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iv . PREFATORY NOTICE. 
result of their discoveries: and astronomical observations and topographical 
admeasurements to the government at Washington. 
It being desirable for the Federal authorities to become fully acquainted 
with the state of the territory between the southern geographical boundary 
of the United States and the Rocky Mountains, around the head-waters of 
the Missouri, Captain Fremont was appointed to superintend that exploring 
tour. That enterprising and scientific traveller is now absent on his third 
expedition to enlarge our acquaintance with the western uninhabited distriets. 
The ensuing narratives include the Rerorts of the two tours which have 
already been made by Captain Fremont, as they were e presented to the Con 
gress of the United States, and originally publish ed. 
cluding only the portions which’ are altogether astronomical, scientific, and 
philosophical, and therefore not adapted for general utility. Captain Fremont 
states that the whole of the delineations both “in the narrative and in the 
maps,” which constitute the official publication, are “the result of positive 
observation.” From a survey of the researches thus presented, it appears, 
_ that the entire map of Oregon has been amply drawn out, so far as at present 
is requisite for all the purposes of geographical inquiry and national arrange- 
ment. With these claims on public attention, and the deep interest which 
the subject itself now offers, this authentic edition of Captain Fremont’s 
extensive and protracted researches in the western dominions of the United 
_ States, is confidently recommended to the perusal of our fellow-citizens. 
_ New Youx, November 11, 1845. —— 
