Seaman: Companion to the Corps

Seaman: Companion to the Corps. . On his way down the Ohio River in 1803, Captain Meriwether Lewis purchased a Newfoundland dog for twenty dollars. It was a perfect choice of breed for the impending exploration; powerful swimmer, strong guarding instinct, gentle disposition and a commanding stature. In Lewis' own words, he writes: , "The dog was of the newfoundland breed one that I prised much for his docility and qualifications generally for my journey. -- November 6th, 1803 , During the Expedition, Seaman withstood the same hardships as the Corps - extremes of temperature, pricks from cacti and other plants, and , of course, those troublesome mosquitoes. Despite the many threats of the wilderness, he continually carried out his duties as guardian, hunter, and friendly companion. No doubt, he served as a welcome reminder of the comforts of home and family. These qualities made Seaman an indispensable member of the Corps of Discovery. , (side-bar:) , This statue is dedicated to the virtues of that noble canine and was modeled after Windsor, a Newfie owned by James and Carol Mungus, that proudly played the role of Seaman at the Interpretive Center. The bronze was created by the late wildlife artist, Joseph Halko.