National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-08-21

ming through the camp. On the following day
the command remained in camp, except the eX-
pIoring parties sent out in all directions, With
small party proceeded to Harney's Peak, and
after great difficulty made the ascent to its crest
we found this 10 be the highest point In the
Back i Hills. From the highest point we Oh;
tanned view Of Bear Butte in the north and OF
me plains to the east, i've miles beyond the
Our party did not reach camp until nearly one
O'Clock that night, but We were amply repaid for
our labor by the magnifeenee OF the views OBJ
taino1. While on the highest pointWe drank the
health Of the veteran out Of compliment to whom
the peak was named On the 1st of August we
moved camp few miles, simply to obtain fresh
grass, still keeping near the base Of the hills to
the cast Of us. This morning dispatched two
companies, under Colonel Hunt in a southeast
erly direction TO extend our explorations with tho
south fork Of the Cheyenne river. Tomorrow
morning at O'Clock wall set out With five COM
panies Of cavalry and endeaYOr to reach the same
stream In southWesteTly direction rom Harney's
peak.
CHARACTER OF THE COUNTRY.
Reynolds, the scout who is to carry this dis
patch to Fort Laramie, will 70 With US as far as
We 90 in that direction, when he will set cat
alone to reach his destination, travelling mainly
passed since leaving the Bell Fourche river has
been generally open and extremely fertile.
The main portion q tast p passed over since en-
consists OF beautiful parks or valleys near or
through which flows stream Of clear, cold water
perfectly free from alkal while bounding these
peaks or valleys is found unlimited Supplies Of
timber, much Of 1t capable OF being made into
good lumber. In no part Of the United States,
not excepting the famous blue grass region OF
Kentucky, have ever seen grazing superior to
that found growing wild in this hitherto unknown
region. know Of no portion Of our country
va nature has done 80 much to prepare homes
for husbandmen and left so little for the latter to
40 as here. The open and timbered spaces are so
divided that partly prepared farm Of almost any
dimensions, from an acre upwards, eau be found
here. Not only is the land cleared and timber,
both for fuel and building, conveniently located,
with q stream Of water flowing through Its length
and breadth, but nature Ofttimes seems TO have
gone further and placed beautiful shrUbbery and
evergreens in the most desirable location for
building sites. While on HArney's Peak could
contrast the bright green verdurs Of those lovely
parks with the sunburned and dried yellow herb
age TO be seen on the outer plains.
INDIGENOUS PRODUCTIONS
"Everything indicates IN abundance OF mofs-
ture within the space nclosed by the Black Hills.
The soil is that OF a rich garden, and composed OF
a dark mould of exceedingly fine grain. We have
the bS aGS TeG vSr
tee. Yesterday and to-day have toasted on the
latter 1t is NO unusual sight to see hundreds of
soldiers gathering wild berries. Nowhere in the
States have l tasted cultivated raspberries Of
equal flavor TO those found growing wild here,
nor have ever seen them larger or in as great
profusion as have seen hundreds of acres OF them
here. Wild Strawberries, wild currants, goose
berries, two varieties Of pine berries, and Wild
exceeding fine quality. Cattle could winter in |
hese valleys without other food or shelter than |
hat 70 be obtained from running at large.
MINERALS FOUND AND INDICATED.
As there are scientific parties accompanying |
he expedition who are examining into the min |
,ral resources OF this region the result Of whose
VIII accompany my detailed report, 1 |
unit all present reference TO that portion Of our
explorations until the return Of the expedition,
Except to state what will appear in any event in
he public prints, that gold has been found at
IRE giving their attention to this subject that It
will be found in paying quantities. have upon
ny table forty or ffty small particles Of pure
T0ld, in size averaging that Of q small pin-h head
,arth. As we have never remained longer at one
amp than one day, # will be readily understood
hat there is no opportunity TO make o satisfsc-
DRY examination In regard to deposits Of valuable
minerals. Veins Of lead and strong indications
4 the existence Ct silver have been found. Until
ess OF the deposits Of gold no opinion should be
Ormed. Veins Of what the geolOgists term gold
caring quartz crop out on almost every hillside.
III existing geological and geographical maps OF
his region have been found Incorrect. This will /
OF seem surprising when # is remembered that
9th have been compiled by guessWork and with
ut entering the country attempted to be repre-
The health Of the command continues excel
mt. will begin my northward march in four
avs from this date. do not expect TO arrive at |
OFT 6So A G C9sTE x BsF e &MgS 0f General
Commanding expedition.
1910 p NJ, August g. 1874
P. S. LEFT our main camp near Harney's peak
O'Clock this morning with i've companies Of !
lYalry, and after q march in a southerly direc-
on Of forty-fve miles reached the south fork OF I
le Cheyenne river Of the mouth Of q creek flow
Z froui the nort6, and emGtyf6E into he Chey- J
me midway between the mouths OF Hat add !
orseShsad creeks, From this point Reynolds,
10 scout, sets out IN one hour with this dispatch
7 Fort Laramie. ! reached here at 3 p. n, aud I
III proceed to Harney'S peak by different route 9
morrow morning. The country between here !
I'd Harnsy's peak is generally open and rolling, 2
ID, excepting the southern portion, covered with
.cellent grass. :. Il. A. CUSTER,
Breyet Major General, U, S. A