SOURCE OF ST. PETEr's RIVER. 245 



grave. An upright post was also fixed near the head, and 

 upon this the deeds of the deceased, whether in the way of 

 hunting or fighting, were inscribed with red or black paint. 

 The graves were placed upon mounds in the prairie, this 

 situation having doubtless been selected as being the high- 

 est and least likely to be overflowed. 



From a series of observations, taken at this place, it re- 

 sults, that Fort Crawford is situated in latitude 43° 3' 31" 

 north, and longitude 90° 52' 30" west. The magnetic va- 

 riation amounts here to 8° 48' 52" east. 



Previous to leaving the prairie. Major Long provided 

 for the safe return of Bemis to his garrison, by placing him 

 under the protection of IVIr. Rolette, a gentleman of the 

 American Fur Company, who was on the point of travelling 

 to Greenbay by the Wisconsan and Fox rivers. Between 

 the forts at the Bay and Chicago a regular intercourse ex- 

 isted at that time by means of an express sent, at stated 

 times, with despatches. We have had great pleasure in 

 ascertaining that this man, whose conduct had entitled him 

 to the most unqualified praise, returned to his regiment 

 without accident. 



Our party was here reinforced by an escort, consisting 

 of a corporal, and nine men, under the command of first 

 Lieutenant Martin Scott of the 5th regt. United States* 

 Infantry, who was selected to command the guard. Ma- 

 jor Long secured the services of a half-breed interpreter, 

 by name Augustin Roque. The object in taking this man, 

 was to afford to the gentlemen, charged with the collecting 

 of the Indian information, an opportunity of acquiring 

 from him an insight into the manners and customs of the 

 Dacota Indians, previous to the party's travelling through 

 their country. They were, however, very much disap- 

 pointed in the character of this man, who enjoys, in the 



