r 100 Pages.] Published Monthly. BEADLE’S oman Number Hight. MAJOR-GENERAL . JOHN ¢. FREMONT: THE GREAT ‘| “AMERICAN PATHFINDER. Aew-York rand London: BEADLE AND COMPANY, 141 WILLIAM ST. N.Y, General Dime Book Publishers. Entere d acer ording. to ) Act of Congress, in the Year 186i, by BEADLE AND Company. in the Cle rk’s = Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New. York. b THE NOBLE HURON! Beadle’s Dime Novels, No. 48, To Issue Saturday, December 20th, 1862, WwiLL COMPRISE OONOMO0, == HURON. BY EDWARD &. ELLIS, Author of ‘‘SETH JONES,” ‘THE FOREST SPY,” “TRAIL HUNTERS,” Ete. This truly superb story recalls the noble Huron, Oonomoo, who played so eventful a part in “The Riflemen of the Miami” and the “ Hunter’s Cabin.” He is, here, made the hero of the story, which is one of intense interest, Weare introduced to the wild life of the Frontier, at the time when the Shawnees were making their last struggle for the mastery over their white foes. Oonomoo is a true character, leading history captive in his romantic experiences. The story also speaks much of the Dutchman, Hans Vanderbum, and his squaw wife, Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock—certainly one of the most original couples which could be called into life. ‘ “Qonomoo” will be found to admirably sustain the interest of the | . author’s two preceding stories, of which it is the sequel. FOR SALE BY ALL NEWS DEALERS. 3 . BEADLE AND COMPANY, Publishers, 118 William St, N. Y. | SINCLAIR TOUSEY, General Agent, N. Y. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1862, by Bravix ann Comeany, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. THE LIFE OF MAJOR-GEN. JOHN C. FREMONT. . WITH A FULL ACCOUNT OF HIS | ROCKY MOUNTAIN EXPLORATIONS AND ADVENTURES, BY LIEUT. JAS. MAGOON. BEADLE AND COMPANY, NEW YORK: 141 WILLIAM STREET. LONDON: 44 PATERNOSTER ROW. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by BEADLE AND COMPANY, Im the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, fort. Southern District of New York. PREFAOE. Ke. 8 In the great struggle through which our Republic is now passing, a2 prominent part will be played by some who hitherto have been comparatively unknown to the people. Extraordi- nary circumstances bring forth extraordinary men, and an im- mortal fame will be accorded to men whose names hitherto have scarcely been mentioned in our historic annals. But there are others—like our glorious old Commander-in- Chief—who have been tried and proven in years agone, to whom all eyes are instinctively turned, and whose names alone are as- surances of victory. Such aman is Masor-GEnERAL Jonn C. Fremont. The announcement of his appointment to this high military position was hailed with satisfaction by all classes ‘n the loyal states, who feel, that, in his devotion, his invincible will, his integrity and true nobility of nature, the cause of the country will not suffer. Believing that a history of this remarkable man must prove peculiarly interesting to the American public at this time, we have collected in a concise form, a full account of his early life, his important explorations, and most memorable adventures his memorable court-martial, and his subsequent distinguished career. Authority for such arecord as may be pronounced complete, is not wanting. In the gevyeral “Lives” already published, as weil as im nus own remarkable “ Narratives” and letters, we have all neces sary data to produce a very authentic and entire biography. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Birth—His Father—Enters a Law Office in Charleston, S. C.—His marked Ability—His Study of the Classics—Enters Charleston College—Is te Teacher of Mathematics to the Sloop of War Natchez—Is appointed to a Professorship of Mathe- matics in the Navy—Adopts the Profession of Civil Engineer—His Marriage, - - - eae - - - - - - 9 CHAPTER II. Action of Congress in Regard to the West—Fremont commissioned to make his Explorations—His Engagement of Kit Carson—Commence- ment of the Journey—Adventures by the Way—Fremont’s Account of a Buffalo Hunt—Alarming News at Fort Laramie—Fremont’s Ascent of the Highest Peak of the Rocky Mountains—Conclusion and Return of the Expedition, - - - - - - - 16 CHAPTER III. Receives Orders for his Second Expedition—His Party—Their Route —Joined by Kit Carson and Major Fitzpatrick—Visit to the Great Salt Lake—Fremont’s Narrative, - fo ae CHAPTER IV. Arrival at Fort Hall—Fremont proceeds to Oregon for Provisions— The Party reunited—The Journey through the Mountains to Cali- fornia—Arrival at Sutter’s Fort—Colonel Benton’s Remarks upon Fremont’s Expeditions—Return Home—Expedition dissolved, - 40 CHAPTER V. The Third Exploring Expedition—Carson again enlisted—Party pro- ceeds to Great Salt Lake—Examination of the Island in it—Crossing the Desert—Party divides for Safety—Fremont proceeds to Sutter’s Fort—Fails to relieve his Men—Ordered to leave the Country by General Castro—Fremont’s Refusal to leave—Ordered to California —Incidents of the Journey, - - - - - - - - 63 CHAPTER VI. New Route to California—Attack an Indian Village—Arrival at Law- son’s Post—Capture of Sonoma—General Castro sends a Large Force to Attack the Americans, but they lose Heart—American Settlers flock to Fremont—Possession of Los Angelos by Commodore Stockton and Fremont, mite Sette date... in, 5 4 er CHAPTER VII. Fremont’s Court-Martial, a bet me ger beitg the sot naar areas CHAPTER VIII. Fremont’s Fourth Expedition, pe ee ee ee ’ CHAPTER IX. Fremont’s Fifth Expedition—Removes his Residence to California, 85 CHAPTER X. ‘he Campaign of 1856—Fremont’s Return ‘to Private Life—His Appointment in the Army of the United States—Conclusion, - 88 THE LIFE MAJOR-GEN. JOHN C. FREMONT. “Columbus of the golden West! As he returned from Salvador, So thou, by jealousy oppressed, Thy path of honor traveled o’er. But, Time is just ; and Glory now With busy fingers joyful weaves A diadem to grace thy brow, Of myrtle boughs and laurel leaves,” Ce APS hOB Ts BIRTH—HIS FATHER—ENTERS A LAW OFFICE IN CHARLESTON, S. C.