Tom Fitzpatrick was a tough, orneryeyed but educated Irishman who came to America as a young man to make his way in the world. And make his way he did, from New York to Ohio to Indiana and finally to St. Louis, where he worked as a bookkeeper until he answered the following advertisement for fur trappers in a local newspaper:

TO ENTERPRISING YOUNG MEN

The subscriber wishes to engage ONE HUNDRED MEN, to ascend the river Missouri to its source, there to be employed for one, two, or three years—For particulars, inquire of Major Andrew Henry, near the Lead Mines, in the county of Washington (who will ascend with and command the party) or to the subscriber at St. Louis.

Young Fitzpatrick signed on, lying about his knowledge (or lack thereof) of the fur trapping...