PREFATORY NOTICE 
se. \ 
Tue immense region west of the Rocky Mountains, extending to the 
- Pacific ocean, and bounded by the Russian frontier on the north, and Cali- 
fornia on the south, now attracts so much of popular regard, and is com- 
mingled with so many important national interests, that an accurate and 
minute acquaintance with the general topic is essential to every American 
citizen. 
Several exploring tours of the western portion of our continent, within the 
geographical boundaries of the wilds now commonly known by the title, ‘ 
Orecon, have taken place during the present century. President Jefferson, / 
in 1804, directed the first scrutiny in that country under the superintendence 
_ ~of Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, who devoted the larger part of three years to 
| the examination of those trackless forests, and who were the pioneers of 
\ the movements which are now extending the limits of civilization, where 
| _Andians, or deer, bears, or buffaloes only roamed. The second expedition by 
Major Pike to survey the West, forty years ago, was restricted to the eastern 
side of the Rocky Mountains, an( consequently communicated little direct 
intelligence concerning the lands, the possession of which is now the subject 
of controversy between the United States and Britain. 
The other subsequent travellers in the western territory confined their 
researches within the country through which the Upper Mississippi and 
Missouri flow; and therefore imparted no information of any importance 
concerning the Oregon lands, rivers, and other topics of public interest. 
Daring several years, however, from 1833 to 1838, Mr. Nicollet, a scien 
tific tourist, explored a very extensive portion of the western country beyond 
the northern branches of the Mississippi. At the close of his amateur travels, _ 
the government of the United States engaged him to repeat his journey in 
ancther region; and Captain Fremont was united with him to assist his Mg 
efloris. After an absence of two seasons, they returned and exhibited | 
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