—HIS MARKED ABILITY—HIS STUDY OF THE CLASSICS—ENTERS CHARLESTON COLLEGE—IS EXPELLED—APPOINTED TEACHER OF MATHEMATICS TO THE SLOOP OF WAR NATCHEZ—IS APPOINTED TO A PROFESSORSHIP OF MATHEMATICS IN THE NAVY—ADOPTS THE PROFESSION OF CIVIL ENGINEER —HIS MARRIAGE, JoHN CHARLES Fremont was born on the twenty-first. of January, 1818, at Sayannah, Georgia. His father, a French- man and a native of Lyons, was a member of one of the most distinguished families of France; but the great revolution, which overturned the throne of the Bourbons, at the close of the last century, made him an exile to this country, while yet &@ young man. His original intention, on leaving Europe, was to settle with an aunt in St. Domingo, W. I.; but, on the voyage thither, was captured by an English cruiser and trans- ferred to one of the British isles, where he remained a captive for several years; and finally succeeded in effecting his escape to Norfolk, Virginia. At this period, the mighty arm of _ Bonaparte had quelled the convulsions which shook France to her center, and Mr. Fremont, loving his country with a patriot’s heart, concluded to return to his native soil. Too poor to do so, at once, he cast about for means of paying his passage. The accomplishments which, years before, had been 10 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. acquired merely as accomplishments, now afforded him the means of a livelihood. He soon obtained satisfactory employ as instructor, and worked assiduously with the hope before him of-a return home. While thus employed, he made the acquaintance of Anne Beverly Whiting, of Gloucester county, Va. She. was the orphan daughter of Colonel Thomas Whiting, whose father was a brother of Catharine Whiting, grand-aunt of George Washington. Colonel Whiting was an influential and prom- inent citizen of the Old Dominion. Colonel W. left children by three marriages, while his last wife wedded again. This lady was the mother of Mr. Fremont’s mother. The eight children of Colonel Whiting, each had a fine estate willed to them, but the last wife having married a Mr. Cary, he suc- ceeded in getting possession of the estate of her three children, and, after years of litigation, Anne found her patrimony gone. She then went to reside with an elder sister, married to a Mr. Lowry, a very wealthy proprietor. As is usual in Virginia, old families will preserve their aristocratic establishments even to the sacrifice of personal happiness. Anne was made to wed an old fellow named Major Pryor—only forty-five years her senior, and a rough old fellow at that. For twelve years she bore with his infirmities until patience ceased to be a virtue, when the Virginia legislature granted her an uncon- ditional divorce, with proper provision ate the Major’s big property for her support. Mr. Fremont found in her a woman of great intelligence and beauty; she found in him a man possessed of refinement and talents beyond all others around her. . They soon became warmly attached. Of course, the family pride of the first Virginia families, whose blood ran in her veins, would not tolerate the idea of her wedding a gentleman who had to labor _ for his bread. No matter what were the accomplishments of head or heart: if he had neither money nor negroes he was not qualified for the hand of one of F. F. V.’s daughters. How- ever, Mrs. Pryor had married an old tyrant to keep up the family name :—now she determined to act her woman’s plea- sure, and married Mr. Fremont to show her appreciation of her own happiness. They were wedded, and, having some means, Mrs. Fremont ccseurnnchleetseettiNNNNCNRNEE ere tat HIS EDUCATION. 11 resolved to devote it to travel. The couple spent some time in sojourning through the Southern States, to enjoy the novelty and excitement of frontier and aboriginal life. Their many adventures, amusing and otherwise, would form a pleasing volume. The birthplaces of their three children show how widely they wandered and how briefly they tarried in particu- lar States. Jobn Charles was born in Savannah, Georgia, January 2ist, 1813; the second child, a daughter, was born in Tennessee; the third child, a son, was born in Virginia. After the birth of the latter, the elder Fremont resolved to return with his family to France, but he died before this determination could be carried into effect, and the widow, with her children, was left in straitened circumstances. Col- lecting her little possessions, she removed to Charleston, South Carolina, where she devoted herself to the education of her children. At the proper age, young John C. was placed