN #2So are we in agreement?

WATKUWEIS, an old Nez Perce, woman enters the tee pee.

WATKUWIESDo them no harm.

NEZ PERCE MAN #1Away with you, Watkuweis. You have no business here.

NEZ PERCE MAN #3Wait. Watkuweis, what reason do you have for supporting these men?

WATKUWIESI was kidnapped as a young girl. White men saved me from a lifetime of slavery. They were good to me. So I ask that you be good to them.

Nez Perce men attempt to throw Watkuweis outside, but CHIEF TWISTED HAIR raises his hand to stop them.

65.

Everyone freezes and looks at the Chief.

EXT. NEZ PERCE ENCAMPMENT - DAY

Nez Perce warriors burst out of the tent. They advance on the weakened Corps of Discovery.

LEWIS reaches for his pistol.

Without warning, the Nez Perce warriors produce fur robes which they wrap over the members of the Corps of Discovery.

WATKUWEIS boldly marches up to Lewis. She takes a necklace and bestows it upon his neck.

The Nez Perce women come forward and set food in front of each member of the Corps of Discovery.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

The Corps dig their axes into the trees.

EXT. RIVERBANK - DAY

The Corps hollows out dugout canoes for their continued journey up the river.

Nez Perce warriors come forth. They kindly force the men aside in order to show them how to properly construct dugout canoes.

The ignite a torch which they use to burn out the center of the canoe.

LEWIS (V.O.)Of all the tribes we encountered, the Nez Perce were by far the nicest and good natured group we met.

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

The Corps of Discovery leave their horses behind with the Nez Perce as they take off down the Columbia river.

Nez Perce Indians assemble on the riverbank.

LEWIS looks back at them.

66.

LEWIS (V.O.)Anybody else in their position would have killed us on the spot. The Nez Perce went out of their way to save us from the brink of death. Without them we never would have made it to the Pacific.

EXT. HILL - DAY

Dark clouds block out the sun. Rain comes down from all directions. The Corps struggles against the mighty wind as they climb the steep hill.

CLARK peers through his telescope to see the unmistakable shore of the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

CLARKOcean in view!

Everyone cheers.

INT. MCNAIR HOUSE - NIGHT - PRESENT

Back to the dinner. JULIA hangs on LEWIS’S every word.

LEWISThere is nothing more beautiful than seeing a group of men join together to overcome an insurmountable obstacle.

JULIAHave you kept in touch with anyone?

CLARKA number of the Corps have decided to go back out west. Society, it seems, was too much for them.

LEWISMaybe I should follow their lead.

CLARKYou are needed here. We made promises that are our responsibility to carry out.

LEWISChampioning Indian Affairs is by no means a popular political stance to take.

JULIAWhy push the issue if it puts your job in jeopardy?

67.

LEWISWhy? Goodness woman, did you listen to a single thing I said?

CLARKMeriwether, please -

LEWIS- No. I want your wife to know that the Indians are human. They are not the filthy savages this country has made them out to be. They are protecting their homes. There is nothing savage about that.

JULIASorry. I did not mean to offend you.

LEWISI apologize for reacting like that, but you have to know that you would not be pregnant with that child if it had not been for the generosity of the tribes we met on our journey.

CLARKMeriwether.

LEWISIf any of them had chosen to exercise their ability to kill us. We would be faced with a very different future.

CLARKMeriwether, I think it is time for you to leave.

Lewis takes his coat without argument.

LEWISWe still have the same goals. Right?

CLARKOf course.

LEWISNo matter what I do, you will always be there for me?

CLARKAbsolutely. I trust your judgement.

LEWISI wish I could say the same for myself.

68.

Lewis exits into the pouring rain.

INT. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE - DAY

LEWIS works by candlelight in the gloomy office that has become his prison. He looks longingly out at the beautiful night sky wishing was not trapped inside.

He uncorks a bottle of whiskey and fills a glass to the brim.

EXT. CLARK’S PLANTATION - DAY

The blazing hot sun shines down on the slaves as they work the sixteen hundred acres Clark received as payment for the expedition.

YORK digs his shovel into the soil. He looks up watching CLARK and JULIA recline in the warm sun. His digging pace gradually slows until it is non-existent.

York throws his shovel aside. He marches up to Clark.

Clark does not notice York until his looming dark shadow blocks out the sun.

CLARKYork?

YORKSir. Could I have a word with you?

CLARKCan it wait?

YORKI am afraid it cannot.

CLARKExcuse us, Julia.

Clark takes York aside in private.

CLARK (CONT’D)Alright what seems to be the problem?

YORKSir, I travelled with you all the way to the Pacific and back. I have given you my undying allegiance. I have done everything you ask of me.

69.

CLARKYes, you have been a wonderful servant. What are you getting at?

YORKI want my freedom.

All the other slaves stop what they are doing to watch.

CLARKI thought you liked it here.

YORKI do.

CLARKWhat I have I done to anger you?

YORKNothing.

CLARKHave I been a kind and generous master?

YORKYes.

CLARKThen why do you feel the need to leave?

YORKBecause I am more than just a slave. I know I mean more to you than just a simple possession.

CLARKYou do.

YORKThen let me go. My wife and I have been separated for years. I want the chance to have a family. I cannot continue living this life. Please grant me my freedom.

CLARKNo.

York’s hope is extinguished.

CLARK (CONT’D)It may be hard for you to see this, but I am looking out for your best interests.

70.

(MORE)

You have everything you could want or need here. Staying with me is the only way you can be guaranteed a long life.

YORKYou owe me.

CLARKI beg your pardon?

YORKCorrect me if I am wrong, Master Clark, but I thought by joining you on the expedition I would be rewarded with my freedom.

CLARKWhatever gave you that idea?

YORKSir, I beg of you. Everybody else received compensation for their troubles. I performed every task they did. Please grant me the only favor I have ever asked of you.

CLARKYou are entitled to nothing. Travelling to the far reaches of this country does not give you the right to act like you are not a slave.

YORKAll I am asking for is the same courtesy you would show any other human being.

CLARKYou are not a man, York. You are property.

YORKAt the very least let me be reunited with my wife.

CLARKI have tried to buy her many times.

YORKTry again.

CLARKI know this is hard for you, York. I feel your pain. My hands are tied. Your wife’s master will not part with her.

71.

CLARK (CONT’D)

YORKThen send me to her.

CLARKNo. I need you here.

YORKIf you keep me here, I will never lift a finger. I do not care how much my work will suffer. I may as well be gone.

Clark pauses. He looks around at the slaves watching and waiting for his reaction.

CLARKI am sorry you feel that way.

EXT. CLARK’S PLANTATION - LATER

YORK is tied to a post. His shirt is ripped off his back, exposing his bare skin to the harsh summer sun.

CLARK marches up to him.

CLARKThis will hurt me as much as it will you.

York fixes Clark with the deepest loathing possible.

Clark steps back to unfurl a whip. He cracks the whip tearing into York’s skin.

York releases a scream of pain.

Clark cracks the whip again.

