Camp Duluth Minn. Sept. 5 1864
His Excellency Gov. S. Miller
Saint Paul Minn.
Dear Sir,
Our corps arrived at headquarters in this place in the afternoon of the 1st Inst. after an absence on the coast ranges, and inland on territory of the State along the left bank of the Omimi Sibi, of thirty days. An examination of nearly 180 miles of territory altho’ necessarily hurried had developed mineral resources that must be gratifying to the State. We have effected two geological Sections of the coast Ranges thus laying the foundation, or more appropriately, fairly initiating the survey that can be extended and carried out when the necessary means are appropriated for this much needed purpose. Specimens from the different formations embraced in the sections named have been secured and marked for the State Geological Cabinet that will I trust illustrate the lithological character of this portion of our State. Having to economize rigidly in expenses the vein phenomena of the district has necessarily received but a hurried attention, yet sufficient is known to warrant the assertion that it possesses both true, or fissure as well as contact veins carrying native copper and minute deposits of silver.
Besides these character of veins there exist metalliferous beds or deposits thro’ which is disseminated a certain percentage of these minerals, requiring time and the expenditure of the requisite capital to demonstrate their value in way of economic mining. I very much regret our pecuniary inability more fully to examine them the present season.
Our force will be reduced at this point and those retained will leave to-morrow for Vermillion & Rainy Lakes for the purpose of determining the existence character and extent of the iron deposits in that vicinity – N.E. of the Slates. I intend returning to headquarters here about the 10th or 15 October, thence to the Capitol.
Your favors to the 12th Ult. inclusive I had the pleasure of receiving at Beaver Bay on my return up the coast, where also I first came in possession of the Barometer and the field notes from the Surveyor Genl. Office. The Barometer has been much needed at every point on the coast and inland but being without it I shall be unable to give altitudes except by approximation.
From want of facilities I shall have to deny myself the pleasure of communicating with your Excellency until our return, unless indeed I have the oportunity of doing so by private hand & that is very doubtful.
Please accept my assurances of high regard and believe me
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Aug. H. Hanchett
Omimi Sibi is the Ojibwe name for Pigeon River