in the office of John W. Mitchell, a celebrated counsellor of Charleston, who, attracted by the talents and virtues of the boy, manifested great interest in the young student. That every means might be afforded him for advancing in his chosen profession, the barrister placed him in charge of Dr. John Roberston, an educated Scotchman, who, at that time, had a class in the ancient languages. Fremont, at this time, was but fourteen years of age. He was so diligent that the rudiments of the Latin language were mastered in three weeks! He was then placed in the. highest class, which, at that time, had passed the “ Réader” and had entered upon the study of Cesar’s Commentaries. It was not long before he had risen to the first place. During the year, he acquired a good knowledge of Latin and Greek authors—remarkable as it may seem, and was the admiratiot and pride of his worthy instructor. At the age of fifteen, young Fremont entered the Juniot class of Charleston college, where his ability and diligence were as marked as under the tuition of his former instructor. The cherished wish of his mother, was for her soon to enter the ministry. Obedient, and seemingly satisfied with the course marked out for him, after he had been a year in the college, he became a co~amunicant of the Episcopal church, 12 THE LIFE OF JOHN C, FREMONT. but the eye of any one, save that of an affectionate mother would have seen that, as his nature unfolded, day by day, the daring, energetic, military character of the young man, had designed him for a more passionate field in life, than the meek ministry. Late in his college term, young Fremont made the acquaint- ance of a beautiful West Indian girl, whose spell over him soon became more potent than that of his grave preceptors. He frequently remained from his college exercises in her society, sometimes being absent for days at atime. The professors, after repeated reprimands, threatened expulsion if he persisted in his unexplained absence. It was useless, however. The power of the charmer was irresistible. Fremont’s tardiness grew more and more marked; his immunity from punish- ment became remarked by the whole college; and, finally the faculty of necessity, but greatly against their wish, expelled their most promising pupil. It has been well said that misfortunes never come singly. A few months after his college expulsion, his sister, an ex- quisite girl of seventeen summers, suddenly died. It was a dreadful blow for the loving, tender brother. But, to aggra- vate the sorrow of mother and son, the young brother of John, possessed of brilliant talents, became infatuated for a life on the stage and suddenly disappeared from home, not to be heard of again for a long time. He finally returned home again, but only to die from injuries received in a riot in Buf- falo. These distresses, so poignant to the fond mother, were the weight" which gaye steadiness to John’s character—they proved the turning point in his life. His eyes were opened to a new and higher condition, in which were blended a desire to heal the sorrows of his parent and to work out his own nobler destiny. Smucker says: “In that moment of affliction and sad retrospection, he started up a new man, with new energies, and with lofty aspirations, which, to this hour, haye never lost their pristine power and resolution, or failed to guide and control him amid the stirring vicissitudes of his checkered career.” He devoted himself with renewed ardor to his studies, in private, and became a most highly accomplished mathematician. He had given up all hopes of entering the ministry, and turned his whole attention towara securing a thorough and complete education. ee essen ADOPTS THE PROFESSION OF CIVIL ENGINEER. 18 This was in 1882~3, when the “Nullification Question” caused so much excitement throughout the country. The United States sloop-of-war, Watchez, with other vessels, was sent by President Jackson to Charleston to put down the faction of the traitors which had their stronghold in that city. After completing the mission, the Watchee was ordered to cruise along the South American coast. Before she departed upon this voyage, Fremont, who had not yet attained his majority, secured the situation of teacher of mathematics on board. This situation ‘he filled with great credit and accep- tation for two years and a half, the duration of the voyage. When he returned to Charleston, the Faculty of Charleston college, which had expelled him, evinced their appreciation of his worth and scholarship by conferring upon him the degree of Master of Arts. Being without a permanent situation, Fremont applied for one of the professorships of mathematics in the navy. There were many other applicants, and their examination was most rigid and critical. Few, indeed, were able to sustain them- selves; but, Fremont was among those few, and was appointed to the frigate Independence. He had hardly received this appoint- ment when it was abandoned by resignation. He had deter- mined to adopt another profession—that of surveyor and civil engineer. In this capacity he made his first essay by exam- ining the railroad route between Augusta and Charleston. This finished, he was appointed assistant engineer in a corps under Captain G. W. Williams,* of the United States Topo- graphical Engineers, commissioned to survey a railroad route between Charleston and Cincinnati. This work was sus- pended in 1837. The experience in the wild and hardy life was a congenial one for Fremont ; it gave him a foretaste of those later surveys and explorations which have made him famous. The next two years were spent, by special appointment from the War Department, as an assistant of M. Nicollet, the eminent French savan, in exploring that region lying between the Missouri and the head waters of the Mississippi. Two separate explorations were made. Upon his return, another year was spent in reducing to paper the knowledge thus * Killed at the battle of Monterey. 