**CLPRA scripts are working drafts for recording sessions. Recorded performances may vary due to editing for broadcast.** Links key: CLP Atlas Informational (with hover) Online Books CLP Author page CLP Intern

Zenas Leonard (1809-1857) http://tinyurl.com/ZLeonard

Click the below to hear radio segment.

Theme to Contemplate

From The Narrative of Zenas Leonard, Fur Trader and Trapper, 1831-1836. Read Online Download PDF

Reader: Kevin Hearle

In 1845 journalist John O'Sullivan coined the phrase "Manifest Destiny" to describe America's continental ambition. It was an idea, however, long familiar to westering explorers.

Mountain man Zenas Leonard was with Joseph Walker on his westward crossing of the Sierras in 1833. Steeped in American self-confidence, Leonard was quick to recognize the value of this western edge of the continent.

"Capt. Joseph Reddeford Walker," painter, date unknown. Larger.

What a theme to contemplate its settlement and civilization. Will the jurisdiction of the federal government ever succeed in civilizing the thousands of savages now roaming over these plains, and her hardy freeborn population here plant their homes, build their towns and cities, and say here shall the arts and sciences of civilization take root and flourish? yes, here, even in this remote part of the great west before many years, will these hills and valleys be greeted with the enlivening sound, of the workman's hammer, and the merry whistle of the plough-boy. But this is left undone by the government, and will only be seen when too late to apply the remedy. The Spaniards are making inroads on the South--the Russians are encroaching with impunity along the sea shore to the North, and further North-east the British are pushing their stations into the very heart of our territory, which, even at this day, more resemble military forts to resist invasion, than trading stations. Our govemment should be vigilant. She should assert her claim by taking possession of the whole territory as soon as possible--for we have good reason to suppose that the territory west of the mountain will some day be equally as important to a nation as that on the east.

The Narrative of Zenas Leonard, a valuable but not wholly reliable account of his travels, first appeared in 1839.