k thousands of times from the pure water as it
flowed in the river's channel, and, no doubt, frequently their eyes
had penetrated through it until they saw the sand beneath in which,
perchance, the sparkling specs may have occasionally allured them
sufficiently to recall the proverb that "all is not gold that
glitters."

The writer once made inquiry of one of these mountaineers who had
spent two summers in the manner narrated above near and at Sutter's
Fort some twenty years since. He was asked whether he ever saw there
anything in the shape of gold which in any way aroused his suspicions?
His reply was: "Never. And had I, it would have been only for a
brief space of time, as finally I should have been certain that I
was deluded and mistaken, without there had been the _Eagle_ of our
country stamped upon it."

Provisions were immediately obtained at the Fort and carried to
Fitzpatrick and his party. Great difficulty had now to be encountered
to prevent the men from losing their lives by the sudden change from
want to comparative luxury. Notwithstanding the utmost care was taken,
some of the party lost their reason. The hardships of the journey had
proved too much for them. Fitzpatrick and the main body arrived at
the Fort in a few days, where they were likewise welcomed by its
hospitable and generous proprietor, Captain Sutter. His name in
California has ever been but another term for kindness and sympathy
for the unfortunate. This expedition, in one respect only, can be
called unfortunate. When the terrible sufferings of the commander and
his men have been named, the catalogue of misfortune is ended. Its
results, grand and glorious, have immortalized the name of every man
who assisted, in any way, to accomplish it. "I belonged to the several
Exploring Expeditions of John C. Fremont" is the key note to the
respect and homage of the American nation; the truth would be equally
real, if we add, to the whole civilized world. Every heart which beats
with admiration for the heroic, or which is capable of appreciating
the rich contributions to the sciences, direct resultants from their
terrible sufferings, has thrilled with delight when possessed of the
history which records the brilliant achievements of these Exploring
Parties.

The band started from the little town of Kansas on the twenty-ninth
day of May, 1843. It returned to the United States in August, 1844.
After traveling seventeen hundred miles, it reached, Septemb