512 LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OP WAR. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR I. I. STEVENS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, TRANSMITTING TWO REPORTS 



OF MR. JAMES DOTY. 



OLYMPIA, W. T., April 20, 1855. 



SIR: I have the honor herewith to enclose two reports from Mr. James Doty the first dated 

 nt Olympia, December 15, 1854, giving the results of his exploration from Fort Benton, along 

 the eastern base of the Rocky mountains, to latitude 49 30 ; the second dated at Olympia, Jan 

 uary 1, 1855, giving the results of a reconnaissance from Fort Benton to Cantonment Stevens in 

 July, 1854, and of a survey from Fort Benton to Olympia in September and October, 1854. 



These reports will close my series of preliminary reports in relation to the exploration and 

 survey of the northern railroad route, under the original instructions of the War Department. If, 

 in the course of my Indian duties the present season, additional information shall be gained, I 

 will submit it to the department for such disposition as may seem to the department appropriate. 



By referring to the first report it will be observed that there is every probability of the existence 

 of a wide, open pass, formerly in extensive use by the Indians, some twenty miles south of the 

 pass explored in October and November, 1853, by A. W. Tinkham, Esq., assistant engineer. 



I will extract as follows from that report : 



&quot; May 24. The Marias river comes through a gnp in the mountains some fifteen miles in 

 width. The country is hilly, and densely timbered with pine; but the soil is rich, even in the 

 highest hills. There are, however, many grassy openings or small prairies from one to ten acres 

 in extent. From a peak of mountains, next below the highest range, I obtained a good view of 

 the course of the river, and found that it runs northeast, while Mr. Tinkham s survey makes 

 its course southeast. His description and topography of the pass and mountains do not agree 

 with the reality, and it would certainly seem as though he could not have passed through here. 

 Farther, directly up the main stream, is impracticable; but this wide depression, and no mount 

 ains to be seen in the west, would seem to indicate the existence of a favorable pass on some of 

 its branches. A sextant observation at noon gives for the latitude of our camp 48 20 59&quot;, 

 which is more than twenty miles south of the location given this river by Mr. Tinkham.&quot; 



Again : 



&quot;At a distance of four miles more I ascended a lofty hill, from the summit of which I obtained 

 a commanding view of the pass and the course of the river for a long distance to the southwest. 



&quot; The pass continues about fifteen miles in breadth ; the country hilly, and densely wooded 

 with pine. The mountains on either hand are lofty and rugged, showing generally perpendicular 

 rock from within three hundred feet of their summits, and are covered with snow as in mid 

 winter. Snow-banks were also found on the north side of many hills in the pass. Up the pass 

 to the southwest no mountains obstruct the view, and I am satisfied that Mr. Tinkham could not 

 have passed over this trail, as he could not pronounce this portion of the pass so difficult as his 

 report and topography represent it. This pass is not vouched for as a good railroad or pack- 

 train route ; yet it is believed worthy of further examination, and I only regret that I cannot 

 make it, as your instructions require me to be at Fort Benton in the last days of this month.&quot; 



The second report gives much detailed information in regard to the railroad practicability of 

 Lewis and Clark s Pass of the Rocky mountains, a comparative view of the merits of the Big 

 Blackfoot and Northern Little Blackfoot trails, and the details of a new route the route from 

 the Coeur d Alene mission to Fort Wallah-Wallah. 



A sketch accompanies these reports. 



I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient, 



ISAAC I. STEVENS, 

 Governor of Washington Territory. 



Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS, 



Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. 