14 THE LIFE OF JOHN ©. FREMONT. gained. During his absence he was appointed, for his eminent mathematical acquirementy and field ability, a Second Lieutenant in the corps of Topographical Engineers. While thus employed, he formed the acquaintance of Colonel Thomas Benton of Louisiana, who took great interest in the labors of the explorers. Visiting, by special invitation, at the Senator’s house, Fremont became enamored of Jessie Benton, daughter of the eminent statesman. The attachment was mutual, although the lady, at that time, was but fifteen years of age. Both parents, though highly: regarding Fre- mont, opposed the proposed alliance—Mr. Benton »ecause the pay of an officer could not properly support his family, and Mrs. Benton from an unwillingness to see her gay child assume the relations of wife at such an age. The lovers, however, resolyed upon a strong campaign, and if not by good generalship to overcome the wise scruples of the excellent parents, then to resort to the coup de main of a runaway. Evidently the sharp-eyed father: surmised the game, for Fre- mont, to his surprise, received a sudden and mysterious order in the summer-of 1841, from Government, to complete an examination of the river Des Moines. There was nothing to do but to obey, and, with such zeal was that stream examined, that the job was completed by October ; when Fremont, fear- ing another order, possibly to explore for the lost tribes of Israel, in the wilds of the Rocky Mountain country, resolved to secure his prize, od e¢ armis, which he did. October 19th, 1841, the lovers were secretly wedded, and retired, at a safe distance, to await the final issue of the parents’ anger. It was not long before all parties were “reconciled.” The son-in- law was welcomed to the family circle, and was soon regarded with an affection justified by his subsequent conduct and career. His Jessie proved a prize worthy of her proud and patriotic sire. FIRST EXPLORING EXPEDITION, CHAPTER II. ACTION OF CONGRESS IN REGARD TO THE WEST--FREMONT COMMISSIONED TO MAKE HIS EXPLORATIONS—HIS ENGAGEMENT OF KIT CARSON—COMMENCE- MENT OF THE JOURNEY-—ALVENTURES BY THE WAY—FREMONT’S Accounr OF A BUFFALO HUNT—ALARMING NEWS AT FORT LARAMIE—-FREMONTS ASCENT OF THE HIGHEST PEAK OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS—CONCLUSION AND RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. Iy 1842, through the persistent efforts of Senator Benton, the matter relating to the protection of emigrants for the Western territories was brought before Congress and action taken thereupon. Some thought the agitation premature, and considerable opposition was manifested, but the enlightened views of the senator prevailed. A bill was introduced by another senator from Missouri (Linn) whose object was to protect emigration even to the remote shores of the Pacific, in the valley of the Oregon, and the adjacent country. With the purpose of ascertaining the possibility and safety of an overland communication with the Pacific, Lieutenant Fremont was commissioned ‘to make the explorations and surveys necessary to settle the question. This was in 1842, the same year that the celebrated “Kit Carson” visited St. Louis. ‘When this mountaineer was ascending the Missouri, in a steamboat, he became acquainted with Lieutenant Fremont, who happened to be in search of a guide for his party. Fre- mont saw in the eagle eye and modest bearing of this now noted guide that he was the very man for the responsible trust. Carson was engaged as guide to his first exploring expedition at a salary of one hundred dollars a month, with equipments, rations, etc. The professed object of this expedition was to survey the South Pass, to take the altitude of the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and to collect such collateral information as might offer itself, of geography, botany, climate, Indian tribes, etc. The party was mostly collected in St. Louis. It was composed of twenty-two Creole and Canadian voyageurs, including also Henry Brant, a young man of St. Louis; Ran- dolph Benton, son of Senator Benton, and but twelve years of age; Mr. Charles Preuss a German, whose perfect knowl- 16 THE LIFE OF JOHN 0. FREMONT. edge of topographical sketching rendered him a yaluable auxiliary ; Kit Carson, the guide, and L. Maxwell, of Kaskas- kia, the hunter of the company—making twenty-nine persons in all, counting Lieutenant Fremont. All were well armed, excepting eight men who took charge of the same number of carts, in which were packed the stores and instruments of the party. . The expedition set out on Friday (an ominous day in the eyes of most of the men), June 10th, 1842. At