Who is Jean Baptiste Charbonneau from The Journals of Lewis and Clark and what is their importance?

Jean Baptiste Charbonneau was the youngest member of the Corps of Discovery. He was born in Fort Mandan, a few weeks before his father, Toussaint Charbonneau, was hired as "an interpreter through his wife," Sacagawea. Jean Baptiste is often referred to as "Pomp" or "Pompy" by Clark, who grew fond of the little boy during the voyage. Clark later legally adopts the boy, as well as his sister.

In 1823, Jean Baptiste was taken under the protection of a German prince and moved to Europe where he completed his education in an aristocratic environment. In 1829, he returned to America, as well as the harsh life of the hunters and trappers. After a brief stay in the Army, he tries to build his fortune as a miner during the California Gold Rush. He was not successful. Jean died of pneumonia at age 61.