16 INSTRUCTIONS TO CIVIL ENGINEER. 
and fifty (150) feet; thence bridge span of two hundred (200) feet, over main channel of the 
river. The actual width of the main channel here is one hundred and seventy-five (175) feet, 
and the whole crossing the best upon the Mississippi from St. Paul’s to Fort Ripley. The 
boulders of the hill-sides in this vicinity afford good granite for light masonry. The magazine 
at Fort Ripley is built of these boulders; but they are not abundant, neither do they furnish 
blocks of sufficient size for exposed bridge abutments. ‘The material for this purpose must be 
brought from Sauk rapids, thirty-two miles below. The country on the east side of the Missis- 
sippi, from St. Paul’s to Little Falls, presents facilities for railway construction I have never seen 
exceeded; one hundred and twenty miles of level, or slightly rolling gravel plain, supersedes 
all necessity for ballasting, and affords peculiar advantages for forming an embankment road- 
bed—the very best mode of construction for guarding against the snows and frosts of a northern 
climate. 
Passing west from Little Falls, I find no serious difficulty to encounter over a route which 
had been represented to me as very severe. The country, to be sure, is broken, the ground 
springy, and the cost of moving material will evidently exceed that of the line east of the Mis- 
sissippi. There is a greater quantity of earth to be excavated, and quite an increase in the 
amount of culvert masonry; still the surface presents a favorable aspect for good alignment. 
No cut will exceed twenty feet. There is no appearance of ledge, and by exercising some degree 
of care in the location an excellent route can be obtained. 
I have no knowledge of this line extending beyond Long Prairie. It is represented to me as 
broken into sharp ridges, very swampy, and quite thickly wooded. 
Summing up this matter, it seems evident that the proper course of the survey would be from 
St. Paul’s up the eastern shore of the Mississippi to Sauk rapids, thence near the Red River 
trail towards the head-waters of the Sauk. Sufficiently reliable information is afforded to prove 
to us that a very excellent route can thus be secured. 
The passage of the Mississippi is made at a point that does not interfere with steamboat navi- 
gation. It affords all necessary advantages to a communication with Lake Superior, is in a 
favorable position as regards an eastern connection, and will thus insure the proper direction 
of capital in the location of private lines. The crossing at Little Falls is nearer a direct route 
from the Pacific to Lake Superior, and therefore worthy of serious notice; yet it is evident that 
the interests of private companies should not be neglected, and that those operations should be 
fostered which, in efforts to develop the resources of this rich inland country, will add their 
share to the importance of our great enterprise, and aid in bringing it to a successful termina- 
tion. Passing through a country already forward in vegetation, and presenting every facility 
for expediting progress of survey, the route at Sauk rapids is superior to all others in the fea- 
tures required by your letter of instructions. 
Submitting this result of my examinations, I remain, with respect, your obedient servant, 
F. W. LANDER. 
Gov. Isaac I. Srevens, 
Chief N. P. R. R. Exploring Expedition. 
Camp Pisree, May 31, 1853. 
Dear Sir: You will immediately proceed to St. Paul’s, and at once commence the survey of 
a railroad route, and proceed northward on the east side of the Mississippi river, crossing said 
river at the Sauk rapids, making a reconnaissance of the country over which you pass, and 
directing particularly your attention to the examination of the river crossings. 
At Sauk rapids you will direct your attention to the investigation of the best method of, and 
securing the means for, the crossing of the main party, which will follow in a few days. You 
are authorized to employ men, secure boats, and to procure the best means to accomplish this 
