Post by Larry Koschkee on Jul 13, 2005 21:35:45 GMT -5
It has been reported that General Atkinson and thirteen companies departed Prairie du Chien August, 29, 1827 destined to "The Portage" with two six pounder artillery pieces in five keel boats and ten mackinaw boats. Further reports indicate Atkinson was at the English Prairie (present day Muscoda, Wisconsin) on September 2nd and arrived at "The Portage" the 6th of September. A conservative calculation for Atkinson's trip would be between 8 - 9 days
American Army officer, Major Stephen H. Long, a well re-known explorer, topographer and cartagrapher reported navigation speed calculations on this same water route in 1817.
"The Wisconsan is navigable for Mackinaw boats about 350 miles. Its navigation during the lower stages of the water is much obstructed by sand bars... Boats can ascend these rivers at the rate of 14 miles per day in the former, (Wisconsin) & 12 miles per day in the latter." (Fox River)
Atkinson was reported to ascend the Wisconsin to English Prairie in 4 days. Using a modern estimated river mileage point A to point B of 45 miles divided by 14 miles/day = 4 days. Atkinson did well. Again using a modern estimated river mileage point A to point B for Prairie du Chien to Portage - 120 miles divided by 14 miles/day = 8-9 days which is very close to Atkinson's movement up the river.
This un-scienctific study shows me two things. Logistically, Atkinson was moving his companies efficiently under the period parameters and secondly he was not spending much time, if any, sweeping or reconnoitering the region for Red Bird.
American Army officer, Major Stephen H. Long, a well re-known explorer, topographer and cartagrapher reported navigation speed calculations on this same water route in 1817.
"The Wisconsan is navigable for Mackinaw boats about 350 miles. Its navigation during the lower stages of the water is much obstructed by sand bars... Boats can ascend these rivers at the rate of 14 miles per day in the former, (Wisconsin) & 12 miles per day in the latter." (Fox River)
Atkinson was reported to ascend the Wisconsin to English Prairie in 4 days. Using a modern estimated river mileage point A to point B of 45 miles divided by 14 miles/day = 4 days. Atkinson did well. Again using a modern estimated river mileage point A to point B for Prairie du Chien to Portage - 120 miles divided by 14 miles/day = 8-9 days which is very close to Atkinson's movement up the river.
This un-scienctific study shows me two things. Logistically, Atkinson was moving his companies efficiently under the period parameters and secondly he was not spending much time, if any, sweeping or reconnoitering the region for Red Bird.
