METHOD OF EXPLORATION. 21 



of the Hills. As the work of the survey progressed northward, the main 

 body of the escort of troops was transferred from one base of supplies to an- 

 other so as to keep up with the course of the explorations. In this manner, 

 with scarcely a day's remission from work, the survey continued until the 

 entire area of the Black Hills between the forks of the Cheyenne had been 

 mapped and its geology and mineral resources determined as fully as the rapid 

 progress would permit. Having passed over the entire country and accom- 

 plished the object of the expedition, the various parties assembled on the 

 Cheyenne at the mouth of Rapid Creek, and began the march homeward, 

 reaching Fort Laramie, via White River and the agencies of Spotted Tail and 

 Red Cloud, on the 14th of October, after an absence of four months and 

 twenty days. 



Having disbanded the expedition at Cheyenne the officers of the Sur- 

 vey returned east and assembled in Washington earl y in November to com- 

 plete their report. 



While in the field, the various discoveries of the presence of gold in 

 the different districts were announced to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs 

 at Washington; and a preliminary report by Mr. Jenney on the mineral 

 resources of the Hills, accompanied by a small preliminary map by Dr. 

 McGilly cuddy, was published in the Annual Report of the Commissioner of 

 Indian Affairs for 1875. The completed observations on the mineral 

 resources, climate, &c. (Chapters IV and V of this volume), possessing 

 immediate and particular interest, were, by resolution of the Senate, called 

 for in advance of the final report, and with a preliminary map were pub- 

 lished in the spring of 1876 * 



*The Mineral Wealth, Climate and Rainfall, and Natural Resources of the Black Hills of Dakota, 

 by W. P. Jenney with map. Washington, 187(3. 8vo., 71 pp. 



