March passed, and April. Not until the 9th of May, in the year 1804, were matters concluded to suit the punctilio of France and Spain alike. Now came the assured word that the republic of the United States intended to stand on the Louisiana purchase, Constitution or no Constitution--that the government purposed to take over the land which it had bought. On this point Mr. Jefferson was firm. De Lassus yielded now.
On that May morning the soldiers of Spain manning the fortifications of the old post stood at parade when the drums of the Americans were heard. One company of troops, under command of Captain Stoddard, represented our army of occupation. Our real army of invasion was that in buckskin and linsey and leather--twenty-nine men; whose captain, Meriwether Lewis, was to be our official representative at the ceremony of transfer.
De Lassus choked with emotion as he handed over the keys and the archives which so long had been under his charge.
"Sir," said he, addressing the commander, "I speak for France as well as for Spain. I hand over to you the title from France, as I hand over to you the rule from Spain. Henceforth both are for you. I salute you, gentlemen!"
With the ruffle of the few American drums the transfer was gravely acknowledged. The flag of Spain slowly dropped from the staff where it had floated. That of France took its place, and for one day floated by courtesy over old St. Louis. On the morrow arose a strange new flag--the flag of the United States. It was supported by one company of regulars and by the little army of joint command--the army of Lewis and Clark--twenty-nine enlisted men in leather!
"Time now, at last!" said William Clark to his friend. "Time for us to say farewell! Boats--three of them--are waiting, and my men are itching to see the buffalo plains. What is the latest news in the village, Merne?" he added. "I've not been across there for two weeks."
"News enough," said Meriwether Lewis gravely. "I just have word of the arrival in town of none other than Colonel Aaron Burr."
"The Vice-President of the United States! What does he here? Tell me, is he bound down the river? Is there anything in all this talk I have heard about Colonel Burr? Is he alone?"
"No. I wish he were alone. Will, she is with him--his daughter, Mrs. Alston!"
"Well, what of that? Oh, I know--I know, but why should you meet?"
"How can we help meeting here in the society of this little town, whose people are like one family? They have been invited by Mr. Chouteau to come to his house--I also am a guest there. Will, what shall I do? It torments me!"