UAB6 1870 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES ROBERT ERNEST COWAN (-**} 41ST COX<;IM:SS, 3d tieMion. - LETTER THE SECRETARY OF WAR, ( OM.MCMCATIM; In compliance icith the resolution of the ticnat<> of June 13, 1870, a copy of the report of Lieutenant Colonel /Samuel 7>. Ifolabird, of a reconnaissance made by Mm in the Department of Dakota, in 1800. DECEMBER 31. 18/0. Ordered to lie on the table and be printed. 1 , _ _ WAR DEPARTMENT, December 20, 1870. The Secretary of War, in obedience to the resolution of June 13, 1870, has the honor to submit to the Senate of the United States a copy of the report of Lieutenant Colonel Samuel B. Holabird, chief quarter- master of the Department of Dakota, of a reconuoissance made by him us in his department in the year 1869, with accompanying maps. g WM. W. BELKXAP, *" Secretary of War. 9 S DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, OFFICE CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, sg Saint Paul, Minn., October la, 18G9. ^ GENERAL: In obedience to instructions from the department coni- Snander, I have the honor to report upon the result of my inspection as follows : FORT ELLIS. Fort Ellis is situated in the valley of the East Gallatin, seventy miles northeast of Virginia City, one hundred and three miles a little east of south from Helena, and twenty-five miles from the Yellowstone River by the road. The forks of the Missouri, where the great river itself is formed, is forty miles distant. A range of mountains running first north and south, and then throwing off spurs to the eastward, separates the valleys of the streams, forming the Missouri River from the Yellow- stone and its tributaries. Through these mountains there are but few passes, and this post is placed with the view of closing at least two of them, and affecting as far as may be the third and last one. The valley in which the post is built is very fertile, and is fast filling with settlements. A promising town, Bozemah, is growing up within three miles of the post below it. Upon either side of the valley, the hills, or mountains they may be termed, rise to a considerable height, although some of them are rounded and grassy to their tops. These broken, 1 | oooo 2 RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. mound-like ranges add irreat beauty and variety to the scenery of the valley. The East Gallatiu, a stream of clear cold water, with small tributaries of cold water, flows within a thousand feet of the post, over auriferous gravel about the post, and through a rich bottom land just below it. where are located the post gardens, which 'produce abundant vegetables. Extensive pine forests, furnishing tine logs for lumber. exist within twelve miles of the post. Sufficient wood for fuel is found within a radius of from four to six miles. Large coal beds of easy access are found within four miles of the post, which furnish a light, lustrous coal, suitable for fuel and for use in blacksmiths' forges. This coal can be mined and delivered at a cost of 86 or $8 per ton, and after a while perhaps at lower rates. Limestone is found convenient in sufficient quantities for all practical purposes, (.'lay for brick and adobes, and sharp sand for mortar, gravel, &c., abound. The buildings are roughly constructed of pine logs laid upon each other or "filled in-between vertical posts horizontally, spaces being left for doors and windows. The interspaces between the logs are irreg- ularly tilled with mortar. The rooms are finished with panel doors and pine casing, baseboards, &c. Strong ceiling joists are laid or built in above each room, rough boards are laid upon them, and these boards are covered with a layer of several inches of rammed earth to give warmth to the building by taking the place of ceiling. The roofs are of short slips of boards laid on in the manner of shingles, but with about twice the length of a shingle exposed, forming an imperfect covering. One of the officers' quarters is regularly shingled with pine shingles, forming a perfect roof. Little attention has thus far been paid to ven- tilation, and orders had to be given to ventilate the storehouses and stables. Storeage cannot be said to be abundant, although it may answer the present wants of the post. A good granary building is constructed outside, near the stables and corral. The stables are of logs covered with earth, and lack feed-troughs, hay-racks, and many other devices to economize the public forage. It is the general judgment of all intelligent persons that a better site for a post exists but a short distance from the present one, upon higher ground. Fort Ellis is contracted in the arrangement of the quarters, and is inclosed closely by an unnecessarily high stockade, excluding the air, and making the place seem more like a prison than a military post. Much of this stockade w ill have to be thrown down in the future enlarge- ment and use of the post. For the disposition of the buildings, &c., see plan herewith. Good water, as already mentioned, runs within a thou- sand feet of the post. Forage. Grain and hay are both procured by contract. Grain ought to cost not over 5 cents per pound, and hay about *15 per ton. Mis- cellaneous articles purchased in the country cost from 300 to 500 per cent, above Chicago and St. Louis prices. Captain Constable, assistant quartermaster L^uited States Army, act- ing under the instructions of the district commander, Lieutenant Colo- nel George L. Andrews, purchased without advertising, and of course without competition, 500,000 pounds of grain, at 10 cents per pound ; and 300 tons of hay, at $32 50 per ton. Only 300,000 pounds of grain were delivered. In my opinion, this purchase was a very bad one, and indicates that little discretion in such matters can safely be given to officers generally. There was sufficient time to advertise". A contract was made immediately after for 1,000,000 pounds of grain, to be deliv- ered at Ellis, at an average rate of four cents two and one-tenth mills RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 6 per pound, and 125 tons of hay, at $16 74 per ton. The hay purchased by Captain Constable was old hay left over from last year. A contract for 1,000 cords of wood, at $6 72 per cord, was also made by this officer for the current fiscal year. Authority was given by the department commander to purchase coal for blacksmiths' use and for trial for fuel. The cost of civilian labor the last year, including hire of mule and ox teams, has-been $24,782 13; of enlisted labor, $1,781 10. Cost of post for labor and building materials last year, $35,261 23. Employe's now authorized: 1 clerk, at $125; 6 carpenters, at $75; 1 blacksmith, at $75; 1 guide, at $75; 1 engineer, at $125. Number of extra duty men. at this date, 16 ; number of mules, 53 ; of organized teams, 7. Four more were ordered to the post. Number of horses in good condition, 63 ; quartermaster's funds transferred the past year to the quartermas- ter, $9,500. The best route of supply for this post during the season of navigation will be via the Muscleshell River. At present the hauling is done from Fort Ben ton, distance as follows : Miles. From Fort Benton to Helena 140 From Helena to Fort Ellis . . ... 103 Total 243 Direct, without going to Helena. ... 241 To supply this post via the Pacific Railroad would give hauling from Corrine, upon the Union Pacific Railroad, to Virginia City . . 330 From Virginia City to Fort Ellis 70 Total . ... 400 The hauling by ox teams over the road would cost $1 25 per 100 pounds per 100 miles in the best season, and $1 50 per 100 pounds per 100 miles with horse or mule teams. From Bentou to Ellis, in the haul- ing season, by present contract, the price per 100 pounds per 100 miles is $1 58. No other buildings than those now authorized are recommended to be constructed at Fort Ellis, for the reason that these will suffice for the present. The country is settling so rapidly that the post will be of little use except as a depot to collect supplies, and one company will be a sufficient guard in such case. It is of the first importance to occupy the country between the Yel- lowstone and the Missouri, entirely inclosed by those rivers, except over a space of from fifteen to twenty-five miles. Across this country a road to Helena from below Grande Island shoal in the Missouri, and above the Muscleshell, is required ; and this road will have to be protected at or near its starting point on the Missouri, and probably wherever it forks for the Gallatin Valley. A post in the valley of the Yellowstone will draw settlements east- ward into this country, and be of use in opening up the country, and will effectually put an end to the discussion in regard to the Flathead, Bridger's, and the other passes into the Gallatin Valley, by closing them to the Indians. FORT SHAW is situated in the valley of Sun River, called the Medicine by Lewis and 4 RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. Clarke, about fifteen miles from the Missouri in a direct line, and about fifty miles from Cadotte's Pass, directly west of it through the Rocky Mountains. It is forty-five miles from the Indian agency upon the Teton. and about four miles from the Sun River erossing of the main road from P.enton to Helena, sixty miles from IJcnton and eighty miles from Helena. This post was established to shut out Indians crossing from the west- ward and north ward, and since it was established the country has filled up with settlers below the post on the Sun River to a considerable extent. The valley of Sun River is wide, flat, and well covered with grass. The soil is alkaline. The Sun River is a clear stream of cold water, not pure, but having considerable alkali in it. It answers very well for use. Wood is better than has been represented heretofore by the local quartermaster, and ought never to cost over 89 per cord. Hay depends upon the season, and will generally cost about 620 per ton. The quarters at this post are well planned for temporary buildings. The officers' quarters are more highly finished than is necessary. There have been faults in construction, as follows : The ceilings, joists, and roof timbers were made too light for the load placed upon them, and all have settled out of shape, and in some instances the timbers have given way. One entire building, marked on the plan H, with tongued and grooved flooring, is used for offices, by a kind of multiplication, of dis- trict, post, &c., offices. Much of this building, by confining the offices to the regulation allowance, might be used for storage or for quarters. A baud has separate quarters, although no band is allowed by law. The prison-room, so much required, and to finish which lime was pur- chased, (see Captain Constable's report upon lime purchased,) is unfin- ished. The granary is unfinished. Considerable lumber is on hand how much was not known. It is a practice at all the posts to take up and account for nothing made at the post. Therefore entire posts are built by mechanics, civilians, and enlisted labor, and the use of steam-mills, and no record of the material manufactured nor of the work done is kept. This is all objectionable, as no opinion can be formed of the result eco- nomically, and no supervision can be exercised. The Government has no record of value received for its labor that is hired and paid for. No intelligent opinion can be formed upon estimates for building material or upon demands for additional civilian labor. Fuel. There were on hand 965 cords of wood by measurement, some 300 cords not being on the returns. (Here it may be remarked that there seems to be a disposition to accumulate a surplus at posts even where such surplus cannot be made available, for the benefit of con- tractors and those in league with them. Fuel and forage never issued or fed is constantly returned for, and in this there is constant violation of the regulations at most of the posts.) There is a contract with J. B. Hubbell for 2,000 cords of wood for the use of this post, at $8 98 per cord ; this wood was being delivered. The wood at the post was found to be of as good quality as at the other posts on the Missouri River, and in this particular the previous reports of Captain N. S. Constable upon this subject were found to be in a manner inaccurate. Forage. There was represented to be on hand 135,660 pounds of corn, and 9,955 pounds of oats ; but from an inspection there was manifestly a large surplus not upon the accounts ; this was ordered to be taken up, and the grain to be delivered by the contractor was ordered to be put for inspection of the board in a separate building until it had been in- spected and weighed. There is a contract for 1,000,000 of pounds of RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 5 grain, at an average rate of five cents five and one quarter mills per pound, to be delivered at this post, and a contract with E. W. Sims for 400 tons of hay, at $16 75 per ton. Mr. Sims seemed to be opposed strongly by the post authorities, and has since thrown up his contract. Hay only is required for a few months in winter, and the few animals kept in stable at times; for the grazing is abundant, and near the post, and there is no pretext for a constant and general issue of hay which is not fed out. Straw. Hay is used in lieu of stra w. Stationery is furnished from the depot in