446 
INDIAN TRIBES OF WASHINGTON TERRITORY. 
pleased, and expressed their willingness to work on a farm when the opportunity should be 
afforded them. 
Travelled up the river fifty miles, running a compass line and noting the topography. Saw 
several encampments, and met many Indians on their march down; and on the ISth reached 
“Ammell’s Houses.” Here were encamped nearly the whole of the Blood, Blackfeet, and 
Northern Piegan bands. 
A council was held, at which thirteen of the great chiefs and many of the principal men were 
present. I spoke to them much the same as I had spoken to the Piegans, but at greater length. 
Several of the chiefs replied, and all expressed much friendship to the whites; promised to attend 
the council, and to give the firm—with the idea of which they we e much pleased—a fair trial. 
The great Piegan chief, the “Little Gray Head,” who has taken a very decided stand for 
peace with neighboring tribes, was present, and I gave him a present out of the Indian goods left 
with me. Tobacco purchased of Mr. C. was given to the principal men. 
Learning that a portion of the Blood Indians were in camp five days’ march to the north, and 
intending to go to the British posts to trade, I sent them tobacco and a message to induce them 
to turn back. 
I passed two days here, and had an excellent opportunity to acquire much interesting informa¬ 
tion concerning the manners, customs, habits, &c., of these Indians, which is fully recorded in my 
official journal, and would be out of place in this letter or a brief report. Returned to Port 
Benton on the 23d. 
Amu will learn by Messrs. Tinkham and Grover somewhat concerning my intended operations 
in the field the coming spring; but it may not be amiss to express my idea of the direction in 
which the survey is to be conducted, and the objects to be accomplished thereby. 
Having, before the season for active operations arrived, made a thorough examination of the 
country in this vicinity, I propose to commence with the survey of Sun river from its mouth to its 
source; thence to the head of Dearborn river, and down that river to its mouth; thence to the 
junction of Madison and Wisdom rivers; thence to the sources of the Muscle Shell, and down 
that river to a point near its mouth; thence parallel with the Missouri, crossing and examining 
Judith, Big Horn, and other rivers, to Fort Benton. 
Particular regard will be had to the character of the streams ; general nature of the soil; tracts 
adapted to cultivation; the timber and stone, and facilities for obtaining them; the collection of 
mineralogical and geological specimens, and making an extensive- botanical and natural history 
* 
collection. 
Lieutenant Grover leaves me a Schmalcalder compass, so that an accurate survey will be 
insured. A sextant will be used to determine the latitude. 
It is expected that this survey will occupy at least forty days, and, undoubtedly, much valu¬ 
able and interesting information will be acquired. 
As I shall have to procure another man, in order to leave two of my present command at the 
post—one to take the observations, and one in charge of the government property—I think that 
man should be a good interpreter. Arrangements for his pay must be made. Then my absence 
from my post will be a long one; and, in view of these things, it would afford me much satis¬ 
faction to see you in person, or receive by an express your instructions in the premises, previous 
to my setting out, which I have fixed for the 1st of May at the latest. 
In case an express is sent, I will thank you to forward my letters and a few newspapers. 
I am, very respectfully and truly, yours, 
JAMES DOTY. 
Governor I. I. Stevens, 
Washington Territory. 
