INTRODUCTION. 



The following instructions will explain the object of the 

 Assinniboine and Saskatchewan exploring expedition. 



No. I. 



Secretary's Office, Toronto, 14th April, 1858. 

 Sir, — During the last week I communicated to you, verbally, 

 instructions in reference to the proposed expedition to the 

 neighbourhood of the Eed River during the present year. 



2. It has been decided, as you are aware, with a view to keep 

 down as much as possible the expenditure this year, to dispense 

 with the services of Mr. Grladman as its general manager. 



3. The exploration party this year will consist of two divisions, 

 one to be placed under your direction and control, and the other 

 under the direction of Mr. Dawson. 



4. His Excellency in Council has been pleased to place under 

 your charge the topographical and geological portion of the 

 exploration, respecting which full instructions will be given in 

 another letter, while Mr. Dawson will continue to perform the 

 same duties as last year, viz., those of surveyor, &c. 



5. The estimate of the probable expenditure of the expedi- 

 tion, submitted by you on the 6th instant, was laid before his 

 Excellency in Council, and has been approved of by them, y and 

 I have accordingly now to direct you to be guided as much as 

 possible by that estimate in engaging your assistants, hiring your 



