58 NARRATIVE OF 1853. 
SHYENNE RIVER. 
July 8.—Started this morning at 61 and arrived at the crossing of the Shyenne river after 
a march of about fifteen miles. Buttes in considerable number are seen ahead, among which 
the Horse Butte and Butte Micheau are plainly visible, Mr. Tinkham, Paul, and Henry were 
out again to-day, making a reconnoissance on the Shyenne. They came in early, having made 
a very satisfactory examination. We went into camp about one o'clock, on the east and south 
side of the Shyenne, (see accompanying sketch,) and a party was at once detailed to cut wood 
and prepare charcoal. | Ao DE 
The magnetic tent was put up and the astronomical and meteorological parties went imme- 
diately to work. I called our camp Camp Guthrie, in honor of the Secretary of the Treasury, 
and determined to remain here all day to-morrow. Ав the grass here is very indifferent, the 
main train will cross the river to-morrow afternoon and go ahead some six miles to good grass, ` 
while I shall remain with the magnetic party. Travelling along the céteau of the Shyenne, 
near the place where we encamped, I saw a buffalo, to which Menoc and La Frambois gave 
chase, but without success. The plateau of the river, and the coulée opening into it, is 
observable to-day. Extensive gullies are here found making into the prairie on the one side 
and the plateau of the river on the other. І descended from the cóteau some 150 feet and 
camped on the plateau alluded to. The grass, at the best, is very poor, and the great abun- 
dance of grasshoppers had made sad havoe with what had grown here. This afternoon Mr. 
Tinkham, Paul Boulieau, and Rummell went ahead to fix the position of Butte Micheau, Lake 
Jessie, and to make a reconnoissance of the road. ‚ Boutineau found a very good ford some half 
mile from our camp, which needed but little levelling of the steep side banks to make it entirely 
practicable for our wagons. | | : 
The astronomical and magnetic observations of the survey have not, as yet, furnished any 
satisfactory results. The rates of the chronometers have increased, and no satisfactory data 
have been obtained by which our longitude can be computed. I feel very anxious on this 
subject, as I wish to have verified our dead reckoning, as well as determine our position. 
These unsuccessful results have not been owing to any neglect or indolence on the part of Mr. 
G. W. Stevens, or his assistant, Mr. Doty. Their time’ has been fully oceupied; they have 
worked assiduously and overcome many practical difficulties. They have made many very 
good observations, and but few computations remain to be brought up. | 
Boutineau and Henry Boulieau went out this afternoon, and returned with the choice pieces 
of a fine fat young buffalo bull, and we made. a delightful meal around the fire of the hunters’ 
mess of the ribs, marrow bones, &c., cooked hunters’ fashion. 2 | 
Towards evening, on the. cóteau on the other side of the river, a herd of some twenty elks 
made their appearance. Numerous wolves were also seen, which, during the night, kept up a 
constanthowling. =. sndr °. ee. : 
We planted flags on high hills in the vicinity, as signals to Lander, who may follow the 
Shyenne river to find our crossing place: = — i h 
July 9.—Feeling quite unwell I remained in bed most of the day. An accurate return was 
made of the provisions on hand, 80 as to regulate its weekly distribution. Our flour is fast 
diminishing, and the issue was reduced to half a pound per day to each man. This state of 
