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Meriweather Lewis grew up in Virginia where he was a neighbor to Thomas Jefferson. In 1801, Jefferson chose Lewis as his personal secretary. As secretary to the President of the United States, Lewis was responsible for a variety of duties. Lewis would carry out business on the presidents behalf. Lewis impressed Jefferson greatly. Lewis was offered command of the expedition in 1802. He was now the leader of the Corps of Discovery. In 1803, Lewis wrote to an old friend and former Army commander, William Clark. In his letter he described the expedition and offered Clark place in it. The Clark family was very well known to Thomas Jefferson, and such a choice met with the President's personal approval. Lewis chose Clark, not just as another officer, but as a partner and trusted friend.