Hard Work and Artwork: Gustavus Sohon in Washington Territory
Gustavus Sohon was influential in building the military road from Fort Benton, Montana
to Walla Walla, Washington, also known as the Mullan Road. He and John Mullan had been part
of Territorial Governor Isaac I. Steven’s initial explorations through the Northwest and knew the
region thoroughly. Sohon proved his abilities through the various explorations under Stevens and
Mullan time and time again. Mullan trusted Sohon’s abilities and while building the Mullan
Road, often sent him out as a leader of various smaller explorations. Sohon’s contributions were
not limited only to exploration, but also to his artistic and linguistic abilities. Sohon sketched
many one of-a-kind pieces of art including renderings of the 1855 Treaty Councils, Native
American Chiefs, and depictions of the landscape of the Northwest. In addition to speaking
German, English, and French; Sohon also quickly learned various Native languages. His
linguistic abilities made him indispensible to the exploration parties where efficient
communication with many Native American tribes was vital in more ways than one.
In Mullan’s1863 detailed report, Report on the Construction of a Military Road from Fort
Walla Walla to Fort Benton, he included much of the work completed by Sohon and his
importance in its construction. Sohon wrote Mullan a small report detailing one of his excursions
that was included as an appendix in the Report, detailing what one of his many explorations was
like. These documents are utilized in exploring Sohon’s work on the Mullan Road. Further
examination is made of who Gustavus Sohon, also known as Gustav, was before and after the
building of the Mullan Road. Sohon’s importance in Northwest history is often overlooked,
though a close examination of the man and his artwork reveals his significance in building the
Mullan Road and greater Northwest history.
Gustavus Sohon was influential in building the military road from Fort Benton, Montana
to Walla Walla, Washington, also known as the Mullan Road. He and John Mullan had been part
of Territorial Governor Isaac I. Steven’s initial explorations through the Northwest and knew the
region thoroughly. Sohon proved his abilities through the various explorations under Stevens and
Mullan time and time again. Mullan trusted Sohon’s abilities and while building the Mullan
Road, often sent him out as a leader of various smaller explorations. Sohon’s contributions were
not limited only to exploration, but also to his artistic and linguistic abilities. Sohon sketched
many one of-a-kind pieces of art including renderings of the 1855 Treaty Councils, Native
American Chiefs, and depictions of the landscape of the Northwest. In addition to speaking
German, English, and French; Sohon also quickly learned various Native languages. His
linguistic abilities made him indispensible to the exploration parties where efficient
communication with many Native American tribes was vital in more ways than one.
In Mullan’s1863 detailed report, Report on the Construction of a Military Road from Fort
Walla Walla to Fort Benton, he included much of the work completed by Sohon and his
importance in its construction. Sohon wrote Mullan a small report detailing one of his excursions
that was included as an appendix in the Report, detailing what one of his many explorations was
like. These documents are utilized in exploring Sohon’s work on the Mullan Road. Further
examination is made of who Gustavus Sohon, also known as Gustav, was before and after the
building of the Mullan Road. Sohon’s importance in Northwest history is often overlooked,
though a close examination of the man and his artwork reveals his significance in building the
Mullan Road and greater Northwest history.
Gustavus Sohon
Born in Tilsit, East Prussia in December of 1825, Gustavus Sohon lived in his native
country for only 17 years. Sohon had learned French and English, in addition to his native
German before coming to the United States in 1842. Upon arrival he lived in Brooklyn, New
York and worked in various trades including photography, bookbinding, and woodcarving. At 27
years old Sohon enlisted in the U.S. Army and shortly after his enlistment his unit departed for
Oregon Territory. The following summer, in 1853 Stevens assigned Sohon and John Mullan,
along with fourteen other men, to stay at Cantonment Stevens for the winter to explore a
northern route for the transcontinental railway through the Bitterroot Mountains.i
By the time their party met back up with Stevens in the fall of 1854, Stevens saw Sohon’s
artwork and was greatly impressed. 1855 was a very busy year for Stevens’ party and Sohon in
particular. They oversaw several grand treaty councils where Sohon was utilized as an interpreter
and artist. Upon completion of Stevens’ explorations Sohon traveled down to California where
he helped create Gouverneur Kemble Warren’s map of the Trans-Mississippi West, the best map
of the region available in 1857. By July of 1857 Sohon was discharged from service with the
army.
