Bismarck, Dakota Territory
October 21, 1879
The Steamer Key West left for Buford Sunday. The Helena, arrived the same day from Yankton and left for below. The Benton left Sunday for Cow Island - the latest ever a boat left for that point. The steamers Rose Bud and Batchelor arrived today. The Batchelor was the last boat of the season to leave Fort Benton. She had on board 150 mechanics and fifty discharged soldiers from Assinaboine and thirty cabin passengers. It was a big trip. She loads for above immediately. The steamers Big Horn and Sherman are expected from above tonight. The mechanics and soldiers of the Batchelor, under Colonel Lee, left on a special train this afternoon. They look as if they had seen hard work. Colonel Lee says they are the best lot of mechanics he ever saw. Clerk Miller says he has over $20,000 in dust for them, the savings of the season's work. The new post is referred to as a recommendation.