the house of Mr. Cyprian Chouteau, twelve miles from the mouth of the Kansas, the final preparations of the expedition were com- pleted. Mr. Chouteau accompanied them some distance until they met the Indian engaged to conduct them the first forty miles of their journey. About a dozen miles were made the first day. The first night’s encampment was upon the Santa Fé road. The daily routine generally observed on a march was as follows; At daybreak the camp was aroused; the animals turned out to graze; breakfast eaten about six o’clock; immediately after which the line of march was resumed. At noon a halt of one or two hours was made. The march was then con- tinued until within an hour of sunset, when the camps were pitched, horses hobbled and turned loose to graze, while the cooks busied themselves in preparing supper. At night all the animals were brought in and picketed, carts arranged so as to form a barricade, and guard mounted. The crossing of the Kansas was reached on the afternoon of June 14th. The river was much swollen by recent rains, and the party experienced great difficulty in transporting their luggage across. Basil Lajeunesse, an excellent swim mer, took a line in his teeth, and, swimming over, established an extempore line ferry. Six passages were safely effected, when the boat was too heavily Jaden, and capsized—carts, barrels, boxes, bales, every thing floating swiftly down the current. All sprung in, without pausing to think of the danger, and nearly every thing was rescued. A serious loss, however, was that of a large bag of coffee, whose fragrant Savor was missed by all for many a day afterward. Carson and Maxwell, from their exposure, became sick. Fremont, therefore, remained in camp the day following, to A BUFFALO HUNT. 17 give them rest and attention. Under his good treatment they quickly regained their usual vigor. The party then moved seven miles further up the river, camping upon a beautiful open prairie, where a day was spent in making astronomical observations. On the eighteenth, they reached a deserted Kansas village, near the mouth of the Vermilion river, which had been attacked, some months before, by the Pawnees. Some of the huts were burnt and blackened, while among the - charred ruins and clear places the weeds and grass were already growing. The encampment was made that night upon the western side of the Kansas. The next morning dawned cool and pleasant, and an hens vation showed that their elevation was fourteen hundred feet above the level of the sea. Their journey continued without any interruption until the morning of the twenty-third, when they were given a specimen of the false alarms to which emigrants are subjected. Proceeding up the valley, objects were seen upon the opposite hills, and before a glass could be brought to bear, they disappeared. One of the men in the rear came hurrying in, shouting, “Indians! Indians!” saying that he had been nigh enough to count them, and there were twenty-seven in all. Fremont instantly halted, their arms were examined, and every preparation made for an encounter. Carson mounted his horse, and, riding ahead, soon ascertained that the twenty-seven Indians consisted of siz elk. The party pressed steadily forward. Early in July they encountered the buffalo of the prairie. Fremont gives the following graphic account of a hunt of this animal in which he and several companions were engaged : “ As we were riding quietly along the bank, a grand herd of buffalo, some seyen or eight hundred in number, came crowding up from -the river, where they had been to drink, and commenced crossing the plain slowly, eating as they went. The wind was favorable; the coolness of the morning invited to exercise; the ground was apparently good, and the distance across the prairie (two or three miles) gave us a fine opportunity to charge them before they could get among the river hills. It was too fine a prospect for a chase to be lost; and, halting for a few moments, the hunters were brought up and saddled, and Kit Carson, Maxwell and I 18 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. started together. They were now somewhat less than half a mile distant, and we rode easily along until within about three hundred yards, when a sudden agitation, a wavering in the band, and a galloping to and fro, of some which were scattered along the skirts, gave us the intimation that we Were discovered. We started together at a hand gallop, riding steadily abreast of each other; and here the interest of tne chase became so engrossingly intense that we were sensible to nothing else. We were now closing upon them rapidly, and the front of the mass was already in rapid motion for the hills, and in a few seconds the movement had communicated itself to the whole herd. . “A crowd of bulls, as usual, brought up the rear, and every now and then some of them faced about and then dashed on after the band a short distance, and turned and looked again, as if more than half inclined to fight. In a few moments, however, during which we had been quickening our pace, the rout was universal, and we were going over the ground like a hurricane. When at about thirty yards, we gave the usual shout (the hunter's pas de charge), and broke into the herd. We entered on the side, the mass giving way in every direc- tion