Reports of explorations and surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean: Vol. 1, Pt. 2

GENERAL REMARKS.
of collecting such other information as will test the relative practicability of routes, give the means
of making an estimate of the cost, plan of construction, and the time to build the road.
In closing this report I will respectfully call the attention of the department to the several
accompanying reports, which will be found to present accurately the many routes of the field of
exploration. They are all creditable to the writers, and many of them are remarkably able.
The reports of Captain MIcClellan will show with what ability and success the extended explorations of the Cascades were conducted, and the great contribution it has afforded to the almost
hitherto unknown geography of that region of country.
His remarks in cormmendation of his party have my most hearty concurrence. The topographical report of Mr. John Lambert shows irim to be as successful with the pen as with his
instruments.
The lucid reports of Lieutenant Donelson present, in the clearest light, the general characteristics of his railroad line from Fort Benton to Wallah-Wallah.
The extended explorations by Lieutenant Grover, by Lieutenant Mullan, and %by Mr. A. W.
Tinkham, have given the exploration its greatest value, as they have solved the question of snow
for the whole region east of the Cascades, and have made the solution all but certain in the Cascades themselves. The labors of Lieutenant Saxton have been of the greatest service to the
exploration. The reports of Dr. Suckley and Lieutenant Arnold, and of Lieutenant Macfeely,
will show clearly how each occupied his field.
In the Indian department I will refer, with admiration, to the contribution made by Mr.
George Gibbs, of Captain McClellan's party, and to the labors of Lieutenant John Mullan and
Mr. Doty.
There will be found a valuable report from Mr. F. W. Lander as to the crossing of the Mississippi, and the practicability of the pass of the lower Columbia. His practical experience as a
railroad engineer and contractor has enabled him to make many excellent suggestions, which I beg
leave to acknowledge.
I will close this communication by adverting, in terms of the highest commendation, to the
ability with which Dr. John Evans has managed the geological portion of the work, and the
great contribution he has personally made in collections, and in developing the geography of the
country travelled over by him, and to the ability which has been shown by Professor S. F. Baird,
in charge of the natural history, assisted by those devoted and promising young naturalists, Dr.
George Suckley, assistant surgeon United States army, and Dr. J. G. Cooper.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
G6vernor of Washington Territory, in Charge of Exploration.
HoN. JEFFaRSON DAVIS,
Secretary of War.
NOTE.-The additional communications from Governor Stevens, received since this report was submitted, will be found follow
in the papers enumerated above.
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