EXT. CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT - BEACH - DAY - FLASHBACK - 1805

LEWIS stands on the beach watching the storm clouds roll in.

CLARK joins him.

LEWISI grew up thinking I would never see the world beyond Kentucky. Seems almost surreal to be standing here. How do you feel?

CLARKHonestly? Disappointed.

72.

LEWISWhy?

CLARKI do not know what I thought we would find here. It is supposed to be sunny and warm, not cold and rainy.

LEWISWhat do you propose we do?

CLARKTurn back. If we leave now we could reach the Dalles. It is as good a place as any to set up winter quarters.

LEWISWhy would you want to turn back so soon after accomplishing our goal?

CLARKThe men are all so sick they could drop dead any second. We have precious little to offer the neighboring tribes to trade for goods.

LEWISA ship will come. All we have to do is wait it out for the winter.

CLARKI do not like our odds with these tribes.

LEWISThe Clatsop tribe might receive us.

CLARKEmphasis on might.

LEWISSo we either spend winter on the north shore, south shore, or head back to the Dalles. What do you think?

CLARKI think we have twenty nine men and one woman who have surrendered their allegiance to us. They deserve to have a say in where we spend the winter. We owe them that much.

LEWISSo we put it to a vote.

73.

CLARKThis is America now. What better way to christen it?

EXT. CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT - BEACH - LATER

LEWIS and CLARK assemble the Corps of Discovery members.

LEWISAlright, here is the situation. We need decide where we are going to spend the winter. We have one of three options.

CLARKI will call out a choice and you will raise your hands. Each man must vote once and only once. Those in favor of starting back home up the Columbia?

A few men raise their hands.

CLARK (CONT’D)All in favor of setting up winter quarters on the southern shore?

Most of the men raise their hands.

CLARK (CONT’D)And all in favor of setting up winter quarters on the northern shore?

The last couple men raise their hands . . . all except for two.

CLARK (CONT’D)York. Sacagawea. I thought I said everyone must vote.

YORKSir?

CLARKYou never voted.

YORKI am not allowed to.

CLARKYork, you just crossed an entire continent. There is nothing you cannot do.

74.

SACAGAWEASouth.

CLARKThat is another vote for the southern shore. The choice is yours, York.

York takes his time, soaking in the moment.

YORKSouthern shore.

EXT. ST. LOUIS STREET - DAY - PRESENT

LEWIS races through the streets of St. Louis in the dead of winter.

INT. MCNAIR HOUSE - DINING ROOM - LATER

LEWIS barges inside.

CLARK sits alone at the table lost in thought.

LEWISI just heard. I would have been here sooner but I needed to -

CLARK- There is no need for you to make excuses. The fact you are here now is all that matters.

LEWISHow is she?

CLARKQuite well, considering the pain she has endured.

LEWISAnd?

CLARKCome.

INT. CLARK’S HOUSE - SECOND FLOOR LANDING - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS follows CLARK up the stairs.

CLARK Wait here.

75.

Clark disappears into the bedroom.

Moments later he quietly tiptoes out carrying a bundle in his arms.

CLARK (CONT’D)Meriwether Lewis, meet your godson.

Lewis cranes his neck to see Clark’s newborn son soundly sleeping in his arms.

LEWISDo you have a name?

CLARKMeriwether Lewis Clark.

Lewis is rendered speechless.

LEWIS(Choking back tears.)

I am honored. May I?

CLARKBy all means.

Clark gingerly hands Lewis the infant.

A smile spreads across Lewis’s face as he holds his godson.

EXT. CAPITOL BUILDING - DAY

JEFFERSON looks on as JAMES MADISON is sworn in as the fourth President of the United States.

MADISONI do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

INT. WHITE HOUSE - BALLROOM - NIGHT

JEFFERSON navigates through the crowd to congratulate MADISON.

JEFFERSONCongratulations, President Madison.

76.

MADISONThank you, Mr. President.

JEFFERSONI am afraid it is Mr. Jefferson, now.

MADISONNonsense. Seat in the oval office or not, I am sure that will not deter you from pressing your political agenda.

JEFFERSONTouche.

MADISONAnother victory like this for the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists will be on their way to extinction.

JEFFERSONI think a little good natured competition is what this country needs. Only through our foils can we see the flaws in our own ethics and choices.

MADISONIndeed.

JEFFERSONI will not keep you any longer. I am sure you have a considerable amount of well wishers, if not a generous amount of men eager to suck at the political tit.

MADISONJefferson, before you go I wanted to talk to you about something.

JEFFERSONProceed.

MADISONI have been hearing some distressing rumors from St. Louis concerning your young protege.

INT. ST. LOUIS CITY HALL - GOVERNOR’S OFFICE - NIGHT

LEWIS looks in the mirror as he puts the finishing touches on his suit for a gala ball for St. Louis’s political leaders.

77.

He turns around to see THOMAS JEFFERSON standing in the threshold.

LEWISJefferson?

JEFFERSONMeriwether.

LEWISWhat are you doing here? You are supposed to be in Washington. You must have left a day after the inauguration.

JEFFERSONA few hours to be exact.

LEWISForgive me, I must have misplaced your letter.

JEFFERSONI never sent one.

LEWISI see.

JEFFERSONOur discussion must be held in person.

LEWISI am afraid you have come at an inopportune time. I am on my way to an important ball and late as it is.

JEFFERSONSit.

Lewis immediately plops down in his chair.

LEWISLook, if this is about the journal, I -

JEFFERSON- This issue far outweighs my anger over your failure to produce a published journal.

LEWISWhat is this about?

78.

JEFFERSONPresident Madison is under the impression you intend to separate Louisiana from the Union.

LEWISWhat?

JEFFERSONThis is an extremely serious accusation. You are under investigation. You are being labeled a traitor in Washington as we speak.

LEWISIt is a lie.

JEFFERSONI know that, but Madison does not.

LEWISSo defend me.

JEFFERSONYou are the only one who can clear your name. I have done all I can. I suggest you sit down and write a letter explaining your actions right now.

LEWISAbsolutely.

JEFFERSONYou can give the letter to me. I will take it back to Washington. We need to put a stop to this. Who knows how far Bates has spread this rumor?

LEWISBates? Bates started the rumor?

JEFFERSONThat seems to be where the trail points. Madison indicated to me that Bates does not think highly of you.

LEWISI have to go.

JEFFERSONYou are not going anywhere. Finish that letter. Then we need to have a talk about that journal of yours.

79.

LEWISI am sorry, really I am, but I have to fix this.

Lewis grabs his coat and races off.

INT. MANSION - BALLROOM - LATER

At a ball for the St. Louis’s political elite CLARK converses with the HOST.

HOSTWhere is Governor Lewis? We cannot start dinner without him.

CLARKHe will be here. Meriwether is a very busy man. I hope you will forgive him for being late.

BATES overhears their conversation as he sips a glass of wine a couple feet away.

BATESI would not count on the Governor showing up anytime soon.

HOSTWhy do you say that?

