The Washington union., 1857-11-19
IMpoRTANr FROM THE PLAINS.

. IMPORTANT FROM THE PLAINS.
The St. Louis Republican Of last Mondays issue has
the following interesting and important integencs from
the plains
Mr. Lander who Is connected as chief engineer with
Magaws wagon road survey passed through this city
his way to Washington Saturday last This gentle
man, who Is well-known civil engineer and explorer
distinguished himself by very daring trip the
continent during the summer Of the Sioux with
party of four men, only of whom arrived with him at
the Missouri river He is also mentioned the author
Of several able reports to Congress the subject Of Pa
eihc railroad.
This gentleman has performed, since the 18th day of
June last tho unprecedented feat Of riding A. 400 miles
much of the distance in unexplored mountain passes and
all in rough field service without tent ordinary bag
gage in the short space Of four and half months inclu
ding eighteen camp days. He commenced with party
of thirteen men, four of whom returned with him to the
starting point at Independence Mo- Many of the oigi
nal party disabled by illness, and remain in
the mountains, their way TO the settlements
VIM. II. Wagner, John H. Ingle, Calvin ]. Crockcr,
and Alexander Mitchell the names of those who ar
rived with Mr.. Lander.
This severe labor was performed for the purpose Of
ecng the shortest practicable route for the new wagon
road prior to the arrival of the working train in charge
Of Superintendent Magraw. From scarcity OF grass and
other obstacles not foeseen by inexperienced parties the
main working train only arrived at the South pass in sea-
son to go into winter quarters, where it now is.
The Mormons having burned all the grass the south
winterng grounds the wagon-road expedition has
selected camp Wind river. 1t is surrounded by
herds of buffalo and elk with which, In event Of failure
of other of subsistence the train may be supplied
b. r. Fcklin of the assistant engineers of the at
party, who had distinguished himself in detached
service has been detailed by Mr. Lander at the request
Of Superintendent Magaw to purchase -four and other
provisions for the train In performing this duty he was
surrounded Green river by sixty we'll armed mount
ed Mormons. He gave them cvasivc answers to the
nature Of his business and at length allowed to de-
part. He rode at to the command Of Colonel Alex
ander many miles distant and informed that gentleman
of he ADJ of fha mo, rmcd ynpn
that five hundred had crossed Green river going
In the direction of unprotected government trains but
before any escort sent three trans embracing
ensx wagons, reached and completely destroyed
by the party of sixty men first From the destruc
ton of these trains Of provisions the eastern mountain
disposed to hold articles of subsistence at high
price. Flour thirty dollars hundred at Plato
Bridge, hundred and twenty-five miles beyond Fort
Laramie and rising and general belief prevailed in
the country that hosties were commenced. The mill
ary forces were in hghspts and though travelling with
every prospect of enduring great hardshps enthusiastic
to man, and prepared for the worst. @5
The explorations of the advance party of the wagon
road expedition had proved Of great service to the
mand. The entire region between the Salt Lake and
Snake river the South Pass and Thousand Spring val
ley connecting the work of Sanbury and Fremont and
hitherto unexplored had been surveyed and mapped
sixteen mountain passes examined ALI the tributaries of
the upper Green river defined to their sources the great
Wahsatch chain found to consist of four distinct ranges
Numerous supplies of grass, wood and water had been
discovered and the various wagon routes two of which
avoid the Grand Desert of the Sandy and ono seven
days shorter travel in distance of five hundred miles
than any previously known. These may be mentioned
some Of tho results Of the explorations The military
force had therefore, abandoned the old line of approach
and advancing upon the valley of the lake by the
open plains of the western descent of the Bear and Ma
lade rivers. a
Our informant, who was former member of Mr. San
ders's party assures that much important ntoll-
gence to which he have until reaches
the Interior Department will shortly DO laid before the
country.
We forgot to state that Governor Cummings and lady
with the secretary of the Territory met about two
days march east of Fort Laramie with COL Cook and the
Utah mail train
When Mr.. i. informed Gov Cummings of the COM
mencemcnt of Mormon disturbances by the destruction
of government trans being the first to bring this intel
lgence Gov. c. quietly remarked ''Tell all my friends
SIR that started to obey instructions and to go into Salt
Lake City, and am going.
Brigham Young had already disclaimed any parcipa-
ton knowledge of the overt act of burning the sup
pyrans and the best judges Of tho Mormon character
believe that the leaders of this singular society will
ment and put of the day Of stand fight to the last
moment On the other hand, old mountaneers pre-
dieting the most disastrous consequences the troops
not able to fight their way into the city The grass
burned the forage wenigh eaten up winter setting in
with several deep SHOWS much of the command far in
the and great Of mountains shutting 1t out
from the northern wntering grounds all to give
weight the suppostion that the expedition will not be
successful one. Cache valley, which is open, well
grassed plain in which several Mormon farms, and
over which roam great herds Of cattle and horses the
property of the Church. will soon however, be within
striking distance Of the command.