NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION. 219 



erroneous. The character, numbers, situation, and feehngs of the 

 Indians in those remote regions have been fully explored, and we 

 trust that much valuable information upon these subjects will be 

 communicated to the Government and to the public. We learn 

 that the Indians are peaceable, but that the effect of the immense 

 distribution of presents to them by the British authorities, at 

 Maiden and at Drummond's Island, has been evident upon their 

 wishes and feelings through the whole route. Upon the esta- 

 blishment of our posts, and the judicious distribution of our small 

 military force, must we rely, and not upon the disposition of the 

 Indians. The important points of the country are now almost 

 all occupied by our troops, and these points have been selected 

 with great judgment. It is thought by the party, that the erec- 

 tion of a military work at the Saut is essential to our security in 

 that quarter. It is the key of Lake Superior, and the Indians in 

 its vicinity are more disaffected than any others upon the route. 

 Their daily intercourse with Drummond's Island, leaves us no 

 reason to doubt w^hat are the means by which their feelings are 

 excited and continued. The importance of this site, in a military 

 point of view, has not escaped the observation of ^Ir. Calhoun, 

 and it was for this purpose that a treaty was directed to be held. 

 The report which he made to the House of Eepresentatives, in 

 January last, contains his views upon the subject. 



"We cannot but hope that no reduction will be made in the 

 ranks of the army. It is by physical force alone, and by a pro- 

 per display of it, that we must expect to keep within reasonable 

 bounds, the ardent, restless, and discontented savages, by whom 

 this whole country is filled and surrounded. Few persons living 

 at a distance are aware of the means which are used, and too suc- 

 cessfully used, by the British agents, to imbitter the minds of the 

 Indians, and preserve such an influence over them as will insure 

 their co-operation in the event of any future difficulties. A post 

 at the Fond du Lac will, before long, be necessary, and it is now 

 proper that one should be established at the portage between the 

 Fox and Ouisconsin Rivers. 



Mr. Schoolcraft has examined the geological structure of the 

 country, and has explored, as far as practicable, its mineralogical 

 treasures. We are happy to learn that this department could not 

 have been confided to one more able or zealous to effect the ob- 