St. Louis. Building material. Stone in abundance, of good quality, easy to dress, it being a soft sandstone, is found at a distance of three miles. It is rep- resented that there is no good limestone nearer than Helena. This matter ought to be investigated further. Adobes are used for the quarters, which will have to be stuccoed or clapboarded eventually. Bricks may be readily manufactured for chimneys. The lime is purchased and hauled from Helena at a cost of 4 or 5 cents per pound; sharp sand is abundant. Coal, for blacksmith's use, and possibly for fuel, is reported to exist from nine to fifteen miles from the post, upon the Dearborn River. This subject has, as yet, received no attention at Fort Shaw. Examinations for coal ought to be made. Clothing and camp and garrison equipage are abundant, and well cared for. Tools and miscellaneous property in excessive abundance, as was found to be the case at every post, especially iron. The property of this kind comes from St. Louis, and all received this year was uniformly re- ported to be of good quality and received in good order. Heating and cook-stoves have been required at all the posts, much in excess of their wants, and are of good pattern, and received in good order. There was a fine saw-mill at this post, which was ordered to Fort Ellis, to saw into lumber the 2,000 logs at that post. The mill at Camp Cooke was ordered to Fort Shaw to cut the logs 200,000 feet authorized to finish the hospital, granary, guard-house, &c. There were author- ized the following mechanics: 1 engineer and sawyer, at $125; 5 plas- terers, (for three months only,) $130; 1 blacksmith, $100; 7 carpenters, 1 at $125, and 6 at $90; 1 guide and interpreter, at from $75 to $100; 1 chief clerk and general superintendent, at $150; 1 clerk, post, at $100. Number of extra-duty men, 24 ; number of horses, 102 ; number of mules, 70 ; number of organized teams, 11. Four teams were ordered to Fort Ellis for the use of the cavalry at that post, bringing the number of teams for Ellis to 11. Total cost of this post since it was established, $187,013 49. This post is supplied from Fort Benton by river to Benton, and sixty miles of hauling. The hauling costs at the rate of $1 70 per one hun- dred miles per 100 pounds. A company is required at Benton every summer to attend to and guard the stores for Shaw and Ellis. The property was not removed as promptly as it ought to have been from the landing. At Benton orders were issued giving Brevet Major Torry, the officer stationed at Benton, control in this matter so as to correct it. A store- house is needed at Benton, if the stores are to be sent that way, or any part of them. Old Fort Benton would answer this purpose, and can be obtained for that purpose. Something of a force will be required at Fort Shaw for some time longer, as it is near the Blackfeet reservation, and until a road is opened 6 RECONNOISSAXCE IX THK DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. to Muscleshell. This post is upon the main road of supply for the whole of Montana. A force of one company is also required at Fort Benton to cover and protect the same line. Ellis and Shaw have been of great value to Montana. Had the troops at Camp Cooke been placed at Benton, they also would have been of ice. Hid away at the mouth of the Judith, in a pocket as it wei v. tlu-y were practically wasted and out of the zone of any influence what ever, except as holding a point on the Missouri, fifteen miles from the \\ui>t rapids on it, (Dauphin's.) In connection with and bearing upon the position of Fort Shaw, it should be mentioned that the principal Indian crossing for the Black- tee t Indians is Fort Benton, or in front of its main street; the Indians cross there and go up the Missouri, above the mouth of Sun River, and again cross the Missouri to attack the settlements or continue on to the passes into the Gallatiu Valley ; hence the necessity of the troops at both Shaw and Benton until the district of country south of the Mis- souri and north of the Yellowstone is cleared out and occupied. FORT BEATON AXD BENTON CITY. This place consists of the Northwestern Fur Company, post of Fort Benton, and of a town that has grown up just above it, upon the same bottom lands. At this point the goods brought up the Missouri are landed, and the business done here is, most of it, that of forwarding and transportation. In seasons when the river is low, boats land their cargoes on the left bank belqw, whence they are hauled in wagons to Benton, principally from Cofo Island, a distance from Beuton, by land, set down at one hundred and sixty miles. There are no roads on the west and south sides of the Missouri, as the country is broken and for- bidding, and the bl lifts render it nearly impossible to descend to the river bank. Upon the north side there is a fine prairie road to mouth of Milk River and to Fort Buford; total distance to Buford three hundred and eighty miles. To mouth of Milk Kiver, two hundred and fifty miles, through a fine country, so far as grass and water are regarded, but in- fested with Indians the entire distance. Late in the season it has some- times been necessary to haul from the mouth of Milk Kiver. However, at this time, the river is opening a new channel for itself, partially avoiding the bar formed by that river. About four, and again at twelve miles by land below Benton, are bad places where vessels frequently unload, their goods being hauled by land. The hauling contractor, Mr. Steell, has his place of business at Beuton, and, beside the Government hauling, does much private work, especially that for steamers in dis- tress that are obliged to unload a portion of all their cargo It will be of vast importance to the navigation of the Missouri to have a road opened somewhere from about Fort Hawley, across to Helena and Virginia City. There are about seven hundred people in the town of Beuton, many of them leaving in winter. No measures had been taken to secure a reservation for the Govern- ment, and we found the Government landing used in 18G7 fenced in by a squatter, who had run a fence to coverall the landing room from above the town to the bl lifts above the bottom, and now desired rent for the privilege of a company encamping within his grounds; a heavy claim is being nursed into existence in this manner, and the sooner the United States secures a storehouse and landing of its own, the better. It would be well, if it is practicable, to require future contractors to hold and pro- tect the freight until it isremoved. The difficulty at present is the strong RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 7 disposition to neglect the public freight so long as any private parties offer. There is a community of interest among the capitalists here that ena- bles them to combine and have most things their own way in many re- spects. The district commander and the officer having the guard here must be held to a strict accountability, (as well as the quartermaster.) The fur company will store, handle, &c., goods for the Government at $2 50 per ton per year. The fort itself can be purchased, with all claim, right, and title to'the land, for $15,000.* In my opinion, were $12,000 cash offered, it would at this time be accepted, owing to ill-feeling, com- petition, &c., in the Indian trade. At Fort Benton is one of the main crossings of hostile parties of Indians going south to commit depredations; many Indians come from the Brit- ish possessions to maraud; for this reason, one company ought to be posted at Benton, and it is a question whether the United States would not profit by having a post built on the Marias, northwest of Fort Ben- ton, and supplied from that point, and as near the international boundary as possible. Eventually one will be required upon the Milk River, to control that valley; one upon Mouse River, &c. A post on the Marias, seventy-five miles or so from Benton, would exercise great influence over the British Indians that now come into our territory to hunt and maraud. With a view of interpenetrating and opening the country south of the Missouri, and to shorten existing roads, the department commander has ordered explorations made from Benton south to the Missouri, crossing at the Old Missouri, just above the mouth of Sun River, and some fifteen miles from Fort Shaw, and also as far as the Gallatin Valley. It is thought that some common point may be determined where a road from the Missouri above the mouth of the Muscleshell will fork, and send a branch to Bozeman, or Fort Ellis, to Helena, to Benton, and to Shaw ; thus determining a point for a small infantry or other post that shall cover them all. Hay and wood are scarce at Benton. Hay can be cut on the Teton and Marias, some twelve or fifteen miles distant, and costs now in small quantities about $25 per ton. Wood costs $12 or $15 per cord, of an inferior kind, principally willow. Coal is used a good deal ; it is taken out of the river bank about forty- five miles by land below Benton. It belongs to a lignite formation, but answers for heating remarkably well ; it is used altogether in win- ter by the employe's of the fur company at the post of Fort Bentou. Fort Benton is fifty-six miles from the Sun River crossing, and called sixty from Fort Shaw. It is forty-seven miles from the great falls of Missouri, by the west side of the river, sixty miles by trail from Camp Cooke, seventy miles by wagon road, (crossing the river,) and one hun- dred and twenty miles by water. As already stated, it is one hundred and sixty miles by land from Cow Island ; three hundred and eighty miles by land from Fort Buford. CAMP COOKE. This unfortunate post is situated on the right bank of the river Mis- souri, at the mouth of the Judith, upon a sage bottom, saturated with alkali. It is entirely overrun with rats, and may be said to be in pro- cess of demolition by them. The storehouses are in ruins ; they were Avretchedly constructed in the first instance, and nothing since has been done to remedy their short-comings. General neglect and indifference * This fort should be purchased, but it requires a law to permit it. 8 BECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. rharartcri/i' the post. The small garrison merely holds on in spite of rats. Tin- Indians have moved away and left it alone. The storehouse's are built in Mexican "jacal" fashion, by setting small posts in the ground in juxtaposition, putting a plate upon the top, with the logs and earth roof. The rats then burrow beneath the ground, passing out and in between the posts, and climbing to the thick dirt roof, which they channel, and move iu every direction. In this man iier probably a hundred tons of grain have become destroyed, mixed and intermixed with earth and rubbish, burrowed in and lived in until nothing can eat it. Everything eatable in the storehouses is gnawed and destroyed subsistence, &c. Had a storehouse been built at any time, and set upon posts, so that dogs, cats, and men could get under it, the rats would have left or have been destroyed. Colonel Otis did this at Fort Eice, and thus preserved his stores and got rid of the rats. The rats seem conscious of having the upper hand at Camp Cooke, and their audacity is something that must be seen to be believed. Little idea can be formed of what it costs the Government yearly to occupy this post and feed these rats ; it would build a new post every two years. A great deal of labor has been expended here upon company and officers' quarters. A vast deal of property has also been accumulated in the quartermaster department, especially iron, rope, spare parts for wagons, tools, &c., ten times as much as ever could be used. The grain has now been put in fresh houses, but the rats are in it, and it will soon be going the way of the rest. Horses, mules, and oxen are returned as drawing full allowance of grain, when some of them get none. / Great carelessness and indifference exist in this matter. The idea seems to be to make sure of a surplus by certifying off twice as much as is used, and then let it take care of itself. Many of the horses are worthless, and have been disposed of. The mules are superb. It may be remarked that Montana is a marvelous country for all kinds of cattle. Meat cattle, mules, and horses keep readily in fine condition, and seem capable of greater exertion than elsewhere. Mules especially are admirably suited to this country. No wood is required at this post, there being sufficient for a year. Some 50 tons of hay will be required ; this costs $44 50 per ton. It has gradually been reduced from 110 per ton, the price paid by Lieu- tenant Keeling the first season of its occupation, a price that requires no comment. That officer has resigned. If a post be built down the river, a good deal of the old property here would pay to float down in flat-boats ; it is not worth expensive trans- portation. About three miles above Camp Cooke are " Drowned Man's" Eapids, having sufficient water, but a current so swift that steamers cordelle up over them. And fifteen miles down the river, by land, are Dauphin's Eapids, upon which I have reported elsewhere. Camp Cooke would be useful in furnishing a guard at these rapids when Indians are troublesome, if it had enough men for such purposes. After getting down to Cow Island, about fifty miles below Cooke, the river changes and becomes