Israel Whelan spent countless hours gathering various supplies for the expedition.

One man might have been busier during Meriwether Lewis visit to Philadelphia than Lewis himself.

Israel Whelan was the purveyor of public supplies for the federal government in Philadelphia. Before Lewis arrived in 1803, Whelan had already received a $1,000 draft to begin purchasing supplies for the expedition.

From early May until mid-June, Whelan got little rest. He visited retailers and wholesalers alike in search of items for the trip. His shopping list was long and varied. Among the items were dried soup, which could be mixed in water and heated; rolls of tobacco; whiskey; Indian presents; lead canisters; medical supplies; and tools.

Stepping up to a difficult task was nothing new for Whelan. He became famous as the "Fighting Quaker" during the Revolutionary War. He gave up his pacifist religion to fight for the colonial cause. He became a friend of George Washington and earned the rank of commissary general. His appointment as purveyor came from President Adams.

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