The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1853-09-22

Gov. STEVENS SuRvEY.-We last week noticed
the Survey OF the Northern Route, and gave the
views Of some of The gentlemen who accompanied the
expedition, the praciclity OF the country over
which the party passed, for the objects Contemplated
by the survey. We this week have the qualification
of giving interesting extracts from letter from
Gov. Stevens himself, which appeared in the Boston
Post, and bears date from Fort Union (moulh OF the
Yellow Stone,) August Z, 1855. We would gladly
publish it entire, bul lack for room
After mentioning the arrival Of the expedition in
good health and spirits, Fort Union, the Governor
says:
eve are now what regard as the most trou-
biesome hal! Ut our route, about twenty-five DAYS
march east Of the Rocky mountains aud in excellent
condition to accomplish the abors of the survey
The Governor is much pleased with the face Of the
county through Minnesota, and says '.that thus far
our ibors have been attended with most satisfactory
results, fully reaching my most sanguine expecta-
tons"
Governor Stevens experienced much delay and an
no!ance at the beginning of his journey from the IN.
broken condition Of the animals and "A want of prac-
teal knowledge Of the duties before them on the part
Of the men employed FOR the expedition: ''it took
much time and matter Of much study to learn
how TO make the best use Of the materia'' of the
part. to secure the greatest amount Of usefulness and
at the time be agreeable to each indiyiduaI'
These difficulties overcome, the party progressed
stead, up ''coutinuous ascent" ulti the baromet-
rical measurement had reached some "cleven or
twelve bundled feet above Fort Sneiling.'
"A detachment from The main party made thorough
explorations Of the valley Of the Sbyanne river the
tributaries Of the river Jacques the Mouse river val
ley, and The Grand Coteau de Missouri. To this is
added the survey Of the country north OF the Missouri
to the Porcupne river, as lish the 49th parallel
1t. Donelson, who had charge of small party who
came up the Missouri, has made an admirable survey
Of that river, and has collected sufficient data to ena
bic him TO make elaborate and interesting report
Oh its navigabiy.''
The party had a continual supply Of Buffalo meat
from the 7th Jny, until they approached the Yellow
Stone. The Governor, in speaking Of the immense
herds through which ne passed, says: 81 had heard
much Of The amensity of these herds of living flesh
which roam over these plains. Till saw them,
sight on Sunday, the 10Th July. We had moved for
ward fome ten miles, designing to eucamp on Lake
Jessie, the timber bordering which was in sight, We
assembled high hill; before us and on all sides were
the countless herds, moving like the unduations of
the sea- Every square mile seemed To have a differ.
ent herd upon it-and this continued as far as we
could see. Between Us and on, intended camping
Pace--to use hgmative expression--it looked as
though we should have to cut our way through
Drawing our train up at our usual midday halt [
despatched our six hunters, finely mounted on ,hei,
buffalo chargers, (horses reserved especially for that
purpose) and moving of easily ill near the herds,
and dashed in amongst them, rode around them, sep
aaed The latest cows, and shot after shot did their
execution In little more than an hour our wagons
were loaded with the choice pieces Of fine buffalo
COWS, and all had the opportunity Of witnessing a
''butTalo hunt''
Two Of the annual Red River hunting parties were
also met on the prairies some numbering some 1900
persons, from the American settlements near Pembua
the other from the British settlements near Sell
XIX, consisting OF over 200O." They 'subseouen,I,
met aud had an interesting "talk,' with large en-
campment OF Assinibone Iudians, numbering some
lao lodges, and spent the larger portion Of day in
their camp collected information as 10 their modes
Of life, traditions, locaIty &c.''
The "ove'nor appears not only satisfied with the
results OF the abors already performed but is eIaed
with The prospects before him in his tedious Journey
to, and across the mountains. He says: ssMy COM
mand now are in admirable condition. body of men
to whom have become attached, and who are now
assigne'i TO their appropriate fields of labor"
"From this poin. the command will proceed to Fort
Benton in two parties. One carrying the supplies
for the route west Of that place, will take the road
usually travelled and known az the Mill river route.