Latin school, under Parson Maury, to study.
At eighteen, in 1792, he volunteers to Thomas Jefferson, then President Washington's Secretary of State, to explore up the Missouri River to the Pacific Coast for the American Philosophical Society. A distinguished scientist, André Michaux, is selected, but the plan is given up.
At twenty, volunteers in the militia, at the call of President Washington for troops to put down the Whiskey Rebellion in Western Pennsylvania. Is soon commissioned a lieutenant in the regular army.
At twenty-three, commissioned captain.
At twenty-seven, in 1801, is appointed by President Jefferson his private secretary.
At twenty-nine, in 1803, is appointed by the president to head the government exploring expedition up the Missouri River and on across to the Pacific Ocean.
Leaves Washington July 5, 1803.
1804—1805—1806 is engaged in the exploration. The Indians name him the Long Knife.
1807, appointed governor of Louisiana Territory, with headquarters in St. Louis.
October 10, 1809, on his way by horse from St. Louis to Washington, while at a settler's cabin in present Lewis Co., Tennessee, 72 miles southwest of Nashville, he is shot,
Kentucky, and establish themselves in a stockade and blockhouse overlooking the Ohio River, three miles below Louisville, then known as the Falls of the Ohio; Mulberry Hill, the new home is christened.
Young William wears buckskins and moccasins, shoots deer and buffalo, takes many trips with the famous Kentucky frontiersmen, and has for friend and teacher Daniel Boone.
In 1788, at seventeen years of age, he is commissioned ensign in the regular army.
Accompanies his brother, General George Rogers Clark, on the campaign to prevent the Indians from keeping the whites east of the Ohio River, and the Spaniards from closing the Mississippi to American commerce.
1790, acts as captain of militia.
In 1791 is commissioned first lieutenant, Fourth Sub-Legion of the army. Serves under "Mad Anthony" Wayne against the Indians in Ohio. Leads a charge at the battle of Fallen Timbers, August 20, 1794, where the celebrated chief Tecumseh is defeated.
Because of ill health, he retires from military service, in 1796, and lives at Mulberry Hill, to help his brother, the general, in business matters.
In July, 1803, accepts an offer from his friend and fellow officer, Captain Meriwether Lewis,
