Slippery Slope

May 1805

The weather was unreasonable. The rain was relentless. The rain made it difficult to continue on…sopping the ground so intensely…making our feet stick in the mud and slip continually. Our own Captain Lewis had to save a man from a dangerous cliff. Private Windsor was sure to be dead, but thanks to Captain Lewis’s calm and steady demeanor, he is still here today. Private Windsor was barely holding on to a narrow ledge with one hand and one foot. Captain Lewis was probably internally fearful for Windsor’s life, but was able to carefully and calmly talk Windsor through the near disaster. He told him to take his knife out and dig a hole in the cliff so he could put his foot in the hole. He was able raise himself up a bit. Captain Lewis told him to shed his moccasins and climb forward…holding his knife in one hand and gun in the other. That’s what makes true leaders – calmness under pressure.