202 
GENERAL REPORT ON WESTERN DIVISION. 
ern side they should be provided with good mules, but do most of the mountain work on foot. 
The only supplies to be had in the country are salmon, berries, and potatoes. There is no dan¬ 
ger to be apprehended from the Indians, however small the party may be. On the western side 
the exploration should be made by ascending the rivers in canoes, examining the country at the 
beads of and between the streams on foot. Some little game may be depended upon on this side. 
More caution will here be required among the northern Indians, although a small party may 
safely go among them. An examination of the Olympus range, and the lower Chebaiis, would 
also be very desirable to develop the resources of the county, as well as for geographical informa¬ 
tion. That survey also should be made in canoes and on foot; rather larger parties would here be 
necessary—about ten men in each. In submitting the accompanying sub-reports, mentioned in 
the beginning of this, I would state that they are necessary to a full understanding of my own. 
I have endeavored to avoid all unnecessary detail, leaving to those gentlemen the full explanation of 
their respective provinces. I am glad to state that they have done such full justice to their sub¬ 
jects that no word ol commendation from me is necessary; their reports are of more interest 
than my own, and can safely be left to stand the test of their own merits. I cannot, however, 
be equally silent with regard to their conduct while associated with me in the field. Their duty 
was not only performed with intelligence, but with alacrity and cheerfulness. Lieutenant Dun¬ 
can possesses the qualities to conduct any expedition like this. Lieutenant Hodges was an ener¬ 
getic and systematic quartermaster; he conducted his difficult march to Steilacoom in the most 
satisfactory manner. Lieutenant Mowry performed his duty excellently, and left nothing of it, 
that I desired, undone. 1 have no hesitation in saying that no one could have been found who 
could have made so complete and excellent a report upon Indian matters as that of Mr. Gibbs. 
His report upon the geology will show the care with which he pursued this portion of his duty; 
in addition to this, he has more than once conducted important reconnaissances with great benefit 
to the survey. The courses and distances, so important to the correctness of the map, and so 
difficult to be obtained in the country we traversed, were taken by Mr. Minter with a care and 
judgment that left nothing to be desired ; on other points, also, his good judgment was of great 
assistance. 
Dr. Cooper was unfortunate in having a field so destitute of animated beings as was the scene of 
our operations; but, such as it was, he used it to the best advantage. We were fortunate in hav¬ 
ing but few cases of sickness. In those that did occur, the Doctor showed himself to be perfectly 
familiar with his profession. The non-commissioned officers and men composing the escort uni¬ 
formly conducted themselves in a manner to do credit to themselves and to their regiment. It 
was with great regret that I parted with them at Wenass. 
The civil employes were almost all very excellent men, who understood and performed their 
duty well. When we were fairly started, there was no trouble among them. As to those re¬ 
tained upon the reduction of the party, there was scarcely one who was not all that could be 
desired in his position. Had I the same duty to perform again, but few alterations would be 
made in the party, so well and cheerfully did they do all that was required. I must express my 
appreciation of their excellent and subordinate conduct, and of my good fortune in having so ex¬ 
cellent a party. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
geo. b. McClellan, 
Lieutenant of Engineers , and Brevet Captain., U. S. A., 
Commanding Western Division of Survey. 
Governor I. I. Stevens, 
Chief of Northern Vacific Railroad Exploration and Survey. 
