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

INDIAN TRIBES OF WASHIINGTON TERRITORY.
portions of Washington and Oregon Territories, and thus blot out forever from the map of our
country what is now looked upon as the great desert, as it were, extending from the Missouri to
a hundred miles west of the Rocky mountains, thus occupying a central position in the heart of
our country, and replace it by one continued belt of thriving settlements and villages, where the
stir and bustle of business shall resound, without cessation, as along our civilized and settled
borders. Should the matter be let passed during the coming season, I doubt whether it can ever
be undertaken again under as favorable auspices. Should you have received any intelligence
from Washington in regard to the subject, you will oblige me by referring to it in your communication to me in the Bitter Root valley.
Truly, your obedient servar
J. MULLAN,
Lieutenant United States Army.
Governor I. I. STEVENS,
i?n Command of N. P. Railroad Survey, Jc.
CANTONMENT STEVENS, BITTER ROOT VALL,
Washington Territory, January 2
SIR: I have the honor to report that, in conformity to your letter of instructions, de
Flathead village of St. Mary's, October 3, 1853, "to report on the probable cost
agency buildings, &c., in the Bitter Root valley, and the cost necessary for keeping up
upon examination I find there will be needed a building for an agent, for the Indi
a council-room, a store-room, a blacksmith's shop, a building for the blacksmith, an
ploycs for the Indian farmer, and a room for the interpreter. - I deem it necessary
agent should be sent to this section, and that the tribes included in this agency she
Flatheads, the Pend d'Oreilles, and the Kootenaies; for these but one interpreter will
since the man Gabriel, whom I have employed as interpreter, speaks each of the lang
who could be appointed the interpreter for the agency. I think the agency should be
at or somewhere near the "Hell Gate," which is the great thoroughfare for all the
going and returning from the buffalo hunt east of the mountains. Should any sub-age
pointed, one is needed, beyond a doubt, among the Flathead Indians; and I therefore r
to you that an appropriation of five thousand dollars be made to defray the expenses
the buildings, furnishing five yoke of oxen, supplying blacksmith's tools, &c., furnishing t
seed for farming, one wagon, such carpenter's tools as would be needed, and, in
supplying the agency with everything needed. I am confident that the Indians will
deal towards the erection of the buildings, &c.
There will be needed, then, one agent-pay...... —................- $50
One interpreter............................ ——..-...... —-. ——. —[The pay should be $500 for an interpreter, since he can speak three languages.]
Pay of Indian farmer......-..-...........-............ 5
Pay of two men associated with the farmer, at $300..........-....
Presents to Indians visiting agency, &c., in goods, &c..-.............. 50
Provisions to be given to Indians visiting the agency on business, &c., to consist of
sugar, coffee, beans, rice, and hard bread —....... —-----------
Meat provision to be obtained in the country.......................
For travelling and contingent expenses......................................
500 00
500 00
4,600 00
1,000 00
5,600 00
440