in their heedless course. Many of the bulls, less active and fleet than the cows, paying no attention to the ground, and occupied solely with the hunter, were precipitated to the earth with great force, rolling over and over with the violence of the shock, and hardly distinguishable in the dust. We separated on entering, each singling out his game. “My horse was a trained hunter, famous in the West under the name of Proveau; and, with his eyes flashing and the foam flying from his mouth, sprung on after the cow like a tiger. In a few moments he brought me along side of her, and, rising in the stirrups, I fired at the distance of a yard, the ball entering at the.termination of the long hair, and passing near the heart. She fell headlong at the report of the gun, and,-checking my horse, I looked around for my com- panions. At a little distance, Kit was on the ground, engaged in tying his horse to the horns of a cow he was preparing to cut up. Among the scattered bands, at some distance below, I caught a glimpse of Maxwell, and while I was looking, a light wreath of smoke curled away from his gun, from which aaah aren NULeat reteset ALARMING REPORTS OF THE INDIANS. 19 I was too far to hear the report. Nearer, and between me and the hills, toward which they were directing their course, was the body of the herd; and, giving my horse the rein, we dashed after them. A thick cloud of dust hung upon their rear, which filled my mouth and eyes, and nearly smothered me. In the midst of this I could see nothing, and the buffalo were not distinguishable, until within thirty feet. They crowded together more densely still as I came upon them, und rushed along in such a compact body, that I could not obtain an entrance—the horse almost leaping upon them. In a few moments the mass divided to the right and left, the horns clattering with a noise heard above every thing else, and my horse darted into the opening. Five or six bulls charged on us as we dashed along the line, but were left far behind; and singling out a cow, I gave her my fire, but struck too high. She gave a tremendous leap, and scoured on swifter than before. I reined up my horse, and the band swept on like a torrent, and left the place quiet and clear.” Although it was now midsummer, the weather was cool and exhilarating, proving that their elevation was material. The box, elder, poplar, elm and pine were encountered, and the encampment was made, at the close of this day, at the junction of the north and south forks of the Kansas. Reach- ing Fort Laramie, alarming news was heard. A collision had recently occurred between a Sioux war-party and a company of trappers and Snake Indians, in which the former had been disastrously defeated. ‘To revenge themselves, the Sioux had collected in large numbers, with the avowed determination of Killing eyery white man that crossed their path. . The route of the exploring party led directly through the Sioux country, and the trappers and friendly Indians at the fort told Fremont it would be the inevitable destruction of every one of their number to go on. The Indians were excited to the highest pitch of exasperation, and would massacre every one upon whom they could lay hands. To their warning and expostulations, Fremont replied ‘that there was but one course for him to pursue. He had been directed by his Government to perform a certain duty, and whatever obstacles stood in the way of its performance must, if possible, be removed. Thanking them for their kindly interest, he B 20 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT, added that he would accomplish the task or die in the attempt. “ Carson, one of the best and most experienced mountaineers, fully supported the opinion given by Bridger, of the dangerous state of the country, and openly expressed his conviction that we could not escape without some sharp encounters with the Indians. In addition to this, he made his will; and among the circumstances which were constantly occurring to increase the alarm, this was the most unfortunate; and I found that a number of my party had become so much intimidated, that they requested to be discharged at this place. I dined to-day at Fort Platte, which has been mentioned as situated at the junction of Laramie river with the Nebraska. Mr. Bissonette, one of the traders belonging to Fort Platte, urged the propriety of taking with me an interpreter and two or three old men of the village; in which case, he thought there would be little or no hazard in encountering any of the war-parties. The principal danger was in being attacked before they should know who we were. “They had a confused idea of the numbers and power of our people, and dreaded to bring upon themselves the military force of the United States. This gentleman, who spoke the language fluently, offered his services to accompany me so far as the Red Buttes. He was desirous to join the large party on its return, for purposes of trade, and it would suit his views, as well as my own, to go with us to the Buttes; beyond which point it would be impossible to prevail on a Sioux to venture, on account of their fear of the Crows.. From Fort Laramie to the Red Buttes, by the ordinary road, is one hundred and thirty-five miles; and, though only on the threshold of danger, it seemed better to secure the services of an interpreter for the partial distance, than to have none at all. “So far as frequent interruptions from the Indians would allow, we occupied ourselves in making astronomical calcula- tions, and bringing the general map to this stage of our journey ; but the tent was generally occupied by a succession of our ceremonious visitors. Some came for presents, and others for information of our object in coming to the ceuntry ; now and then, one would dart up to the tent on horseback, jerk off his trappings, and stand silently at the door, holding AN INDIAN DELEGATION. 