38 NARRATIVE OF 1853. 
Mr. Tinkham and his party were fitted out this morning with a common wagon, (to be re- 
placed by a spring wagon,) with the second mule team brought up on the Shenandoah, a good 
teamster, provisions for fifteen days, and the necessary tents, arms, and ammunition. He was 
directed to follow the general course reconnoitered by Mr. Lander, collecting as much data in 
reference to the details of the construction as practicable, so arranging the scale that, with his 
present force and а few days’ experience, he would be able to travel fifteen or twenty miles a 
day. He was to connect the astronomical and magnetic observations with his route, leaving at 
each camping ground some mark by which subsequent observations could be connected with his 
work. Careful notes were to be made of the supplies of wood, water, and grass at each camping 
place, and sketches taken of the country. Оп reaching the Sauk Rapids he was to make a rapid 
instrumental survey of them, and cross without waiting for the main train. Additional men were 
to be employedif necessary. It was suggested that his journal, with a description of the crossing 
of the Mississippi, would be the best thing as a report. 
Mr. Tinkham and party moved off a little after 12 m. 
June 1.—Although it rained heavily all day, every one in camp was engaged in breaking mules. 
Mr. Stanley, who has been for several days at St. Paul on business, arrived at camp. Captain 
Gardiner is severely indisposed, having been unwell ever since my arrival. 
June 2.—Mule breaking caused many an amusing scene. Several of the party were thrown 
repeatedly, but the determination they evince must overcome all obstacles; and I feel not only 
pleased to see their spirit, but to congratulate myself and them that no accident has occurred 
worthy of mention. Much hilarity was produced by the efforts of different persons, and each 
fall occasioned a laugh. Thus what I had seriously expected to prove a great difficulty was, in 
the midst of a heavy rain and gloomy weather, a source of mirthful enjoyment. 
The meteorological and astronomical observations are now fully started. АП the observers 
are diligent and interested in their duties. 
June 3.—Mr. Doty started off early this morning with a train of three wagons and twenty- 
four pack mules. He was instructed to follow the stage road from St. Anthony to Sauk Rapids, 
and to cross the Mississippi at some point to be selected by me. I enjoined vigilance and the 
greatest care of the animals, no harsh usage of them, and the strictest economy of the stores; 
directing short marches, night guards, and half rations of oats for the mules, as well as per- 
sonal attention to the proper management of each man and animal, giving him power to discharge 
men if necessary. 
Early in the evening Captain Gardiner submitted an application to be relieved from duty on 
account of ill health, asking to be ordered to report at Washington, and enclosing a certificate 
from Dr. Suckley. In granting his application I expressed great regret that the expedition 
should be deprived of his services, and thanked him for his efforts towards its success. 
In relieving Captain Gardiner, as quartermaster and commissary of the party, I did not deem 
it necessary to assign the escort to the special command of one of the officers of the army on 
duty with the expedition. The sergeant in command of the eet had, in orders, been directed 
to report to me in person. 
June 4.—To-day I issued orders for the whole camp to be in readiness to move on Monday 
next, (the 6th,) so as to reach Sauk Rapids on Friday and cross the river on Saturday. The 
