NARRATIVE OF 1853. 5T 
the Shyenne river and the country south and west of its great bend, so as to cover the whole 
ground between our route and Lieutenant Grover’s. He was expected to rejoin us in six or 
eight days south of Miniwakan lake. 
Got off about 10 and followed the Red River trail some twelve miles, when we left it alto- 
gether. Crossed Maple river and camped on it banks, about half a mile from our crossing.—(See 
accompanying sketch.) 
It would be an excellent plan for an emigrant travelling through the country, before reach- 
ing one of these rivers on which he expects to camp, to catch a few frogs, for the purpose of 
fishing in these streams, which abound in pike, pickerel, and large catfish. Frogs are by far the 
best bait that can be used. 
About dusk we raised the American flag, made of white anid red shirts contributed by the 
party and sewed together by Boulieau. As it went up the assembled command gave · it three 
hearty cheers, and then indulged in some refreshments in honor of thè day, ending the evening 
with songs and story telling. — — 
July 5.—Travelled twenty miles over a high, firm, and almost level praitio, more rolling, 
and with small salt ponds in the last seven miles, camping on a small branch of Maple river, 
without any wood near it. Saw signs of buffalo, but the hunters were out all day and got 
none. The pack train requiring more attention and care of the animals than has been given 
by the man in charge, who does not take sufficient pains with the disabled animals, I, to-day, 
directed Mr: Kendall to oversee them and have them properly attended to. 
July 6.—Went ‘twenty miles further, making a noon halt of two hours, when Mr. Tinkham 
returned from a long and rapid reconnoissance ahead, without any change of the Scenery. 
Prairie more rolling, but road good. A high butte to the left of our course enabled me to get 
a fine view of the surrounding country. 
Two Indians were seen by Boutineau, who was out after buffalo, which he aid not find; but 
abundance of ducks continue to supply the camp with fresh meat. - | 
July 7.--Веіге starting Henry Boulieau came into camp leading his „ы having walked 
forty miles since sunset yesterday, and leaving Sergeant Rummell behind.  Isent back a led 
horse for him, and though I urged Boulieau to rest he preferred starting off again with Mr. 
Tinkham, who was sent out to reconnoitre. His mule he ктр! їп n safely. Rummell's was 
entirely broken down. 
On our march to-day the characteristic formation of the country was lonia and in many 
places the ground and incrustations on the stone indicate the presence of iron. About 8j we 
struck the Shyenne, about six miles from camp, and rested an hour. Keeping the Shyenne 
on our left we moved forward some ten miles and camped about a mile and a half from the 
river on the banks of a fine lake. Неге the grass was fine and the water good; but there being 
no wood I sent a wagon to the banks of the river and had a load brought, which was distributed 
among the various messes. To-day Le Frambois and Menoc killed an old buffalo bull, and also 
brought in some dozen geese. Several of the messes supplied. themselves with frogs, which 
have been most abundant on our march for the past two days. The whole command took 
supper off of buffalo, and the meat, though old and tough, tasted very good, and saved us an ox 
which had been destined for the er Several re and wolves were seen el 
