I request that you will communicate to me, as early as convenient, your determination upon this subject, as it will be necessary to prepare a canoe during the winter, to be ready to enter upon the tour as soon as the navigation of the Lakes is open, should you think proper to approve the plan.
Very respectfully, &c.
LEWIS CASS.
Hon. John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War.
II.
Department of War, January 14, 1820.
Sir: I have received your letters of the 18th and 21st November last. The exploring tour you propose has the sanction of the Government, provided the expenditure can be made out of the sum allotted your superintendency for Indian affairs, adding thereto one thousand dollars for that special purpose.
The objects of this expedition are comprised under the five heads stated in your letter of the 18th of November, and which you will consider—with the exception of that part which relates to holding Indian treaties, upon which you will be fully instructed hereafter—as forming part of the instructions which may be given you by this Department.
Should your reconnoissance extend to the western extremity of Lake Superior, you will ascertain the practicability of a communication between the Bad, or Burntwood River, which empties into the Lake, and the Copper, or St. Croix, which empties into the Mississippi, and the facility they present for a communication with our posts on the St. Peter's.
The Montreal rivers will also claim your attention, with a view of establishing, through them, a communication between Green Bay and the west end of Lake Superior.
To aid you in the accomplishment of these important objects, some officers of Topographical Engineers will be ordered to join you. Perhaps Major Long, now here, will be directed to take that route to join the expedition which he commands up the Missouri. In that event, a person acquainted with zoology and botany will be selected to accompany him. Feeling, as I do, great interest in obtaining a correct topographical, geographical, and military survey of our country, every encouragement, consistent with the means in my power, will be given by the Department. To this end, General Macomb will be ordered to afford you every facility you may require.