better, so that boats find but little difficulty to within twelve miles (Grande Island) of that place. From Grande Island down, therefore, as far as the Muscleshell, some point ought to be found for a road to leave the river direct for the settlement in Montana. From Camp Cooke to Fort Buford, by the river, it is estimated to be six hundred miles a bad part of the river, infested by inaurading In- dians. This distance would seem to require a post intermediate, as already mentioned. The river for a considerable distance runs through the RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 9 bad lauds, but it lias bordering it, in the concave of every bend, grassy and timbered bottoms. The timber in this part of the river is all cot- ton wood. Back upon the hills, and in the ravines at certain points until below the Big Dry, a scrubby pine abounds. Civilians authorized: 1 blacksmith, at $100; 1 guide and interpreter, at $60. FORT BUFORD. This post stands on the left bank of the Missouri, about two and a half miles from the site of the old trading post of Fort Union. The Yellowstone River enters the Missouri a mile or more above and opposite the post. A sketch of the surrounding country is submitted herewith. This post is very well situated, but a growth of willow is tolerated too near it, from which hostile Indians have killed or wounded persons at the saw-mill and about the post. The garrison has never been sufficient to overawe the Indians, and the post has ever been held in contempt by the Sioux, who are friendly at posts below, where they are fed, but come np to Buford to collect scalps. Considerable work has been done at this post, but generally the labor was not well directed. No assistance from outside has been given in the way of lumber. Posts further down the river of less importance, less exposed, are more fortunate than this. The buildings are of adobe, with timber, brick, or stone supports in the corners or elsewhere, and they are cracked and falling down ; all are required to be more or less propped up. The stables are excellent, but the grain is practically left out doors, being covered with old and indifferent canvas. New officers' quarters are required here immedi- ately, new storehouses, and eventually a new hospital and company quarters. It is believed that lime can be readily burned here. Stone is quarried within three miles. Water is hauled in wagons from the river, about two thousand feet. There is a well in the corral that is used for the stock. Logs for building will require to be rafted down the Missouri or Yellowstone some eighteen or twenty miles. There is a saw-mill here, but no sawyer. A shingle machine is required to manufacture shingles out of cotton wood. These shingles, laid double, answer tolerably for a short time, There are at this post: 78 mules, in fine condition; 98 horses, (indifferent;) 5 employes. Hay is difficult to procure; sufficient ought to be had in the Yellow- stone bottom upon the opposite side of the river, were not the garrison so small and the Indians so hostile. A contract has been made at $21 per ton ; also for three thousand cords of wood, at $9 40 per cord. None but cottonwood can be obtained. Heretofore the wood has been pro- cured by the troops ; so has the hay. This post is reckoned one hundred and fifty miles by land from Fort Stevenson. It is not seen how communication is to be kept up. If soldiers could carry the mails, there is no doubt they would have to ex- hibit and develop some extraordinary qualities, for they cannot leave the post and get back again, except in strong parties; they cannot man- age dog trains, and to horses the country in winter is impassable, as all the ravines and hollows fill with snow to great depths. Civilians author- ized : 1 carpenter, at $90 ; 1 sawyer and engineer, at $125 ; 1 guide and interpreter, at $75; and 1 clerk, at $62 50. FORT STEVENSON. At this post nothing has practically been done this season. The grain was in bad condition and somewhat neglected. The carpenters were 10 KECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. engaged in putting porches and conveniences to some of the officers' quarters. A contract for half a million feet of lumber in the log was in great part unnecessary, and, strange to say, when the logs began to be cut the sawyer was sent away. A granary, however, is required, and a magazine. If the stores for Fort Totten continue to be sent this way a large storehouse will have to be built. There are two small saw-mills, that have been entirely exposed a year or two to the weather, and can now be worth little. The hay-scales sent here to weigh the hay contracted for, and for other purposes, have never even been set up ; the plea made was ignorance and want of suitable timber. In my opinion this was a clear neglect, without sufficient excuse. A prodigious quantity of pine lumber has been sent here this season ; it is not required here and will be sent to Fort Buford. Altogether too much iron was also sent. Not much reliance can be placed upon the estimates, nor at all times upon the returns, from the manner of making property surplus. The officers' and soldiers' quarters, at this post are good, but being made of adobe require stuccoing to save them. There was but one plasterer at the post, whose time is about to expire. He has proved most valuable, doing as much work as all the civilian plasterers, for instance, at Fort Shaw. To induce him to stay two or three months, and thus take his chances cf getting out of the country, $130 per mouth was recommended. In order to save the buildings they must be plastered on the exposed side. The hospital is large, but inconvenient. There are fortunately few sick. The hospitals planned at the several posts have many irregularities, and too often, like the quarters, serve to per- petuate some individual peculiarity or views. The river in front of this post is changing, a bar or bank is forming, and the landing is gradually removing down the river. The same thing holds at Forts Rice, Sully, and Randall. Much experience and skill are required to get a post near a fixed landing. At Camp Cooke the land- ing has moved up stream about three quarters of a mile. Wood may be said to be scarce here, but a combustible lignite is abundant; it falls to pieces or slacks very soon after drying, and for this reason but little can be dug at a time. Some rascal has set the vein on fire. This firing of these veins of coal and shale seems, from the ap- pearance of the bluffs, common ; one was burning in the bluff at old Fort Berthold. There is a contract for wood at $10 45 per cord for 800 cords. For coal at $6 per ton, for 1,200 tons ; and four hundred tons of hay, at $17 95 per ton. Hay this year is abundant at this post, inasmuch as abundant rains have fallen both here and at Buford. The logs for this post are cut fif- teen to thirty miles above, and are then rafted to the post and hauled out at the mill. The logs are of cotton wood, but were large, fine, straight ones. This contract was being vigorously carried out. There are abundant miscellaneous stores, tools, &c., at this post. The wagons, however, were good for nothing. The same held with regard to Rice and Sully, at both posts there was not a wagon fit to take the field. There were 47 horses and 63 mules in fair condition. The following employes are allowed at this post: 1 clerk, at 125; 3 carpenters, at $90; 1 blacksmith, at $90; 1 engineer, at $150; 1 interpreter and guide, at $100; 1 plasterer for three months. No efforts seem to have been made to explore the country, to measure distances, or to gather information upon the usual subjects that would be supposed to interest those whose business it is to occupy and hold a country. Many of the officers were new, however, although not all. RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 11 The money actually paid out at and for this post makes it an expen- sive one, but it may be said that it is a good one, and meets fairly the end in view, perhaps as economically as is possible under this mode of construction, when there is so great difference in the aptitude, intelli- gence, experience, and resources of the officers. It may generally be remarked that as we approach the sources of supplies, &c., the posts improve in the character of their buildings. FORT RICE. Two years ago, when I inspected the several posts of the department, Fort Rice was, perhaps, in about the worst condition, without omitting any respect whatever. At that date it changed commanders, and the change is most marvelous. In place of the old decayed buildings of logs and earth, infested with rats, and with stores exposed to destruction by tire and water, now there stands, instead, clean, dry, comfortable bar- racks and storehouses, raised fro in the ground, ventilated, clap-boarded, shingled, glazed, and in complete order. The stores are neatly arranged, aired, and in perfect order. Company quarters for four companies are finished as per annexed plan. A hospital, a quartermaster storehouse, grain storehouse, clothing storehouse, a subsistence storehouse and cel- lars ; and many Indian goods are stored, and all perfectly safe and dry. A fine store-magazine, an ordnance store-room, bastions, so called, (block-houses,) a secure stockade, guard-house, and offices, all very satis- factory. The officers' quarters are about finished, and are excellent buildings. (See plan.) There still remain to be built stable and store-sheds in the corral ; but such a commander, with a garrison disciplined and controlled as is this one, will have no trouble in finishing his post, nor will there be any outcry for assistance. At no post in the department, in my judgment, have means been so well adapted to ends, and labor so well directed. If it be ever a satis- faction for men to labor it must be when each one can see that every blow tells accurately as it was intended. The animals were in the usual good working condition, and are well cared for. More teams were needed, and three have been ordered up from Fort Sully. The hay contractor had done little, and men will have to be hired to save hay for the commissary cattle and for the horses. There is so much irregu- larity in the mode of bidding that several months are wasted in getting up through the "straw" bids, so that finally it shall reach a responsible man. By the time it gets to him he has beard of its award to others, has given over the business, and when notified finds it too late to get men up the river. Such a difficulty has occurred at Rice and Sully and Randall this year. Some cisterns are needed at Fort Eice to hold water to guard against fire and sudden attacks. A well here was tried during the war by a Wisconsin regiment, and the water killed over a hundred men before the cause of disease was fully determined. The well was filled up, not even kept open for cases of fire. A contract exists for wood now being delivered, at $5 70 per cord. There are to be delivered 1,000 cords.* * Note on ivoocl contract*. One Captain George W. Hill, succeeding temporarily to com- mand in the absence of Lieutenant Colonel Oti.s, has ordered the public teams to haul this wood for the contractors at sixty-live cents per cord, justifying himself by order No. 97, A. G. O., Washington, D. C., 1867; a most unjustifiable proceeding, since if the public teams can haul the wood he should merely hire it cut, which can be done for two or three dollars at the post. 12 RECONNOISSANCE IX THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. Ill building tliis post the logs were cut and hauled by the troops, and were >;i wed with the post mill. Stone was hauled for foundations, and I tricks were made by the troops for chimneys and for filling in between the sheet ings and plastering. The buildings are all sheathed on sides and roof with inch cottonwood boards ; the sides are then clapboarded, and the roofs shingled with tiro thicknesses of shingles of cottonwood manu- factured at the post. Elm planks are used for the stockade and bastions, with heavy oak posts. There are sentry boxes at the top of the block-houses. A rolling prairie extends back from the post, with good grazing. The mail communication with Fort Sully from this post is kept open by scouts. There are now authorized at the post the following civilian employes: 1 clerk, at $100; 1 engineer, at $100; 4 carpenters, 3 at $100, 1 at 8125; 1 interpreter and guide, at $100: 1 blacksmith, at $100 ; 1 plasterer for three months. FORT SULLY. Since inspecting this post the officers' quarters are finished, except one set. Many alterations have been made in their plans. They differ in style, &c., but are ample, convenient, and well furnished. The barracks for the men are wretched; too small, illy ventilated, and hot; wide stoops are required along all their fronts to keep the sun off, and give the men a place to sleep in hot weather. Windows should be sawed in the back part for light and ventilation. The stores are well arranged and abundant ; in fact, greatly in excess for the size of the garrison. The department order has been literally carried out in one thing, for a most elaborate subsistence room has been constructed as a place for sales to officers. Much dressed pine has been uselessly consumed in a sort of display that would answer very well in a village store. The flour store-house was floored with a fine