446 INDIAN TRIBES OF WASHINGTON TERRITORY. 



pleased, and expressed their willingness to work on a farm when the opportunity should be 

 afforded them. 



Travelled up the river fifty miles, running a compass line and noting the topography. Saw 

 several encampments, and met many Indians on their march down; and on the 18th reached 

 &quot;Ammell s Houses.&quot; Here were encamped nearly the whole of the Blood, Blackfeet, and 

 Northern Piegan bands. 



A council was held, at which thirteen of the great chiefs and many of the principal men were 

 present. I spoke to them much the same as I had spoken to the Piegans, but at greater length. 

 Several of the chiefs replied, and all expressed much friendship to the whites; promised to attend 

 the council, and to give the farm with the idea of which they we. e much pleased a fair trial. 



The great Piegan chief, the &quot;Little Gray Head,&quot; who has taken a very decided stand for 

 peace with neighboring tribes, was present, and I gave him a present out of the Indian goods left 

 with me. Tobacco purchased of Mr. C. was given to the principal men. 



Learning that a portion of the Blood Indians were in camp five days march to the north, and 

 intending to go to the British posts to trade, I sent them tobacco and a message to induce them 

 to turn back. 



I passed two days here, and had an excellent opportunity to acquire much interesting informa 

 tion concerning the manners, customs, habits, &c., of these Indians, which is fully recorded in my 

 official journal, and would be out of place in this letter or a brief report. Returned to Fort 

 Benton on the 23d. 



You will learn by Messrs. Tinkham and Grover somewhat concerning my intended operations 

 in the field the coming spring; but it may not be amiss to express my idea of the direction in 

 which the survey is to be conducted, and the objects to be accomplished thereby. 



Having, before the season for active operations arrived, made a thorough examination of the 

 country in this vicinity, I propose to commence with the survey of Sun river from its mouth to its 

 source ; thence to the head of Dearborn river, and down that river to its mouth ; thence to the 

 junction of Madison and Wisdom rivers; thence to the sources of the Muscle Shell, and down 

 that river to a point near its mouth; thence parallel with the Missouri, crossing and examining 

 Judith, Big Horn, and other rivers, to Fort Benton. 



Particular regard will be had to the character of the streams ; general nature of the soil; tracts 

 adapted to cultivation ; the timber and stone, and facilities for obtaining them ; the collection of 

 mineralogical and geological specimens, and making an extensive botanical and natural history 

 collection. 



Lieutenant Grover leaves me a Schmalcalder compass, so that an accurate survey will be 

 insured. A sextant will be used to determine the latitude. 



It is expected that this survey will occupy at least forty days, and, undoubtedly, much valu 

 able and interesting information will be acquired. 



As I shall have to procure another man, in order to leave two of my present command at the 

 post one to take the observations, and one in charge of the government property I think that 

 man should be a good interpreter. Arrangements for his pay must be made. Then my absence 

 from my post will be a long one; and, in view of these things, it would afford me much satis 

 faction to see you in person, or receive by an express your instructions in the premises, previous 

 to my setting out, which I have fixed for the 1st of May at the latest. 



In case an express is sent, I will thank you to forward my letters and a few newspapers. 



I am, very respectfully and truly, yours, 



JAMES DOTY. 

 Governor I. I. STEVENS, 



Washington Territory. 



