aS PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS 



CHAPTER III. 



General arrangements for the route of the expedition on the waters rf 

 the Upper Mississippi. — The width of this stream and Sandy Lake 

 ascertained. — Notices of the ascent from that point by the Falls of 

 Peckagama and Lake Winnipec, to Cass Lake. — Attack of a party of 

 Mandans on the Chippewas at Pembina. — The route of the Bogottowa 

 Lake. — Encamped at Winnipec House. — Inquiries respecting the 

 opposition trade, and the traffic in ardent spirits. — Reach Cass Lake, 

 — The width of the Mississippi, at its outlet. — Encamped on an island* 

 in this lake. — Yellow Head's town; its population and' hunting 

 grounds.— Remarks on the Fur Trade. — North West, Hudson's 

 Bay, and American Fur Companies.— -Lord Selkirk's triumph,—* 

 Murder of Owen Keveny, 



Af Sandy Lake the expedition made its general arrangements 

 for the route. Most of the Indians at that post being absent^ 

 with their principal Chief, on the plains near the junction of the 

 Des Corbeau, it was determined to assemble them at that point,, 

 so as to meet the expedition on its return down the Mississippi, 

 and to deposit at Sandy Lake House, the presents intended for 

 distribution to this band, together with the supplies required for 

 the home route. These were placed in charge of a trusty 

 person, with directions to proceed down the river with them, 

 to the Isle Des Corbeau, in season to meet the party at that 

 place on the 24th July. Relieved of this portion of the burthen 

 of transportation, it was then settled that the expedition should 

 go up the Mississippi, through all its windings, to Cass Lake ; 

 there make a final deposit of the remainder of its heavy baggage, 

 and fit out a select exploring party, in light canoes, to ascend to 

 its actual source. This point fixed, the party would again 

 desoend to Cass Lake, thence, cross the interior, by a route, 

 represented to be practicable, to Leech Lake, and from the 