BATESLewis simply has not shown he can be trusted. If I were in your position, I would -

CLARK- Excuse me. I know Meriwether Lewis better than anybody. He is the most dependable and honest person I have the pleasure of knowing. It is not polite to speak about your superior in that way and I hope you will practice better judgement in the future.

Bates is rendered speechless.

LEWIS bursts into the ballroom. He marches up to Bates.

LEWISYou. Me. Now.

BATESI am not going anywhere.

80.

CLARKMeriwether, what is the meaning of this?

LEWISWe will talk later.

(Rounding on Bates again.)I will drag you out of this room kicking and screaming if I have to. This ends tonight.

BATESGo away.

LEWIS(To the Host.)

Is there a place where we may speak in private?

HOSTThe study is through that door on the right.

LEWISThank you.

Lewis grabs Bates by the collar. Bates struggles, but he cannot escape Lewis’s grip.

CLARKWhat are you doing?

LEWISOfficial business. It should only take a moment. Please accept my apologies, but I will not be able to stay for dinner.

Lewis pushes Bates in the direction of the study.

LEWIS (CONT’D)March.

Bates opens the door to the study.

He and Lewis disappear inside.

INT. MANSION - STUDY - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS slams the door, trapping him inside alone with BATES.

LEWISWhy? What did I ever do you to deserve this kind of treatment?

81.

BATESYou want to have this discussion now?

LEWISI need an answer.

BATESLet me out of here.

Bates takes a swing at Lewis.

Lewis expertly dodges the strike.

LEWISYou owe me an explanation.

BATESI do not owe you a thing. You have not treated me with a single ounce of respect since we met.

LEWISSo because I mistreated you, that gives you the right to ruin my life? Grow up.

BATESDo you know how it feels to be delegated to a thankless job? It is my time to get the respect I have fought for all my life. Mine! Then you come along, and you turn the office into an Indian loving mockery.

LEWISIf you knew what happened on that expedition -

BATES- Stop using it as an excuse! Am I supposed to be impressed you could walk a thousand miles? Any peasant off the street could do that. Living among savages hardly qualifies you to hold a public office.

LEWISWatch your tongue.

BATESThe minute we give those savages anything, they will turn on us. Everyone knows it but you. Which side are you on?

82.

LEWISI am on the side that treats all men as equals.

BATESYou have been given the power and opportunities men dream of, but you have squandered every last bit of it. All for a foolish belief.

LEWISPower is not the only thing that matters to me. You are willing to step on as many people as it takes to accomplish what you want. Because of that, you have never truly known unconditional love. I doubt there is a man alive you have not exploited for personal gain.

BATESHow dare you -

LEWIS- You need to bring everybody down, just to make yourself feel better. All I am to you is another casualty.

BATESI do what I have to in order to get ahead. Call me a villain, if you like. Because the sad fact about politics is that we are all villains to somebody.

LEWISDo you really want to be promoted by spreading rumors? Can your conscience handle that?

BATESConscience gets in the way of success.

LEWISYou have to recant. Send Madison a letter telling him about all your lies.

BATESAnd commit political suicide? I think not.

LEWISRecant!

Lewis attacks Bates.

83.

BATESHelp! Help!

CLARK breaks through the door. He separates Lewis and Bates as curious guests look on.

CLARKBreak it up!

BATESHe tried to kill me.

LEWISIf I tried to kill you, I would have succeeded.

CLARKEnough! Bates, kindly remove yourself.

Bates flashes a coy smile to Lewis before pushing past the guests on his way out.

LEWISI have a letter to write.

Clark shuts the door before Lewis can exit.

CLARKWhat was that?

LEWISWilliam, I am tired. Please just let me leave.

CLARKWhy do you feel like you have to keep secrets from me? I am here for you. Let me help.

LEWISI - I am lost. I do not know where I went wrong, but somewhere along the way everything just unraveled.

CLARKWhat is going on?

LEWISJefferson came to me tonight. He said a rumor allegedly spread by Bates had reached President Madison.

CLARKWhat rumor?

84.

LEWISI plan to secede Louisiana from the Union.

CLARKI can see why you would want to kill him.

LEWISThat is not the worst of it. I am being investigated for treason. Tomorrow I will go from American Hero to traitor in the eyes of the public.

CLARKYour name will be cleared.

LEWISThe damage has been done. Bates has the adoration of the public. Nothing I do can save me now.

CLARKWe can fight this. Together.

LEWISTogether? So now we are a team again? We promised each other we would face the perils of returning home together. Where were you while Bates was denouncing me to anyone who would listen? Where were you when Jefferson was pressuring me to finish the journal? Where were you when I had to pay everybody on the expedition? Where were you when I needed a friend the most?

CLARKI have a family.

LEWISRight. You left me in the dust. You got your life started and suddenly I was not welcome.

CLARKI have responsibilities now that are more important than whatever is happening to you. What do you want from me?

LEWISI want what you have. I want a family, a wife, a child, but God has denied it to me.

85.

CLARKGod has nothing to do with it. The only person you have to blame is yourself. There are no divine forces preventing you from happiness. God is not interested in making life difficult for you.

LEWISI cannot do this anymore, William. I cannot handle the pressures of politics any longer.

CLARKWhat do you want to do?

LEWISI want to go back.

CLARKBack?

LEWISWest. I want to be free again. Do you remember the feeling that washed over you when we escaped into the open wilderness? I would give anything to feel that again. I never should have come home.

CLARKYou cannot quit. Not yet.

LEWISWhy not? I am not doing much good at my present post. Let someone share in the nightmares that accursed job sends day after day.

CLARKThere are bigger things at stake here than just your own happiness.

LEWISI cannot save the Indians. I cannot prevent the inevitable. They will all lose their homes despite our promises of peace and it will all be our fault.

CLARKDo not give up hope until the end.

LEWISWilliam, this fight ended the minute Columbus set foot America.

86.

CLARKThat is not true.

LEWISDo not lie to yourself. It is over. It is all over.

EXT. ST. LOUIS - HARBOR - DAY

LEWIS sees the expedition of the Missouri Fur Company led by MANUEL LISA and PIERRE CHOUTEAU off. They have two hundred fifty riflemen under their leadership to prevent against Great Osage or Arikara attack. Everything has been loaded up. All that remains now is to say goodbye.

LEWISBe careful. The Great Osage have been restless in the area. You will need all two hundred fifty of your men to guard you if they attack.

CHOUTEAUYes Sir.

LEWISRemember, most tribes you will encounter are kind and just. Do not let a few bad eggs tarnish your image of them. You will need all the help you can get if you hope to survive.

CHOUTEAUOkay.

LEWISDo you need any help loading up? Maybe I can -

CHOUTEAU- Everything is done, your excellency. We do not need you anymore.

LEWISGood bye, then. And Godspeed.

Chouteau turns to join his men.

CLARK joins LEWIS as they watch all thirteen keel boats and barges take off down the Missouri River.

CLARKFeels a bit odd being on the other side of things.

87.