John Mullan recruited Sohon to join him in his effort to build a military road between
Fort Benton and Fort Walla Walla. By the Spring of 1858 Sohon was back in Washington
Territory with Mullan beginning preparations for the road. Though there was some Native
American unrest, they were able to get to work early in 1859. Sohon was instrumental in the
completion of the road, working as a guide, interpreter, artist, and cartographer. Upon
completion of the road in 1862, Sohon left Washington Territory with John Mullan. The two
headed back to Washington DC in order to complete an official report of events on building the
military road from Fort Benton to Fort Walla Walla. In the spring of 1863 Sohon married his
country for only 17 years. Sohon had learned French and English, in addition to his native
German before coming to the United States in 1842. Upon arrival he lived in Brooklyn, New
York and worked in various trades including photography, bookbinding, and woodcarving. At 27
years old Sohon enlisted in the U.S. Army and shortly after his enlistment his unit departed for
Oregon Territory. The following summer, in 1853 Stevens assigned Sohon and John Mullan,
along with fourteen other men, to stay at Cantonment Stevens for the winter to explore a
northern route for the transcontinental railway through the Bitterroot Mountains.i
By the time their party met back up with Stevens in the fall of 1854, Stevens saw Sohon’s
artwork and was greatly impressed. 1855 was a very busy year for Stevens’ party and Sohon in
particular. They oversaw several grand treaty councils where Sohon was utilized as an interpreter
and artist. Upon completion of Stevens’ explorations Sohon traveled down to California where
he helped create Gouverneur Kemble Warren’s map of the Trans-Mississippi West, the best map
of the region available in 1857. By July of 1857 Sohon was discharged from service with the
army.
John Mullan recruited Sohon to join him in his effort to build a military road between
Fort Benton and Fort Walla Walla. By the Spring of 1858 Sohon was back in Washington
Territory with Mullan beginning preparations for the road. Though there was some Native
American unrest, they were able to get to work early in 1859. Sohon was instrumental in the
completion of the road, working as a guide, interpreter, artist, and cartographer. Upon
completion of the road in 1862, Sohon left Washington Territory with John Mullan. The two
headed back to Washington DC in order to complete an official report of events on building the
military road from Fort Benton to Fort Walla Walla. In the spring of 1863 Sohon married his
wife, Juliana Groh, with whom he would have eight children. The couple quickly headed west to
San Francisco where Sohon ran a successful photography studio. Shortly after the Civil War the
couple returned to Washington DC where Sohon owned a shoe store. The couple lived a quiet
life and raised their family out of the public eye. Sohon died in Washington DC in September of
1903.
San Francisco where Sohon ran a successful photography studio. Shortly after the Civil War the
couple returned to Washington DC where Sohon owned a shoe store. The couple lived a quiet
life and raised their family out of the public eye. Sohon died in Washington DC in September of
1903.
Sohon and the Mullan Road:
John Mullan had great trust in Sohon. The two had worked together for many years
before the commencement of building the Mullan Road, and had served together under
Washington’s first territorial governor, Isaac Stevens. Isaac Stevens said that he had “secured the
services of a very intelligent, faithful, and appreciative man, Gustavus Sohon, a private of the
Fourth Infantry, who was with Mr. Mullan the year previous in the Bitter Root valley, and had
shown great taste as an artist, and ability to learn the Indian language, as well as facility in
intercourse with the Indians”.iii Though Stevens respected Sohon’s work, his relationship with
Sohon was significantly different than that of Mullan and Sohon. Mullan and Sohon’s friendship
carried with them much later into their work. Mullan had great trust in Sohon’s artistic abilities,
leadership, and most of all his language proficiencies. Sohon was able to translate between
various languages, native and European, making him an invaluable member of any party in
Washington Territory.
