Clark writes his brother Jonathan from Washington, D. C., reporting on activities there and his flattering treatment in wake of the successful return of the expedition. He reports he has discussed the Burr Conspiracy with President Jefferson and expresses his own shock at Burr's attempt at such a scheme and misjudgement of the American people. He concludes by intimating that he might return to Louisville engaged as he has an "object in mind."
Clark writes his brother Jonathan from Big Bone Lick, Kentucky, while conducting a major archaeological fossil dig at Thomas Jefferson's request. He describes what has been unearthed so far and mentions their brother George Rogers Clark being drunk but "more thoughtfull to day."
In this letter, McDowell criticizes Thomas Jefferson's policies and the direction of the United States under his leadership. He expresses fear that James Madison is following in Jefferson's footsteps.