Lorimier's outfit needs a change

To the editor:

While I am all for murals on our floodwall, I must say one panel of this up-and-coming historical scenery is totally out of kilter.

The picture portraying Lorimier at his famous horse race is the one I dare to take umbrage with. Certainly the artist, Cameron Pfiffner, is very well gifted. But very little research on Don Louis' outfit seems to have been done.

Lorimier is shown wearing a fringed buckskin shirt decorated with beadwork epaulets and rosettes. Very plains (western) Indian style, but not worn around here and never by a person such as Lorimier.

While I do not wish to appear as a know-it-all, Cameron has attired Mr. Lorimier as if he were a 1950s Western movie actor playing an Indian. All the rest of the people in said panel are great: the winning racer, Merriwether Lewis and his companion arriving to see Lorimier.

I am only a humble re-enactor trying my best to do thorough research before I use, wear or have anything on my person so it will be of the style for my impression.

Sadly, this picture will go on our wall and be viewed by all and sundry who will think Lorimier wore such clothes. Why could he not have been shown in a typical man's attire: knee breeches, shirt waistcoat, coat and neckerchief? Only his queue and woven sash and probably pipe are accurate on his person.

Research and accurate portrayal are what it has to be about if we think to educate the public.LINDA LOUNDER ROYCE

Cape Girardeau