Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1874-03-06
YELLOWSTONE EXPEDITION.

Chairman Yellowstone Wagon Road
and Prospecting Expedition:
S1R-I hand you copy, of report just
received from the command:
CAMP ON DUCK CREEK,
February %, 1874
J. 2. Bogert, Secretary and Treasurer !:
SIR-The Expedition is in camp to-
day about 135 miles from BOzeman,
and 40 miles above the point where
Col. Baker met the Indians. We have
now in camp 153 men, 26O horses and
mules, IS head cattle and 10 wagons.
Vernon and his men have joined us.
The command is in good spirits, and
sang,,ine of success.
Weather cold until today. Thus
far we find an almost natural road and
no obstacles. Yours, &C.,
b. p. WICKERSHAM.
Secretary Of Expedition.
l am also in receipt of note from
Mr.. Quivey, Of Nelson Story's team,
reporting all well. The bearers Of the
above letters, Messrs. Wilson, Rowe,
&C., report to same effect, and will re-
turn to the command upon completion
of the business that brought them in.
am also in receipt Of ;Mvices as fol
lows: Up to the 2Sth ult. the weather
was very cold-tle passage of the
Yellowstone at Hunters Crossing was
difficult, on account Of the ice, and de-
laws were caused by the various Incl
dents natural to first attempts at or
ganization OF and starting such 4 large
command.
A letter from a private in the Elk
petition states that "the officers are
very efficient, vigilant and activc-the
men obedient and satisfied. No lndi-
ans yet seen, but all is kept in readi-
ness for them. The grass, so far, has
been very good and the stock is in ex-
cel!ent condition. We expect to fight
Indians, if at all, On the East side Of
the Big Horn, as Sheridan will drive
the Indians into the country we are
bound for, but we shall he ready for
any emergency. We are now eighteen
days out, and, by accurate calculations,
are nearly half way"
A letter from T. G. Burns to L. S.
Wilson states: awe took up Yer
mons party on the 9th. All goes well
with lis all things considered. Stormy
weather most OF the time, and some
difficult road, but by judicious selec-
ton it can be avoided"
The conclusion arrived at from the
contents of the reports so far received
is, that the route selected will be on
the North side Of the Yellowstone over
Bakers road, cutting out part be-
tween Hunters and the point at which
he struck the river on his return-that
a good road may be made at small out
lay Of time or money along the river
to avoid about 80 miles Oh the Sweet
Grass. Bridging in some seven places
10 avoid the bluffs, and consequent
hard roads over them, would give all
in the way Of a very good freight road
that any one could desire.
AS result partly Of the change in
the location Of the Grow Reserve, it
would seem that q mail route from
Bismarck, if opened at all, must come
via Bozeman, and the Council of the
Expedition has been specially request
ed to use al possible care in the selec
ton Of a route, with this idea in mind.
The Committee will do all it can to
gain all possible benefit for Bozeman
and the Territory from transpiring
events, and it believes the Expedition
will result, decidedly and indirectly, in
much good to us all.
Letters Of enquiry have been re-
ceived since my last report from Min
ncsota, Utah anti various points in
Montana.
Mails have been sent to the com
mand four times, and another will go
out tomorrow. Since the publication
of the roll the following names of new
men have been reported to me:
b. J. Walker, J. r. Hopkins,
H. Aslmeadc, II. S. Flint,
w. H. Smith. S. Buchanan,
w. H. Arbury, j. L. Vernon,
G. Gale, j. c. Smith,
A. Conncry, w. +. Rowe,
George Hercnden, a. j. Malin,
J. b. Bean, II. J. Wilson,
NJ. Richie, w. Cutter,
A. Il. i. Hcinzc, c. Langmade,
j. B: Smith, 4. Bradley.
i. Grunbachcr,
A party Of twenty-five men is now
OH the way from Bcayerhcad to join
the command, and two or three men
have left here without reporting their
names.
Congratulating you upon the con-