, 1859-01-28

ture towns and settlements.
These things being the case, the only uues-
ton that arises is as to the best, cheapest, and
shortest route there. There is no question but
that this route must be an overland route; for,
owing to the long, tedious, dangerous, and ex-
pensive trip by sea, it is out Of the question for
those persons who intend making this region
their permanent home to make the trip with their
families, and have the wherewith to commence
new homes in q new and unsettled country.
Therefore, an overland route route where
travel can be had with their families, their hor-
ses, stock, and farming implements the only
one that the permanent settler and emigrant can
take. To this region there are two routes--One
by the South Pass to Fort Wala-Walla, and the
other that followed by Gov. Stevens in his expe-
dition in 1858, while exploring route for rail-
road to the Pacific, Between these two routes
a glance at the geography Of the country indi-
Gates which is the shortest, and the reports Of
those who have been over both point out which
is the best and cheapest.
They both 60 to show that the one followed
by Gov. Stevens enjoys advantages possessed by
none other. 1t is shorter by 800 miles, and there
is no position on the route where wood, water,
and grass cannot be had, and where wagons can
not be carried, and which gives to the emigrant
a great saving Of time and money, that enables
him to reach the western settlements on the
Pacific at an carly day in autumn, so as 10 allow
him to look about, select, and prepare his new
home before winter sets in-no unmpOrtant
matter should he arrive very late in the season.
1hs route that would ONT out to the emil
grant desiring to settle in either Of the two Ter
ritories, or who is anxious to visit these newly
discovered gold placers in the North, would be,
to start from point on the Upper Mississippi
say Saint Paul, from which point to Fort Walla-
IN.n. h. h. NGl91 l. =.
steamers, is but 1900 miles; or he may start
from ST. Louis in April or May by the American
Fur Company's steamers, and go to Fort Benton,
on the Upper Missouri, from which point to Fort
Wals- Walla he has but 500 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 passcs
The emigrant, then, should be ready and pre-
pared to start from St. Paul on the 1st Of May,
at which time the grass is high and green; and,
suppOsing him to travel only ten miles day-a
short days travel-he will accomplish his 1900
miles in $50 days; or, in other words, by the
last day of September he is at his journey end,
and has October and November to select and
prepare his new home, and to allow his stock to
recuperate for tho winter season. Those who
intend emigrating should make their wishes
known TO their friends and acquaintances so as
to form parties Of from (say) 20 to 100 families,
that should move together under some fixed or
ganizstion from day 70 day for their own pro-
lection, general convenience, and personal pleas
urc. BY this means the tediousness Of the trip
will be in great measure modified, and these
parties would be thus sufficiently strong to meet
any emergency while passing through the In
dian country. But with regard to the Indians,
| would state that now along the whole route
the Indians arc friendly and kind; but it cannot
be too strongly impressed upon all who pass
through their country to treat them on all occa-
sions with justice, honesty, and kindness, and
they will thus not only reap rich harvests from
seed thus well sown, but they will pave tho way
for all future emigration in safety and security,
and thus prevent the occurrence Of the many
sad massacres that the history Of oil 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 illjudgcd or overt act once com
mitted but never forgotten, some mother, sister,
wife, or relative, retracing his 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 LIST Of May, organized as suggested, 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, q distance Of 900 miles crossing
in the meanwhile many 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 Transports
ton, such articles as they would need on their
long Journey. From this point to Fort Benton,
L. kro rtrad nd
often travelled wagon road, with wood, water, and
grass along the whole route at short and conven-
lent distances; crossing the small and easily
foriable 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
level (almost Macadamized) road to the Marias
and Treton rivers, to Fort Benton, on the Mis-
souri. At this point persons are found in any
number who will point out the road to the ST.
Marys valley; thence to the C@ur dAlene mis-
sion; thence to Fort Walla- Walla, by an easy,
direct road. Through the Cpur dAlcne noun
tains the emigration Of next year will doubtless
pour large party, building the military road
from Fort Walla- Walla TO Fort Benton, which
was commenced last year, but upon which work
was suspended in consequence Of the Indian dis
turbances in Washington Territory. But since
these difficulties have been adjusted, work Will
be resumed in carly spring, and the emgrant
will not only find party at work, bridging
streams clearing forests, and grading hills and
mountains to expedite his journey, but he will
a'so find this party protected with military
forcO, thus gaining that security so needful in
passing through the Indian country. At several
points along the route they will find farms where
they can procure fresh vegetables, and points to
rest their train--at Forts Union and Benton,
Pcnd-d' 'Oreille Mission, St Mary's valley, Ceur
dAlene Mission, and in the Walla- Walla valley.
From the Ceur d'Alene Mission to Fort Walla-
Walla affords good wagOu'rOaG, crossing but