NARRATIVE OF 1853. 35 
steamboat navigation, giving particular attention to obstructions in the river, and the cost and 
means of removing them. 
During Mr. Graham’s stay in St. Louis he had the misfortune to let his chronometer run 
down. Dr. Evans, on reaching Fort Union; was to leave the steamer, make an examination of 
the country southward, especially in the ** Mauvaises Terres," and thence proceed on his over- 
land journey to Oregon and Washington, meeting us at Forts Union and Benton. Special Agent 
Culbertson was instructed to send forward an express on his arrival at Fort Union, with presents 
of tobacco for the Blackfeet, to advise them of the expedition about passing through their 
country, and to secure suitable guides and hunters to accompany us. 
Before starting from St. Louis to go up the Mississippi I became seriously alarmed on account 
of the character of the mules which had been contracted for by the quartermaster for the 
expedition. They were sound, excellent animals, but many of them were but three or four 
years old, and nearly all unbroken. I had despatched Mr. Charles Taphin to St. Louis, with 
instructions to procure broken, serviceable animals which had made a journey across the plains, 
having been assured that they could be purchased without difficulty. I determined, therefore, 
as I went up the river, to purchase at every landing place all the serviceable broken mules 
that I could find, so as to insure being able to move quickly on reaching the point where my 
camp had been established. 
I will here remark that Lieutenant Grover and Mr. Everett preceded me a few days to St. 
Paul. 
Leaving St. Louis on the 23d of May, on my way up the Mississippi, I succeeded in pur- 
chasing at the several landings two teams of strong, well broken mules, and four horses; in 
some cases buying the mules from the teams on the wharves. 
At Galena, where we remained the night of May 24th and 25th, I was surprised at meeting 
Mr. Evans, who I had supposed could not yet have finished his business in Washington. During 
the evening we observed the aurora borealis. At this point some animals were purchased, and 
a number of articles for the expedition. 
Leaving Galena on the 25th, on the steamer Nominee, we proceeded up the river, and were 
enabled to make shorts stops at Dubuque, Prairie du Chien, Lansing, La Crosse, and other 
places. At Holmes’s Landing I examined the United States dredge-boat George W. Jones, 
Captain Barrey. Intervals of leisure were employed in reporting fully to the War and Interior 
Departments my proceedings thus far, and the arrangements in contemplation for the execution 
of my several trusts. We arrived at St. Paul the evening of May 27. 
The scenery on the Mississippi is bold, and at times beautiful, though but little variety is 
presented. Bluff banks on both sides, topped with trees, line its banks, and occasionally 
marked views occur, among which I might mention, as the most prominent, Lake Pepin, 
Maiden Rock, Barn Bluffs, «с. 
ST. PAUL. 
St. Paul (see accompanying sketch) is beautifully located upon a high bluff on the east bank 
of the river, and is rapidly growing in size and importance. It is quite a business place, 
everything indicating vigor and activity. Among its prominent buildings are the territorial P 
capitol, modelled after the Capitol at Washington, and several very fine —N 
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