Mullan sent Sohon on many excursions including accompanying Mr. Weisner, one of the
astronomers in the party, to Fort Walla from the Dalles in 1859. Sohon was instructed to find a
route for the road north of the Coeur d’ Alene Mission, and while Mr. Weisner was setting up an
astronomical station, Sohon was instructed to secure some Native American guides for an
individual mission. Mullan praised Sohon in his report, “Mr. Sohon’s early connexion [sic] with
my explorations in 1853 and 1854, his knowledge of the Indian language, his familiarity with the
general scope of country to be traversed, and the influence he had always so beneficially exerted
over the Indians, all pointed him out as the proper person to explore the new and dangerous
region.”iv Mullan’s trust and respect in Sohon lead him to send Sohon ahead of the large road
building party’s initial advance out of fort Walla Walla in 1859.
While the rest of the party followed and created the Mullan Road, Sohon would continue
ahead of the group to go on additional excursions, create maps, and artwork of the topography
encountered. By August of 1860, when the party had reached Fort Benton, they met a group of
soldiers, lead by Major Blake, who would be the first to use their road in its entirety from Fort
Benton to Fort Walla Walla. Mullan transferred Sohon over to Major Blake to work as a guide
and interpreter for him and his soldiers while on the road.v
The following year the road building crew made their final adjustments to the road. There
were already immigrants utilizing the road and in order to speed up the pace of repairs Mullan
separated the large party into two smaller parties. Mullan would oversee the first, and smaller,
group. He left Sohon in charge of the remainder of the men “with instructions to move at easy
marches till overtaking me.”vi Mullan’s trust in Sohon was unrivaled by any other member of the
party. Sohon could be counted on to lead various individual excursions throughout the region
and to be Mullan’s second in command when Mullan was away.
general scope of country to be traversed, and the influence he had always so beneficially exerted
over the Indians, all pointed him out as the proper person to explore the new and dangerous
region.”iv Mullan’s trust and respect in Sohon lead him to send Sohon ahead of the large road
building party’s initial advance out of fort Walla Walla in 1859.
While the rest of the party followed and created the Mullan Road, Sohon would continue
ahead of the group to go on additional excursions, create maps, and artwork of the topography
encountered. By August of 1860, when the party had reached Fort Benton, they met a group of
soldiers, lead by Major Blake, who would be the first to use their road in its entirety from Fort
Benton to Fort Walla Walla. Mullan transferred Sohon over to Major Blake to work as a guide
and interpreter for him and his soldiers while on the road.v
The following year the road building crew made their final adjustments to the road. There
were already immigrants utilizing the road and in order to speed up the pace of repairs Mullan
separated the large party into two smaller parties. Mullan would oversee the first, and smaller,
group. He left Sohon in charge of the remainder of the men “with instructions to move at easy
marches till overtaking me.”vi Mullan’s trust in Sohon was unrivaled by any other member of the
party. Sohon could be counted on to lead various individual excursions throughout the region
and to be Mullan’s second in command when Mullan was away.
Sohon’s Report:
Sohon wrote a report of events to Mullan regarding his 1859 assignment to explore the
best route through the Bitterroot Mountains for the military road. His report to Mullan was not
alone, various other engineers, topographers, astronomers, and military men had written reports
to Mullan that were included in his Report on the Construction of a Military Road from Fort
Walla Walla to Fort Benton. Sohon’s report depicts an individual mission to explore different
routes for the military road through the Bitterroot Mountains north of the Coeur d’Alene
Mission. Mullan had been learning for years of the different routes Native American’s used to
traverse the mountain range and was determined to find the best one for his road. Sohon was not
sent alone, but sent to lead his own small party through the Mountains in June of 1859.
Native Americans are quickly mentioned in Sohon’s report. Though Sohon was a guide
and interpreter for Mullan’s men, he himself used Native American guides and interpreters when
scouting through unknown territory. The use of Native American guides was a common practice
throughout the exploration of the Northwest, and are mentioned many times throughout Mullan’s
larger Report. Sohon initially thought he had three guides lined up through the Coeur d’Alene
tribe, though two of them eventually proved unwilling. The one guide who was willing to go,
Augustine, was only allowed to go after a lengthy discussion between the tribal elders. Augustine
informed Sohon of the difficulties and hard work they had ahead of them. By chance the party
eventually ran into Augustine’s brother Damass who persuaded Augustine he should no longer
make himself available to scout a route for the road. Sohon quoted Augustine as saying, “Those
who told you that a road could be had here deceived you, and made you loose time in exploring.
