14 REPORT ON RECONNAISSANCE OF UPPER MISSISSIPPI. 



whole expedition was brought together, with the exception of Mr. Stanley, the artist, Mr. 

 Osgood, the disbursing agent, Mr. Evans and Mr. Kendall, two aids of the expedition, and 

 myself. About one-half of the mules had never been broken, either in wagons, to pack, or 

 saddle, and the remaining half were quite wild, and required much work to prepare them for 

 service. In consequence of these difficulties, and there not having been engaged a sufficient 

 number of teamsters, some delay has necessarily occurred in setting out. 



Captain Gardiner and Lieutenant Grover have been indefatigable in their exertions, and, 

 considering the difficulties that have been encountered, great progress has been made. 



On Tuesday, (May 31,) the two civil engineers, Mr. Lander and Mr. Tinkham, were sent out 

 with small parties to commence the survey of the railroad route. Their riding-mules, as well 

 as all the riding-mules of the gentlemen of the party, have been broken by themselves with 

 very little additional assistance, several of the younger members of the party having only 

 succeeded in mastering their animals after having been thrown several times. Mr. Lander, the 

 morning he set out, was thrown, and had his shoulder put out of joint. It was brought back 

 by the main strength of three men, and he immediately set out at the head of his party. 



I refer to these facts to show the spirit of my command, and the promise thus given that all 

 difficulties must disappear before the hardihood and the resolution thus exhibited. All this 

 has been done in the midst of drenching rains. It has rained since Tuesday, till to-day. 



Mr. Lander had previously made a reconnaissance of the several crossings of the Mississippi, 

 for the details of which I refer you to the enclosed copy of his report. I also enclose the 

 instructions given to Mr. Lander and Mr. Tinkham, in relation to their respective duties. 



To-day I sent off a small train of three wagons and twenty-four pack-mules to a depot and 

 station which I propose to establish west of the Mississippi river, near the Sauk rapids. The 

 mules were the wildest of the whole number, and were packed for the first time, yet they 

 reached their camping ground, setting out at 11 o clock, a distance of six miles, in season to picket 

 the animals before sundown. To-morrow I shall send off a small train, and on Monday the 

 whole camp will be in motion. 



Proceeding with the astronomical and magnetic party, I shall take the steamer at St. 

 Anthony, and reach the depot west of the Sauk rapids on Tuesday evening, and there estab 

 lish a station, which, with the observations at this station, will connect with Nicollet s survey, 

 and give a good base on the Mississippi river. I shall reach the depot in season to make 

 arrangements for the whole command to cross the river, and at the same time be in easy com 

 munication with Mr. Tinkham and Mr. Lander. The whole command will, I trust, be on the 

 west side of the Mississippi on Saturday next, June 11, and on Monday I hope to be able to 

 push rapidly into the interior. 



Lieutenants Du Barry and Grover have been indefatigable in preparing themselves for their 

 duties, practising at all the observations and computations. They will be able, on leaving the 

 Mississippi, to take command of sub-parties, and make in person all the observations. 



Before leaving this depot, I will again communicate with the department, and state more 

 specifically how I shall organize the several parties, particularly those under Lieutenants Du 

 Barry and Grover. 



I am, very truly and respectfully, your obedient servant, 



ISAAC I. STEVENS, 

 Governor of Washington Territory, in Command of Expedition. 



Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS, 



Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. 



ST. PAUL S, May 22, 1853. 



SIR: In receiving your instructions in regard to a reconnaissance of the upper Mississippi 

 for a railroad crossing, I was directed to view this subject with reference to a feasible connexion 



