Corporal Richard Warfington

Photo: Roadside marker honoring Richard Warfington in Louisburg, North Carolina. Creative Commons  

Richard Warfington was born in the area of Louisburg, North Carolina in 1777 and he joined the U.S. Army in 1799. His enlistment information stated he was five feet ten inches tall, had brown hair and black eyes, with a fair complexion. He transferred to the Corps of Discovery from Captain John Campbell’s company of the 2nd Infantry Regiment in November 1803, with the rank of corporal.

Captains Clark and Lewis wrote “Warpenton,” “Worthington,” “Wortheyton” and other spellings for the corporal. While they struggled with his name, they seemed to have thought highly of him and put him in charge of the unit they intended to send back to St. Louis. The party wasn’t sent back as soon as probably planned by Captain Lewis, and on August 4, 1804, Warfington’s enlistment ended. The captains asked him if he would delay his discharge and retain his rank and authority of the returning party. Warfington agreed and stayed at Fort Mandan until April 7.

He successfully completed his orders, much to the satisfaction of the captains and President Jefferson, ensuring the safety of the early journals, Clark’s first map, numerous animal and plant specimens, as well as 45 deputies of the six principal Indian nations who traveled back to meet President Jefferson. As such, Lewis recommended that Warfington receive a bonus beyond his regular pay.

Unfortunately, little is known about Warfington after his return. Records do show that he received 320 acres of land in addition to the $99.96 he earned during his service with the Corps. Where he settled, what occupation he pursued, if he had any children, and when he died remains some of the many mysteries of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.