I say again, that if all the Americans would spend a thousand years here they could not make a
road.”
Sohon then ran into a group of Nez Perce and Three Feathers, whom he had met before.
Three Feathers spoke with Sohon and offered guides as well as horses for his project but by the
same evening Sohon was “surprised to find that their opinions now were just the opposite to
what they had expressed in the morning.”viii Upon further deliberation the tribe
Described the mountains as formidable, the forests and underbrush as
impenetrable, and the streams dangerous, if not impassable, &c., and implored me
routes for the military road through the Bitterroot Mountains north of the Coeur d’Alene
Mission. Mullan had been learning for years of the different routes Native American’s used to
traverse the mountain range and was determined to find the best one for his road. Sohon was not
sent alone, but sent to lead his own small party through the Mountains in June of 1859.
Native Americans are quickly mentioned in Sohon’s report. Though Sohon was a guide
and interpreter for Mullan’s men, he himself used Native American guides and interpreters when
scouting through unknown territory. The use of Native American guides was a common practice
throughout the exploration of the Northwest, and are mentioned many times throughout Mullan’s
larger Report. Sohon initially thought he had three guides lined up through the Coeur d’Alene
tribe, though two of them eventually proved unwilling. The one guide who was willing to go,
Augustine, was only allowed to go after a lengthy discussion between the tribal elders. Augustine
informed Sohon of the difficulties and hard work they had ahead of them. By chance the party
eventually ran into Augustine’s brother Damass who persuaded Augustine he should no longer
make himself available to scout a route for the road. Sohon quoted Augustine as saying, “Those
who told you that a road could be had here deceived you, and made you loose time in exploring.
I say again, that if all the Americans would spend a thousand years here they could not make a
road.”
Sohon then ran into a group of Nez Perce and Three Feathers, whom he had met before.
Three Feathers spoke with Sohon and offered guides as well as horses for his project but by the
same evening Sohon was “surprised to find that their opinions now were just the opposite to
what they had expressed in the morning.”viii Upon further deliberation the tribe
Described the mountains as formidable, the forests and underbrush as
impenetrable, and the streams dangerous, if not impassable, &c., and implored me
not to think of exploring the route – that if I did I would perish, and rumor would
say that the Indians had killed me. He thought the route by the Coeur d’Alene
mission the best. The consequence of all this was that I could obtain neither
horses nor guides. Never have I seen Indians more impertinent or unwilling to do
service of any character; I could not even secure the services of one of them to
bear you an express.ix
It is clear these different Native American groups were unwilling to help Sohon find an
alternative route near their territory in an attempt to avoid the pitfalls of having a road for
Americans and the American military nearby. Sohon was forced to give up this mission and
reported back to the main party on July 7, 1859.
While on this rather brief mission, Sohon traversed a significant amount of territory. On
June 3, 1859 he left Des Chutes in Oregon Territory and traveled the Columbia via a steamship,
The Colonel Wright, to Walla Walla. He then headed north via the Snake River toward the
Palouse. Then following various rivers and creeks made his way to Camass Prairie, all by the
20th of June. Augustine was with the party headed toward the Bitterroot Mountains until they ran
into his brother on the 24th thus effectively ending their forward motion. While walking, the
party traveled an average of an impressive twenty miles per day with their supplies and pack
animals. Though this was ultimately not a successful mission, we can learn a great amount from
Sohon’s depiction of events. Sohon’s letter seems to be indicative of the climate with Native
Americans at that time. Though they were willing to assist to a certain extent, once they found
out a military road would be coming through their territory bringing the American military and
citizens they decided it was not such a good idea to lend their expertise. Sohon had positive
relationships with various Native American tribes and his depiction of events seems to signify
that regardless of previous experiences, Native Americans were not willing to assist even their
allies in the building of the road.
say that the Indians had killed me. He thought the route by the Coeur d’Alene
mission the best. The consequence of all this was that I could obtain neither
horses nor guides. Never have I seen Indians more impertinent or unwilling to do
service of any character; I could not even secure the services of one of them to
bear you an express.ix
It is clear these different Native American groups were unwilling to help Sohon find an
alternative route near their territory in an attempt to avoid the pitfalls of having a road for
Americans and the American military nearby. Sohon was forced to give up this mission and
reported back to the main party on July 7, 1859.