LEWISSorry, I -

CLARK- I know. I have not lived up to my promise, and I am sorry for that.

Lewis pops three pills into his mouth.

CLARK (CONT’D)You are still taking those pills?

LEWISThey help me.

CLARKI have never seen you look so sick.

LEWISWhat do you know? I am tired of you treating me like stubborn little brother. Do me a favor and stay out of my business.

Clark watches Lewis angrily stalk off.

EXT. FORT CLATSOP - DAY - FLASHBACK

Rain pours down on the Corps of Discovery’s winter quarters.

LEWIS stands outside soaked from head to toe.

COLTER and DROUILLARD return from a hunting trip dragging an elk behind them.

COLTERHello, Captain Lewis.

LEWISPrivate Colter, I see your trip was successful.

DROUILLARDMore or less.

COLTERYou should get back inside. If you get sick one more time it will be the death of you.

88.

LEWISIt has rained everyday except for twelve. I am used to it.

COLTERSuit yourself.

LEWISAny sign of a ship?

DROUILLARDI think you could answer that question yourself.

LEWISI cannot believe it. Three months and not a single vessel has sailed these waters.

DROUILLARDThings could be worse. We are lucky we have not earned the ire of British or Spanish troops. This area is a highly disputed piece of land. I doubt the French even knew if they owned it when they signed it over to us.

COLTERI say we let Britain and Spain fight it out. Let the rain drown them all to death.

DROUILLARDGet inside, Meriwether. Eat. Relax. Calm down until you can think rationally.

LEWISI am thinking rationally. Clark was right. We should have gone back when we had the chance. We could be half way up the Columbia by now. Instead we are stuck here waiting for ships that will likely never come.

COLTERAt least the southern shore is plentiful with deer and elk. We made the right choice. God has provided us with the means of our survival and for that I am grateful.

LEWISWe should get ready to start back. If we leave tomorrow we should be able to make it by August.

89.

COLTERMake it where?

LEWISHome.

EXT. COLUMBIA RIVER - DAY

The Corps of Discovery sets off up the Columbia River on their dugout canoes.

Indians descend on them and crowd around the Corps. They start to tip the canoes as they clamor to get their hands on the Corps’ supplies.

The Corps members try to politely push the Indians away.

An Indian woman seizes Lewis’s compass.

LEWIS fights with the woman.

CLARKMeriwether stop!

Lewis strikes the Indian woman.

She falls back into the water.

Lewis looks apologetically back at the Indian woman as the Corps continues up the Columbia River.

INT. CORPS OF DISCOVERY CAMP - LEWIS’S TENT - NIGHT

LEWIS sits in his tent lost in thought.

CLARK pokes his head in.

CLARKMind if I come in?

Lewis does not respond.

Clark enters anyway.

CLARK (CONT’D)How are you?

LEWISWhat came over me, William?

CLARKYou were angry.

90.

LEWISThat is no excuse. We are ambassadors to their nation. From now on, every white man who encounters that tribe will pay for what I have done.

CLARKStop beating yourself up. You struck a woman. She might be a little shocked, but she is fine. You did not kill her. I think the tribes will look the other way.

LEWISNo, you hope they will.

EXT. BITTEROOT MOUNTAINS - DAY

Nez Perce guides lead the Corps of Discovery back up the Bitteroot Mountains.

JOHN COLTER runs up to CLARK.

COLTERCaptain Clark, may I have a word?

CLARKProceed.

COLTERA few of the men are worried about Captain Lewis.

CLARKWhat about him?

COLTERLook at him.

Clark looks up to see LEWIS. He is visibly depressed and marches quite a bit ahead of the rest of the expedition.

COLTER (CONT’D)He is not the same. Surely you must see it.

CLARKCaptain Lewis is fine.

COLTERBefore I came on the expedition, I heard a man describe Lewis as “melancholy.” This entire time I have not seen any trace of this trait.

91.

(MORE)

I figured he must have been mistaken. Now I see it. Captain Lewis is gravely ill.

CLARKHelp Shannon and Fields carry the canoe.

COLTERSir, I do not think it wise to -

CLARK- That was not a request, Private Colter.

Colter shuffles away.

Clark looks back up at Lewis with concern.

EXT. TRAVELER’S REST - DAY

CLARKWe are not splitting up.

LEWIS and CLARK discuss going their separate ways at the Traveler’s Rest.

LEWISIt does not make any sense for us to continue the same way we came. We would cover more ground and be able to chart more area if we take different routes.

CLARKYour logic is sound, but this is the wrong time to consider such a drastic move.

LEWISWhy?

CLARKI would rather not discuss the particulars.

LEWISAre you concerned about me?

Clark is silent.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Look, I know I have been a little depressed lately. That is no reason to oppose a decision which the success of this expedition rests on.

92.

COLTER (CONT'D)

CLARKYou may not be aware of it, Meriwether, but sometimes it is like you are two different people. I have seen you at your highest of highs and lowest of lows. I tell you honestly, my friend, I would be lying if I said there were not times when I fear for your life.

LEWISIt is not your responsibility to care for me, William. I am my own man. Once we reach the Mirias River, we will go our separate ways. This discussion is over.

EXT. TRAVELER’S REST - THE NEXT DAY

The Corps of Discovery prepares to split up and follow routes led by CLARK or LEWIS.

CLARKThere is still time to change our minds.

LEWISDo not belabor the point any longer. This is the only way we could possibly find any shred of the Northwest Passage.

CLARKIt may be time to start thinking about the possibility that we will never find it.

LEWISAre you questioning my navigation?

CLARKNo. I am beginning to doubt the passage exists at all. If it is truly as large as hypothesized, we should have found it by now.

LEWISThe Northwest Passage exists, and I am going to find it if it kills me.

CLARKThen I wish you the best of luck.

Clark extends his hand for Lewis to shake.

93.

CLARK (CONT’D)I will wait for you where the Yellowstone meets the Missouri.

LEWISGodspeed, my friend.

CLARKYou as well.

Lewis leaves to check the boats.

SARGENT GASS comes forward. Clark stops him.

CLARK (CONT’D)Gass, keep an eye on Captain Lewis. I fear he is in a fragile state. If something should happen, you have permission to relieve Lewis of his command.

GASSYes sir.

CLARKDo not breathe a word of this to anyone. You hear me?

Gass nods and joins Lewis’s party as they shove off from shore.

Lewis’s party bids farewell to their comrades as they embark on horseback.

Clark’s eyes are fixed on Lewis, unsure of what dangers his friend will encounter and whether they will see each other again.

INT. CLARK’S HOME - DINING ROOM - DAY - PRESENT

LEWIS and CLARK sit at the dining table discussing their problems.

LEWISWe have to go to Washington. I have tried to find a way around it but I cannot postpone it now.

CLARKIt will be some time before I can leave.

LEWISI will wait for you.

94.

CLARKNo, one of us must be in Washington. The sooner the better. You should go. I will join you as soon as I can.

LEWISI never thought I would have to face the president and explain to him that I am not a traitor. Curse Bates for spreading those foul rumors. I hope he rots in hell.

