Who is Sergeant John Ordway from The Journals of Lewis and Clark and what is their importance?

Sergeant John Ordway was responsible for keeping the men in order while Lewis and Clark were absent on duty. Many instances of disciplinary problems occurred while Ordway was in command, suggesting that he might not have had the natural leading skills or sufficient authority necessary to command the party.

Ordway also kept a diary of the expedition, the content of which was purchased by Lewis and incorporated into the 1814 edition of the Journals of Lewis and Clark. Like most of the members of the Corps, Ordway was awarded double pay and 320 acres of land.