CHAPTER XX

EXPLORING THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS

Lieutenants Saxton and Grover start down the Missouri--March up the Teton via Sun and Dearborn rivers to Cadotte's Pass-- Description of country; game--Governor Stevens proclaims inauguration of civil government on summit of Rocky Mountains-- Descending western slope--Big Blackfoot and Hell Gate rivers-- Overtakes main party--Fine condition of animals--Bitter Root valley and river--Fort Owen--Lieutenant Arnold here with train and provisions--Nine passes examined--Lander's erratic course-- Council with Flatheads--Chief Victor--Lieutenant Mullan stationed at winter post in Bitter Root valley--Lieutenant Donelson with main party sent via Clark's Fork and Pend Oreille Lake--Dr. Suckley descends rivers in canoe--Tinkham to explore Marias Pass--Proceed to Fort Benton--Cross mountains to Walla Walla--Governor Stevens moves down the Bitter Root--Meets the Nez Perces--Crosses the C[oe]ur d'Alene Mountains--C[oe]ur d'Alene Mission--Indians--Lake--Falls--Spokane Indians--Spokane Garry, head chief--Forced ride to Colville--Meeting with McClellan--His explorations--Dilatoriness--Reports against country and passes 375