21 his horse by the halter, signifying his desire to trade. Ocea- sionally a savage would stalk in with an invitation to a feast of honor, a dog feast, and deliberately sit down and wait quietly until I was ready to accompany him. I went to one; the women and children were sitting outside the lodge, and we took our seats on buffalo robes spread around. The dog was in a large pot over the fire, in the middle of the lodge, and immediately on our arrival was dished up in large wooden bowls, one of which was handed to each. The flesh appeared very glutinous, with something of the flavor and appearance of mutton. Feeling something move behind me, I looked round, and found that I had taken my seat among a litter of fat young puppies. Had I been nice in such matters, the prejudices of civilization might have interfered with my tranquillity ; but, fortunately, I am not of delicate nerves, and continued quietly to empty my platter.” The weather was cloudy and quite warm. Fremont having determined to go on at all hazards, made his final preparations. Under the circumstances he deemed it prudent to leave young ‘Brant and Benton behind at the fort. One of the men, too, was so intimidated that he asked for his discharge, and Fremont promptly gave it, taking no pains to conceal his contempt of such a poltroon. Every thing was ready, the tents struck, the horses saddled, and the men walked up to the front to take the “ stirrwp ewp” with their friends. “ While thus pleasantly engaged, seated in one of the little cool chambers, at- the door of which a man had been stationed to prevent all intrusion from the Indians, a number of chiefs, several of them powerful, fine-looking men, forced their way into the room in spite of all opposition. Handing me the following letter, they took their seats in silence : “‘Fort Prarre, July 21, 1842. ““Mr. Fremont: The chiefs having assembled in council, have just told me to warn you not to set cut before the party of young men which is now out shall have returned. Furth- ermore, they tell me that they are very sure they will fire upon you as soon as they meet you. They are expected back in seven or eight days. Excuse me for making these observa- tions, but it seems my duty to warn you of danger. Moreover, 22 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. the chiefs who prohibit your setting out before the setasan the warriors are the bearers of this note. “*T am your obedient servant, “* JosEPH BISSONETTE, “*By L. B. CHARTRAIN. “Names of some of the chiefs.—The Otter Hat, the Breaker of Arrows, the Black Night, the Bull’s Tail.’ “ After reading this, I mentioned its purport to my com- panions; and, seeing that all were fully possessed of its con- tents, one of the Indians rose up, and, having first shaken hands with me, spoke as follows: “¢You haye come among us at a bad time. Some of our people have been killed, and our young men, who are gone to the mountains, are eager to avenge the blood of their relations, which has been shed by the whites. Our young men are bad, and, if they meet you, they will believe that you are carrying goods and ammunition to their enemies, and will fire upon you. You have told us that this will make war. We know that our great father has many soldiers and big guns, and we are anxious to have our lives. We love the whites, and are desirous of peace. Thinking of all these things, we have determined to keep you here until our warriors return. We are glad to see you among us; Our father is rich, and we expected that you would have brought presents to us—horses, guns, and blankets. But we are glad to see you. We look upon your coming as the light which goes before the sun; for you will tell your great father that you have seen us, and that we are naked and poor, and have nothing to eat; and he will send us all these things.’ He was followed by others to the same effect. “The observations of the savage appeared reasonable; but I was aware that they had in view only the present object of detaining me, and were unwilling that I should go further into the country. In reply, I asked them, through the interpretation of Mr. Boudeau, to select two or three of their number to accompany us until we should meet their people— they should spread their robes in my tent, and eat at my table, and, on their return, I would give them presents in reward of their services. They declined, saying, that there Were no young men left in the village, and that they were too . : : : : . i HE RESOLVES TO PROCEED. 