quality of tougued and grooved flooring sent up to floor the quarters, and more had to be purchased to complete the authorized officers' quarters, (one set.) The orderly rooms were partially wainscoted inside, with tougued and grooved flooring likewise. The post has a stockade and block-houses of most substantial construction. The entire post has a neat, cheerful, well-cared-for appearance. It is set on a high hill, some two miles from the landing, and as far from water. The grain was in good condition, except 1,100 sacks just received from Sioux City. This grain was well sacked in double sacks reversed. It was Indian corn that some time or other had been wet and heated. The sacks had no appearance of having been wet. The animals would not eat this corn, which fact first drew attention to it. Captain Gilliss assures me that he inspected it with the tryer with the greatest care, and that it was good. It was carried some four hundred or five hundred miles in the hold of a steamboat with great care. It has been hauled up a hill two miles, carefully packed in a store-house, and then taken out, all the while kept perfectly dry, and now it is worthless for feeding to any animals. The grain store-house has a basement filled with all kinds of rubbish, stores, iron, wagon material, good, bad, and indifferent. This arrange- ment makes a place for rats; the dogs cannot get them, and the grain wastes and suffers. The building is not properly supported, and unless a remedy is soon applied it must fall down or break in pieces. Full allowance of grain is returned for without regard to quantity fed, as at other places. Luckily the subsistence department needed the RECONNOISSAXCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 13 oxen to eat, so that much grain may be regarded as saved by their transfer. The mule teams here were magnificent; no other term would express it, but hired drivers are employed. Little more, except at least twelve new wagons, need be sent to this post ; with what the law allows it ought to take care of itself. Extensive laundresses' quarters are in process of erection. There has been expended at this post for civilian labor the past year $16,13311. There are now fifty- three men on extra duty, seven of whom are carpenters. Men were authorized to cut hay and make brick. The following civilian employes are now authorized: 1 clerk, at $100 ; 1 engineer, at $100; 2 masons, at 100 ; 5 carpenters, 4 at $100, and 1 at $50 j 8 teamsters, at $35 j 1 saddler, at $75 ; 2 blacksmiths, at $75 ; 1 wagon and forage master, at $75 ; 1 guide and interpreter, at $50. I learned with great surprise after arriving at Sioux City, that the regimental quartermaster of this post, Lieutenant McCaskey, was ordered to some other regiment. His work at this post has evidently been a labor of love ; he must have been active, attentive, and a valua- ble officer ; his errors those of inexperience and youth ; and his removal, when he is just settled down in quarters whose construction he has superintended, with a young wife and child, appears unaccountable. This officer had an old and very valuable sergeant as quartermaster sergeant, whose services have been valuable in such a position as that of quartermaster sergeant. This was Sergeant McCricket, formerly of the Sixth Infantry. FORT RANDALL. This old post looked in certain respects renewed, for abundant rains had made the grass everywhere green. The landing is abominable, and edging yearly down the river. The contractor had several rough rafts of various sized cottonwood logs lodged in the bank where we landed ; these are to be broken up, the logs hauled out, cut and split into fire- wood, and then delivered piled at the post ; a dreary method, and dreary wood it makes for January in this region. The soldiers' quarters were never placed upon any foundations, being built of cottouwood logs laid on the ground ; the bottom ones are de- cayed, and the upper ones go down a file yearly ; the stopping point is about reached, and if the post is to be kept up two sets of company quarters must be erected as speedily as practicable. The best plan will be to make them of cottonwood, as at Fort Rice, furnishing, as for that post, flooring from Sioux City. A subsistence storehouse is next needed. The logs for these structures ought to be gotten out by contract, as there are no men now to do it ; a mill from Fort Sully to be sent there, with a saAvyer and engineer, and saw them up before spring if possible, certainly in part. The officers' quarters, some of them, need repairs. The stable and barn is a good one. The public animals are in good order. The quar- termaster's stores were in good buildings, neatly cared for, the acting quartermaster being a most painstaking, laborious officer. He had been overrun with rubbish from Fort Dakota. A quantity, 100 or more tons of property, by an error of judgment of the officer sent there to break up the post, were transported to this post, when they were not worth loading even. At Fort Dakota, from the settlers, it would have brought all it was worth. Corn and other stuff will be condemned here, and sold where there are no purchasers. The transportation probably cost $3,000 or more. Lieutenant Colonel Duffy, captain Twenty-second 14 RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. Infantry, was the officer who broke up Fort Dakota. He had no experi- ence in such business ; hence the result. This post, like Fort Rice, is upon the wrong side of the river, necessi- tating the constant want of a ferry a boat or a rope, or both. There is a contract for 500 cords of wood at $0 1)4 per cord. There is considerable hay on hand at this time, and also a large quantity of excellent dry wood. Forts Shaw, Stevenson, and Randall were the only posts where much dry wood has been left over. There are Indian reservations near Fort Randall, but the settlers are pouring in so rapidly on the Missouri below that the post will not be needed, in any event, five years. It seems a pity to build to any great extent on this site, for the Indians about this reservation are of the friendly, subdued kind, that form a sort of defense against the wild, treacherous, and warlike Sioux toward the Yellowstone, where all the force of the Government will need to be concentrated before many years. At this place the following civilians are allowed : 1 interpreter and guide, at $50 ; 1 blacksmith, at $75. There are abundant stores of all kinds, and a supply of pine lumber, shingles, &c. If a storehouse is built, I would recommend pine shingles. A guard-house and prison -room is much needed here. Having looked pretty well over this Missouri country, some opinions which I have naturally formed may not be out of place. First, troops that garrison the Upper Missouri country have the worst stations now occupied by the Army, always excepting the Yuma Desert and Alaska. They need good housing, clothing, feeding, and medical supplies; and as they are in an expensive and difficult country, they require good dis- cipline and good officers, with careful supervision. Abundant fuel is required in winter, and the animals need to be well sheltered and fed. The line of supply from Chicago, Sioux City, and the Missouri River, has great advantages, such as celerity, certainty, and a longer season. AVhen the steamer line is broken into two classes, mountain boats or lighters from Buford up, and heavier boats from there down, the business will be much more complete. A lauding about the Muscle- shell, and a road into Montana, will dispose of the most difficult navi- gation of the Upper Missouri. A great change has been effected in two years. Wood yards are now abundant and increasing, and the trips are proportionally shortened. The transportation has thus been reduced about half. The river is very well spaced off by posts, and serious losses of boats are not likely to occur from Indians. Troops and officers can be thrown into Montana, via the Union Pacific Railroad and Coriuue, at almost any season of the year, except mid winter. This is not, however, now as economical a route as that by the Missouri River. To prevent animals from being overdriven and destroyed, all officers, especially paymasters, ought to report their trips by land, giving the distance traveled, the time taken, &c. The animals are not kept properly branded, nor is the public property duly marked. There is a great looseness in forage issues and returns, and in its accountability, ('specially of hay. Surplus property is not taken up and accounted for. There is no accurate measure for the civilian and other labor no record of the results are kept. Articles manufactured, &c., are not taken up and accounted for. The reports of alterations in buildings, &c., are not made, or are mostly inaccurate. Exaggerated estimates of property are made often from a vanity to have every article on hand known to the vocabulary of the mechanic. The estimates and requisitions are not entirely trustworthy, and a vast and unnecessary amount of property RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 15 has accumulated at the several posts. Especially is this the case in regard to all kinds of materials used for repairs, (lenerally, repairs of every- thing, except buildings that cannot be made by enlisted labor, ought to cease at these posts. As I have often recommended, no building should be erected except upon an approved plan, and no commanding officer should order any labor hired or property purchased unless he have the money to pay for it, or it be authorized on proper estimates made in advance. The military communication with the posts is most uncertain and miserable in winter. Troops buried in snow, afflicted with scurvy, have the misfortune to be cut off from their fellow-men about half the year, as at Fort Buford. The amount that would keep such an express pos- sible seems enormous for such a purpose; but were it expended in the stupid transfer of worthless property from one point to another, it would probably pass unchallenged. The morals of the troops at Fort Buford have never been good ; much of it has no doubt arisen from neglect and the great isolation of the post. After an interval of one month, upon September 2 I started under the annexed order upon a tour of inspection of the remaining posts in the department. The road from St. Cloud to Fort Abercrombie, over which we transport our stores, extends along the Sauk Valley fully half of the way, and in a wet season it is a wretched one, especially about thirty miles through the Alexandria woods, where little has ever been done to put it in serviceable condition. It will be of great advantage another year to change this line to the other branch of the St. Paul and Pacific llailroad, which during another season will reach Breckinridge, some twelve miles from Fort Abercrombie, thus getting rid of one hundred and seventy miles of hauling from St. Cloud to that post. FOET ABERCROMBIE is built in a bend of the Eed Kiver of the North, upon the west or Dakota side, in a very fertile but low and overflowed district of country. In the past ten years this post, advanced as it was beyond the settlements, and, being the starting point for expeditions to the Missouri, possessed some offensive and defensive importance. All that is now passed away, and the only obvious use of the post now is to serve as a depot whence to supply Forts Totten, Eausom, and posts in the prolongation of their routes. Fort Hansom is but seventy-five miles from this post, and Fort Totteii one bunded and sixty -five miles. Hospital. The hospital accommodations are deemed sufficient for the present wants of the post, although the entire expenditure has been made upon the administration building. A ward may be added at any time when required. Barracks and quarters. There are not sufficient quarters for the officers since a chaplain and assistant quartermaster have been ordered to the post; both these officers have to be provided with quarters. The soldiers' quarters require some repairs. They are ample for all the force really needed at this point, namely, one company to guard the stores. A suitable double wooden building for surgeon and chaplain, or chap- lain and assistant quartermaster, will cost $8,000. A saw-mill at or near the post can furnish the lumber, (pine,) at $40 per thousand. Storehouses. A storehouse was built about one year ago by contract, 16 RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. the commanding officer (General Sidell) superintending it. From de- fective drainage it is tumbling down. A deep cellar, dug in clay, was placed under it, which was allowed to fill with water: this softened the clay, so that the brick cellar-wall and foundation caved in, and let the building down. This building is used for subsistence stores; it shows evidence of very great neglect on the part of the post authorities at some time. The quartermaster's storehouse is even in a worse condition, lidia similar causes. An examination of the ground showed that these buildings could readily be drained into the river. The stable is large and in good condition, but not constructed in accordance with the plan, and for this reason it is extremely inconvenient. It will answer, however, present purposes, as it is proposed to bring the public train to Fort Snelling to winter. The ferry at this post is owned and kept in order