Thursday, August 18.—­I rode on ahead of the party from Mr. Hartzell’s ranch, stopping at Radersburg for dinner and riding through a snow storm to Gallatin City, where I remained over night with Major Campbell.  General Washburn thought that it would be well for some members of the company to have a conference, as early as possible, with the commanding officer at Fort Ellis, concerning an escort of soldiers.  I also desired to confer with some of the members of the Bozeman Masonic Lodge concerning the lodge troubles; and it was for these reasons that I rode on to Bozeman in advance of the party.

[Illustration:  The start.  Prickly Pear valley.]

Friday, August 19.—­Rode over to the East Gallatin river with Lieutenants Batchelor and Wright, crossing at Blakeley’s bridge and reaching Bozeman at 7 o’clock p.m.

Saturday, August 20.—­Spent the day at Bozeman and at Fort Ellis.  I met the commanding officer, Major Baker, of the Second U.S.  Cavalry, who informs me that nearly all the men of his command are in the field fighting the Indians.  I informed him that we had an order for an escort of soldiers, and he said that the garrison was so weakened that he could not spare more than half a dozen men.  I told him that six men added to our own roster would enable us to do good guard duty.  The rest of the party and the pack train came into Bozeman at night.

This evening I visited Gallatin Lodge No. 6, and after a full consultation with its principal officers and members, I reluctantly decided to exercise my prerogative as Grand Master and arrest the charter of the lodge as the only means of bringing to a close a grievous state of dissension.  In justice to my own convictions of duty, I could not have adopted any milder remedy than the one I applied.

Sunday, August 21.—­We moved into camp about one-half mile from Fort Ellis on the East Gallatin.  General Washburn presented the order of Major General Hancock (recommended by General Baird, Inspector General, as an important military necessity) for an escort.  Major Baker repeated what he said to me yesterday, and he will detail for our service five soldiers under the command of a lieutenant, and we are satisfied.  General Lester Willson entertained us at a bounteous supper last night.  His wife is a charming musician.

Monday, August 22.—­We left Fort Ellis at 11 o’clock this forenoon with an escort consisting of five men under command of Lieut.  Gustavus C. Doane of the Second U.S.  Cavalry.  Lieutenant Doane has kindly allowed me to copy the special order detailing him for this service.  It is as follows: 

  Headquarters Fort Ellis, Montana Territory,
  August 21; 1870.

In accordance with instructions from Headquarters District of Montana, Lieutenant G.C.  Doane, Second Cavalry, will proceed with one sergeant and four privates of Company F. Second Cavalry, to escort the Surveyor General of

[Illustration:  Olin D. Wheeler.]