, 1854-02-11
Nos 90.

] AAANuNs NlONNl euANClt hlHl IuOIt
definite on these subjects, will at once af-
ford the data on which to base a reliable
report on this interesting question. OBJ
structions are known to exist; but it is
thought they are so slight, that, with tri-
| fling eXl enditure Of labor and money, they
can be removed and that steamboat can
ascend up to the falls of Missouri river.
The survey of Missouri and Columbia riy,
ers will enable us to know exactly how far
our three great natural aquedhets- the
Mississippi, the Missouri and Colambit-2-
will lend themselves to the construction df
the great northern railroad 9- shall push
westward, in day or two, rapidly for the
seat of government Of the, Territory az
Washington, and hasten to Organize H.
should nothing occdP.s1qiai isod 80 7qi 9lI
'aIa think ! will reach d0Itmpidi ii ithirfE
five days from the date, of this, and the
Lieutenant will leave here about the same
time. Thus, you. viii perceive our vast
continent may be crossed 1T tlis latitude In
little over seventy days, though three ses
we're mountain ranges have to be crossed, =
Before closing this article, / cannot omit
my testimony in behalf Of the gentlemen
Of both the Fur Companies az ST. iEodis
and all their posts, for their efficient aid ind
advice, and the uniform kindness displayed
to the members Of the expedition. .AtSt
Louis the noble-hearted Robert Campbell
devoted his whole energies to our service,
and his agents and servants have every
where co-Operntedl r9sa ~ bsa .baa6s 9di
I l must, however; especially remember
Mr. Sibley of Minnesota, and Mr., Culbert-
son, partners in the American Fur Compa-
ny, and in charge Of the posts On Misslssfbl
pi and Missouri Rivers, fortheir unsparing
exertiOns to advance the great, obi6sls,nf
the survey. At Washington City, before
we left, and at his home in Minnesota, Mr.
Sibley was unwearied and interchangeable. n
In May I met Alexander Cdlbeftsonat
St. Louis With an experience maturod
by twenty years residence in the Indian
country, l found him endowed with the re-
quisite characteristics to carry our expedi-
ton safely through the Indian territory. "a
Knowing every man IN the Upper Nilsson
ri, he knew just the men we wanted, and
could secure for us the sturdy hunters, We
needed for our mountain exploration, Sub
ject to the approval Of the Indian bureau,
I appointed him special agent among the
Blackfeet Indians Leaving his business,
and deyOtihg his energies to,,the labor,
much Of our success with the Indians1
must ascribe TO his valuable Influence
His peerless lady, too, q second Pocahun-
tas, commands my hearty thinks for her
good Offices. Shelisga "a pure Blackfoot w0-
man, Of the ''Rlood7 tribe, and in al her
husbands lahors has she shared, securing
the aflectionate regard Of every member Of
the expedition. i+7 t'.'frei aill o.
Apirehehding possible collision be-
tween 0ur men and some Of her own peO-
pie, she asked to accompany US, to assist in
preventing difficulty. The night before we
left Fort Union, She said to her husband
81 viii go with you; win do what Team
tosettle differences, andwhon you die Twill
die" Her presence has alleviated the an
noyances of campaign life; and encouraged
US on the march, She commands my war
NEST regard, and has her reward IN the as
surance Of the friendly feeling between
these children Of the plains, and the men
from the ''far OF land, y whose approach to
the eountryin times past, was SO much drea-
ded Truly your friend, and .obedient
servant. e y ISAAC l. STEVENS.
NorE.-In thisan1hst. are ineladsd M. IAabsis,
The ropegnphsr of ihs Espedllln y charge qf tfe
USa Us0%s,s isy SSws 4 pSs SS y2S S y sa as @ &
IN bis profession, Mr.. 0sgOol the DlIbanIpg Agent.
NJ NJ Steven, AssronoiaeS. ". Mos. .srslosss
q ai' seAtiemen acting q AZ IVY
10 Capt Msclslhnls gsfiylwls ailaelea Llegt Dun
aa ASaefsr fsss aIq toP9spas nsS' ~ nnSp~ IVY
er, Naturalist Mr.. Miutuf, Civil Engineer, Mr. 0eoFgp
Gibbs, SeolosiS- ~
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NSssDglp es51 bobs sS sth IA + Fb ,sSa s ep1 ss
aThe cb;sf n tbsIs,,ieat,io,, .eosgs t,,la,es
Tant saxto and NJ ,,srtS m tle;r go