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LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 
LETTER OF GOVERNOR I. I. STEVENS TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR, TRANSMITTING TWO REPORTS 
OF MR. JAMES DOTY. 
Olympia, W. T., April 20, 1855. 
Sir: I have the honor herewith to enclose two reports from Mr. James Doty—the first dated 
at Olympia, December 15, 1854, giving the results of his exploration from Fort Benton, along 
the eastern base of the Rocky mountains, to latitude 49° 30'; the second dated at Olympia, Jan¬ 
uary 1, 1855, giving the results of a reconnaissance from Fort Benton to Cantonment Stevens in 
July, 1S54, and of a survey from Fort Benton to Olympia in September and October, 1854. 
These reports will close my series of preliminary reports in relation to the exploration and 
survey of the northern railroad route, under the original instructions of the War Department. If, 
in the course of my Indian duties the present season, additional information shall be gained, I 
will submit it to the department for such disposition as may seem to the department appropriate. 
By referring to the first report it will be observed that there is every probability of the existence 
of a wide, open pass, formerly in extensive use by the Indians, some twenty miles south of the 
pass explored in October and November, 1853, by A. W. Tinkham, Esq., assistant engineer. 
I will extract as follows from that report: 
“ May 24.—The Marias river comes through a gap in the mountains some fifteen miles in 
width. The country is hilly, and densely timbered with pine; but the soil is rich, even in the 
highest hills. There are, however, many grassy openings or small prairies from one to ten acres 
in extent. From a peak of mountains, next below the highest range, I obtained a good view of 
the course of the river, and found that it runs northeast, while Mr. Tinkham’s survey makes 
its course southeast. His description and topography of the pass and mountains do not agree 
with the reality, and it would certainly seem as though he could not have passed through here. 
Farther, directly up the main stream, is impracticable; but this wide depression, and no mount¬ 
ains to be seen in the west, would seem to indicate the existence of a favorable pass on some of 
its branches. A sextant observation at noon gives for the latitude of our camp 48° 20' 59", 
which is more than twenty miles south of the location given this river by Mr. Tinkham.” 
Again: 
“ At a distance of four miles more I ascended a lofty hill, from the summit of which I obtained 
a commanding view of the pass and the course of the river for a long distance to the southwest. 
“ The pass continues about fifteen miles in breadth ; the country hilly, and densely wooded 
with pine. The mountains on either hand are lofty and rugged, showing generally perpendicular 
rock from within three hundred feet of their summits, and are covered with snow as in mid¬ 
winter. Snow-banks were also found on the north side of many hills in the pass. Up the pass 
to the southwest no mountains obstruct the view, and I am satisfied that Mr. Tinkham could not 
have passed over this trail, as he could not pronounce this portion of the pass so difficult as his 
report and topography represent it. This pass is not vouched for as a good railroad or pack- 
train route; yet it is believed worthy of further examination, and I only regret that I cannot 
make it, as your instructions require me to be at Fort Benton in the last days of this month.” 
The second report gives much detailed information in regard to the railroad practicability of 
Lewis and Clark’s Pass of the Rocky mountains, a comparative view of the merits of the Big 
Blackfoot and Northern Little Blackfoot trails, and the details of a new route—the route from 
the Cceur d’Alene mission to Fort Wallah-Wallah. 
A sketch accompanies these reports. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient, 
ISAAC I. STEVENS, 
Governor of Washington Territory. 
Hon. Jefferson Davis, 
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. 