While on this rather brief mission, Sohon traversed a significant amount of territory. On
June 3, 1859 he left Des Chutes in Oregon Territory and traveled the Columbia via a steamship,
The Colonel Wright, to Walla Walla. He then headed north via the Snake River toward the
Palouse. Then following various rivers and creeks made his way to Camass Prairie, all by the
20th of June. Augustine was with the party headed toward the Bitterroot Mountains until they ran
into his brother on the 24th thus effectively ending their forward motion. While walking, the
party traveled an average of an impressive twenty miles per day with their supplies and pack
animals. Though this was ultimately not a successful mission, we can learn a great amount from
Sohon’s depiction of events. Sohon’s letter seems to be indicative of the climate with Native
Americans at that time. Though they were willing to assist to a certain extent, once they found
out a military road would be coming through their territory bringing the American military and
citizens they decided it was not such a good idea to lend their expertise. Sohon had positive
relationships with various Native American tribes and his depiction of events seems to signify
that regardless of previous experiences, Native Americans were not willing to assist even their
allies in the building of the road.
Linguist, Cartographer, and Artist
Sohon’s knowledge of multiple European and Native languages was a significant benefit
to the different parties he worked with. Though he knew no Native languages before arriving in
the Northwest his sharp mind picked them up rather quickly. One winter he even took it upon
himself to compile a dictionary of the Salish language. These language abilities were surely a
benefit at the Native American treaty councils of 1855 and to groups who worked regularly with
Native American guides exploring the Northwest. While Sohon explored the Northwest on his
various missions he also made many maps. As mentioned above he collaborated on Gouverneur
Kemble Warren’s map of the Trans-Mississippi West, but he also created maps on a smaller
scale that were surely used on a daily basis by Mullan’s road building party or when making
decisions on which route to choose. Sohon also created a map of the Mullan Road upon its
completion that was included in the official Mullan Report.
Gustavus Sohon’s varied talents made him indispensible to the projects he worked on in
Washington Territory. Though Governor Stevens had brought another artist with him, John Mix
Stanley, Stevens’ notice of Sohon early in their explorations allowed him to take over artistic
interpretation after Stanley returned to Washington DC. Throughout the 1855 treaty councils
Sohon created one-of-a-kind images. His depictions of some of the councils are the only ones
known to exist. At these councils, he drew portraits of many Chiefs, as well as other Native
Americans in attendance. Sohon’s portraits of Native Americans are highly valued not only
because they are sometimes the only drawing of the individual, but also because he included
their traditional name, English name, tribe, and often left notes on the colors of their clothing.
to the different parties he worked with. Though he knew no Native languages before arriving in
the Northwest his sharp mind picked them up rather quickly. One winter he even took it upon
himself to compile a dictionary of the Salish language. These language abilities were surely a
benefit at the Native American treaty councils of 1855 and to groups who worked regularly with
Native American guides exploring the Northwest. While Sohon explored the Northwest on his
various missions he also made many maps. As mentioned above he collaborated on Gouverneur
Kemble Warren’s map of the Trans-Mississippi West, but he also created maps on a smaller
scale that were surely used on a daily basis by Mullan’s road building party or when making
decisions on which route to choose. Sohon also created a map of the Mullan Road upon its
completion that was included in the official Mullan Report.
Gustavus Sohon’s varied talents made him indispensible to the projects he worked on in
Washington Territory. Though Governor Stevens had brought another artist with him, John Mix
Stanley, Stevens’ notice of Sohon early in their explorations allowed him to take over artistic
interpretation after Stanley returned to Washington DC. Throughout the 1855 treaty councils
Sohon created one-of-a-kind images. His depictions of some of the councils are the only ones
known to exist. At these councils, he drew portraits of many Chiefs, as well as other Native
Americans in attendance. Sohon’s portraits of Native Americans are highly valued not only
because they are sometimes the only drawing of the individual, but also because he included
their traditional name, English name, tribe, and often left notes on the colors of their clothing.
