APPENDIX. LETTER FROM MR. CHARLES W. MCCLANAHAN, Published in the National Intelligencer (Washington), Nov. 7, 1853. HON. T. H. BENTON: FORT MASSACHUSETTS (N. M.), Aug. 28, 1853. DEAR SIR: Knowing that you feel interested in the middle route for the great Pacific Railroad, and believing that any information in regard to it would be acceptable, no matter how humble the source from which it comes, I have determined to state what I know about it. This information is from travelling the route just behind Captain Gunnison. I left Virginia the first of April, went to Missouri and Illinois to purchase sheep for the California market. After purchasing, I started to take them by Salt Lake, the Humboldt River, &c., feeling assured that I would have to winter at Salt Lake. I had gotten the sheep as far as St. Joseph's, (Mo.) Having some business in St. Louis, I met with Captain Gunnison, and learned from him that there was a better route by way of Utah Lake, and that he was going to open it, and that, from what he knew about it, it would be much better for me to take it. After thinking a good deal over it, I determined to take it, as there was a very large. number of stock on the old route, and a good prospect of getting to California this season. I read your address with a great deal of interest; and, feeling assured these statements about the route could be relied on, I left Missouri at Westport, on the 18th of June, with a large number of sheep and some cows-Mr. Crockett, of Virginia, a partner with me. At Westport, I met with the two Mr. Ross's, of Iowa, with their families, going the old route; they also determined to accompany me the new route. After travelling a few days, I fell in with the two Mr. Burwells, of Franklin City, Virginia, with a |