rty left behind them now forms the emigrant
road to California via Fort Laramie, Salt Lake, etc. On reaching Fort
Laramie, Fremont found a fearful state of affairs existing among the
Sioux Indians through whose country his route lay. An encounter had
recently taken place between a war-party belonging to the Sioux nation
and a party of trappers and Snake Indians. In the fight the Indians
had been worsted and several of their braves killed. To revenge
themselves the Sioux chieftains had collected their warriors; and,
while the nation was encamped to the number of one thousand lodges,
they had gone forth to seek and punish their enemies.

At Fort Laramie the exploring party met several trappers and friendly
Indians who used their utmost endeavors to dissuade Colonel Fremont
from venturing into such inevitable danger. There was but one opinion
expressed, viz.: that, as sure as he entered upon the journey,
the entire party would be massacred. To all these admonitions and
warnings, Colonel Fremont had but one reply. His government had
directed him to perform a certain duty. The obstacles which stood
in his way, it was his duty to use every means at his command
to surmount; therefore, in obedience to his instructions, he was
determined to continue his march. Finally, he said, that he would
accomplish the object or die in the attempt, being quite sure that if
the expedition failed by being cut to pieces, a terrible retribution
would be in store for the perpetrators of the act. Kit Carson, his
guide, openly avowed that the future looked dark and gloomy; but, he
was delighted to hear this expression from his commander. He now felt
that he had a man after his own heart to depend on, and should danger
or inevitable death be in store for them he was ready and willing
to face either with him. In order to be prepared for the worst, Kit
Carson felt it his duty, considering the dangers apprehended, to make
his will, thereby showing that if he had to fight he was ready to
count it his last battle. Colonel Fremont resumed his journey, and
very opportunely arrived at the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains
without, in any way, being annoyed with Indians, not even meeting any
on the route.

He had now reached the field where his chief labors were to commence.
Without loss of time he set earnestly about his work, making and
recording such observations as he deemed to be essential and examining
and exploring the country. Having finished this