The Lewis and Clark Expedition:
Blacksmiths in the Corps of Discovery

The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Blacksmiths in the Corps of Discovery, by David G. Allen for the Appalachian Blacksmiths Association © 2003

Arms & Supplies

Items supplied by Harper’s Ferry Armory: 

• 15 Model 1803 muzzleloaders; .54 cal., 33'' barrel

• 24 Pipe tomahawks

• 36 Pipe tomahawks for "Indian Presents"

• 24 Large knives

• 15 Powderhorns and pouches

• 15 Pairs of bullet molds

• 15 Wipers (gun worms)

• 15 Ball screws

• 15 Gun slings

• Extra locks and tools

• 40 Fish giggs

• Collapsible iron boat frame

Other arms and munitions:

• 500 rifle flints 

• 420 pounds of sheet lead for bullets 

• 176 pounds of gunpowder packed in 52 lead canisters 

• 1 long-barreled rifle that fired its bullet with compressed air
  

Lewis and Clark were meticulous in their planning.  The expedition returned with enough gunpowder and bullets to mount another, albeit smaller, expedition, which is remarkable given they constantly had to hunt for food.  The gunpowder was packed in lead so that the canisters could be melted down for bullets.