CLARKYou could have been nicer to him.

LEWISDo not try to make me feel guilty. This is not my fault.

CLARKI never said it was.

LEWISIt is not my problem if Bates cannot handle being treated like an adult.

CLARKSo you do not think it is the least bit possible your harsh treatment of him may have influenced his actions?

LEWISNo.

CLARKI love you Meriwether, really I do, but sometimes you can be an ass.

LEWISWhose side are you on?

CLARKYours.

LEWISSure does not seem like it.

CLARKI do not think that either of you were in the right. You both made stupid mistakes that cost you dearly. You treated Bates with a cruelty I thought you were incapable of.

95.

(MORE)

I do not know what it was about him that drove you to mistreat him, and I do not care. You should have been the bigger man and put an end to the petty feud before it got out of hand.

LEWISI do not have to take this from you.

CLARKMeriwether, you cannot get mad at me for simply voicing the truth.

LEWISI will see you in Washington.

Lewis pops another pill into his mouth as he storms out.

EXT. MISSISSIPPI RIVER - BOAT - DAY

LEWIS stands on the bow of a boat as he makes his way to Washington by navigating up the rivers.

The sight of the river rushing under him puts him into an odd trance.

Suddenly Lewis falls into the river.

EXT. MISSISSIPPI RIVER - UNDERWATER - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS does not struggle to stay afloat. He allows the current to take hold of him as he sinks further beneath the surface.

Two SLAVES jump in after him.

They seize the beleaguered governor and drag him back up to the boat.

EXT. MISSISSIPPI RIVER - BOAT - CONTINUOUS

The SLAVES deposit LEWIS on the deck of the boat. Lewis coughs up a stomach full of water.

CAPTAINWhat the hell happened?

SLAVE #1He fell in. We must have hit a wave wrong or -

96.

CLARK (CONT'D)

SLAVE #2- No. I saw it happen. He jumped.

Quick as a flash, Lewis seizes the Captain’s knife. He raises it up in an attempt to stab himself.

CAPTAINStop!

The Captain wrestles the knife from Lewis’s hands.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D)Lock him up! Inform the commander at the next outpost Meriwether Lewis is suicidal.

EXT. HILLTOP - DAY - FLASHBACK

We see the unpleasant sight of thirty Indian horses on a hilltop in the distance.

EXT. FIELD - CONTINUOUS

LEWIS lowers his spyglass and hands it off to DROUILLARD.

COLTERHow many are there?

LEWISDifficult to say. I saw thirty or so horses, but few warriors.

GASSWhat kind of tribe do you think they are?

LEWISBlackfeet.

DROULLIARDNearly all the tribes we have come in contact with tell us savages are vicious warriors who terrorize their families. I think it unwise to trust them.

LEWISWe will treat these warriors with the generosity we have extended to their brothers . . . but be on your guard.

97.

EXT. HILL - LATER

LEWIS’S PARTY and the eight BLACKFEET WARRIORS cautiously advance on each other until they are one hundred yards apart.

WARRIOR #1 continues his advance.

Lewis signals for his men to stop, but he continues walking. He holds up his hand in the universal sign for peace.

Warrior #1 stops. Dismounts.

LEWIS(Using sign language as he talks.)

We are friends from the east. Are any of you chiefs?

WARRIORS #1, #2, #3, raise their hands.

DROULLIARDThey lie.

Lewis ignores him and delves into his pack to retrieve a peace medal which he gives to Warrior #1.

Warrior number one holds the medal up for his brethren and calls to them. The other warriors seem happy.

COLTERI got a bad feeling about this.

EXT. RIVERBANK - NIGHT

LEWIS and his party smoke pipes with the eight BLACKFOOT WARRIORS around the campfire. They converse through sign language.

LEWISWe come from the land of the rising sun. On our journey to the great waters of the Pacific we have met with nations, all of whom we have invited to trade with us. I ask that you be at peace with your neighbors so that we may stand united as a family.

The Blackfoot warriors squirm uncomfortably at the notion of trading with their enemies.

98.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Now we are on our way home. We have separated from some of our friends and hope to rejoin them soon. Return to your tribe. Bring your chiefs here so that we may give them gifts symbolizing the peace we hope to have between our two nations.

INT. RIVERBANK - LEWIS’S TENT - DAWN

LEWIS sleeps in his tent.

DROULLIARD (O.C.)Hey you! Get your damn hands of off my gun!

A gunshot rings out.

Lewis’s eyes fly open. He springs into action.

EXT. RIVERBANK - CONTINUOUS

The second LEWIS bursts out of his tent, a Blackfoot warrior strikes him by surprise. Lewis collapses. The warrior snatches his rifle.

Lewis quickly jumps to his feet and draws his pistol.

The warrior runs off with his rifle.

Lewis pursues him.

LEWISLet go of my gun!

Lewis fires a warning shot into the air.

Frightened, the warrior stops. He is in the process of setting the rifle down when brothers JOSEPH and REUBEN FIELDS show up.

The Fields brothers draw their pistols ready to fire.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Wait! Put your guns down!

The warrior drops the rifle and runs off.

The horse’s high whinny draws Lewis’s attention.

The rest of the Blackfoot warriors are attempting to make off with their horses.

99.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Get the horses!

Lewis reaches the warriors just as they are driving off several of the Corps’ horses. He pursues them.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Let go of my horse or I will shoot!

A warrior turns.

Lewis shoots him in the stomach.

The warrior collapses. He fires a shot at Lewis from a stolen rifle.

Lewis ducks behind a boulder to dodge the bullet.

The warriors scatter in all directions.

EXT. FIELD - CONTINUOUS

JOSEPH and REUBEN FIELDS chase down two warriors.

Reuben leaps and tackles one. As he snatches his rifle, he unsheathes his knife and plunges it deep into the warrior’s heart.

The warrior pushes Reuben off him and struggles to his feet. He runs about fifteen paces before falling dead.

EXT. CAMPSITE - DAWN

LEWIS stares down at the two dead Blackfoot warriors.

LEWISIs anyone hurt?

DROULLIARDNo. Just a little shaken.

LEWISWe have to leave. Saddle up the horses and gather your supplies.

REUBEN What about all this blood? I have to get it cleaned off.

100.

LEWISYou will ride with that blood on your hands till your horse drops dead from exhaustion. Move out!

Lewis’s team quickly jumps on their horses and gallops away as fast as they can.

INT. FORT PICKERING - CELL - MORNING - PRESENT

LEWIS sits alone in his cell under twenty-four hour suicide watch.

MAJOR JAMES NEELY, Indian agent for the Chickasaw tribe, relieves the guard of his duty. He opens the cell door and ventures inside.

NEELYGovernor Lewis?

LEWISYes?

NEELYI am Major James Neely, agent of the Chickasaw nation. Captain Russell has asked me to inspect your mental health.

LEWISOh. Where am I?

NEELYFort Pickering.

LEWIS(Painfully massaging his head.)

Where are my pills?

