Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1819-08-17

Gray Lieuts. Fields, Kavanssh, Scott,
Shannon, Keith.
Col. Atkinson commands the expedition.
Gen. Jessup accompanies it, to forward
all the operations which depend upon the
Quarter Master Generals department.
Capt. L. F. Smith, Of the Rifle, goes
lup as assistant adjutant general.
Lieut.. Talcot, of the engineers.
Major O'Fallon, u. S. agent to the
Indians Oh the Missouri, had proceeded
in the Western Engineer, but ii is UNDER
stood that his duties are equally connected
with both expeditions.
A multitude Of paragraphs in different
newspapers, have assigned TO Colonel
James johnson of Kentucky, place Of
underlined and vague Importance 10 this
expedition. He in fact goes out with it,
and we have taken some painsto ascertain
the exact nature of bis functions. We
learn that he has contracted with the gov-
eminent to transport troops, provisions,
aud munitions Of war; that he has chosen
steam boats for the transport vessels; and
that the terms of the contract are suffi-
GENTLY advantageous 10 have induced any
other citizen to have done the same with
out drawing upon bis patriotic fund.
No doubt is entertained upon the ca
lpacity OF the expedition to reach the
Council Bluffs 10 the month of August.
The whole will winter there, and will
|erect permanent work, TO be garrisoned
by the 9th Ga the opening of the spring,
the rifle will proceed to the Mandan vile
lagos.
Some doubt is entertained upon the
success of two of the steam boats but is
is believed that measures have been taken
TO prevent the loss from having any effect
upon the progress OF the expedition.
Thus the public have at length the sat-
isfaction to see fairly embarked this inter-
esting expedition, on the success of which
depends the accomplishment Of such
mighty objects for the American people
the transfer Of the fur trade from the Eng
lish TO the Americans--the extinction Of
British influence among American In
.dians-and the opening Of direct inter-
course with India by the Columbia and
Missouri rivers.
The officers attached TO the expedition
are young men fthe growth of the lasE
war, distinguished for their professional
character and gentIemanly department,
and animated with all the zeal for the sue
cess of the enterprise which the interest
of the country, aud the honor Of the adj
ministration which planned it, could re-
quire at their hands.
The name of Yellow Stone has been
attached to this expedition, perhaps with
onl much propriety. The Council Bluffs
and the Mandan Villages are the only
points indicated for military establish
ments. The former are but $50 miles
above St. Louis, the latter 1000. They
are both in what is called the Upper Mis-
souri,. The distinction takes place from
the mouth Of the River Platte. The Mis-
souri, from thence undergoes sensible
change. lis course is more directly from
the north, less obstructed with savyerS,
and every way better adapted to naviga-.
ton. The face of the country also un-
dergoes change. Woodland is more
seldom seen vast and level plains, COW
cred with grass, stretch before the eye :
and the winds blow in steady gales and
breezes upon the bosom of the ocean. The
aspect of the Heavens likewise announces
the opeoing of new region. The sky
assumes deeper blue the sun shines
with brilliancy unknown further south
and the purity and transparency Of the
atmosphere gives new flow TO the spirits.
and new powers to the vision. The
navigators of the Missouri regard the
mouth OF the Platte as sailors do the equi-
noctial line. All who had not passed it
before were required to be shaved unless
they could compromise for treat. From
this point the traders enter what they call
The Upper Missouri" Breckenridge. }
The mouth of the Platte is 600 miles
above st. Louis.
RICHMOND, (Vir. Aug. 8. 4
n