Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-07-28
eastern Gimes.
Railroad to the Pacifc---Exploration of
a Northern Route,


the present administration. Maj. Stevens, the
newly appointed Governor of the new territory
of Washington, is charged with the execution
of the project, and he is well qualified in ev-
cry respect for the undertaking. The explor-
ing party is now on its way The route COM
mences at est PauFs, or some eligible point
ON the Upper Mississippi, and thence westerly
70 the great bend Of the Missouri river; thence
on the table land between the tributaries of
the Missouri and those of the Saskatchewan
to some eligible pass in the Rocky Mountains;
thence to Puget Sound on the Pacific Coast
At Port Union, at the mouth of the Yellow
Stone, Depot is to be established, and por
ton of the party will rendezvous there, and
await the coming of the main body. A sec
ond party will proceed at once to Puget Sound,
and explore the passes of the Cascade Range,
meeting the Eastern party between that range
and the Rocky mountains, as may be arranged
by Governor Stevens"
Besides the general instructions for the con
duct of the expedition, the Government have
issued specific instructions to secure all that
can be learned Of the Geology, Natural His
tory, Botany, &C., and to preserve sketches of
scenery and natural objects. Astronomical
Observations are to be made at every camp, if
possible. Meteorological Observations are to
be made en- route, in camp, and at fixed posts.
The instructions in all these matters are intel
igible, and very minute. The number, names,
and characteristics of the Indian tribes, will be
another interesting subject of enquiry.
The following interesting particulars in re-
IatiOn to this great national enterprise, are
copied from the Minnesota Democrat -
ff The force operating from the head waters
of the Mississippi westward, will number about
eighty men, consisting of the army officers and
civilians constituting the scientific corps,
small escort of dragons, and the usual cooks,
attendants, aid Quartermaster's employees
DR.. Evans, the Geologist of the Expedition,
Lieut. Donelson, Lieut.. Malan and six 9th
ers are now on their way to Fort Union, at
the mouth of the Yellow Stone. On their
passage up by the Fur Company's boat, a re-
connoisance of the Missouri river will be made
in order to determine to what extent it can be
used in transporting material for the road
The party starting from the head waters of
the Mississippi, though a large one, is needed
for the objects of the survey, for with it Gov.
5. will be able TO organize two or three par
ties to make general survey of the country,
and enable the civil engineers who will follow
close after them, to determine the route of the
road. To succeed with this comprehensive
plan of operation, it is designed to keep
number of spare animals for express purposes,
and to send out with parties on despatched
duty.
Difficulties will of necessity occur, particu-
larly in ascertaining the practicable passes Of
the Rocky and Cascade mountains. The
eastern half of this territory will present no
difficulties, as Nicollet's exploration shows
that it is a prairie country, the survey of
which may be rapidly made,
On approaching the Rocky Mountains, it
will probably be necessary for Gov Stevens
to suspend the railroad survey and apply his
whole force to the general reconnaissance
His party is large enough to be divided into
four efficient sub-partes, and a finer set of
men was never collected for any like enter
prise. They are men of nerve, earnest in
their purpose, and impelled by unyielding en-
ergy. Their commander, Gov. Stevens, al
ready so honOrably known in this country,
possesses in the highest degree, the rare quail
tiles necessary to the success Of the great work
ne has undertaken. A leader like him,
breathes enthusiasm into all his followers,
and inspires even the inexperienced youth with
the selfrespect, courage, patience and ambi-
tlOn Of veteran.
The Governor is himself the hardest work
er in his camp. During the past week, as
sisted by the gentlemen of the scientific corps,
he worked like day laborer, breaking mules
Since his arrival in the Territory, he has
spent but two hours away from camp, and that
was visit to Gov. German. He is deter
mined not to be encountered with any drones
or deadheads, and any such that he finds in
his company will be sent back before he takes
up the line of march from Sauk Rapids. He
is resolved not to have single man in the ex-
Pedition upon whom he cannot place the ut
most reliance.
Ihe Governor expects that party will get
through to the Rocky Mountains by October
There is no doubt but practicable route
for a railroad will be found pretty nearly on a
line from Fort Union to Puget Sound There
is no obstacle whatever through the country
this side; and as regards the country west. it
is fact well known to Northwestern voya-
geurs that the distance from Fort Union to
Fort Benton is made by the fur traders in
twenty days, with heavy loaded wagons
This route goes through the Marias pass.
This and other passes will be thoroughly ex-
plored. The passes ascertained, it may be
necessary to send their parties to gather full
details of the contiguous country For a ser
vice like this, the expedition has in F. w.
Lander, Esq, just the man who for varied
knowledge in his profession, and particularly
in the important branch Of railroad estimates.
is probably unsurpassed He viii, in pass
ing over the country, make general observa-
tions as regards the best line for road, and
A. w. Tinkhams, Esq, will follow, collect