NEELYYour pills were confiscated upon your arrival. You were very inebriated, sir. I am not surprised to do not remember.

LEWISWhy am I in a cell?

NEELYUpon your arrival, you were deemed a hazard to yourself.

LEWISYou think I am suicidal?

101.

NEELYThe captain on the boat says you jumped into the Mississippi and tried to use his own knife to stab yourself.

LEWISI was deeply depressed and under the influence of alcohol.

NEELYMight I suggest you give up drinking?

LEWISYou need not worry about me Major Neely. I have sworn off alcohol.

NEELYWise choice. You seem to be in good spirits to me. I have no qualms about setting you free. I shall confer with Captain Russell, then you will be allowed to go.

LEWISThank you.

NEELYIncidentally, where are you heading?

LEWISWashington.

NEELYWould you mind if I tag along? I should like to accompany a hero like you on a journey, if only for a while.

LEWISYou are welcome to come as far as you will like.

EXT. NANCHEZ TRACE - TRAIL - DAY

A fierce rainstorm mercilessly pelts LEWIS and NEELY’s party as they cross the Nanchez Trace. Lewis is sicker by the minute.

A clap of thunder spooks the pack horses.

The pack horses run off with Lewis’s records.

NEELYDamn it all to hell.

102.

LEWISI will help you get them back.

NEELYNo, your excellency. Your health is more important. The servants can help me get the horses back. There is a cabin, Grinder’s Stand, a couple miles away from here.

LEWISI can stay.

NEELYPlease go, sir. Get warm. Conserve your strength. Wait for me. I will not be long.

Lewis reluctantly rides off for “Grinder’s Stand” alone in the pouring rain.

INT. GRINDER’S STAND - CABIN - AFTERNOON

MRS. GRINDER, a well to do mother and operator of Grinder’s Stand, rocks back and forth in her rocking chair knitting a scarf.

Rain platters on the window and the wind blows with enough strength to fall a tree.

A strong knock rings out.

Mrs. Grinder rises up to open the door.

LEWIS stands in the threshold drenched from head to toe.

LEWISGood evening, Madam. I am Governor Meriwether Lewis. I require lodging. Is the Master of the house in?

MRS. GRINDERHe is out, but you are welcome to stay for the night.

LEWISGod bless you, Madam.

MRS. GRINDERYou look famished.

LEWISMy journey has not been easy.

103.

MRS. GRINDERAre there any more in your party?

LEWISA couple servants and a guide. Our pack horses ran off. They will be detained for some time but will need a place to sleep later.

MRS. GRINDERI can put you up in the house, your excellency, but your servants will have to sleep in the barn.

LEWISAny roof over our heads will be a welcome reprieve from the rain.

MRS. GRINDERI suppose I should get supper ready.

LEWISI am not hungry.

MRS. GRINDERYou are a guest here, Governor Lewis. I cannot allow you to leave without properly feeding you. My boys will be on the look out for the rest of your party. You just make yourself comfortable.

LEWISThank you.

MRS. GRINDERSo, whereabouts are you headed?

LEWISWashington.

MRS. GRINDERMy that is quite the journey, but I suppose it is nothing compared to what you have been through. Oh, before I forget, what kind of bedding will you require?

LEWISA bear skin rug on the floor will do.

MRS. GRINDERSorry?

104.

LEWISDo not go to any trouble for me, Madam.

MRS. GRINDERIt is no trouble at all.

LEWISPlease, do not argue with me. You have been very generous and hospitable toward me. I do not ask any more from you.

MRS. GRINDERVery well then, I will get supper started. Do not hesitate to call if you need anything.

Mrs. Grinder turns to make a fire. She looks back at Lewis with a mix of confusion and concern.

EXT. GRINDER’S STAND - DUSK

It has stopped raining. LEWIS puffs on his pipe as he paces around the front yard ranting about his business in Washington.

MRS. GRINDER looks on.

LEWISA traitor. Me! I am the last person who should be put in this position. Now I have to explain myself to President Madison. The nature of politics sickens me. All these men care about is the power they hold over others. They do not care who they hurt.

Lewis turns to Mrs. Grinder.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Thank you for putting me up for the night. This journey has not been kind to my health. I expect Clark will be here soon. He can have the bed. After the arduous journey, he needs a good night’s sleep.

MRS. GRINDERExcuse me, sir. You did not say Master Clark would be coming.

LEWISDid I not? My apologies.

105.

MRS. GRINDERPardon my interruption, but how could William Clark know where you are?

LEWISHe knows. Trust me.

Lewis looks off into the horizon. West.

LEWIS (CONT’D)Clark will come.

INT. LEWIS’S CABIN - NIGHT

LEWIS lays awake in the dark on a bearskin rug. He tosses and turns, trying to get to sleep. He cannot.

He looks off to his right to see his pistol on a table

Lewis gets up. He looks down at the pistol. He picks it up, feeling the weight of it in his hands.

Pressing the pistol to his stomach, he pulls the trigger.

The blast of the gun propels him back. Lewis lays motionless on the floor. Silence.

Lewis reawakes. He coughs up blood. Lewis reaches for the pistol again. He fumbles with the gunpowder as he tries to reload it.

He tosses the pistol aside in a fit of rage.

Lewis reaches for his coat to extract a second pistol. He raises it to his temple . . . and fires.

EXT. MONTICELLO - PLANTATION - DAY

JEFFERSON oversees the working slaves.

A MESSENGER rides up to him on a horse. He hands Jefferson a letter.

Jefferson rips it open.

NEELY (V.O.)It is with extreme pain that I have to inform you of the death of His Excellency, Meriwether Lewis, Governor of Upper Louisiana, who died on the morning of the eleventh and, I am sorry to say, by suicide.

106.

INT. SHELBYVILLE TAVERN - DAY

CLARK stands frozen in place reading the “Argus of Western America” newspaper.

The paper slips out of his hands and floats down to rest next to his feet. We can clearly see the headline:

EXPLORER MERIWETHER LEWIS DEAD

Clark collapses in a chair overcome with grief.

EXT. REUNION BAY - DAY - FLASHBACK

SACAGAWEA reclines on a hill overlooking the bay bouncing JEAN BAPTIST on her knee.

CLARK joins them.

SACAGAWEAYou miss him?

CLARKVery much.

Clark plays with Jean Baptist.

SACAGAWEAHold him?

CLARKNo, no, I -

SACAGAWEA- Please.

Sacagawea sets Jean Baptist on Clark’s lap.

SACAGAWEA (CONT’D)He likes you.

Clark smiles down on baby Jean Baptist.

A large commotion breaks out about half a mile away. Clark’s team breaks out into cheers of joy.

Clark and Sacagawea look up.

CLARKCan you see anything? The men are blocking my view.

107.

SACAGAWEALewis.

CLARKWhat?

SACAGAWEALewis back.

Clark hands off Jean Baptist to Sacagawea. He races up to the rejoicing Corps of Discovery.

LEWIS breaks through the crowd to come face to face with Clark.

