"Mr. President," I exclaimed, "the Government is doubtless aware that General Wilkinson has in view another expedition,--one to proceed westward to treat with the tribes of the great plains and to explore the western boundaries between Louisiana Territory and New Spain. I am, sir, only too well aware of my lack of standing alike with the General and with the Government, yet I believe I can say, with all due modesty, that I possess somewhat the scientific attainments you mention as desirable--" I stopped short upon meeting the growing reserve in my companion's mild gaze. He smiled not unkindly. "I did not state, Dr. Robinson, that such attainments were the sole requisites. Moreover, this expedition, if in truth such a one is contemplated, rests wholly upon the discretion of General Wilkinson, and will no doubt be of a military character." "Yet, if I may venture, could not Your Excellency--" The President stopped and regarded me with severity. "I have already remarked, sir, that such adulatory titles--" "Pardon me, Mr. Jefferson!" I cried. His look did not relax. "Nor 'Mister' Jefferson, if you please, sir. I am Thomas Jefferson, the servant of the people and a plain citizen of the Republic,--no more, no less." Knowing the greatness of the man behind this small foible, I bowed acquiescence to the statement, and he, smiling gravely in response, added with cordiality: "As I have intimated, the Executive will not interfere with any proper plans which General Wilkinson may deem expedient. Yet I will say that, in the event he carries out the contemplated expedition to our Western boundaries, I should be pleased to hear of such a well-qualified assistant as yourself being included in the party as a volunteer." I covered my disappointment with the best smile I could muster: "In that event, sir, I fear that I must repress my adventurous longings." I bowed and stepped aside for him to pass on. He mounted with easy agility, but checked his over-willing horse for a parting remark: "Sir, I am pleased to have met you. I shall be more pleased to meet you at my table this evening." Before I could recover from my astonishment he had touched his hat civilly, and was cantering away across country. CHAPTER III AT THE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE It will not be thought strange that my invitation to dine with the President put me in high conceit with myself, and this notwithstanding such information as I had already acquired as to the looseness and informality of the White House etiquette since the retirement of President Adams. Although Mr. Jefferson's custom was to invite many kinds of persons to his elegant little dinners, the guests were generally selected for their compatibility.