by the post trader, who charges a nominal ferriage to the Government to cover his ex- penses. Settlers have now approached this post, so that grain for forage, and perhaps another year enough flour, may be purchased for the use of the garrison, deliverable at the post and raised in its vicinity. Grass exists in the alluvial bottoms of the river in the greatest abun- dance, and there is no reason why the post should not be supplied with the best of prairie hay. This season the rains and the ignorance or neglect of the post quartermaster, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel William Hawley, has led to loss and confusion in this respect. The hay was put up green and wet, and all, or nearly all, lost in consequence. The appli- cation of some salt might have remedied this ; but even this well-known expedient was neglected or not understood. The grain on hand was in bad condition, and a vile compound of dirt- sweepings and rat-chaff was issued to the animals of our train by the post quartermaster when we left the post, greatly to their injury. Wood is furnished by contract, and is not abundant on the reserva- tion. Water is hauled in wagons by the troops. The post has no reservoirs, cisterns, or tanks, nor any provisions against fire. Some arrangements are required if this is to be made a depot of stores. This post is at present garrisoned by two skeleton companies of the Twentieth United States Infantry, and commanded by the lieutenant colonel of the regiment. There is a detachment of horses for mounted infantry and scouts. Were due preparations made this would be the proper post for regimental headquarters and for the supply train, which are two hundred and fifty miles out of place at Fort Suelling. FORT AVADSWORTH. Seventy-six miles west of south from Fort Abercrombie, and some thirty miles from the western boundary of Minnesota, is placed Fort Wadsworth, nearly surrounded by small lakes, and twenty miles within the hill country known as the coteau of the Missouri. It is about thirty miles from the valley of the James River, an old and favorite resort of the Indians west. This post is west of and near the head of the route of the Minnesota I fiver. Fort Ransom, sixty-five miles north of this post, is upon the same route, and at its point of departure from the great western bend of the Chene (Cheyenne) for Fort Rice or Fort Stevenson. These posts were fixed when that was regarded as the best route to the Missouri j but more recently ideas have changed. The railroad from St. Paul to RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 17 the northwest has deprived the Minnesota River route of any signifi- cance whatever, and the greatest facilities for reaching the Missouri River are found to be higher up toward Fort Totten or Miuni-Wakari Lake. Fort Wadsworth is situated on the borders of an Indian reservation, and has importance as a police station, besides being west of the settle- ments and defensively situated with respect to a protection of them from hostile Indians from the west. Hospital. A good brick building, in fine order generally, is used as a hospital. Storehouses. Ample, of stone ; in tolerable order. Barracks and quarters. The soldiers' barracks are of stone ; require repairs to floor and lathing and plastering overhead ; iron bedsteads needed. Officer^ quarters. Ample, of brick. One building needs some atten- tion and repairs. Guard-home. Too large for the garrison, and needs a floor; built of brick. Magazine. A very fine one of brick, in good order. Wood. Obtained with difficulty by contract. The orders in regard to wood at this post are not carried out. The post trader had been allowed to cut some two hundred cords, while the garrison obtains wood with difficulty. Hay. Hay is obtained by contract. It was of fair quality, but not properly stacked, nor was the fence around the stacks put up. The butchers' herd and other cattle had access to the stacks. The quar- termaster, Lieutenant Allanson, had receipted for some three hundred tons of worthless stack bottoms and refuse, trampled-down and rotten hay, to Lieutenant J. D. Geohegan, of the Tenth United States Infan- try. Lieutenant Geohegan failed to transfer the money which he re- ceived (some $900) from the Indian agent, for 14,040 pounds of corn of the Quartermaster's .Department, sold to the Indian agent, Dr. Daniels. He took Lieutenant Allanson's receipt for the corn sold, but has since corrected it by receipting for that amount, but not by transferring the money and dropping the grain. Lieutenant Geohegan transfers the grain to Fort Mclntosh, Texas, where he is serving. The land around Fort Wadsworth is good ; grass is abundant ; wood scarce ; water poor. An excellent bed of suitable clay, for making a fine quality of cream-colored bricks, underlies the post. Limestone, in the form of boulders, is scattered over the surrounding country. " A good lime-kiln exists at the post, brick-machines for making brick, &c. There are sixteen mules in the Quartermaster's Department, and thirty- five horses with the mounted force. There are also twelve oxen worked at various kinds of hauling. It will be observed that Forts Abercrombie, Ransom, and Wadsworth, being joined by straight lines, form a triangle of about seventy miles to the side, (or two days apart,) that possesses considerable strength from the mutual assistance that may be given, and this triangle covers the opening, as it were, between the Minnesota and Red River of the North. The roads connecting these posts are across the prairies, now properly staked and marked, so that they may be traversed in winter without the risk of loss of life that, unhappily, has occurred in times past. It may be well to suggest that an intermediate .station would be an advantage between Ransom and Wadsworth, at Spring Creek, two miles S. Ex. Doc. 8 2 18 RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. from the foot of the coteau on that road. The crossing of that creek needs repairs. Civilians authorized: 1 guide and interpreter, at $75 per month; 1 guide, at $35 ; 1 blacksmith, at $60 per mouth. FORT RANSOM. This post is at the north western apex of the triangle already noticed. and is on the circuitous but wet-season route from Fort Abercrombie to Totten, as it may be said to flank to the west all the intermediate and difficult streams. From Abercrombie to Totten by this road is two hundred miles of good road, Ransom being one hundred and twenty- six miles from Totten. Fort Hansom was established June 18, 1867, and has been constructed within the past two years. Brevet Major General A. H. Terry desig- nated to Brevet Major G. H. Crosman, Tenth United States Infantry, the site for the post, but the latter did not occupy the place indicated by the department commander. This is an outpost of little importance at present. It is on the Chey- enne, at a noted landmark, (Bears' Den Hillock,) about twenty-five miles distant west from the direct road from Fort Totten to Fort Aber- crombie, and serves partially to cover that road. Barracks and quarters. There are sufficient quarters for the officers ; one block, however, needing a new roof upon one side ; quarters for men, &c., sufficient. There is a good hospital, magazine, and store- house ; the latter was in superior order. Some lathing and plastering is required to finish the post. At this post the public laths were used to make chicken yards, and good lumber and pine shingles had been used to cover new houses. There is a steam saw-mill at this post, ex- posed to the weather, except some old canvas was thrown over the engine. The wood delivered upon contract was good and well piled. The con- tractor had, however, been put to many inconveniences. He was made to get his wood clear of the reservation, and to graze and herd his stock at a distance from the post. He stated that, in conversation, he was told by the commanding officer that the chief quartermaster had no authority to draw the contract so that vouchers might be given for any part until the whole was delivered, &c. Since my inspection, Mr. Myrick informs me that he (the commanding officer) has ordered his (Myrick's) agent, who is getting wood, off the post. The embarrass- ments to supplying wood, with an officer who is so difficult to suit, are so great that it is recommended that the wood, from this date, be cut at this post and hauled by the troops. The company has been filled up; there is no other labor required, and it is believed to be for the interest of the service that this course be pursued. Water is about 1,500 feet distant, and is hauled by the troops. Wood is abundant and convenient, and grazing and hay all that is desired. Civilians authorized: 1 blacksmith, at $75 per mouth; 1 guide and interpreter, at $75 per month. FORT TOTTEN. This post is on Miuni-Wakan Lake, one hundred and twenty-six miles north of Fort Ransom, one hundred and twenty-six miles a little north of east from Fort Stevenson, on the Missouri River, and about seventy miles east of Mouse River. This post is well situated in a tract of roll- RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 19 ing country, with convenient wood, water, and grass, and a fair agricul- tural region near it. A large reservation of Sioux is here located. The post is in process of construction, with a greater degree of permanence than most of the posts in the department. Barracks and quarters. The quarters for the officers are to be of brick, plain and comfortable, very well adapted to this severe climate. It is expected that the commanding officer's quarters, and at least quarters for six other officers, will be completed this season, with weather that is tolerably favorable. Barracks. Barracks for two companies, of brick, are in a condition so that they may be occupied this season. One of the buildings built under the superintendence of Captain J. V. Furey, assistant quarter- master, last year, does not conform to the plan, the roof being con- siderably lower, with less pitch than the specification and plans call for. The one built this season under the superintendence of Lieutenant P. M. Thome, Twenty-second United States Infantry, is much better. Storehouses. Two storehouses, one for subsistence stores, and one for quartermaster's stores, were erected last year under the superintend- ence of Captain Fnrey. Each one was placed 30 feet from the position called for by the plan, and only one side of each of these buildings, as to openings and doors, conformed to the plan. Upon the outside of each building but one door is placed, and no other opening. These buildings are poorly constructed in some respects. The foundations constructed under the direction of this officer are defective. A careful inspection developed the fact of great improvement thus far under the new contractor. Nothing, however, but constant watchfulness will se- cure the kind of service due the Government. The old post is, in a measure, unfit for longer occupation. There are many things required to be done, but the garrison is so small in enlisted men present that an excuse was ready for every omission. Fuel is furnished by contract, hay the same ; but grain has heretofore been furnished from St. Louis, via Stevenson, with heavy cost and con- stant loss for want of proper storage at Fort Stevenson, and for other reasons. Fort Totten can only be supplied with certainty and economically from Fort Abercrombie. The escorts demanded for the trains from Fort Stevenson exhaust the garrison ; none will be needed from Abercrombie to Totten. The various buildings designed for the post of Fort Totten may all be completed another season. They will all be needed, and economy demands that the post buildings be prosecuted to completion as rapidly as possible. Excellent limestone exists about this post in the form of erratic blocks or boulders, and it is possible that lime for the neighboring posts can readily be provided from here. The lime is of excellent quality j good clay is found for making brick. No stone is found in place until within about thirty miles of Mouse River. Here, in a tributary of the Cheue, near its head, is an out-crop of sandstone lying in the side hill at an angle of nearly 45, some forty or fifty yards long. Limestone in place is reported in the bed of the Otter Tail River, some twenty or thirty miles from Fort Abercrombie. No other rocks in situ have been observed between that point and the Missouri River, the entire rock formation being buried under a mass of drift. A well bored at Fort Totten to the depth of 70 feet did not pass entirely through the drift formation. A post at the south bend of Mouse River will be nearly on the direct 20 RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. road to Fort Buford from Fort Totten, and will render the military oc- cupation of this country very complete. It can be readily supplied from Fort Totten, distance about one hundred and ten miles. It can be readily communicated with also from Fort Stevenson, within a supposed radius of seventy miles. Such a post will be one hundred and fifty or one hundred and sixty miles from Fort Buford. This inspection shows that 15 good horses are required at Fort Totten, 12 at Fort Ransom, 12 at Fort Wadsworth, and 12 at Fort Abercrombie. There is forage enough for them were they furnished immediately, as they might be by purchase. When the companies are filled up with recruits the enlisted men can readily supply at all these posts the hay and wood required. The men who are to take charge of the horses and do the scouting ought to be picked or selected for their fitness for this service. The employment of guides at posts where Indian scouts are stationed is an unnecessary expense, for the Indians, with their interpreter, can go anywhere and answer all the purpose of guides ; otherwise their em- ployment loses an element of its value economy. At all the posts there was a general want of attention to the interests of the service, and to duty on the part of subalterns doing duty in the quartermaster's department, except at Fort Ransom. In most cases want of experience might be urged; but usually this was associated with indifference or want of fitness. The posts in this district all require wells except Fort Totten. It would be an excellent thing to plant trees about them for shade pur- poses, and to test the matter of raising trees. A very little attention would provide trees that would be of considerable protection in winter to break off the storms. For classification of civilian employe's, see Special Field Orders No. 38, accompanying this report. RECONNOISSANCK IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 21 ep.ioo '.ioj p.