reason to say that any interference on the part of the commanding officer of the expedition caused to him a loss. Indeed, I have been careful to avoid giving him the smallest clue by which he could claim indemnity from government for losses which he must certainly sustain in his contract for transportation." Colonel Atkinson declares, now, that Colonel Johnson is greatly deficient in supplies furnished and (p. 164) gives specific figures.

At Chariton, August 14. Advises the use of keel boats only, for future transportation, and not to be taken out of the hands of the quartermaster-general's department. Thinks he would fail in his object next year if supplies should be entrusted to Johnson. "The meat part of the ration could be abundantly and cheaply supplied in the neighborhood of Franklin. Fine pork could be bought at two dollars and a half a hundred, and beef at the same price." Colonel Atkinson left that day to join the Johnson at Fort Osage and take passage on her for Martin Cantonment.

Fort Osage, August 25. Arrived on the 23d. The detachment of the Rifle regiment and five companies of the Sixth regiment moved on that day, under Colonel Chambers, on the Expedition and keel boats, for Martin Cantonment.

Martin Cantonment, September 6. Arrived on the 31st ultimo. Colonel Chambers with the detachment of riflemen and five companies of the Sixth regiment, got there, with the Expedition, on the twenty-ninth.

"The steamboat Expedition has halted here, it being deemed impracticable, in consequence of the lowness of the river, to get her to the Council Bluffs. The Johnson will probably be able to reach that point, as her draught of water is much lighter. The cargo of the Expedition has been reshipped in our transport boats and a keel employed by Colonel Johnson's agent, and, should the Johnson fail, I have ample means within my control to have her cargo

taken up in good season. The Rifle regiment and the five companies of the Sixth embark today at one o'clock for the Council Bluffs. We shall, no doubt, make the march in twenty days. The infantry which were on board the steamboat Jefferson are charged with the safe conduct of the keels that received her cargo, and may be expected to join us above by the 15th proximo; those on board the Johnson will be up sooner; therefore, it may be safely calculated, that the principal part of the troops will be established at the Council Bluffs by the first of October, and the residue by the 20th, together with all our ordnance, munitions, and provisions for twelve months.'

Colonel Atkinson has requested Major O'Fallon, Indian agent, to inhibit all trade with the Pawnee till proper restitution is made for depredations against Major Biddle and party while on a tour through the Kansas country.

Camp Missouri, near the Council Bluffs, October 3, 1819. Arrived "with the Rifle regiment and five and a half companies of the Sixth, at a point a few miles below this, early on the morning of the 29th ult., where we remained till yesterday morning to examine the neigboring country for the purpose of selecting a position to canton the troops. Having fixed on this place (an extensive rich bottom, covered with suitable timber for huts, situated a mile above the Council Bluffs) we reached it yesterday evening. Tomorrow we shall commence hutting and probably cover ourselves in five weeks." Light Company A and part of B had left the steamboat Jefferson in keels, and were, on the 7th ult., eighty miles below Fort Osage. "They may be expected to reach this by the 20th instant, together with the cargo of the Jefferson escorted by Captain Bliss's command. Battalion company H is also behind. It was on board the Johnson, which broke part of her machinery thirty miles above Fort Osage. Keel boats were discharged from here some days ago and sent down to her; therefore

the cargo and the company will no doubt be up in all this month." The colonel expects that a light boat will return to St. Louis a few days hence when he will give a detailed account. In the meantime he sends this letter by precarious

means.

Pp. 169-171. Camp Missouri, October 19, 1819. Has received a communication from Calhoun, secretary of war, dated August 18, which disclosed that his movements, up to July 11, were approved. The three steamboats all failed; one below Franklin; another, near the mouth of the Kansas river, "in the wilderness"; and the third at Cantonment Martin. One keel boat, with troops and provisions from the Jefferson, arrived on the 12th of October, another is near at hand. A third may be expected in four days, and the fourth, about the same time. The Expedition's cargo has been brought up, and the boats sent for the Johnson's should arrive by the end of the month. Captain Bliss has lately come up in a keel from the Jefferson and gives information that all the boats with supplies will come through, except one that left Belle Fontaine September 15 with flour, vinegar, etc. On account of deficiency in meat, "an article the contractor fell far short in", Colonel Atkinson had beef cattle contracted for and driven to this place. Upwards of two hundred head had arrived which would make the supply ample. A keel boat from the Jefferson, "with such articles of the quartermaster's and ordnance stores as we should most want in making our first establishment", struck a snag about ten days ago near the mouth of the Platte, "whilst running under easy sail, in the middle of the river." It passed through her bow; and she immediately filled and sank in twelve feet of water. No lives were lost. Her crew abandoned her two days after. Colonel Atkinson at once sent Lieutenant Keeler, acting ordnance officer, well supplied with spare anchors, cable, etc., and a