re was little variation in the experience of the
explorers, and no special incident took place. At the junction of the
north and south fork of the Platte, Fremont, who wished to explore the
south branch and to secure some astronomical observations, set out with
nine men intending to advance to St. Vrain's fort, where he was hopeful
of obtaining some mules. The rest of the party followed the north fork
to fort Laramie, where it was agreed they would wait for the others to
join them.

Fremont's experience in going up the south branch was in strong contrast
to the pleasant scenes of the previous. It was midsummer and the weather
was suffocatingly hot. Fierce storms of wind and gusts of rain swept
the country, while the bisons were everywhere. They literally numbered
hundreds of thousands, and, look in whatsoever direction the men chose,
they were sure to see the huge creatures cropping the grass or lumbering
across the prairie.

On the fourth day a band of three hundred mounted Indians suddenly
appeared. The chief proved to be an old acquaintance of Maxwell and
showed genuine pleasure in meeting him. They shook hands and the sachem
conducted the little party to his village, where they received most
hospitable treatment.

Resuming their journey, they encamped in a cottonwood grove in a chilly
drizzling rain. The next morning dawned bright and clear, and they
caught their first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. They gazed long on
the snowy peaks outlined in the far distance like fleecy clouds against
the blue sky.

St. Vrain's Fort was reached on the tenth day. They were made welcome
by Mr. St. Vrain, who was much interested in the expedition westward and
did everything he could to assist Lieutenant Fremont in the enterprise.
The needed horses and mules were secured, and three men were hired to
accompany them across the country to Fort Laramie.

This station was a hundred and twenty-five miles distant, and the new
hands engaged, as a matter of course, were so familiar with it, that
there was no possibility of going astray. The journey was resumed on
the second day after reaching the fort, and without meeting with any
particular incident they arrived at their destination, three days later.

Fort Laramie, at that time, was one of the most important posts of the
far west. It had large bastions at the corners, and its high walls were
whitewashed and picketed.

Several lodges of Sioux Indians were pitched close by, and the