LEWISHello, old friend.

Clark pulls Lewis into a brotherly embrace.

EXT. MANDAN VILLAGE - DAY

LEWIS and CLARK recline on a hill overlooking the river.

LEWISThe Northwest Passage does not exist.

CLARKWe do not know that for sure. There could be a larger river yet to be discovered up north somewhere.

LEWISNo. There is nothing.

CLARKDo not get down on yourself. Look at what we have accomplished. There has to be a part of you that is jumping for joy.

LEWISAll I feel is anger.

CLARKWhat on earth for?

LEWISThe Northwest Passage is nothing but an elaborate myth blown out of proportion. Do you know how many people have died in pursuit of it? The entire world is invested in a dream that can never be.

108.

A beat.

LEWIS (CONT’D)How many other dreams we are falsely devoted to? Who else is suffering in vain for an ideal that does not exist?

CLARKWhy must you burden yourself with these thoughts? No good can come from dwelling on the past. Move on.

LEWISI am not sure that is possible.

Clark hops up with a big idiotic grin across his face.

CLARKAlright, up off your feet.

LEWISWhat?

CLARK(Letting out a triumphant cheer.)

Yahoo!

LEWISYou are making a fool of yourself.

CLARKA fool wallows in self pity and does not celebrate their accomplishments. Come on, get up.

Lewis reluctantly stands up.

LEWISHurray.

CLARKWhat the hell was that?

LEWISA cheer.

CLARKGood god man, that will not due at all.

LEWISWhat do you want from me?

109.

CLARKI want to hear the loudest, biggest, cheer you can muster. I want the angels of heaven to hear what we have done. Thank God for all the grace and success he has bestowed upon us.

LEWIS(Releasing a loud cheer.)

Huzzah!

CLARKNow that is what I wanted to hear. How do you feel?

LEWISI feel . . . great.

Clark and Lewis burst into a fit of laughter.

COLTER approaches them.

COLTERWhat are you two so happy about?

CLARKMy boy, it is difficult not to be happy now that we are so close to home.

COLTERSpeaking of home, I wanted to ask a favor from you.

LEWISAnything. Name your price.

COLTERI want leave the expedition.

Lewis and Clark stop laughing.

LEWISYou want to desert us?

COLTERGod, no. There is a group of trappers here on a trip to the Columbia. I would like to go with them.

CLARKWhat about home?

110.

COLTERLook, I cannot handle going back home. This is where I want to spend the rest of my life. The west is my home. Please let me stay behind.

LEWISAlright.

COLTERReally?

LEWISDo not tell anyone you have been allowed to go until we are ready to set off. You are the only one stays. Nobody else.

COLTERI understand.

LEWISYou were a fantastic soldier. It saddens me to see you go. I want you to know how much both Clark and I loved having you around. I hope your continued years bring you great fortune.

COLTERThank you.

Clark sees SACAGAWEA and CHARBONNEAU with baby JEAN BAPTIST a few feet away.

CLARKExcuse me for a minute.

Clark strolls up to the Charbonneau family.

Sacagawea brightens into a smile at the sight of him.

SACAGAWEACaptain Clark.

CLARKSacagawea. It saddens me that this is where we must part ways.

SACAGAWEAWe stay here.

CLARKWe are indebted to you, Sacagawea. This expedition would never have succeeded if it had not been for you.

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(MORE)

You are just as much apart of the Corps of Discovery as any man here. My only wish is that you could continue on with us and share in the triumph that is rightfully yours.

SACAGAWEAThank you.

CHARBONNEAUJe veux mon paiement.

SACAGAWEAMy husband wants payment.

CLARKHe will get it before we leave, I promise.

SACAGAWEA(Turning to Charbonneau.)

Bientôt.

CLARKIs there any way you might consider coming to America?

SACAGAWEAIl veut savoir si nous envisagerons d'habiter en Amérique?

CHARBONNEAUJe ne sais pas.

SACAGAWEAMaybe.

CLARKI sincerely hope this is not the last we see of each other.

SACAGAWEAMe too.

CLARKI have a more personal question to ask you.

SACAGAWEAGo on.

112.

CLARK (CONT'D)

CLARKWe have schools in America, good ones, that are open to educating Indian children.

SACAGAWEAI do not understand.

CLARKI would like to bring Jean Baptist back to America with me.

Sacagawea holds Jean Baptist close to her bosom.

CHARBONNEAUQue dit-il?

SACAGAWEAIl veut notre bébé.

CLARKI could give him an education. With my help Jean Baptist could grow up to be a very successful man. Everything you want for him is within reach.

SACAGAWEAYou would care for him?

CLARKAs if he were my own son.

SACAGAWEAHe too young.

CLARKTake all the time you need to decide. My offer will always stand. When the boy is of age you may deliver him to me. Do we have an agreement?

SACAGAWEA(To Charbonneau.)

Capitaine Clark dit qu'il élèvera le Baptiste de Jean en tant que ses propres. Il offre une éducation, une bonne vie, et la sûreté. Je ne sais pas si nous le prenons. Je ne suis pas prêt à renoncer à mon bébé juste encore.

CHARBONNEAULe garçon pourrait avoir une vie bien meilleure avec capitaine Clark.

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(MORE)

Il peut avoir des occasions que je peux ne jamais l'offrir. Je veux que mon fils ait une meilleure vie que moi. Je veux qu'il tire profit de l'occasion donnée à lui. Le garçon te sera livré une fois qu'il est d'âge. Vous avez mon mot.

Charbonneau shakes hands with Clark cementing the fate of Jean Baptist.

EXT. MANDAN VILLAGE - MISSOURI RIVER - DAY

The Corps of Discovery sets off for America. They bid farewell to SACAGAWEA, CHARBONNEAU, JEAN BAPTIST, and PRIVATE COLTER.

CLARK looks to his left to see LEWIS paddling alongside him. Lewis catches his eye and flashes him a bright smile.

As one the Corps of Discovery paddles east up the Missouri river. Toward home and the glorious horizon.

EXT. LEWIS’S GRAVE - DAY - PRESENT

CLARK stands at the foot of Lewis’s grave not far from Grinder’s Stand where the explorer met his untimely end.

SEAMAN sits vigilantly at his master’s final resting place.

JEFFERSON (O.S.)Poor animal has not moved an inch since I got here.

Clark turns to see Jefferson striding toward him.

CLARKI knew he was depressed, but I never figured that he would end his own life.

JEFFERSONNone of us did. Perhaps it is my fault. I noticed that something was off about Lewis, but I ignored it.

CLARKI should have been here for him.

JEFFERSONDo not do that to yourself. You had no idea what was going to happen.

114.

CHARBONNEAU (CONT'D)

CLARKWe failed at the greatest responsibility entrusted to us. God led us back home to America so we could be teachers and educate the American people about the true nature of the indigenous people. We were supposed to be better than our forefathers. We were supposed to learn from their mistakes. We were supposed to live in harmony. Now it is too late to fix the damage we have done.

