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Show 262 EOUTE EASTWARD FROM HEAD OF GROW CREEK. to the Atlantic which commences at their eastern base. All apprehensions on this head were, however, set entirely at rest by the reconnoissance, which fully demonstrated the existence of a route through these hills, not only practicable, but free from any obstructions involving in their removal great or unusual expenditure. It was a subject of deep regret that our only remaining barometer ( a cistern barometer) had been broken by the warping and cracking of its wooden frame in the dry and rarefied atmosphere of these elevated regions; as it would have been in the highest degree satisfactory to have made a precise comparison of the relative elevations of the ground on the line of this reconnoissance with those already ascertained by previous explorations upon the old route by the South Pass, the Sweetwater, and North Fork of the Platte. Although this was unfortunately impracticable, yet a careful observation of the ground on both routes has enabled me to form a general comparison between them; and has led to the unhesitating conclusion that, in point of diminished distance, easy grades, freedom from serious obstacles, and convenience and abundant supply of materials for construction, the line of this reconnoissance presents a trace for a road that is not only perfectly feasible, but decidedly preferable to the other. From the head of Grow Creek, the way to the eastward lies open in various directions. By striking over to the Lodge- pole, and pursuing the valley of that stream to its junction with the South Fork of the Platte, an almost straight line will be secured from Fort Bridger to the Forks of the latter. Thence the Missouri can be reached either by the north bank of the river, on the route at present travelled by the Mormons, or by following its south bank, and crossing over to the Blue, below Fort Kearny: the valley of the latter stream can thence be pursued to its junction with the Kansas, and thence along that river to its confluence with the Missouri. Should a route still farther south be deemed desirable, the features of the country show, that by adopting the valley of a stream flowing between the Lodge- pole and the Grow, it would not be difficult to strike the South Fork of the Platte in the direction of the heads of the Republican Fork of the Kansas, and by means of this latter stream either to reach the Missouri at the mouth of the former, or, by a slight divergence, at some lower point, as might be thought most expedient. It had been my intention to continue the reconnoissance from the head of the Lodge- pole to its junction with the Platte, and thence |
