30 PRELIMINARY DOCUMENTS. 



5. To explain to the Indians the views of the Government 

 respecting their intercourse with the British authorities at Maiden, 

 and distinctly to announce to them that their visits must be dis- 

 continued. 



It is probable that the annunciation of the new system which 

 you have directed to be pursued upon this subject, and the ex- 

 planations connected with it, can be made with more efiect by 

 me than by ordinary messengers. 



6, To ascertain the state of the British fur trade within that 

 part of our jurisdiction. Our information upon this subject is 

 very limited, while its importance requires that it should be fully 

 known. 



In addition to these objects, I think it very important to carry 

 the flag of the United States into those remote regions, where it 

 has never been borne by any person in a public station. 



The means by which I propose to accomplish this tour are 

 simple and economical. All that will be required is an ordinary 

 birch canoe, and permission to employ a competent number of 

 Canadian boatmen. The whole expense will be confined within 

 narrow limits, and no appropriation will be necessary to defray 

 it. I only request permission to assign to this object a small 

 part of the sum apportioned for Indian expenditures at this place, 

 say from 1,000 to 1,500 dollars. 



If, however, the Government should think that a small display 

 of force might be proper, an additional canoe, to be manned with 

 active soldiers, and commanded by an intelligent officer, would 

 not increase the expense, and would give greater effect to any 

 representations which might be made to the Indians. 



An intelligent officer of engineers, to make a correct chart 

 for the information of the Government, would add to the value of 

 the expedition. 



I am not competent to speculate upon the natural history of the 

 country through which we may pass. Should this object be deemed 

 important, I request that some person acquainted with zoology, 

 botany, and mineralogy may be sent to join me. 



It is almost useless to add that I do not expect any compensa- 

 tion for my own services, except the ordinary allowance for nego- 

 tiating Indian treaties, should you think proper to direct any to 

 be held, and intrust the charge of them to me. 