>).Hi.l|u<i.> [MMi.tt (i> A'IHI[I:II ( V ) > O OO sP v5 O O O o o .caaoooo o o " oi \n "" r-" I ^~ 8UOJ 'JOJ pa^BJJUOO Aq J(i A'|I)lll!ll?) O OOOOO *OQ O Q 2 oXc = = . '^o o R spunod MIP.J paptujuoj ujuXS joA'iiiuiMii 1 ) S :::::::: : lUd.) .1 Ml '1>OOAV JO 1803 d 00 Ol^O'fl'l'^^ Q O r-: o: .=f-rrit3-3o . 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O t- r- O --3 n * 5 f O T) ^i r-i 1-1 r- t- ao spunod 'pntsq uo tuu.t{) .-^ lon^ocio-^ob^es co o O i-" O O i* "*, ^ O i"5 O ^* -j" tOTOOi-oao<-i- o o 00 IT5 ^ CC -f M- 7J Cl T* C* 00 r- T i< i- c-. <- M T ^ o v fl" TH <N O 00 1> 00<N Mi-^ T-I T-I noxo jo joqumx icJCJiM'TCrj-f05(M i eajnui jo .taqtunx n oooooM-i^tofMco (M to m t-ot-toirooor-i m c< fiasaoq jo aaqtunx SOaoooi-t-r-f-oi.'; w n <-> f 51 -r o c- ft n n i-i r^ now ^;np-j;xa jo joqum^ o -riMOMOBCo-ri-i-f 1- -< erHir3<U^i.-5 rlTH ^< e^ojdnia mniiAp jo jaqumjj o t-eirtaiojffirtrHjo (N >n* T-I rH C* ^^^, /^^^^s 55 A'.I[I:AUD .10 Aj}tn!j -tn 'eaiaBdcaoa jo .Mqtunx >-. x t-^ x >> >, t~ , b u ^- i. >.>.>:;? - >. >.*J C* *- fci -w >> >s >> S^-C^-ipC*-'- w -* J S"fr-^ =2?-^ ==5 5--5--S S = SaS'p'5'? .5 a .3 =2 .~ ^ . " "s c "s .5 rt K S o a .S .S.S.S _u o o o" . ,"" cT T <D . iysMiiiiii=ri H&.HCHHHH-iHHH^HH "3 : : : : i i IfrJ. : Fort Snelling, Minnesota Fort Ellis, Montana Territory Fort Shaw, Montana Territory Camp Cooke, Montana Territory.. Fort Bnford, Dakota Territory Fort Steveaon. Dakota Territory . . Fort Rice, Dakota Territory Fort Sully, Dakote Territory Fort Randall, Dakota Territory. . . Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territo Fort AVadsworth, Dakota Territor Fort Ransom, Dakota Territory . . . Fort Totten. Dakota Territory Fort Ripley, Minnesota 22 KECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. For classification of civilian employes authorized, see special field orders accompanying. Kespectfnllv submitted. S. B. HOLABIRD, Deputy Quartermaster General United States Army, Chief Quartermaster Department of Dakota. Brevet Brigadier General O. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant General, Department of Dakota, St. Paul, Minnesota. Civilian employes now at Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory, con- nected with the public train at that post, viz : 1 blacksmith, at $75 per month; 1 chief wagon-master, at $100 per month; 2 wagon-masters, at $65 per month ; 2 assistant wagon-masters, at $45 per month ; G3 team- sters, at $30 per month. Fort Snelling, Minnesota : 1 clerk, at $140 per month ; 1 blacksmith, at $75 per month ; 1 forage-master, at $45 per month ; 1 laborer, at $30 per month ; 1 carpenter, at $75 per month ; 14 teamsters, at from $25 to $30 per mouth. Sioux City, Iowa : Office of assistant quartermaster : 1 chief clerk, at $150 per month : 1 laborer, at $50 per month. S. B. HOLABIRD, Deputy Quartermaster General United States Army. Supplementary report. DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, OFFICE OF CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, St. Paul, Minnesota, October 23, 18G9. RESERVATIONS. I have the honor to report that, so far as known, the reservations of the following posts have never been declared by his Excellency the President, namely : Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory ; Fort Wads- worth, Dakota Territory ; Fort Ransom, Dakota Territory ; Fort Tot- ten, Dakota Territory ; Fort Stevenson, Dakota Territory ; Fort Rice, Dakota Territory ; Fort Sully, Dakota Territory ; Fort Buford, Dakota Territory ; Fort Benton, Montana Territory ; Fort Shaw, Montana Territory ; Fort Ellis, Montana Territory. Upon all these posts, except Fort Benton, very heavy expenditures have been made, and the import- ance of immediate action cannot be too strongly represented. Until these posts have become set aside as legal reservations, and thus brought under the act of Congress in regard to squatters, the present order to eject this class of persons from the reservation can only be applied by post commanders at their personal legal risk, for they have no legal jurisdiction over any of the posts named. Maps of the reservations are inclosed as follows : Fort Shaw, Fort Benton, Fort Buford, Fort Stevenson, Fort Rice, Fort Sully, Fort Ransom, Fort Totten. Funds. It is my duty to report that we have been constantly embar- rassed this season for want of funds. Since May 1, 1869, our estimates have asked for $364,985 15 ; we have received $60,000. (See schedule attached.) RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 23 From this it appears that estimates and requisitions may be made according to law and regulations to meet our exact wants, and although the money be in the Treasury there seems to be no corresponding obligations recognized by the department of supply to fill them. In this manner the public creditors in Montana and here have suffered severely. The hauling (route 2fo. 4) contractor's assignee, J. B. Wilson, has been compelled to pledge his vouchers and pay 1 per cent, per month to the Second National Bank, this season, to carry on his busi- ness. The contract is very low, and this fact requires no comment. The local military authorities in Montana constantly represent that the reason they pay seemingly such high rates for everything is the distrust of parties as to the time of payment. The public credit of the Quarter- master's Department is thus seriously wounded. By the terms of the Montana hauling contract the contractor should be paid in legal tenders at Fort Shaw, Montana Territory. There are known to have been employes, hired by contract in St. Louis, who had served their contract terms in that distant region with- out being paid a cent of their pay. It is within your knowledge that a man who had worked fifteen months and had his vouchers with him, called upon me at CampCooke for payment; otherwise he had painfully to work his passage to St. Louis hence, with vouchers of some $1,500 in his possession; (had the present order about vouchers then been in existence, it is not seen what he could have done;) he could only part with his vouchers at a ruinous discount, thus tempting all the followers of the Army to enter into this sort of traffic. As money is not furnished, the estimates necessarily increase in vol- ume, and now is the time when all the contractors for regular supplies are finishing their contracts and are clamoring for their first payment. Upon this subject I have recently conversed with General Ekin, who was out here from the Quartermaster General's office inspecting. He stated that he had charge of the financial matters, and controlled the furnishing of money. I gathered from his remarks that he was not governed by the estimates, but exercised his judgment or discretion by sending only what he deemed necessary, upon an examination of the returns of funds. This may possess great advantages where extrava- gance is alleged ; but where an economical expenditure of the public funds in their current use is acknowledged it seems uncalled for to have the revised and approved estimates of the department and division commanders thus set aside. I feel greatly encouraged that this state of things will not continue. General Ekin stated that there was plenty of money appropriated ; that it was the desire of the Quartermaster Gen- eral that the public creditors should have it, and for that reason the Quartermaster General had forbidden the issue of vouchers, &c., and further that he would see himself that we had money sent to us for cur- rent use. The Quartermaster's Department requires a depository in Montana, and an officer there who can be intrusted with sufficient funds to pay our debts. This without delay. Such money as has been furnished has been distributed, as far as practicable, and this very distribution delays our requisitions ; for funds sent to the distant posts have to be borne on hand until receipts are returned, and this fact is construed to show that we are in funds ; thus is the estimate in no way regarded as a foundation for correct action, but other evidence is taken that can only be interpreted with all the facts and circumstances stated. The estimates are required by the department commanders three months in advance; they are required in 24 KECON 7 NOISSAXCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. great detnil, ;uid in triplicate, and every paragraph of the regulations, especially 1 <)."><, is conformed to ; nothing further seems in our power at this time. The orders transmitted to the Quartermaster General, which were published from time to time during your inspection, will demonstrate that abuses and neglects, so far as it was possible at this time, have been corrected. In many respects a happy improvement is manifest within the last two years. The many changes in the reduction of the Army, however, has made new instructions and exertions necessary. Respectfully submitted. S. B. HOLABIRD, Deputy Quartermaster General, United States Army, Chief Quartermaster Department of Dakota. SCHEDULE. Amount of funds required by estimates, since May 1, 1869. Amount of funds furnished since M:r I. 1869. 1869. May 1 $43,16282 1869. September*. | $10,000 00 June 30,19459 October 31. 50 000 00 July 31 181 42 August 63, 070 90 September. 144 826 34 October 31 52, 549 08 Total 364 985 15 Total 60 000 00 * Received by Brevet Major A. G. Robinson, A. Q. M., U. S. A. S. B. HOLABIRD, Deputy Quartermaster General United States Army. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI, OFFICE CHIEF QUARTERMASTER, Chicago, Illinois, November 20, 1869. Respectfully forwarded. The following points mentioned within seem to be of much interest, and the attention of the Quartermaster General is especially invited to them : Port Ellis : Large coal-beds of easy access within four miles. Best way to supply this post during the season of navigation, via Muscle- shell River. Fort Shaw: Coal within nine or fifteen miles. Fort Benton : Storehouse needed. I will here remark that it is under- stood by this office that arrangements are being made by General Han- cock, commanding Department of Dakota, to lease for Government use the buildings at Fort Bentoii owned by the Korthwestern Fur Com- pany. Camp Cooke : Large surplus of iron, rope, spare parts of wagons, tools, &c., on hand. I have written to General Holabird on this subject RECOXNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 25 to have these surplus articles properly disposed of. A copy of my let- ter is herewith inclosed, marked A. Wood enough on hand to last a year longer. Fort Buford : A new officers' quarters required immediately, and, eventually, a new hospital and company quarters ; also a shingle- machine. Fort Stevenson : Granary and magazine required. Fort Rice : Government teams have hauled wood for the wood con- tractor for 65 cents per cord. A copy of my letter to General Holabird to have such additional amount as may be reasonable and just charged, to contractor is herewith inclosed, marked B. Cisterns needed. Fort Sully: Grain storehouse not properly supported; will fall to pieces if remedy is not soon applied. Fort Randall : Two sets company quarters must be erected as speedily as practicable, if the post is to be kept up, and next a subsistence store- house ; also a guard-house and prison-room required. Ferry-boat needed. Fort Abercroinbie : Quarters required for chaplain and assistant quar- termaster ; arrangements needed to guard against fire. Fort Wads worth : Iron bedsteads required. Lieutenant J. D. Geo- ghegan failed to transfer about $900, which he received for sale of corn, to Dr. Daniels, Indian agent. Lieutenant Geoghegan is now at Fort Mclutosh, Texas. If he has failed to account for this money, I respect- fully recommend the stoppage of his pay until he does account for it. It is presumed by this office that action has been or is about to be taken at Headquarters Department of Dakota, on such of the foregoing and other items of this report as may be of due importance. If the sugges- tions of General Holabird, as to construction and repair of buildings, cisterns, &c., are approved by the commanding general Department of Dakota, it is expected that the proper plans and estimates will be pre- pared and forwarded in good season. So with regard to the shingle machine for Fort Bufort, the ferry-boat for Fort Randall, and the iron bedsteads for Fort Wadsworth. I will to-day communicate a copy of this indorsement to General Holabird. D. H. RUCKER, Assistant Quartermaster General United States Army, Chief Quartermaster Military Division of the Missouri* A. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI, Office Chief Quartermaster, Chicago, III., November 19, 1869. GENERAL: In your inspection report of posts in the Department of Dakota, made- October 15, 1869, to the commanding general of that department, copy of which waa forwarded by you to the Quartermaster General, through this office, on the 12th in- stant, referring to affairs at Camp Cooke, you state, "A vast deal of property has also been accumulated in the quartermaster's department, (at Camp Cooke,) especially iron, rope, spare parts for wagons, tools, &c., ten times as much as ever could be used." If you have not already done so, please have the proper papers prepared with a view of obtaining authority for the sale of such of the above stores as are unserviceable and not needed, and cause those articles that are of use to be distributed, on the opening of navigation, to such other posts on the Missouri River and in Montana as you may think for the best interests of the service. The estimates for the year ending June 30, 1871, of posts to be thus supplied will, of course, be modified accordingly before transmitted to this office. "26 RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. If there is a surplus of quartermaster's stores or clothing, camp and garrison equipage a.t any other post in the Department of Dakota that can be sent elsewhere to advantage, please see that it is done. Vci v respectfully, your obedient servant, D. H. RUCKER, Assistant Quartermaster General United States Army, Chief Quartermaster Military Division Missouri. Brigadier General S. B. HOLABIRD, Chief Quartermaster Department of Dakota, St. Paul, Minnesota. A true copy : D. H. RUCKER, Assistant Quartermaster General United States Army, Chief Quartermaster Military Division Missouri. B. HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI, Office Chief Quarts-master, Chicago, 111., November 19, 1869. GENERAL : In your inspection report of posts in the Department of Dakota, made October 15, 1869, to the commanding general of that department, copy of which was forwarded by you to the Quartermaster General, through this office, on the 12th in- stant, referring to the existence of a contract for the delivery of 1,000 cords of wood at Fort Rice, Dakota Territory, at $5 70 per cord, you state that " Captain George W. Hill, succeeding temporarily to command in the absence of Lieutenant Colonel Otis, has ordered the public teams to haul the wood for the contractor at 65 cents per cord, justi- fying himself by Order No. 97, Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C., 1867 ; a most unjustifiable proceeding, since, if the public teams can haul the wood, he should merely hire it cut, which can be done for $2 or $3 at the post." Paragraph VII of Gen- eral Order No. 97, above mentioned, directs* that full deduction shall be made for tin- service in cases where, from manifest necessity, public means of transportation is used on the written authority of the post commander to enable contractors to fulfill their contracts. If, in your opinion, 65 cents per cord is too small a sum for hauling the wood in question, and you have not already taken action in the premises, you are requested to cause to be deducted from any payments due, or that may become due the contractor for delivery of wood at Fort Rice, such additional amount for the Government hauling as in your conviction may be reasonable and just, reporting your action to this office. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. H. RUCKER, Assistant Quartermaster General United States Army, Chief Quartermaster Military Division Missouri. Brevet Brigadier General S. B. HOLABIRD, Chief Quartermaster Department of Dakota, St. Paul, Minnesota. A true copy : D. H. RUCKER, Assistant Quartermaster General United State* Army, Chief Quartermaster Military Dhision Missouri. List of papers. No. 1. Plan of Fort Shaw, Montana Territory. No. 2. Plan of posts in district of Montana, including Fort Buford and proposed post at mouth of Muscleshell River. No. 3. Plan of posts in Middle District. No. 4. Tracing of country in vicinity of Fort Buford, Dakota Territory. No. 5. Reservation of Fort Shaw, Montana Territory. No. 6. Reservation of Fort Benton, Montana Territory. No. 7. Reservation of Fort Buford, Dakota Territory. No. 8. Reservation of Fort Stevenson, Dakota Territory. No. 9. Reservation of Fort Rice, Dakota Territory. No. 10. Reservation of Fort Sully, Dakota Territory. No. 11. Reservation of Fort Totten, Dakota Territory. No. 12. Reservation of Fort Ransom, Dakota Territory. RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 27 No. 13. Reservation of Fort Wadsworth, Dakota Territory. No. 14. Tracing of Smith's River, valley country, Montana Territory. No. 15. File of General Orders, Headquarters Department of Dakota, defining mili- tary reserves. [NOTE. Plans and tracings. Nos. 1 to 14, are not printed.] No. 15. [General Orders Xo. 10.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, Fort Snelling, Minnesota, March 7, 1867. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, the military reservation at Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory, is hereby established, according to the map made in pursuance of the survey of November 1866, and now on file in the office of the chief quartermaster at these headquarters, the same to embrace five miles square. By command of Brevet Major General A. H. Terry : ED. W. SMITH, lireret Lieutenant Colonel, Captain Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. Official: R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. [General Orders Xo. 41.1 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, St. Paul, Minnesota, October 1, 1867. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, the military reservation of Fort Wadsworth, Dakota Territory, is hereby established and defined, by the following boundaries, according to the survey and map made by Second Lieutenant D. H. Kelton, Tenth Infantry, in 1867, namely : Commencing at the flag-staff at Fort Wadsworth, whose latitude is 45 43' 30", and longitude 97 30', running thence to a point three miles west of the fort, thence due north ten miles, thence east nine miles, thence south fifteen miles, theuce west to the intersection of a line run south from the west point, em- bracing a tract of nine by fifteen miles. Bv command of Brevet Major General A. H. Terry : ED. W. SMITH, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, Captain Twenty-fourth United States Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. Oftifial : R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. [General Orders Xo. 19.1 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OK DAKOTA, St. Paul, Minnesota, June 10, 1868. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, the public lands inclosed within, the hereinafter described survey are hereby reserved to the United States for military purposes, and declared to be the military reservation of the post of Fort Stevenson, Dakota Territory : The initial point is on meridian of longitude 101 30' west from Greenwich, at the intersection of the wagon route from Fort Stevenson to Fort Berthold, Dakota Terri- tory ; thence running north of east in a straight line ten miles to the point at which the wagon route known as " General Sully's " crosses the west branch of Douglas Creek ; thence south of east six and three-fourths miles to the point at which the " General Sully wagon route" crosses Snake Creek ; thence southwardly, following the right or west bank of said Snake Creek to its mouth, then crossing the Missouri River and following the right bank of said river to a point six miles from the last- mentioned point ; thence due west fifteen and a half miles ; thence east of north three and one-half miles to the point of commencement. At the apex of each of the angles as above described a square-cut stone, 1 foot on the 28 RECONNOISSANCE IX THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. edge and 3| feet in length, will be firmly embedded 18 inches in the ground. On the inner face of each stone the letters " U. S." will be chiseled in raised letters. On the outer face of each stone will be painted the words " Military Reservation." The lines as run will be " blazed" as plainly as the features of the surface of the country will permit. P.v command of Brevet Major General Terry: O. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant General. Official : R. CHANDLER. Acting Assistant Adjutant General? [General Orders X o. 2L 1 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA.. St. Paul, Minnesota, July 16, 1868. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, the puplic lands inclosed by the hereinafter described survey are hereby reserved to the United States for military purposes, and declared to be the military reservation of the post of Fort Bufoni. Dakota Territory : The initial point is at the intersection of the 104th degree of longitude west from Greenwich with the 48th parallel of north latitude ; thence run south fifteen miles ; thence east fifteen miles ; thence north thirty miles ; thence west thirty miles ; thence south thirty miles ; thence east fifteen miles ; at the apex of each of the angles of the square thus described, a square-cut stone, 1 foot on the edge and 3f feet in length, will be firmly embedded 18 inches in the ground. On the inner face of each stone the letters " U. S." will be chiseled in raised letters. On the onter face of each stone will be painted the words " Military Reservation." The post commander will cause the lines, as herein described, to be run without delay, by an officer of his command, and the inclosed area platted with as much ac- curacy as the circumstances will permit, A copy of the plat will be forwarded to these headquarters as soon as made, for the information and action of the War De- partment. The chief quartermaster of the department will purchase a compass and chain, and forward, with the least delay practicable, to the commanding officer of Fort Buford, for use in making the survey herein required. By command of Brevet Major General A. H. Terrv : O. D. GREENE, A**i*tant Adjutant General. Official : R. CHANDLER, Assistant Adjutant General. [General Orders Xo. 42.] HEAI>QUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. St. Paul, Minnesota, May 18, 1869. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, the public lands inclosed by the hereinafter described survey are hereby reserved to the United States for military .purposes, and declared to be the military reservation of the post of Fort Ransom : The initial point is eight miles due south of the southwest corner of the block-house on the southwest angle of the fort; thence due east five miles; thence due north ten miles; thence due west ten miles ; thence due south ten miles; thence due east five miles to the initial point. The corners are marked by mounds erected over a post, set in the ground, and similar marks are made where the line crosses the river. Under the direction of the post commander, at the apex of each of the angles of the square above described, a square-cut stone, 1 foot on the edge and 3J feet in length, will be firmly embedded 18 inches in the ground. On the inner face of each stone the letters " U. S." will be chiseled in raised letters ; on the outer face of each stone will be painted, or cut, the words " Military Reservation." By command of Major General W. S. Hancock : O. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant General. Official : R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 29 [General Orders Xo. 46.] HEAIHjrAHTKHS J M'.l'A K T.M KNT OF DAKOTA, St. Paul, Minnesota, May 24, 1869. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, the public lands inclosed by the hereinafter described survey are hereby reserved to the United States for military pur- poses, and are declared to be the military reservation of the post of Fort Sully, Dakota Territory : The initial point is at a limestone rock, (set in the side of a hill, with the letter "R" cut in its face,) five chains and seventy-two links south one degree east of a limestone rock, on the northwest face of the basin of a large, never-failing spring near the head- waters of Spring Creek, which latter rock has a hole drilled in its face, and the letters " U. S. R." marked upon it ; thence from the initial point south sixty -five degrees west, to a point at low-water mark on the eastern bank of an island, known as Wa-Ka-boju Island, which point is marked by a square-cut stone with the letters "U. S. R." cut in its face; thence along the eastern shore of said islands in a southerly direction to the southernmost point of the same, which point is marked by a square-cut stone with the letters "U. S. R." cut in its face; thence south sixty-five degrees west, to a point at high-water mark oil the west bank of the Missouri River, which point is marked by a square-cut stone with the letters " U. S. R." cut in its face ; thence up and along the west bank of the Missouri river, as it winds, to a point marked by a square-cut stone with the letters " U. S. R." cut in its face, at high-water mark, on the west bank of said river, south seventy-five degrees west from a granite boulder on the east bank of the Missouri river, which boulder is marked with the letters "U. S. R." cut in its face; thence north, seventy-five degrees east one hundred and seventy-six and three-quarters chains, to a limestone rock with the letter " R" cut in its face ; thence south forty-five degrees east, eight hundred and eighty-nine chains and forty-five links to a limestone rock with the letter "R" cut in its face; thence south sixty-five degrees west, forty- one chains and eighty links to the initial point, being forty-two square miles, or 27,275 acres, more or less. By command of Major General Hancock: O. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant General. Official : R. CHANDLER, Acting Axxistant Adjutant GetieraL [General Orders Xo. 55.] HEADQUAKTEKS DEPAUTMKXT OF DAKOTA, St. Paul, Minnesota, June 30, 1869. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, the public lands inclosed by the hereinafter described survey are hereby reserved to the United States for military pur- poses, and are declared to be the military reservation of Fort Totten, Dakota Territory : The initial point is at a post in the center of a pile of stones on the southern shore of Minni-Wakau or Devil's Lake, five miles and three hundred rods west one degree north from the center of the permanent post ; thence south thirty degrees east, nine miles and one hundred and ninety-six rods, to a post on the north bank of the Chyeune River; thence southeasterly along the north bank of the river, nine miles and one hundred and eighty-two rods to a post also on the north bank of the Chyenue river ; thence east thirty degrees north, four miles and two hundred and fifty-six rods to a post ; thence north thirty degrees west, ten miles and one hundred and ninety-two rods to a post on the southern bank of Devil's Lake, in the center of a pile of stones ; thence along the southern shore of Devil's Lake twenty-nine miles and three hundred and sixteen rods to the point of beginning. The commanding officer at Fort Totten will cause to be erected, in place of the posts above described, permanent cut stones, firmly embedded in the ground; on the inner faces of each stone the letters " U. S." will be chiseled in raised letters, and on the outer face of each stone will be painted or cut the words "Military Reservation." By command of Major General Hancock: R. CHANDLER, Ac-tiny AnsMant Adjutant Central. Official : R. CHANDLER, Aciinj Auf'istint Adjutant (Sencral. 30 RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. (General Orders No. 62.1 HKADQUARTERS DEI'AKTMKNT ok- DAKOTA. / S7. Paul, Miinu'fiota, July '23, 1889. The following gcnci u\ field order is republished for the information and guidance of all concerned : " [General Field Orders No. 2.] "HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, "In the Field, Benton, Montana Territory, July 5, 1H69. " In order that old Fort Benton may be made use of as a military post, the following reservation embracing it is declared, subject to the approval of the proper authority, namely : " Take for the initial point a stake in the southwest corner of the fort lot, planted in the fence along the river street, five hundred and seventy-five feet from the southwest corner of Fort Benton ; through this stake run a due north and south line across the river, extending it on the north side of the Missouri, across the Teton, to the Marias. Mark the intersection of this line with the Marias River, thence follow along the river to its mouth. "Take a point on the south side of the Missouri River, opposite the point of junction of the Marias, and from this point run due south six miles this point making the southeast corner of the reservation. From this point run due west, until the first north and south line is intersected this intersection forming the southwest corner of the reservation. This is to exclude the cemetery lot, as now inclosed, together Avith an opening of its width to the boundary line, on the west side. " By command of Major General Hancock : " O. D. GREENE, "Assistant Adjutant General" Bv command of Major General Hancock : R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. Official : R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. [General Orders Xo. 69.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, St. Paul, Minnesota, September 14, 1869. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, the public lands inclosed by the here- inafter described survey are hereby reserved to the United States for military pur- poses, and declared to be the military reservation of Fort Shaw, Montana Territory : The initial point is at a sandstone marked with pits and mounds on the verge of the plateau north of Sun River, at a point bearing north fifty-two degrees west from Sun River crossing, and north eight degrees east from the northwest angle of Square Butte ; thence south eight degrees west, three hundred and fifty-six chains to a post marked " U. S. M. R.," with three pits and mound ; thence south fifty-eight and a quarter degrees west, three hundred and four and thirty-nine hundreths chains, to the summit of a conical peak of granite rock called the " Nipple ; " thence north sixty- four degrees fifteen minutes west, two hundred sixteen and ninety hundredths chains; thence west one hundred and fifty-four chains ; thence south seventy six degrees and forty-five minutes west, ninety-one and sixty-eight hundredths chains, to a sandstone marked " U. S. M. R.,'' and a monument of stone, being the southwest angle of the reservation ; thence north thirty-three degrees fifteen minutes west, three hundred and seventeen chains to a sandstone and monument of stone erected on a high bluff, being the northwest angle of the reservation ; thence north sixty-four and a quarter degrees east, one hundred and seventy huudredths chains; thence north eighty-six degrees and fif- teen minutes east, two hundred and eighty chains to a sandstone marked "U. S. M. R.," and a mound of gravel and boulders ; thence north eighty-eight degrees fifteen minutes east, fifty -six chains to a sandstone and monument of stone ; thence north sixty-seven degrees east, two hundred and thirty-nine chains ; thence north eighty-six degrees and fifteen minutes east, two hundred and seventy-six and thirty-two hun- dredths chains to the northeast angle of the reservation, the place of beginning. By command of Major General Hancock : R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. Official : R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. 31 [General Orders No. 77.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, St. 1'aitl, Minnesota, Nortmber 6, 1869. General Orders No. 62, current series, from these headquarters, is modified as follows : In order that old Fort Beutou may be made use of as a military post, the following reservation embracing it is declared, subject to the approval of the Secretary of War. namely : Take for the initial point a stake in the southwest corner of the fort lot, planted in the fence along the river street, five hundred and seventy-five feet from the southwest corner of Fort Benton through thfs stake run a due north and south line across the river, extending it on the north side of the Missouri to the Teton river. Upon this north and south line measure a distance of five hundred yards, south from the south bank of the Missouri River, through which point run an east and west line extending east one mile from the point last determined ; thence north to the Teton River, thence along the bank of said river to the intersection of the north and south line herein men- tioned, thence south to the place of beginning. The commanding officer of Fort Beuton will cause to be erected permanent cut stones, firmly embedded in the ground, at each of the points heretofore described ; on the inner faces of each stone the letters " U. S." will be painted or cut, and on the outer- face of each stone the words " Military Reservation." By command of Major General Hancock : R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General* Official : E. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General* [General Orders No. 79.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, Ht. Paul, Minnesota, November 13, 1869. General OrdersNo. 46, current series, from these headquarters, is amended as follows r subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, the public lauds inclosed by the here- inafter described survey are hereby reserved to the United States for military pur- poses, and are declared to be the military reservation of the post of Fort Sully, Dakota Territory : The initial point is at a limestone rock, (set in the side of a hill, with the letter " R'* cut in its face, five chains and seventy-two links south one degree east of a limestone- rock on the northwest face of the basin of a large, never-failing spring near the head- waters of Spring Creek, which latter rock has a hole drilled in its face, and the letters. " U. S. R." marked upon it ; thence from the initial point south sixty-five degrees west to a point at low-water mark on the eastern bank of an island, known as Wa-Ka-boju Island, which point is marked by^a square cut stone with the letters " U. S. R." cut in its face ; thence along the eastern shore of said island in a southerly direction to the southernmost point of the same, which point is marked by a square cut stone with the letters " U. S. R." cut in its face ; thence south sixty-five degress west to a point across, the Missouri River, distant one-half a mile from the center of the river channel, which point is marked by a square cut stone with the letters " U. S. R." cut in its face ; thence up and along the west bank of the Missouri River, as it winds, parallel to the center of the river channel and half a mile distant therefrom, to a point marked by a square cut stone with the letters " U. S. R." cut in its face, which last-mentioned point is south seventy-five degrees west from a granite boulder on the east bank of the Missouri River, marked with the letters " U. S. R." cut in its face ; thence north seventy-five degree* east one hundred and ninety -four and three-quarters chains, to a limestone rock with the letter " R" cut in its face ; thence south forty-five degrees east eight hundred and eighty-nine chains and forty-five links to a limestone rock with the letter " R" cut iu its face ; thence south sixty-five degrees west forty-one chains and eighty links to the initial point, being forty-two square miles, or 27,275 acres, more or less. By command of Major General Hancock: R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. Official: R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General* 32 RECONNOISSANCE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA. [General Orders No. 93.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF DAKOTA, St. Paul, Minnesota, December 17, 183'J. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of War, the public lands inclosed by the hereinafter described survey are hereby reserved to the United States for military pur- poses, and declared to be tiie military reservation of the post of Fort Ellis, Montana Territory: Beginning at the quarter post on the east line of section eight, township two south, of range six east of the principal meridian, Territory of Montana ; thence south seven and one-half miles; thence east four miles; thence north three miles; thence west one mile ; thence north three and three-quarter miles ; thence west one mile ; thence north three quarters of a mile; thence west two miles to the place of beginning, em- bracing the south half of sections nine and ten, the south half of section fourteen, and the south half of the north half of section fourteen, the whole of sections fifteen, sixteen, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-six, twenty -seven, twenty-eight, thirty- three, thirty-four, and thirty-five, in township numbered two south, of range six east of the principal meridian, Territory of Montana ; and also the whole of sections one, two, three, four, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen, in township numbered three south, of range six east of the principal meridian, Territory of Montana. The commanding officer of Fort Ellis will cause to be erected at the apex of each of the four angles of the northern boundaries of the above-described reservation a square ut stone, one foot on the edge and three and one-half feet in length, firmly embedded eighteen inches in the ground. On the inner surface of each stone the letters " U. S." will be chiseled or cut ; on the outer face of each stone will be painted the words " Military Reservation." The apex of each of the other angles of the reservation will l)e marked by a large mound of loose stones. By command of Major General Hancock : O. D. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant General. Official : R. CHANDLER, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. UNI AT LOS ANGELES LIBRARY