294 EXPEDITION TO THE 



The party in the boat experienced much fatigue, during 

 this portion of the journey, from the want of rest at night, 

 and the cramped situation in which they were in the boat, 

 but a stay of a few days at Fort St. Anthony refreshed 

 them, and prepared them to resume their journey. 



Fort St. Anthony is situated on the high bluff which 

 rises on the right bank of the Mississippi and the left of 

 the St. Peter, at the confluence of the two streams. Al- 

 though this spot had been visited and described by Pike 

 in 1806, and subsequently by Major Long in 1817, who 

 in his report to the War Department recommended the 

 establishment of a permanent post at this place, it was not 

 until the summer of 1819, that military works were com- 

 menced here. Col. Leavenworth, with part of the fifth 

 regiment, arrived here in August, 1819, and all that has 

 been done here was subsequent to this period. The fort is in 

 the form of a hexagon, surrounded by a stone wall ; it stands 

 on an elevated position which commands both rivers. The 

 height of the half-moon battery which fronts the river is 

 one hundred and five feet above the level of the Missis- 

 sippi. It is not, however, secure from attacks from all 

 quarters, as a position within ordinary cannon shot of it 

 rises to a greater elevation ; but as long as we have to op- 

 pose a savage foe alone, no danger can be apprehended 

 from this. If a resistance against a civilized enemy pro- 

 vided with artillery, were required, possession might be 

 taken of the other position, which would command the 

 country to a considerable distance, and protect the present 

 fort, which is in the best situation for a control of the two 

 rivers. 



The. garrison consists of five companies of the 5th infan- 

 try, under the command of Col. Snelling. The great acti- 

 vity, which has been displayed by the officers and men. 



