The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-10-30
Fopr SNELLINo, Oct. 3, Is4e

FoRT SMELLING, Oct. 3, IS49.
GENTLEMES 1t is with much regret find my
self unable to furnish you, as you requested, with
detailed account of the expedition of the past
mer to the northern portion of your territory. ]
have been so unwell for several days to be inca
pable Of attending to my own business here; and
now discover, that have barely time to arrange
my affairs so to enable me to depart for WASH
ngton on the next boat.
Iregret this the more, as ] have traversed por-
tons of the country not before examined; and am
satisfied that nothing more is necessary for the
pid progress of Minnesota, than fair statement of
the numerous advantages it offers to persons immi-
grating to the West The fertility Of the soil, and
the many and valuable water privileges embraced
within the boundaries of this territory, far
coed any thing have previously supposed, that
at loss to express myself with sufficient force
to set before the country, in their true lights the
remarkable features OF this portion of the north
west. The Mississippi and Lake Superior on the
east, the Red river in the centre, and the Minnesota
or St. Peters the SOUTH enclose almost an island
unparalleled for the advantages it offers to the
manufacturer and farmer, The only difficulty
(and that is by no means universally Is the scarcity
of wood
This difficulty is almost entirely confined to the
west side of the Red river of the NORTH but the
heavy timber, abundant on all the numerous trbu-
taries of this stream from the west, almost does
away with any fear on this subject.
The numerous lakes on the maps. 80 far from in
dcating "a low or swampy region, are surrounded
with high rolling country, densely covered with
tude, and connected with each other by streams
which, with their numerous rapids, afford an mex
haustible water-power
These remarks peculiarly applicable to that
portion of Minnesota Territory embraced between
the mouth of Crow Wing river and the head Of Red
river and Red lake. A more beautiful and fertile
country than the portion through which recently
passed. believe does not exist. The region bor
derng on the lower Red river presents no elevated
country, but is composed Of the richest vegetable
mould three four feet deep, and requiring hardly
any attention to make II produce most abundantiy.
The Red river itself is heavily tmbered, on both
banks 10 its point of intersection with the parallel
OF 49 degrees north latitude, and Is navigabe for
boats of three four feet draugh of water for four
and some seasons five months in the year, for 500
miles, and TO point within l25 miles of the Mssis
sippi.
cannot, IN this short communication, sufficiently
set forth TO you the vivid and most favorable inn
prcssions have conceived Of your territory. think
il merely necessary show 10 the world the actual
of tiings " ensure its rapid advancement. A
portion of the country embraced between Otter Tail
lake, one Of the sources Of the Mississippi and Red
lake, has never been explored. Would il not be
advisable for your Delegate in Congress procure
this winter appropriation for that purposel Hav-
ing begun the exploration, shall, during the via,
ter, execute map and make a report of the zion
have seen. Ii would truly be peasip,y dntv
should ] be selected TO complete the Examination
next season.
As feel deeply interested in the prosperity and
welfare Of the hslfbreod residents on the northern
Hpui'E VI JOuI from having observed
their activity, industry, and law. abiding character
am induced 10 offer TO your notice as the persons
most proper TO bring such subject 10 the attention
OF your Legislature, some hints as TO the proper
course TO be adopted 10 insure the protection OF these
people, and the foundation Of successful and pros
porous settlement along that border The success
OF this settlement regard the more important as
u IA directly in contact with the possessions Of the
Hudson Bay Company, who now exercise a para
mount sway within the American territory, and
who are every year drawing from this country, by
their fur trade, an immense revenue.
The whole Of the Red river settlement was Al
one time within what the possessions of the
United States; but IA this fact became
known. the half breeds were actually forced, by
the Hudson's Bay Company, 10 remove 10 the Brit
lsh side OF the line Almost all the trapping and
hunting - now done within the limits Of the II, r.
rtory Of Minesotai and Il has been apparent that
no protection afforded by our Government
and great favors shown by the company 90
those residing on English soil, il Is not TO be won.
dcrcd at that the greater portion of the half breeds
continue 10 remain north Of the line. They are at
present entirely dependent for their winters sun.
ply of provisions upon the buffalo hunting on hi.
side, and share equal privileges, matters now
stand, with those residing on American soil
Three things only are necessary to establish
prosperous and pOpuous settlement ON the Amcri-
can side, within your territory, and these can AT
once be effected by the action Of your legislature
with the AID OF your executive and Judicial ofccrs
Let. Let the law against the encroachments Of the
citizens subjects Of foreign countries upon our
territories be enforced. 3D. Memorislize the Gen
eral Government 10 eStinguish the Indian title To
the lands in that quarter, and then extend the law.
Of Minnesota The people Of the settlement by es
tabshing courts Of justice and appointing ofcp al
persons to regulate their affairs. Ia. Throw OF al
by means Of roads and other facilities, the 'rsde
and commerce Of the Mississippi, and int. odnce
among them the currency Of the United state
now much less valued than the notes Of the Uud
sons Bay Company, payable sirty days aft.r ,irhf
in London.
These things they certainly have ri ght 10 claim;
and sincerely hope the Legislature of Mneso,s
will adopt, as early as practicable, g,me mean. of
alternating the present condition Of these people
and Of cfiecting objects desirable, as those have
mentioned.
am, with great respect, your ob't scrv't.
. JOHN POPE
Messrs, MoLEAS 4 OWENS