Summary Narrative of an Exploratory Expedition to the Sources of the Mississippi River, in 1820 / Resumed and Completed, by the Discovery of its Origin in Itasca Lake, in 1832

by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft

It is only necessary to add, that I was honored with the appointment of mineralogist and geologist to the expedition, in which capacity I kept the following journal. In presenting it to the public, it will not be deemed improper if I acknowledge the obligations which I have incurred in transcribing it, by availing myself of a free access to the valuable library of His Excellency De Witt Clinton, and of the taste and skill of Mr. Henry Inman, in drawing a number of the views which embellish the work.

HENRY B. SCHOOLCRAFT.

Albany, May 14, 1821.

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PRELIMINARY DOCUMENTS.

I.	Original Memoir suggestive of the Expedition.
II.	Mr. Calhoun's Letter of sanction of it.
III.	Employment of a Mineralogist and Geologist.
IV.	Policy of Granting Permits to take away Minerals from the Indian Country.
V.	A Topographical Engineer and Astronomer ordered from the Military Academy at West Point.
VI. VII.	Military Orders of Generals Brown and Macomb.

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PRELIMINARY DOCUMENTS.

I.