GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS. 75 



submit the following preliminary report, showing the progress of the exploration at this time, 

 and particularly developing the facts which have been established in reference to the practica 

 bility of the northern route for a railroad. 



You have already been advised, by my previous reports, of the details of the organization 

 of the exploration, and of its narrative and history to the present time; yet, to present the whole 

 subject in one view, I will briefly restate the plan pursued in prosecuting the survey, and refer 

 to the several parties employed in the exploration, and the routes examined by them. This will 

 be done with all possible brevity; and for fuller information I will refer you to my previous com 

 munications, and will request that they be considered as forming a portion of this report. 



