Hastings Minnesota
Oct. 18th 1864
His Excellency Stephen Miller
Governor State Minnesota
Sir,
I have the honor to advise the termination for this season, of the geological survey of the north Shore of Lake Superior, within the boundaries of this State, on the 5th Instant.
As per previous advices, an expedition was formed for the purpose of reaching a large deposit of specular hematite iron ore knon to lie east of Vermillion Lake. From the low stage of water in the Saint Louis river, and the difficulty in procuring suitable voyagers understanding canoe navigation, and above all the lateness of the season it was deemed advisable to defer the attempt for the present, and devote the remainder of the season to an examination of the slates, and other geological features of the head of the lake.
Pursuant to instructions, your Excellency will receive in the time required, a report detailing the result of our explorations in the coast range, and contiguous formations, which have been eminently satisfactory, to those and encouraging to those engaged in making them, and I trust may prove equally so to your Excellency, and the citizens of the State at large.
I am Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servant
Aug. H. Hanchett
State Geologist for Minn.