The Jefferson Conspiracies: A President's Role in the Assassination of Meriwether Lewis

by David Leon Chandler

An investigation into the mysterious 1809 death of famed explorer Meriwether Lewis convincingly argues that Thomas Jefferson may have sacrificed his prote+a7ge+a7 Lewis for his own career and that Aaron Burr was involved in the murder. By the author of The Binghams of Louisville.

Genres: History, Biography

368 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1994

About the author

American journalist who wrote several historical and biographical books.

In 1962 he and his team won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for investigating and exposing corruption.

He was associated with early coverage of the Kennedy Assassination and was mentioned in the Warren Commission report.

Reviews

[Af Talt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book sure makes a persuasive case against Jefferson for having Meriwether Lewis assassinated. Missing the usual undertones of conspiratorial lunacy, this work takes the reader through the evidence methodically and enjoyably until one is left with the inescapable conclusion that Lewis died because Jefferson had him killed. A viewing of Lewis & Clark, the Ken Burns documentary actually persuaded me that Lewis may have committed suicide after all, but for the fullest perspective on the mysterious circumstances surrounding Lewis's death I recommend this book. It really was a good read.

[Kevin Keating · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, as I had never heard of a conspiracy around Meriwether Lewis' death. Unfortunately, for events around 1809 it is very hard to corroborate information. The author is a Pulitzer-winning author and there are footnotes, but a lot of this story is conjecture. I would like to read more on this subject. The book was good.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read. Has in-text sources. A bibliography would have been nice. The author was not as kind to Jefferson as Mr. Meachem was in his book: Jefferson, the Art of Power. Jefferson protected J. Wilkinson, even though he was unscrupulous and suspected murderer of Meredith Lewis.

[Andra Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who admires Lewis, I found this analysis a refreshing departure from the norm.