The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-12-17

ularly successful In securing the services of DR..
George Suckley. Young, impulsive and brill
liant, he has collected much and infused desire
to collect specimens in the minds of all.
J. E. Stanley, Esq, the artist of the expedi-
tion, has taken great many sketches, illustra-
tive of the progress of the expedition. besides
taking at various points on the way numerous
dsguerreotypes of Indians His reputation, al.
ready SO we'll established, cannot be enhanced
by any reference to his satisfactory discharge
Of duty.
In the other scientific fields entire satisfac-
ton has been given. and at proper time shall
take occasion to notice my obligation to the
gentlemen concerned.
Difficulty had been anticipated along our
route from the various Indian tribes inhabiting
the country through which We were obliged to
pass, and much annoyance was predicted from
the notorious Blackfeet nation. In our inter-
course with them, however, we have expert
enced in all cases the utmost kindness, and
they have received us on all occasions with hos
pitality. Before reaching Fort Union We met
the large encampment Of Assimboins, original
" one Of the tribes of the Sioux nations. With
them we spent nearly day, and had q talk "
"a Notwithstanding them few presents,
and receiving from them o present of some
robes and skins.
West of Fort Union We have met the Indians
In their encampments and in their war parties
we have camped near them, and for days have
they accompanied our train, and to this time l
have yet to learn of the loss of a single article
of value. Not horse has been stolcn-not q
man molested. Our little reconnoitering par
ties have gone out to the side of our line. nc
companicd by Indians as guides, and when
called back by the express sent by Lieut.. Dom
elson, to announce the approach Of Lieut.. Sax
ton, accompanied by six white men. l was on
my way to the large encampmeDt Of the Pegans
TO accept an invitation made by several of their
chiefs to visit them and inform them Of the in
tentions of the great Father towards their
people. Much might be said in this place about
them but can only say that they have treat
ed us with the most generous kindness, acting
not only as our guides and expresses, but when
our animals have straycd, or feeble animals
have fallen behind, they have recovered them
for us and brought them back; in some cases
they have acted as our sentnels at night: in
every way they have been friendly and useful
to us.
But little anxiety need be felt as to SHOWS in
the mountains. There will be none for month
or more to impede our progress, and ample
time will be afforded during this and the carly
part of next month for thorough examination
of the mountain passes. Shows now cover the
mountain peaks, but in the valleys there has
yet none fallen.
1t is believed that by properly constructed
steamboat, drawing not over eighteen inches of
water, the Missouri river can be navigated to
this point, or even to the falls, some distance
above here.
The survey of Lieut.. Doncson. establishes the
practicability to Milk River, and the cordellc(
boats used by the Fur Company from Fort
Union to this post evince its possibility from
there. Lieut.. SaxtOn leaves here in a keel-bOat
drawing over twelve inches, and will learn
much as to where distractions exist, and how
they may be removed. Lient. Growers survey
still more definite on these subjects, will at once
afford the data on which to base a reliable re-
port on this interesting question. DISTINCTIONS
are known to exist but it is thought they are
90 slight, that, with trifng expenditure of Ia
Dor and money. they can be removed, and that
steamboat can ascend up to the falls of Mis-
souri, river. The survey of Missouri and Co
lumba rivers will enable us to know exactly
how far our three great natural aqueducts-the
Mississippi the Missouri, and Columbia-will
lend themselves to the construction of the great
Northern railroad. shall push westward in
day or two, rapidly for the seat of government
OF the Territory OF Washington, and hasten to
organize it, should nothing occur.
think | will reach Olympia in thirty-fve
days from the date of this, and the Lieutenant
will leave here about the same time Thus,
you Will perceive. our vast continent may
be crossed at this latitude i'm little over
seventy days. though three severe mountain
ranges have to he crossed.
Before closing this article, cannot omit my
testimony in behalf Of the gentlemen of both
the Fur Companies at st. Louis and at all
their posts, for their efficient aid and advice,
and the uniform kindness displayed to the mem
bers of the expedition. At St. Louis, the noble
l.oll Il l..
ergies to our service, and his agents and Off
GERS have everywhere co-opcrated.
l must, however, especially remember Mr.
Sibley, of Minnesota, and Mr.. Culbertson, part
ners in the American Fur Company, and il
charge Of the posts on the Mississippi and Mis-
souri, rivers, for their unsparing excrtions t.
advance the great objects of the survey. A
Washington City before we left, and It his HON,
in Minnesota, Mr.. Siblcy was unwearied and in
defatigable.
In May l met Alexander Culbertson at ST
Louis. With an experience matured by twent,
years residence in the Indian Country, foun,
him endowed with the requisite characteristic
to carry our expedition safely through the In
dian territory. knowing every man in the h p
per Missouri, he knew just the men we wanted
and could secure for us the hardy hunters w
needed for our mountain exploration. Subjcc
to the approval of the Indian bureau. appoiut
Gu MIN special agent among the Blackfeet In
dams. Leaving his business, and devoting hi.
energies to the labor, much of our success will
the Indians must ascribe to bis valuable infu
ence. His peerless lady, too. a second Poca-
hontas. commands my hearty thanks for hcl
good offices. She is pure Blackfoot woman
OF the Blood tribe, and in all her husband
labors has she shared, securing the affcctionat,
regard OF every member of the expedition.
Apprehending possible collision between
our men and some of her own people, she asket
to accompany us, to assist in preventing diff
Guilty. The night before we left Fort Union
she said to her husband, Twill go with you
Will do what | can to settle differences, AM
when you die will die Her presence has al
leviated the annOyances of campaign life ant
encouraged US on the march. She commands
my warmest regard, and has her reward in the
assurance Of the friendly feeling between these
children of the plains and the men from thu
"iar-off land, !" whose approach to the country
IN times past was so much dreaded.
Truly your friend and obedent servant.
ISAAC /. STEVENS.
IOrdar No. IS.
Northern Pacific r X Eynlorof;on opd \