"The surprising story of how Thomas Jefferson commanded an unrivaled age of American exploration, sending out waves of expeditions into the West after the Louisiana Purchase. In presiding over that era of discovery, Jefferson forged a great nation"-- Provided by publisher.

In play -- The man in the farming coat -- This paradise or pandemonium -- A wall of brass -- "They pretend it is only to promote knoledge" -- "The object of your mission is single" -- Captain Merry -- A second expedition -- A special kind of war -- Toward the Ouachita -- River of dirt -- Louisiana freshes -- Mandan, Amatari and Minitarí -- New Year's -- The Arcansa and Red River expedition -- Mysteries of the Mississippi -- Achievements large and small -- "The more danger the more honor" -- Hobbling boldly -- To go or not to go -- Freeman and a certain success -- Men of Jefferson.