FROM CANTONMENT STEYENS TO OLYMPIA. 
565 
The priest received me politely, but could give me little or no information concerning the Sno- 
qualme Pass. No guide could be obtained nearer than two days’ march ; and he would be an 
Indian, to whom I could not express my wishes in regard to the several trails leading through the 
pass, and which Governor Stevens had directed me to examine. In addition, my barometer an I 
sextant were unserviceable, and I therefore, although reluctantly, determined to proceed directly 
to Olympia by the emigrant road, dispensing with a guide. 
We pushed on over high hills covered with bunch-grass, and encamped at sundown upon a 
small stream, which was called by some Indians who visited us, Te quy-wy-e-chass. Here is an 
abundance of luxuriant bunch-grass. 
October 17.—We started early, and held northeast for ten miles, when we struck the Nahchess 
river, which is here a stream sixty yards wide and two feet deep, with a swift current. Crossed 
just at an extensive fish weir, where immense quantities of salmon are taken in the season, and it 
is said to be the best fishery on the Yakima. In three miles more we reached the Wenass river, 
and crossing it struck the. broad trail of the emigrant road, and followed it to the point where it 
leaves the Wenass and crosses to the Nahchess. 
October 18, 19, 20, and 21.—Pushed on as rapidly as our tired and sore-footed animals would 
permit. A minute description of the road and country is deemed unnecessary, as it has already 
been thoroughly explored and surveyed. But I must take this opportunity of expressing the 
opinion that the location of the road, and the work thereon, have been most judiciously and 
thoroughly performed under the direction and personal superintendence of Lieutenant Arnold, 
U. S. A. Wagons can now come over the road with but little difficulty, and an additional 
expenditure of $10,000 would make it an excellent mountain road. 
On the morning of the 22d we Yeached the first settlements, and pushing on, encamped on 
Fennell’s prairie, through which runs a small creek emptying into the Puyallup river. Mr. Fen¬ 
nell has a fine farm of rich soil; and, indeed, all the small prairies we have passed appear to be 
very fertile. 
October 23.—We crossed the Puyallup and Nisqually rivers, and passing seven miles down the 
latter, encamped on a spring-brook. We are now among fine farms, cattle, pigs, chickens, &c.; 
and though singular and strange, they are by no means unpleasant sights to our eyes, so long 
unaccustomed to look upon them. 
October 24.—We pushed on rapidly over a fine prairie country, and through occasional belts 
of pine timber of an enormous growth. The waters of the Pacific and the long looked for town 
of Olympia burst upon our delighted vision. We rode directly into town, and I was most cor¬ 
dially welcomed by my esteemed friend George W. Stevens, Esq., and Secretary C. H. Mason. 
Located in their hospitable house, truly I feel once more almost at home again. 
Thus was terminated a reconnaissance from Fort Benton to Olympia in forty-seven days, in¬ 
cluding all delays. 
Making a quick trip was not the object had in view, but rather to make a careful survey of the 
route, carrying out your instructions with reference to the agricultural capabilities of the country, 
and the feasibility of the country for wagon roads. 
In this report the form of a brief journal has been adopted, as affording more minute, and con¬ 
sequently more satisfactory information than could be given in a general report. 
A sketch of the reconnaissance is herewith submitted, and also the field-notes, which have 
been plotted precisely as taken in the field, and without off-sets to make them agree with pre¬ 
vious surveys. 
I am, very respectfully, vours, &c., 
JAMES DOTY. 
Governor 1 . 1 . Stevens, 
In Charge of Northern Pacific Railroad Survey. 
