NARRATIVE OF 1853. 51 
near Lake Travers, and proceeding in the general direction of Dead Colt Hillock, continuing to 
the mouth of the Yellowstone, making the best survey of the country that the means placed at 
his disposal would furnish, and connect his line with Lieutenant Donelson’s survey of the 
Missouri at some eligible point, as at Fort Berthold; the point, however, to be selected being left 
to his discretion. He was provided with a Schmalcalder’s compass, an odometer, and the 
necessary meteorological instruments for the altitude. I expressed the hope that he would 
reach the Yellowstone before me, and directed that every opportunity of communicating with 
me should be availed of. 
The main party, under my own direction, (and guided by Boutineau,) moved forward at 
about the same time. Still continuing on the Red river trail, in two miles from camp we came 
to а running stream two anda half feet deep, with marshy banks, making it difficult for the 
animals to obtain foothold, and on the west side a continuous bog, on which all the grass had 
been burnt off. Here two, wagons were stalled, but the men cheerfully put their shoulders to 
the wheel, and after a little delay brought them to the firm ground. The balance of the train 
leaving the trail found a ridge about a quarter of a mile to the north which avoided the diffi- 
culty. In ten miles reached the Chippewa river. The riding animals were crossed over the 
Chippewa, and also the teams without their loads, by following a bar running well down the 
stream, the entrance to and exit from the stream being two hundred yards apart along the 
river. 'The India-rubber boats did good service, carrying over each time more than half a 
wagon load. The whole train was all well encamped two miles further on, at a fine lake, 
by sunset. 
Much of our march to-day was made entirely out of sight of wood, and the last few miles, 
before reaching the Chippewa, the country was indifferent and the grass thin and poor. 
Crossing the Chippewa, we again find a rich soil and excellent grass. Lakes bordered by wood 
are still numerous, which furnished our hunters with abundance of geese, ducks, &c. "The 
gentlemen of the scientific corps and myself reached camp about three o'clock; soon after 
which I sent forward Lander and Tinkham to the Pomme de Terre river. 
June 26.—' The main party moved to-day to the camp of Mr. Tinkham of last — the head 
of the column reached the river at eleven o'clock, and the whole command was over and in 
camp by six o'clock. This river is the Pomme de Terre of Pope's map, but Boutineau 
says it is the Chippewa, that which we crossed yesterday being one of its branches. As we 
were now approaching the Indian country, I systematized all the arrangements of camp and 
guards and the details of duty on the march. The dragoons were distributed as follows: two 
for the pack train; two, with a led horse each, for reconnoitering duty; two to strike and pitch 
tents; two to eatch fish; two with the howitzer; the sergeant Lindner, and seven men with 
the main column. The sergeant was, moreover, charged with the duty of laying out the en- 
campment, under my direction. For the care of the camp an officer of the guard, who also 
served as officer of the day, two non-commissioned. officers, and six privates were detailed. 
Cook fires to be made at two o'clock a. m.; the cooks and teamsters called at three, and 
the animals to be put in good grass; reveille to be sounded at four, and all the officers to be 
called by name; the whole camp to breakfast about four, and the teamsters immediately to 
commence harnessing up; tents struck at half-past four, and camp in motion né five; the 
sentinels instructed to fire upon any prowling Indians. 
