, 1859-01-28

routes o glance at the geography Of the
country indicates which is the shortest, and
the reports of those who have been over
both point out which is the best and the
cheapest.
They both go to show that the one fol-
lowed by Governor Stevens enjoys advan-
tages possessed by none other 1t shorter
by FIVE hundred miles, and there is no posi-
ton on the route where wood, water, and
grass cannot be bad, and where wagons
cannot be carried, and which gives to the
emigran: a great saving of time aud money,
that enables him to reach the western set
Elements on the Pacific at an early day in
autumn, SO as to allow him to look about,
select, and prepare his new home before
winter sets in-ne unimportant matter
should he arrive very late in the season.
The route that l would point oat 10 the
emigrant desiring to settle in either of the
two Territories, or who is anxious to visit
these newly y-discovered gold placers in the
North, would be, to start from point on
the Upper Mississippi-say Saint Paul,
from whiGh point to Fort Walla-waIla,
where he meets the Columbia river steam
ers, is but fifteen hundred miles; or be may
start from St. Leuis in AyTil or May by
the American Fur Compauy's steamers, and
go to Fort Benton, on the Upper Missouri,
from which point to Fort Wala-wala be
has but five hundred miles of land travel.
This last is very good route for those to
follow who have not large bands of stock
or wagons with them. For those who
have, the first is their only route by one Of
the northern passes.
The emigraut, then, should be ready aud
prepared to start from ST. Paul gu the lst
Of Muy, al which time the grass is high
and green; and, supposiug him to travel
only ten miles day-a short days travel
he will accomplish his 500 miles in l50
days; or, iu other words, by the last day
Of September be is at his journeys end, and
has October and November to select and
prepare his new home, and to allow his
stock to recuperats for the winter season.
Those who intend emigrating should make
their wishes known TO their friends and
acquaiutances, SO as to form parties Of
from (Say) 20 to 100 families, that should
move together under some fixed organiza-
ton from day to day for their own protec-
ton, general convenience, and personal
pleasure. By this means the tediousness
of the trip will be in u great measure mod
flied, and these parties would be thus suffi-
ciently strong to meet any emergency while
passing through the Indian country. But
with regard to the indians, would state
that now along the whole route the Indians
are friendly and kind; but it cannot be too
strongly impressed upon all who pass thro'
their country to treat them en- all occasions
with justice, honesty, and kindness, and
they will thus not ouly reap rich harVests
from seed thus well sown, but they will
pave the way for oil future emigration 10
safety and security and thus prevent the
occurrence of the many sad massacres that
the history of all overland emigration has
hitherto been SO fraught with. Revenge
is at all times the law with the Indian, and
he will seek retaliation at all hazards, and
therefore let each and all be careful and
cautious, lest, by some illjudged or overt
act once committed, but never forgotten,
some mother, sister, wife, or relative, re-
tracing bis or their steps at some later day,
may be called upon to pay the penalty with
their lives.
The emigration being ready, then, to
start on the first Of May, organized as sug-
gested, let them provide themselves with
some friendly Indians as guides, and take
up their line of travel for Fort Union, at
the junction of the Yellowstone river with
the Missouri, distance of six hundred
miles, crossing in the meanwhile number
Of small streams. At the mouth Of the
Yellowstone they will find trading post
of the American Fur Company, supplied
every year direct by steamer from St.
Louis. This route they could always avail
themselves of to send from st. Louis, by
cheap transportation, such articles as they
would need on their long journey. From
this point to Fort Benton, near four hun
dred miles, is hr6ad, wel-marked, and
often-traveled wagon road, with wood wa
ter and grass along the whole route at
short and convenient distances; crossing
the small and easily-fordable streams Of
the Little and Big Muddy Creeks, thence
to the Milk river, the valley Of which is
followed for most of the distance over IA
level (almest Macadamized) road to the
Marias and Teton rivers, to Fort Benton,
on the Missouri AT this point persons
are found in any number who will point
ont the road to the st. Mary's Wiley; thence
TO the Ceur d'Alene mission; thence to
Fort Walla-walla, by an easy, direct road.
Through the Ceur d'Alene mountains the
emigration Of next year will doubtless pour
a large party, building the military road
from Fort Walla-wala to Fort Benton,
which was commenced last year. but upon
which work was suspended in consequence
of the Indian disturbances in Washington
Territory. But since these difficulties have
been adjusted, work will be resumed in
early spring, and the emigrant will not only
find a party at work, bridging streams,
clearing the forests, and grading hills and
mountains to expedite his journey but he
will also find this party protected with