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Welcome to MMS news. Im Mallorie, and I'm Alex. Some Headlines for today are Napoleon and Louisiana, The Lewis and Clark Expedition, and Pike's Exploration...

Napoleon and Louisiana- The fearful French leader Napoleon Bonaparte is planning on occupying Lousiana to replace Spain as the European power of N.A. However small rebellions by slaves which have overthrown local governments in Saint Domingue are delaying his plans. After Napoleon sent troops to recapture St. Domingue, the rebel forces repelled the French once more even after the capture of St. Domingue's new leader. Yellow fever has also stood in the way of the Louisana occupation.

Mississippi Region- U.S. leaders have just realized that the French have taken control of Louisana once more after being under Spanish rule. President Jefferson is aware that with the diverse culture and great trading spots Louisana is a great place to control. Especially with the busy port of New Orleans. The French could block off cargo from that area. We are still awaiting further plans from President Jefferson.

Purchasing the Territory/Surprising Offer- French and American officials met today discussing the matter of Louisana. President Jefferson offered to buy Louisana and Florida from the French to settle this matter without violence. The offer of $10 million was raised to $15 million after the deal appealed to French leader Bonaparte in many ways. He was avoiding confilict with the U.S., gave Britain a new enemy, and could use the money to support troops elsewhere. The $15 million is now being understood by President Jefferson.

Expanding the Nation- The Senate has just approved the treaty with France to buy Louisana and are calling it the "Louisana Purchase". There is still speculation on how large the Louisana territories really are but it reach's from the Mississippi River to the great Rocky Mountains. The purchase of Louisana has just doubled the size of the nation. Jefferson proudly exclamed that now the U.S. "provided a widespread field for the blessing of freedom".


 * Mallorie**:

President Jefferson has been trying to send an expedition west of the Mississippi River. Not knowing much about the people and their land in that area, he wants to learn more about them. Convincing Congress to fund a small Western expedition, he hired Captain Meriwether Lewis and Leitenant William Clark to Lead it. After much preparation, and a few delays, Lewis and Clark set out on their journey.

Traveling up the Missouri River Lewis and Clark have encountered many different tribes. Trying to appear confident, they have explained that the United States owned the land they were using. It's a tough journey, but **Sacagewea**, the wife of a frenchman, has helped Lewis and Clark in their quest to discover new lands and new people. Lewis and Clark have kept journals telling about both good aspects of their journey, and terribly dangerous ones.

Lewis and Clark, both concerned and awed by the view of the Rocky Mountains, are a little relieved when they find that **Sacagawea** is relatd to someone who lived with the Shoshoni, a tribe in that area. With help from the Shoshoni, Lewis and Clark have conquered the treacherous mountains, and gone on their way. Continueing their journey, they met up with some friendly Indians who helped them along the way. Finally reaching the Pacific Ocean, Lewis, Clark, and everyone with them were overjoyed. Arriving home they celebrated their accomplishment. Although unable to find a river route to the Pacific Ocean, they have collected a great deal of information.

Claiming that the Louisiana Territory's western border with New Spain was marked by the Red River, the United States has assigned Zebulon Pike, a young army officer, to find its starting point. Pike may have also been assigned to spy on Spanish outposts and forts in the Southwest. Leading a small expedition to the Rocky Mountains, Pike has crossed into Spanish-held lands. Pike has been arrested aand suspected of being a spy. Finally released, Pike has explained his expedition to the United States, and despite his imprisonment he's proud of what he has done.