To Meriwether Lewis

Pick up the nearest book and flip to page 29. What jumps out at you? Start there, and try a twist: write in the form of a letter.

I had at hand “The Navigator” By Clive Cussler and page 29 begins with a reference to the death of Meriwether Lewis in 1809 of gunshots wounds.

Dear Mr. Lewis: I’ve heard you are travelling to Washington. I hope this letter arrives in time. Please, pay close attention. Do not stop at Natchez Trace and by any means do not stay at Grinder’s Stand. Bad things are going to happen in that place. It’s dangerous for you. I know you are a courageous man. You led the first transcontinental expedition by the United States with your friend William Clark and reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805. You made a big contribution to your Country and to science. You have nothing else to prove. You have already a place in history. You are so young. You can still achieve many things. I heard about your financial difficulties. don’t get discouraged about that. You’re only 35 years old. You have a lot of time ahead to solve them. You deserve better. But your life is in danger. Believe me. I know what I’m talking about. Do not stop at Grinder’s Stand. It’s a dangerous place for you.
Yours truly:
A concerned friend.

Writing 101, Day Fourteen: To Whom It May Concern.

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