NARRATIVE 



OF AH EXPEDITION THROUGH THE rrrr.il MISSISSIPHK 



TO ITASCA LAKE. 



CHAPTER I. 



Introductory observations on the sources of the Mississippi. — Pike's expedi- 

 tion in 1805, for exploring Us course, and ascertaining its origin. — The 

 expedition of Gov. Cass, directed to the sajne objects, in 18-20. — lis txtmt. 

 termination, and results. — Renewed efforts to ascend to its source, by the 

 author, in 1831. — Diverted to the unexplored country lying in the area 

 between Lake Superior and the Upper Mueistippi, south of St. .In'.lm- 

 vy's Falls. — Summary of the route. — The St. Croix and Chipperca Riv- 

 ers. — Massacre of the Monomonees at Prairie da Chien, in 1831. — Mine 

 country. — Return to the Straits of St. Mary. 



American geography may be said to have hud three impor- 

 tant problems to solve, in modern times. The first and second 

 of these, related to the source of the Missouri, and to the course 

 and termination of the Columbia. Both, were substantially re- 

 el by the expedition of Lewis and Clark, under the admin- 

 istration of Mr. Jefferson. It is to be borne in mind, however, 

 that but one of the three forks, up to which the Missouri was 

 traced, has been explored, that its two northwestern branches 

 have not been ascended, and that, consequently, we do not 

 actually know, which of its primary tributaries is the longest, 

 or brings down the greatest volume of water. 



