SOURCE OF ST. Peter's river. 165 



the direct line of communication between the northern 

 lakes and the Mississippi ; but even the intercourse which 

 will be carried on through this communication, will we 

 think at all times be a limited one ; the dangers attending 

 the navigation of the lake, and the scarcity of harbours 

 along the shore, must ever prove a serious obstacle to the 

 increase of the commercial importance of Chicago. The 

 extent of the sand banks which are formed on the eastern 

 and southern shore, by the prevailing north and north- 

 westerly winds, will likewise prevent any important works 

 from being undertaken to improve the post of Chicago. 



The south fork of Chicago river takes its rise, about six 

 miles from the fort, in a swamp which communicates also 

 with the Des Plaines, one of the head branches of the Illi- 

 nois. Having been informed that this route was frequent- 

 ly travelled by traders, and that it had been used by one 

 of the officers of the garrison, who returned with provi- 

 sions from St. Louis a few days before our arrival at the 

 fort, we determined to ascend the Chicago river in order 

 to observe this interesting division of waters. We ac- 

 cordingly left the fort on the 7th of June, in a boat which, 

 after having ascended the river about four miles, we ex- 

 changed for a narrow pirogue that drew less water ; the 

 stream we were ascending was very narrow, rapid, and 

 crooked, presenting a great fall ; it continued so for about 

 three miles, when we reached a sort of swamp desig- 

 nated by the Canadian voyagers under the name of le petit 

 lac. Our course through this swamp, which extended for 

 three miles, was very much impeded by the high grass, 

 weeds, &c. through which our pirogue passed with diffi- 

 culty. Observing that our progress through the fen was very 

 slow, and the day being considerably advanced, we landed 

 on the north bank, and continued our course along the 



