I am, with respect, your ob't serv't, HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT.
SIR: I had the honor, on the 9th instant, to address you on the subject of my journey into the region of the Ozarks. You will allow me again to trouble you on the subject of explorations.
Government has long been acquainted, by reports, with the existence of native copper on the Upper Mississippi, and the banks of lake Superior. I believe the attempt was made about 1798, to have the localities explored. I know not what success attended that attempt. Probably the remoteness of the country, and the hostility of the Indian tribes, were unfavorable. But I am persuaded that the object is one of importance.
The mineralogy of those regions became the topic of early interest, even in the days of the French supremacy. Copper appears to characterize an extensive area. It is stated to break out in the immediate vicinity of St. Anthony's falls, and to continue through to the southern shores of lake Superior. In its exploration, other traits of the natural history of the country would be developed.
The establishment of a military post at St. Anthony's falls, renders the present a favorable time for exploring the region. Its features and resources are objects of deep interest; and it appears to be the policy of the government, in the disposition of its western and northern posts, to prepare the way for ascertaining these traits at the earliest period. The position of the most advanced posts which are now in the process of location, is such as to afford great facilities for exploration. The hostilities of the Indians are repressed, and a survey of these parts of the public domain could now be effected with comparative safety, and at little expense.
Should you think the appointment of an agent for this purpose, to accompany some of the military movements, would be favorably received by the Secretary of War, may I indulge the hope that, in recommending it, you will remember me in the premises?
I am, with respect, your ob't serv't, HENRY R. SCHOOLCRAFT.
2. A CATALOGUE OF THE MINERALS OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
3. MINERAL RESOURCES OF THE WESTERN COUNTRY. A LETTER TO GEN. C. G. HAINES.
4. LIST OF STEAMBOATS ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IN 1819.