Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-01-05
Interesting from Governor Stevens Ex
pedition.

The following extract Of a letter from one
of the officers Of the exploring party under
Gov. Stevens, will be read with interest;
PORTLAND, OREGON TERRITORY,
October IS, 1853.
In order to examine rs much country as
practicable, Major Stevens and myself have
not Travelled foot ofthe way together. Hc
explored, with his parties, 10 the north of
the Missouri, 10 the south, extending my
examinations two hundred miles into the
interior. We met at the Black fort, one
hundred miles from the Rocky Mountains,
by agreement, and spent Tour days together,
talking over matters connected with the ex-
petition. Both Of our routes are entirely
practicable for railroad, and found no
difficulty whatever in crossing the main
chain of the Rocky Mountains. Wagons
can pass with few weeks labor, and not
the least difficulty in the way Of a railroand.
There is river characterization" river
ON the east. with valley sufficiently wide.
extending 10 The Dividing Ridge. which is
OF no great elevation, and only occupies a
few hours in crossing: or the Bitter Roe,
river, with valley s'lIl wider and be tcr.
extending to prairie land beyond The noun
iains. The whole crossing, from prairie to
prairie. occupies from FIVE 10 seven days
1t is travelled by the Indians iRtliree or four
The Bitter Root mountains are not practical
BILE for a railroad, or any other kind OF road
but they can he wholly avoided by passing
from the outlet of the Black Foot trail lit.
lie north, and following the usual route Of
the Hudson's Bay Company in their ex.
cursions to that negon. This route is
wholly in the territory of the United States
Major Stevens will thoroughly explore the
Bitter Root range, and may find better
pass than l crossed through in 1851 ant
during my late trip. The last trail is called
the "Grand" trail of the Nezperees Indians
and is over series of mountains route
one hundred and thirty miles, very steep ant
rocky1the other two hundred aud ten miles
the mountains almost equally elevated, bu
not SO rocky, more numerous, however
Both of these routes are out OF the question
NV own impression has always been, ant
still is, that the shores of the Columbia rive
afford the most practicable route for a rail
road through the Cascade maintains. TIL
route passes north of the Blue mountain
range. The whole route is entirely prac
ticable, as no doubt will be fully demonstra
ted by Major Stevens. The Major and hi
party have all enjoyed gond health, and ar
getting on finely. The Major himself is a
energetic man, and has accomplished won
ders for one season, but unavodably at
very great expense.
Major Stevens conteinplates leaving
portion Of the stores at Fort Owen, and
small party under Lieutenant Mullin. t
operate during the winter. If the passag
Of the wagons carse much delay, Majc
: Stevens will hurry, on TO Washington Tel
ritory. leaving the train in charge of som
suitable officer. The party is no doubt a
over by this time, and Major S. may be e,
pccted in about ten days or two weeks.
: My own trip has been eminertly success.
iu', much beyond my expectations, almost II
whole way through country not previous1
explored. JOHN EVANS.