He explains how our nation should enlarge the boundaries of knowledge by undertaking voyages of discovery and for other literary purposes. Thomas Jefferson introduces the Lewis and Clark expedition as one willing to undertake this voyage. He conveys to Congress the objects of the expedition as both scientific and commercial- to study the area's plants, animal life, geography, and for the men to have conferences with the natives on the subject of commercial intercourse, get admission among the for American traders, agree on convenient deposits for an interchange of articles, and return with the information required. Jefferson sums up his seemingly persuasive message to congress by requesting a great deal of money "for the purpose of expanding the external commerce of the United