The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-08-29

him, and which n Is alleged the English govern
ment pledged itself to confirm, through the command
Of the King, in whose presence the conveyance
made TO Carver by the Sioux Indians was read. He
not only sgnihed his approval Of the grant, but
promi ed 10 Al out an expedition with vessels to
sail to New Orleans, with the necessary men, &C.,
which Captain Carver was 10 head, and pro-
cetd from thence TO the site of his graft, TO take
possession Of il, by setling his people on il. The
breaking out Of the American revolution suspended
this contemplated expedition.
Captain Carver died poor, in London, in the year
1880, leaving two sons and five daughters. con-
sider his description Of the Indians among whom
he travelled, detailing their CUSTOMS manners, and
religion, the best that has ever been published.
In this opinion ! am sustained by Others and es-
pecaly by old Mr.. Duncan Graham, whom met
on the Upper Mississippi. lie hasli lived among the
Indians ever since the year 1888. He 10 now be-
tween 10 and so years old. He told mo Carver's
book contained the best account Of the customs and
manners Of the Indians he had ever read.
His valuabt work Is nearly out of print, il being
rather difficult to obtain copy. II went through
three editions in London. Carver dedicated it 10
Sir Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Society.
Almost every writer on the Indians and indian
character, since Carver's time, has made extensive
pagiariss from his book, without the least sort of
acknowledgment. l could name number of au-
thors who have ayailed themselves of Carvers
writings, without acknowledgment; but as they are
still living, do not wish 10 wound the feelings of
themselves OF friends.
One Of the writers alluded to, gravely puts forth,
as speculation Of his own, The Suggestion that the
Winnebagoes, and some other tribes Of Indians
now residing at the north had, in former tines re-
sided far 70 the south, and fed north from the
wars and prosecutions Of the bioodthrsty Spanards
that this opinion was strengthened from the fact,
that the Winnebagoes retained traditions of their
northern fight and Of the subsequent excursions Of
their war parties across the plains towards New
Mexico, where, meeting with Spaniards, they had in
one instance surprised and defeated large force Of
them, who were travelling ON horseback.
Now this whole idea originated With Carver; yet
Mr.. ----- has, without hesitation, adopted Il as
thought or discovery of his own!
The next Engshman who visited the northwest,
and explored the shores of Lake Superior, was Mr..
Henry, who departed from Montreal, and reached
Macknac through Lake Huron, i'm a batteau laden
with some goods. His travels commenced, l be-
lieve, about 1884, and ended about l776-T Mr..
Henry's explorations were conducted almost entire
Y with the view Of opening profitable trade with
The Indians He happened in the country while the
Indians retained strong prediction in favor OF
the French, and strong prejudices sganst the Eng
lsh u being about the period Of the Pontiac war,
he had some hazardous adventures among the fndi-
ans, and came near losing his life He continued,
however, TO prosecute his trade with the Indians, 10
the north and west Of Lake Superior. Making voy-
ages along the shores OF this lake. he became favor
ably impressed with the mineral appearances Of the
country Finding frequently, through his voya-
geurs, or by personal inspections rich specimens Of
copper ore, or Of the metal in its native stale, he ulti-
matcly succeeded in obtaining chsrter from the
English government, in conjunction with some
men Of wealth and responsibility in London, for
working the mines on Lake Superior. The company,
after making an Intellectual attempt to reach copper
vein, through clay, near the Ontonagon, the work
was abandoned, and was not afterwards revived.
General Cass, with Colonel Allen, &c, were the
next persons to pass up the southern Of Lake
Superior; and, IN going to the west and northwest Of
the lake, they travelled through Indian tribes in
search of the head Of the Mississippi river Their
travels and discoveries are well known to the public,
and proved highly interesting.
Mr.. Schoolcraft's travels, pretty much over the
same ground, have also been given to the public
also the expedition Of General Pike on the Upper
Mississippi.
More lately, the basin of The Upper Missis-
sippi has received further and more minute cx-
animation under the explorations directed by Major
Long, in his two expeditions authorized by govern
ment.
Lastly, Mr.. J. N. Nicoei, French saran, trav
cling for some years through the United States
with scientific objects in view, made an extensive
examination Of the basin Of the Upper mississippi
He assembled the Missouri river to the Council
Bluffs; where, arranging his necessary outfit Of
men, horses, provisions, &c, (being supplied with
good instruments for making necessary observa-
TONS, he stretched vast tract of country
the extreme head-waters of the ST. Peters, determine
ing, as he went, the heights Of places above the
ocean, the latitude and longitude Of certain points,
with magnetic variations. He reached the high
lnd dividing the waters of the St. Peters from those
Of the Red river Of the North. He descended the
ST. Peters to its mouth; examined the position and
geology ofSt Anfhony's falls, and then assembled
the same river as high as the Growing river. The
secondary rock observed below the falls, changes
for greensboro, senite, &c, with cratic boulders.
On the east side of the river, little below Pikwa
blk, is q large mass of sientc rock with flesh
colorcd feldspar, extending mile in length half
a mile IN width, and 80 feet high. This is called
The Lits Rock: Higher up, on the same side, at
the foot N the Knife rapids there are sources that
transport very fine, brilliant and blush sand,
companed by soft and uncluous matter. This
appears TO be the result Of the decomposition of a
stcachis, probably interposed between tho sienc
rocks mentioned. The same thing is observed at
the mouths of the Wabesi and Omoshkos rivers.
Ascending the Crow-wing river shor, distance,
Mr.. Ncollet turned up Gull river, and proceeded as
far Pine river, taking White Fish lake in his
way; and again assembled the east fork of Pine river,
and reached Little Bay river, which he descended
over rapids, &c, to Leech lake, where he spent
some days in making astronomical observations,
&c. From Leech lake, he proceeded, through small
streams and lakes, to that in which the Mississippi
heads, called Hasca. Having made all necessary
observations at this point, he act out on his return
down the Mississippi; and finally, reaching For
Smelling at St. Peters, he spent the winter there
Lake Itasca, in which the Mississippi heads, Mr..
Ncollet found to be about $500 feet above the level
OF the ocean, and lying in lat. about 47o TO- NORTH
and in Ion. $50 west of Greenwich
This vast basin of the Upper Mississippi forms
a most interesting and valuable portion Of the North
American continent. From the number of its rum
ming streams and resh-watcr lakes and its high lat
tude, il cannot fail to prove healthy residence for
its future population.
II also contains the most extensive body of pine
timber to be found in the entire valley of the Mis-
sissipp and from which the country extending
from near st. Anthony's falls to ST. Louis, for
siderable distance each side of the river, and up
many Of its tributaries must draw supplies Of lunl-
Der for building purposes.
In addition TO these advantages, the upper basin
is rich in mines of lead and copper and it not inn
probable that silver may also be found. Its agricul
tural resources are also very great Much of the
land is most beautifully situated, and fertile in high
degree. The climate is mlder than that found or
the same parallel Of latitude east of the Allegheny
mountains. Mr.. Nicollet fixes the mean tempcrn- |
nj Itaor 1ako nfA md 81