Source: Pioneer and Democrat, Olympia, Washington. October 29, 1858. Page 2

Synopsis: John Mullan’s visit to Olympia, and the Mullan Road

Text:

Lieut. John Mullan.

This young and distinguished officer, to whom the citizens of Washington Territory are so much indebted for his many labors in developing the country, as connected with various expeditions, arrived in Olympia in the early part of this week. He has lately been in charge of surveying and locating the wagon road from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton, and with his party had proceeded as far as the Coeur’d Alene river, when the Indian hostilities rendered it unsafe to proceed any farther. He joined Col. Wright, and rendered in valuable service in the late brilliant campaign against the Indians. He is now en route for Washington City, where he designs to spend the winter. He estimates that an appropriation of $75,000 will finish an excellent emigrant wagon from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton. East of that to St. Paul, Minnesota, nature has already laid out a fine plateau, with only a few river crossings - with good grass - plenty of water - sufficient timber, and any amount of Buffalo, to feed the weary emigrants who travels westward to seek a home in Washington Territory.

We wish Lieutenant John Mullan  a safe and pleasant journey, and hope to see him resume his labors in our Territory in the coming spring, under more favorable auspices than during the late season. We congratulate the people, and our delegate , on the presence of so able and devoted a coadjutor in Washington City, during the coming winter.