Conclusion
Gustavus Sohon created a window into the Northwest. Through his artwork and
maps he gave people a glimpse of the treaty councils in 1855 and the topography of the
Northwest. Because of Sohon’s extensive work with Stevens and Mullan over ten years, he
knew a great deal about the region and was able to contribute to Washington State’s rich
history. Though he is often overlooked, his importance as a linguist, topographer, artist,
and explorer cannot be overstated enough.
knew a great deal about the region and was able to contribute to Washington State’s rich
history. Though he is often overlooked, his importance as a linguist, topographer, artist,
and explorer cannot be overstated enough.
9
i Jack Nesbit, “Sohon, Gustavus (1825-1903),” HistoryLink,
http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=8593 (accessed March 19, 2015).
ii Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West: A Biographical Dictionary
1840-1865, (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2000), 508.
iii Isaac I. Stevens, Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economical Route for
a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, Volume 12, Book 1 (Washington DC: Thomas H. Ford
Printer, 1860), 196.
iv John Mullan, Report on the Construction of a Military Road from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton, (Washington
DC: Government Printing Office, 1863), 11.
v Mullan, Report, 27.
vi Mullan, Report, 35.
vii Mullan, Report, 99.
viii Mullan, Report, 99.
ix Mullan, Report, 99.
x David L. Nicandri, Northwest Chiefs: Gustav Sohon’s Views of the 1855 Stevens Treaty Councils, (Tacoma, WA:
Washington State Historical Society, 1986), 7-11.
Work Cited
Mullan, John. Report on the Construction of a Military Road from Fort Walla to Fort Benton.
Washington DC: Government Printing Office, 1963.
Nesbit, Jack. “Sohon, Gustavus (1825-1903).” HistoryLink.
http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=8593 (accessed
March 19, 2015).
Nicandri, David L. Northwest Chiefs: Gustav Sohon’s Views of the 1855 Stevens Treaty
Councils. Tacoma WA: Washington State Historical Society, 1986.
Palmquist, Peter E. and Thomas R. Kailbourn. Pioneer Photographers of the Far West: A
Biographical Dictionary 1840-1865. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2000.
Stevens, Isaac I. Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable and
Economical Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.
Volume 12. Washington DC: Thomas H. Ford Printer, 1860.
i Jack Nesbit, “Sohon, Gustavus (1825-1903),” HistoryLink,
http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=8593 (accessed March 19, 2015).
ii Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West: A Biographical Dictionary
1840-1865, (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2000), 508.
iii Isaac I. Stevens, Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economical Route for
a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, Volume 12, Book 1 (Washington DC: Thomas H. Ford
Printer, 1860), 196.
iv John Mullan, Report on the Construction of a Military Road from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton, (Washington
DC: Government Printing Office, 1863), 11.
v Mullan, Report, 27.
vi Mullan, Report, 35.
vii Mullan, Report, 99.
viii Mullan, Report, 99.
ix Mullan, Report, 99.
x David L. Nicandri, Northwest Chiefs: Gustav Sohon’s Views of the 1855 Stevens Treaty Councils, (Tacoma, WA:
Washington State Historical Society, 1986), 7-11.
Work Cited
Mullan, John. Report on the Construction of a Military Road from Fort Walla to Fort Benton.
Washington DC: Government Printing Office, 1963.
Nesbit, Jack. “Sohon, Gustavus (1825-1903).” HistoryLink.
http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=8593 (accessed
March 19, 2015).
Nicandri, David L. Northwest Chiefs: Gustav Sohon’s Views of the 1855 Stevens Treaty
Councils. Tacoma WA: Washington State Historical Society, 1986.
Palmquist, Peter E. and Thomas R. Kailbourn. Pioneer Photographers of the Far West: A
Biographical Dictionary 1840-1865. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2000.
Stevens, Isaac I. Reports of Explorations and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practicable and
Economical Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.
Volume 12. Washington DC: Thomas H. Ford Printer, 1860.