This stunning document, the body of which is in the hand of Thomas Jefferson, gives instructions to Michaux "to explore the interior country of North America from the Mississippi along the Missouri and Westwardly to the Pacific Ocean . . ." Those subscribing money for this venture have signed below, with their pledges noted. Included are: John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Robert Morris. This expedition was never undertaken, and it is only one instance of Jefferson's continuing interest in exploring the western territory, culminating in the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806.; Provenance: Discovered in the vault in Philosophical Hall in 1979; accessioned, 1980; see Committee on Library Report, Year Book (1979): 158-160.
