Louisiana Purchase Timeline 1807

1807 In a nutshell: Lewis and Clark are compensated for their efforts.

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9th Congress, 2nd Session

January 2, 1807

The House of Representatives introduces a resolution “That a Committee be appointed to inquire what compensation ought to be made to Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their brave companions, for their late services in exploring the western waters, to report by bill, or otherwise.”

(Note: William Clark’s name is consistently misspelled in congressional documents by adding an “e” to the end)

January 23, 1807

The House of Representatives introduces “An Act making compensation to Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their companions.”

The House of Representatives receive communications on “Gratuities to the officers and men in the expedition to the Pacific Ocean, under Lewis and Clarke.”

February 3, 1807

The House of Representatives introduces a bill "Respecting claims to land in the territories of Orleans and Louisiana."

February 16, 1807

The House of Representatives reports with amendments “An Act making compensation to Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their companions.”

February 20, 1807

The House of Representatives debates “An Act making compensation to Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their companions.”

February 21, 1807

The House of Representatives passes "An Act respecting claims to land in the Territories of Orleans and Louisiana."

February 28, 1807

President Thomas Jefferson sends a message to the Senate nominating Meriwether Lewis to be governor of the Territory of Louisiana and promoting William Clark to the rank of lieutenant colonel, in the 2d Regiment of Infantry.

The House of Representatives reads a third time and passes as amended “An Act making compensation to Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their companions.”

The Senate passes as amended "An Act regulating claims to land in the territories of Orleans and Louisiana."

March 2, 1807

The Senate agrees to the nomination of Meriwether Lewis to be governor of the Territory of Louisiana.

The Senate votes and rejects the promotion of William Clark to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

The Senate reads a second time and reports without amendment “An Act making compensation to Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their companions.”

The House of Representatives agrees to the Senate amendments to "An Act regulating claims to land in the territories of Orleans and Louisiana."

March 3, 1807

The Senate passes “An Act making compensation to Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their companions.”

President Thomas Jefferson signs into law “An Act making compensation to Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their companions.”

President Thomas Jefferson signs into law "An Act regulating claims to land in the territories of Orleans and Louisiana."