The Russian
government had projected an expedition to the Pacific under Joseph
Billings, Cook's assistant astronomer. These Russian plans aimed at no
less than dominance on the Pacific. Forts were to be built in
California and Hawaii. In England and India, private adventurers,
Portlock, Dixon, Meares, Barclay, were fitting out ships for Pacific
trade. Some one advised Ledyard to attempt his venture in the country
that had helped America in the Revolution, France; and to France he
sailed with money loaned by Mr. Sands of New York, in 1784.
{255} In Paris Ledyard met two of the most remarkable men in American
history, Paul Jones, the naval hero, and Jefferson. To them both he
told the marvels of Pacific wealth, and both were far-sighted enough to
share his dreams. It was now that Jefferson began to formulate those
plans that Lewis and Clark afterward carried out. The season was too
late for a voyage this year, but Paul Jones loaned Ledyard money and
arranged to take out a ship of four hundred tons the following year.
The two actually went over every detail together.
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