JEFFERSONMr. Grinder gave me this pack. I think you ought to have it.

Clark takes the pack and looks inside.

CLARKThe journal.

JEFFERSONI know we have experienced a serious setback, but I hope you can salvage what is left.

CLARKI will do all I can.

JEFFERSONI know.

CLARKFor the longest time, I thought Meriwether was a prisoner in his own skin. He lived only to serve other people, rarely himself. He understood the sacrifices one had to make to be a leader. I wish I could be half the man he was.

JEFFERSONImmaturus obi: sed tu felicior annos Vive meos, Bona Republica. Viva tuos.

CLARKWhat does that mean?

JEFFERSONI died young; but thou, O Good Republic, live out my years for me with better fortune.

Jefferson departs leaving Clark alone at Lewis’s Grave.

115.

EXT. FRONTIER - DAY

We soar over the western frontier. Over the MISSOURI RIVER flowing through the hills covered with trees. Onto the GREAT PLAINS and ROCKY MOUNTAINS. And finally the lush rain soaked climate of the PACIFIC NORTHWEST.

THE CORPS OF DISCOVERY TRAVERSED 7,689 MILES THROUGH WHAT IS NOW MISSOURI, IOWA, NEBRASKA, SOUTH DAKOTA, NORTH DAKOTA, MONTANA, IDAHO, OREGON AND WASHINGTON. ALONG THE WAY, THEY DISCOVERED 122 ANIMALS AND 178 PLANTS.


PIERRE CRUZATTE paddles along the current.

LIKE MANY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CORPS, PIERRE CRUZATTE DISAPPEARS FROM HISTORY AFTER THE EXPEDITION. THOUGH CLARK LISTS HIM AS DEAD SOMETIME BETWEEN 1825 AND 1828.

EXT. GREAT PLAINS - DAY

GEORGE DROUILLARD hikes in the hills of the great plains.

INTERPRETER GEORGE DROUILLARD IS WIDELY REGARDED AS THE THIRD MOST IMPORTANT MEMBER OF THE EXPEDITION BEHIND ONLY LEWIS AND CLARK. AFTER THE EXPEDITION, HE RETURNED TO THE WEST UNDER THE COMMAND OF MANUEL LISA.

EXT. YELLOWSTONE - DAY

On a cold winter day, JOHN COLTER wades through the snow to find himself in a land populated by geysers, mud pits, and hot springs.

JOHN COLTER WAS THE FIRST MAN OF EUROPEAN DESCENT TO TRAVEL INTO WHAT PEOPLE CALLED “COLTER’S HELL.” TODAY WE KNOW IT AS . . . YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK.

EXT. VALLEY - DAY

COLTER streaks naked through the valley as he is pursued relentlessly by BLACKFEET WARRIORS.

IN 1809, STRIPPED NAKED AND FORCED TO FLEE, JOHN COLTER RAN FIVE MILES TO ESCAPE CERTAIN DEATH AT THE HANDS OF THE BLACKFEET.

HE RETURNED TO AMERICA IN 1810 AFTER NEARLY SIX YEARS IN THE WILDERNESS.

116.

EXT. GASS PLANTATION - DAY

PATRICK GASS oversees slaves working on his plantation with his family.

PATRICK GASS OUTLIVED EVERYONE. IN 1858, AT THE AGE OF 87, HE OFFERED TO FIGHT FOR THE UNION IN THE CIVIL WAR. HE DIED IN 1870, AT AGE 99.

EXT. FREIGHT YARD - DAY

Men unload crates from a wagon. A big brawny man accepts a crate . . . it is YORK.

CLARK EVENTUALLY GRANTED YORK HIS FREEDOM. HE DISAPPEARS FROM HISTORY SOON AFTER AND IS BELIEVED TO HAVE GONE IN TO THE FREIGHTING BUSINESS.

IN 2001, PRESIDENT CLINTON GRANTED YORK THE POSTHUMOUSLY RANK OF HONORARY SERGEANT IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

INT. ST. LOUIS CITY HALL - GOVERNOR’S OFFICE - DAY

BATES works tirelessly over land grants and leases.

FREDERICK BATES RETAINED HIS POST AS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA AND MISSOURI TERRITORY UNDER BENJAMIN HOWARD AND WILLIAM CLARK. IN 1824 HE BECAME THE SECOND GOVERNOR OF MISSOURI.

EXT. FORT MANUEL LISA TRADING POST - NIGHT

SACAGAWEA gives birth to a daughter, LIZETTE.

SACAGAWEA LATER GAVE BIRTH TO A DAUGHTER, LIZETTE. IN 1812 SHE CONTRACTED AN UNKNOWN ILLNESS AND DIED. SHE IS REMEMBERED FOR HER TIRELESS BRAVERY AND WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

EXT. HILLTOP - SUNSET

CHARBONNEAU meets CLARK on a hilltop with ten year old JEAN BAPTIST and one year old LIZETTE CHARBONNEAU.

FOLLOWING SACAGAWEA’S DEATH, CHARBONNEAU KEPT IS WORD AND DELIVERED JEAN BAPTIST AND LIZETTE CHARBONNEAU INTO THE CARE OF WILLIAM CLARK.

117.

EXT. LEWIS’S GRAVE - DAY

CLARK stares down at Lewis’s grave.

WILLIAM CLARK LED SEVERAL CAMPAIGNS DURING THE WAR OF 1812. AFTER THE WAR, HE TOOK OVER LEWIS’S OLD POST AS GOVERNOR OF THE LOUISIANA AND MISSOURI TERRITORY, WHERE HE SERVED UNTIL 1820.

THE JOURNALS OF LEWIS AND CLARK CHRONICLING THE EXPEDITION WERE FINALLY PUBLISHED IN 1814.

MERIWETHER LEWIS IS STILL FONDLY REMEMBERED AS AN AMERICAN HERO. YEARS LATER, JEFFERSON PUBLISHED A EULOGY FOR LEWIS IN WHICH HE GIVES HIS LATE PROTEGE THE HIGHEST PRAISE EVER RECORDED.

JEFFERSON (V.O.)Of courage undaunted, possessing a firmness and perseverance of purpose which nothing but impossibilities could divert from its direction, careful as a father of those committed to his charge, yet steady in the maintenance of order and discipline, intimate with the indian character, customs and principles habituated to the hunting life, guarded by exact observation of the vegetables and animals of his own country, against losing time in the description of objects already possessed, honest, disinterested, liberal, of sound understanding and a fidelity to truth so scrupulous that whatever he should report would be as certain as if seen by ourselves, wight all these qualifications as if selected and implanted by nature in one body, for this express purpose, I could have no hesitation in confiding the enterprize to him.

Clark grabs Seaman by the collar and attempts to lead him away, but the dog refuses to budge. Realizing that Seaman is devoted to standing by his dead master, Clark relents.

Seaman lays down at the foot of Lewis’s grave and gives a sad high pitched whine.

Clark looks back one last time.

CLARKI miss you old friend.

FADE TO BLACK.

118.

Documents

Corps of Discovery