Farewell to Charbonneau, Sacagawea, and Little Pomp

At the Mandan villages, the expedition said farewell to Charbonneau, Sacagawea, and their son Jean Baptiste. Clark’s affection for “Little Pomp” was evident in his offer to raise and educate the child.

“I offered to take his little Son a butifull promising Child who is 19 months old.”

Charbonneau was paid $500.33 and given a horse. Sacagawea received nothing from the government for her services — a fact that has troubled historians and advocates ever since. Clark settled Charbonneau’s account, noting his services as interpreter.

Clark’s offer to educate Jean Baptiste would eventually be accepted. The boy was sent to Clark in St. Louis around 1809 and received a formal education. He later traveled to Europe and became a notable frontier figure, linguist, and mountain man.