It was on this occasion that he went to the Uinkaret Mountains (September, 1870) and investigated the cause of the disappearance of the Howlands and Dunn.

Returning then to Kanab, at that time the farthest frontier settlement of the Mormons, he visited the Moki Towns, across the Colorado, and went back to the East to finish his preparations.

In the winter of 1871-72 Congress made an additional appropriation for this expedition.

The supervision was vested in that noble character, Joseph Henry, then Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

Professor Henry was entirely favourable and sympathetic, and his approval was of the highest value.