Attitude of the Expedition

Finally, both Clark and Bowman mention the attitude of the men on the trip. See if you can find where they describe this and record what each of them said.

Now compare what you found with this example.

What did we find?

Both men mention the word “sprits.” Clark writes that his object was to “keep the men in spirits” while Bowman records that “our men were in great spirits.”

Today, the word “spirit” commonly refers to one’s soul (ex. inner spirit) or to a ghost (ex. a spirit haunts that building). 

In the 1700s, the word “spirit” could refer to one’s attitude. it is much like today when we say that someone has “school spirit.” When we say that, we mean that a student or teacher is very enthusiastic or passionate about supporting their school. 

Similarly, Bowman writes that “notwithstanding” (or despite) the flooded plains, the “men were in great spirits” or the men had a good attitude.