INSTRUCTIONS TO MR. DOTY.—GENERAL ORDER. 
41 
No. 11. 
Instructions to James Doty , left in command of the meteorological and supply post of the Northern 
Pacific Railroad Exploration and Survey established, at Fort Benton , September , 1853. 
Sir: You are placed in command of the meteorological and supply post at Fort Benton. 
Corporal Coster, Sapper Lynt, and Hugh Robie, are placed under your command: Coster to 
assist in taking care of the property left at this post, Lynt to assist in observations, Robie as 
cook and laborer. 
Observations will be made with the barometers, thermometers, and hygrometer, three times 
each day. The amount of rain will be determined by the river gauge. It is desirable to ascer¬ 
tain the general character of the winter: as, the depth and continuance of snow; time at which 
the river is frozen; time of breaking up; floating ice; freshets, &c. 
It is important that all opportunities for observations of the Indian tribes in this vicinity 
should be improved. Information is desired concerning their habits, customs and tradition; 
the boundaries of their country; their wintering places, and their hunting-grounds in summer. 
It is supposed that these Indians are often found upon the California emigrant trail, and even 
as far south as Taos, in New Mexico. Ascertain, if possible, whether their predatory excursions 
have this range. 
Topographical explorations may be made when practicable. 
The winter trading posts of the American Fur Company may be visited whenever the com¬ 
pany’s employes go there to trade during the winter, at which time much valuable information 
may be acquired concerning the Indians and the general features of their country. 
It is desirable to make collections in natural history, mineralogy and botany, and to keep a 
full journal of all of interest that transpires. 
You will remain in charge of this post until the 1st of July next, or until relieved by orders 
from myself. I shall make every exertion to reach Fort Benton, via Puget sound, in June next. 
I leave with you the printed instructions and a copy of the letter of the Commissioner of the 
Indian Bureau, authorizing me to enter into negotiations with all Indians north of the Mis¬ 
souri, not included in existing arrangements. 
Very truly and respectfully, 
ISAAC I. STEVENS, 
Governor of Washington Territory , in Charge of Expedition . 
Mr. Doty. 
No. 12. 
[Order No. 11.] 
Northern Pacific Railroad Exploration and Survey, 
Camp Atchison , Mouth of Milk River, August 19, 1853. 
The plan of continuing the survey to Fort Benton in two parties, determined upon at Fort 
Union and announced' in a letter to the Secretary of War, dated August 8, 1853, under the 
respective directions of Lieutenants Donelson and Grover, having been abandoned at the junction 
of the two camps on the west side of Big Muddy river, the following arrangements are made, 
adapted to the plan now in execution of moving in one line by Milk river: 
1. Lieutenant Donelson is the executive officer of the expedition. Under the direction of 
the chief of the expedition, he will exercise a general supervision on the march, and in camp 
regulate the details of guards, supervise the inspection of arms, and see generally that the 
orders of the chief of the expedition are executed. He will take general charge of all the 
observations, connecting them with the odometer survey, the work of the reconnoitring 
officers and that ot the civil engineers, and will make a daily report in relation to this con¬ 
nexion, its character, scope, and completeness, and will, as the assistant of the chief of the 
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