EXAMINATION OF 



MINNESOTA. 



295 



We reached the vicinity of Mille Lacs by way of Mud River ; and, by a short 

 portage, arrived at the Lake, on the 7th of October. A day and a half was spent 

 in examining the shores and islands of the Lake, and in making the observations 

 necessary for determining its geographical position, when we proceeded by Rum 

 River, which drains the surplus waters of the Lake, to the Mississippi, eighteen 

 miles above the Falls of St. Anthony, where the field operations for the season ter- 

 minated. 



It will be perceived, from the above outline of the route, that the country traversed 

 during that season embraced a large district of untrodden ground, so far as scientific 

 objects are concerned, and was almost totally unknown, in all respects, except to a 

 few agents of the Fur Companies, who occasionally cross some portions of it in their 

 traffic with the Indians. 



A great amount of chorographical information was obtained by personal observa- 

 tion, as well as from Indians and " half-breeds," who are thoroughly acquainted 

 with the country. 



1. From Crow Wing River to Sandy Lake. — In the summer of 1847, while 

 engaged in exploring a portion of St. Louis River, I made an arrangement with Mr. 

 Allan Morrison, a gentleman in the service of the Fur Company, and who is well 

 acquainted with the Northwest Territory, by which he agreed to accompany me the 

 next season in the capacity of assistant. In the latter part of the ensuing winter, 

 he was directed to engage men, purchase canoes, and have everything in readiness 

 for the corj)S to start from St. Peter's by the middle of May. 



On arriving at St. Peter's, however, it was ascertained that Mr. Morrison's services 

 were required by the Fur Company, and he could not fulfil his engagement. Neither 

 had any arrangements been made towards securing an early entrance of the corps 

 into the field. It was necessary, therefore, not only to look out for voyageurs, but 

 also for some one capable of performing the duties of an assistant. 



The house of the Fur Company, opposite the mouth of Crow Wing River, is the 

 point at which all the agents and clerks who have charge of the various posts on 

 the Upper Mississippi and its tributaries, and as far north as Red and Vermilion 

 Lakes, assemble in the spring, as soon after the opening of the lakes and streams as 

 possible, bringing with them the furs collected during the winter. Each clerk is 

 accompanied by several engages or voyageurs, as they are termed, whose business it 

 is to transport the goods and furs between the depot at Crow Wing, and the distant 

 trading-posts, in the fall and spring, and to assist during the winter in the traffic 

 with the Indians. Thus, there is generally a large number of men collected at 

 Crow Wing early in the season. The services of but few of these men are required 

 by the Company during the summer months. They generally spend their time as 

 interest or pleasure may dictate, until the next fall, when they assemble again at 

 Crow Wing, and proceed with their " outfits" to the distant stations for the winter 

 trade. 



These voyageurs are almost all " half-breeds," accustomed to yield implicit 

 obedience to their superiors, and to endure great fatigue and privations. They are 

 well acquainted with most of the country Avithin the limits of the Company's opera- 

 tions, and are thoroughly conversant with the management of canoes and the navi- 



