APPENDIX. 363 



mines in the region of Lake Superior, inclosed to me in a note 

 from the War Department, dated 8tb May, 1822, 1 have the honor 

 to submit to you the following facts and remarks: — 



1. In relation to ^Uhe number, value, and position of the copj^er 

 mines on the south shore of Lake Superior.''^ The remote position 

 of the country alluded to, the infrequency of communication, and 

 the little reliance to be placed on information derived through 

 the medium of the aborigines or of traders, who are wholly en- 

 grossed with other objects, presents an embarrassment at the 

 threshold of this inquiry, which must be felt by every person who 

 turns his attention to the subject. The information sought for 

 demands a minute acquaintance with the natural features and 

 mineral structure of the country, which can only be acquired by 

 personal examination; and it is a species of research requiring 

 more leisure, better opportunities, and a freer participation in 

 personal fatigue, than usually falls to the share of tourists and 

 travellers. Not only are those difficulties to be encountered which 

 are inseparable from the collection of isolated facts in a new and 

 unsettled country, but those, also, which are peculiar to the sub- 

 ject, connected as it is, at every stage of the inquiry, with the 



their number, value, and position, the names of the Indian tribes who claim them, 

 the practicability of extinguishing their titles, and the probable advantage which 

 may result to the Republic from the acquisition and working these mines," I here- 

 with transmit a report from the Secretary of War, which comprises the information 

 desired in the resolution referred to. 



JAMES MONROE. 

 Washington, 7th December, 1822. 



Department of War, 3d December, 1822. 



The Secretary of War, to whom was referred the resolution of the Senate of the 

 8th May last, requesting the President of the United States "to communicate to 

 the Senate, at the commencement of the next session of Congress, any information 

 which may be in the possession of the Government, derived from special agents or 

 otherwise, showing the number, value, and position of the copper mines on the south 

 shore of Lake Superior, the names of the Indian tribes who claim them, the prac- 

 ticability of extinguishing their title, and the probable advantage which may result 

 to the Republic from the acquisition and working these mines," has the honor to 

 transmit a report of Henry R, Schoolcraft, Indian agent at the Sault of Ste. Marie, 

 on the copper mines in the region of Lake Superior, which contains all the infor- 

 mation in relation to the subject in this department. 



All which is respectfully submitted. 



J. C. CALHOUN. 



To the President of the United States. 



