A therapist for Meriwether Lewis

Oct. 13, 1809 part II

Back to the meeting topic...

Thomas and Meriwether were talking very seriously. Some parts of their conversation was drastic, others were very mellow and glum. And from what I've heard, there's been a lot of hard times (in what Meriwether) talked about.

Here's the scoop:

"Mr. Lewis, I hear from what you told me, you're feeling anxious and depressed."

"Yes Sir."

"How does it affect you? From the expedition (Mr. Clark told me), I've heard you were sometimes a bit quiet..."

"Mr. Jefferson, life for me was starting to get to me, making me depressed, insecure, sad and claustrophobic, melancholic perhaps! Finding a wife for myself was difficult. I wish I had lived with my friend Clark."

"It seems as though life was tough an' all for you..."

"Yes. I don't know what to do about it."

"With what would you like me to help with ?"

"One of my main emotions in general."

"Have you ever tried exercises for calming down ?"

"No, I haven't thought of it.....Sir ?"

"Yes Mr. Lewis ?"

"I own a couple of horses..."

"That's good. Perhaps (and I insist) you could make use of your horses."

"Perhaps. What do you suggest ?"

"Riding yer horse each day ?"

"I suppose..."

Now he was trailing off a bit. I could tell that something of a level frustration was coming in his expressions: anxiety.

All depression that Meriwether...

Then, he continued:

"But what can I do to prevent myself from dangerously cutting myself ?"

What do you know about, that could help me with my drinking habits ?"

"Use herbs instead. Don't obsess over alcohol..do me a great favor and avoid cutting yerself..make tea with herbs. An' please Meriwether: do not under any circumstances kill yerself!"

That definitely took Lewis to thinking..I could see it already.