Report Of An Expedition Up The Yellowstone River, Made In 1875.

LT. COL JAMES W. AND LT. COL F.D. GRANT FORSYTH

Publication: Government Printing Office, 1875, Washington

First edition. 8vo. Printed wrappers, 17 pp., illustrated, plates, large folding map. General Sheridan sent a letter of instructions to Lt. Colonel Forsyth with very specific details of what he wanted accomplished on this expedition. In part he states, "I want a careful examination made of the south bank of the Yellowstone and the mouths and immediate valleys of the rivers coming in from the Black Hills, and especially those of Tongue River, Rosebud, and Big Horn, and if you go higher up the Yellowstone, the Big Rosebud, giving an account of the timber, soil, and geological formation, also the depth of the water in a general way, and the character of any rapids passed over above the mouth of Powder River. Make your examination as complete as possible, without any unnecessary detention of the boat, and return from any point when, in your best judgment, there is not sufficient water, or any other obstacles to impede your progress. It may be necessary, at some time in the immediate future, to occupy by a military force the country in and about the mouths of Tongue River and the Big Horn. You will, therefore, make a special examination of these points with this view." Forsyth provides a day-by-day narration of his expedition from Fort Buford up the Yellowstone, supplemented by the report of Lt. Col. Grant. There are five plates by Thomas G. Townsend that depict the Powder River, mouth of the Yellowstone, mouth of the Big Horn, Castle Rocks, and Pryor's Creek. The large folding map is titled YELLOWSTONE RIVER FROM THE MOUTH OF POWDER RIVER TO THE HEAD OF NAVIGATION, drawn by 2nd Lt. Richard E. Thompson. Inked inscription at top of front cover wishing a Happy New Year and asking that "Read & --- (?), and signed. On the front free fly leaf is a second inked inscription stating this booklet was the property of Geo. M. Dunn, Dec. 23rd, 1875, Engineer Office , else a clean, near fine copy of this fragile work. Map is in fine, unused condition, else virtually as new, without wear at folds or corners! A very scarce report of an important military expedition protected in a beautiful leather clamshell case with titles stamped in gilt on the spine.

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