Originally Posted by poboy
Lewis was 29, Clark 33 at the beginning of the trip.
Lewis tried but never convinced the military that it was possible to have co-captains. They wouldn't promote Clark from 2d Lt. Lewis sort of gave Clark a field promotion and they agreed that the men would never know that they weren't equal in rank. Clark didn't get his official promotion until they got home. They had to be good friends to make it work and avoid conflicts.

Then there was York, Clark's slave. York became an important part of the expedition and was a great go- between with the Indians. In spite of his service, Clark didn't free him for 10 years after their return. There are reports that York became very resentful and a less than ideal slave and Clark had to resort to some heavy handed tactics to 'tame' him. It's unknown what happened to him after he was freed. There are reports that he went west again and was seen living with Indians and other reports that he decided he preferred slavery (HIGHLY unlikely).

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