The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-12-08

Lieut. Donelson, in charge Of the main par
ty, brings to his duty great force OF character,
high intelligence and an unsurpassed diligence
and fidelity.
Bat our experience sWong the indians II as
extraordinary ss it issHhexpected. we have
trayersed the region Of the terrible Backieet,
have met them in war parties ana 10 tneir
camps and have received nothing but kindness
and hospitality. They have brought us fresh
mea.. guided us on our way, brought into camp
strayed animals, and have ided us whilst
we slept Not one Of our men has been touch
cd not the smallest thing has been taken, we
were vending our way to the Northern BLACK
feet camps. when | was called back by the ex-
press, informing me of Lieut.. Saxtons arrival;
a little party surrounded by our Blackfeet
friends, and not even keeping any guard what
ever at night | treated them as true friends,
took them p. their word, and directed all my
men mt night to go to sleep. Lieut. Saxton
had precisely the same experience with the IN
dian5 west IF the mountains. At this very mo
mcnt Mr. Stanley, the artist OF the expedition,
with four men, is in their midst, under the 5Oth
parallel. and am only awaiting his return to
push forward and join Lieut.. Donelson. The
Government has as yet done nothing for these
Indians and | have invited them to Fort Ben
ron TO give them q message from the Great
Father and to ascertain whether they will
agree for all time to come to treat all whites
as they have treated me and mine
These Indians range from the Saskatchewan
To the California trail, and in the winter have
their lodges on the Milk and Missouri Rivers
Milk River, the principal northern tributary
of the Missouri, instead Of running north into
British territory, as laid down on all the maps,
runs nearly due west to within one hundred
miles of the mountains and then DETECTING
rapidly to the north, has its sources in the Cy
press Mountain and the ad jacent spurs of the
Rocky Mountains. At the base of the noun
tains between the Milk river and the forks Of
the Missouri, the country is plateau, rising
gently to the several passes, in every direction
practicable for railroad There are several
tributaries flowing through it to the Missouri,
and several very lofty buttsS, over three thou
sand feet above the plateau.
The Mix River line affords extraordinary
facilities for building railroad, and has q nat
ural connection with every pass.
The country south of the Missouri TO the
Black Hills, and that between the Milk and
Missouri Rivers, has been explored by Doctor
Evans, the geOlogist Of the expedition, who has
not only made great additions to the topogra-
ply of the country, but has made very large
geological collection. He is now in the passes
of the mountains, on his way to Oregon.
Before closing this letter, must notice my
obligations to the gentlemen of both the fur
in st. Louis, for their uniform kind
ness and aid to the expedition. To Mr.. Camp
bell particularly am indebted for his disinter-
csted and untiring services in our behalf To
Mr.. Sibley and Mr.. Culbertson, partners in the
American Fur Company in charge Of the posts
on the Mississippi and Missouri, am especial
ly indebted the former, both in Washington
and ut his residence on the st. Peters devoted
much time and attention to the survey, and
rendered US very valuable assistance.
met Mr.. Culbertson in st. Louis in May,
and found his great experience, derived from
twenty years residence among the Indian tribes
of the Upper Missouri, and his perfect knowl-
edge of men and things in the country through
which we had to pass, fitted him for a most
valuable adviser. appointed him special
agent among the Blackfeet Indians, subject to
the approval of the Indian Commissioner. He
has been untiring and indefatigable in his dis
charge of duty and has rendered Invaluable
aid to the expedition.
Isaac l. STEVENS