14 
REPORT ON RECONNAISSANCE OF UPPER MISSISSIPPI. 
whole expedition was brought together, with the exception of Mr. Stanley, the artist, Mr. 
Osgood, the disbursing agent, Mr. Evans and Mr. Kendall, two aids of the expedition, and 
myself. About one-half of the mules had never been broken, either in wagons, to pack, or 
saddle, and the remaining half were quite wild, and required much work to prepare them for 
service. In consequence of these difficulties, and there not having been engaged a sufficient 
number of teamsters, some delay has necessarily occurred in setting out. 
Captain Gardiner and Lieutenant Grover have been indefatigable in their exertions, and, 
considering the difficulties that have been encountered, great progress has been made. 
On Tuesday, (May 31,) the two civil engineers, Mr. Lander and Mr. Tinkham, were sent out 
with small parties to commence the survey of the railroad route. Their riding-mules, as well 
as all the riding-mules of the gentlemen of the party, have been broken by themselves with 
very little additional assistance, several of the younger members of the party having only 
succeeded in mastering their animals after having been thrown several times. Mr. Lander, the 
morning he set out, was thrown, and had his shoulder put out of joint. It was brought back 
by the main strength of three men, and he immediately set out at the head of his party. 
I refer to these facts to show the spirit of my command, and the promise thus given that all 
difficulties must disappear before the hardihood and the resolution thus exhibited. All this 
has been done in the midst of drenching rains. It has rained since Tuesday, till to-day. 
Mr. Lander had previously made a reconnaissance of the several crossings of the Mississippi, 
for the details of which I refer you to the enclosed copy of his report. I also enclose the 
instructions given to Mr. Lander and Mr. Tinkham, in relation to their respective duties. 
To-day I sent off a small train of three wagons and twentj-four pack-mules to a depot and 
station which I propose to establish west of the Mississippi river, near the Sauk rapids. The 
mules were the wildest of the whole number, and were packed for the first time, yet they 
reached their camping ground, setting out at 11 o’clock, a distance of six miles, in season to picket 
the animals before sundown. To-morrow I shall send off a small train, and on Monday the 
whole camp will be in motion. 
Proceeding with the astronomical and magnetic party, I shall take the steamer at St. 
Anthony, and reach the depot west of the Sauk rapids on Tuesday evening, and there estab¬ 
lish a station, which, with the observations at this station, will connect with Nicollet’s survey, 
and give a good base on the Mississippi river. I shall reach the depot in season to make 
arrangements for the whole command to cross the river, and at the same time be in easy com¬ 
munication with Mr. Tinkham and Mr. Lander. The whole command will, I trust, be on the 
west side of the Mississippi on Saturday next, June 11, and on Monday I hope to be able to 
push rapidly into the interior. 
Lieutenants Du Barry and Grover have been indefatigable in preparing themselves for their 
duties, practising at all the observations and computations. They will be able, on leaving the 
Mississippi, to take command of sub-parties, and make in person all the observations. 
Before leaving this depot, I will again communicate with the department, and state more 
specifically how I shall organize the several parties, particularly those under Lieutenants Du 
Barry and Grover. 
I am, very truly and respectfully, your obedient servant, 
ISAAC I. STEVENS, 
Governor of Washington Territory , in Command of Expedition. 
Hon. Jefferson Davis, 
Secretary of War, Washington , I). C. 
St. Paul’s, May 22, 1853. 
Sir: In receiving your instructions in regard to a reconnaissance of the upper Mississippi 
for a railroad crossing, I was directed to view this subject with reference to a feasible connexion 