3s old to travel so many days on horseback, and preferred now to smoke their pipes in the lodge, and let the warriors go on the war-path. Besides, they had no power over the young men, and were afraid to interfere with them, In my turn [ addressed them : “You say that you love the whites; why have you killed so many already this spring? You say that you love the whites, and are full of many expressions of kindness to us; but you are not willing to undergo the fatigue of a few days’ ride to save our lives. We do not believe what you have said, and will not listen to you. Whatever a chief among us tells a soldier to do, it is done. We are the soldiers of the great chief, your father. He has told us to come here and see this country, and all the Indians, his children. Why should we not go? Before we came, we heard that you had killed his people, and ceased to be his children; but we came among you peaceably, holding out our hands. Now we find that the stories we heard are not lies, and that you are no. longer his friends and children. We have thrown away our bodies, and will not turn back. When you told us that your young men would kill us, you did not know that our hearts were strong, and you did not see the rifles which my young men carry in their hands. We are few, and you are many, and may kill us all; but there will be much crying in your villages, for many of your young men will stay behind, and forget to return with your warriors from the mountains. Do you think that our great chief will let his soldiers die, and forget to cover their graves? Before the snows melt again, his warriors will sweep away your villages as the fire does the prairie in the autumn. See! I have pulled down my white houses, and my people are ready ; when the sun is ten paces higher, you will say it soon.’ “T broke up the conference, as 1 could do nothing with these people; and, being resolved to proceed, nothing was to be gained by delay. Accompanied by our hospitable friends, we returned to the camp. We had mounted our horses, and our parting salutations had been exchanged, when one of the chiefs (the Bull’s Tail) arrived’ to tell me that they had determined to senda young man with us; and if I would point out the place of our evening camp, he would join us 24 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. there. ‘The young man is poor,’ said he; ‘he has no horse, and expects you to give him one.’ I described the place to him where I intended to encamp, and, shaking hands, in a few minutes we were among the hills, and this last habitation of whites shut out from our view.” The journey was continued fortunately without any inter- ruption from hostile Indians, and the great Sourm Pass of the Rocky Mountains was reached without encountering the savages. Fremont had now reached the point where the real labors of the expedition were to commence. After exploring the adjoining country, he set about ascending the highest peak of the mountains. The great length of the journey had nearly worn out the animals, and the hardships endured by the men had dispirited them. Their daily fare was dried buffalo meat, as hard and tasteless as withered bark. In addition to this, they were in the country of the Blackfeet, mortal enemies of the whites. August 12th, the mountain party, fifteen in number, left the camp. On the fourteenth, an elevation was reached, at which the barometer stood 19.401. This day, Kit Carson alone ascended one of the highest peaks of the main ridge, where he had a full view of the loftiest peak, rising nearly a thou- sand feet above him. On the fifteenth, Carson, in command of some of the party, was sent back. The seemingly insur- mountable difficulties encountered by all, had determined Fremont, to give up the project; but, after the departure of Carson, he made another attempt to ascend the highest peak. His companions were, Mr. Preuss, Basil Lajeunese, Clement Lambert, Janesse, and Descoteaux. This memorable ascent is thus described by Fremont: “At intervals we reached places where a number of springs gushed from the rocks, and about fifleen hundred feet abbve the lakes, came to the snow line. Hitherto I had worn a pair of thick moccasins, with soles of parjléche, but here I put ona light, thin pair, which I had brought for the purpose, as now the use of our toes became necessary to a further advance. T availed myself of a sort of comb of the mountain, which stood .against the wall like a buttress, and which the winds and the solar radiation, joined to the steepness of the smooth | ; : | : ' ; : 1 ; "ASCENT OF THE MOUNTAINS. rock, had kept almost entirely free from snow. Up this I made my way rapidly. Our cautious method of advancing at the outset, had spared my strength; and, with the exception of a slight disposition to headache, I felt no remains of yes- terday’s illness. In afew minutes we reached a point where the buttress was overhanging, and there was no other way of surmounting the difficulty than by passing around one side of it, which was the face of a vertical precipice of several hundred feet. “ Putting hands and feet in the crevices between the blocks, I succeeded in getting over it,and, when I reached the top, found my companions in a small valley below. Descending to them, we continued climbing, and in a short time reached the crest. I sprang upon the summit, and another step would have precipitated me into an immense snow-field five hundred feet below. To the edge of this field was a sheer icy preci- pice; and then, with a gradual fall, the field sloped off for about a mile, until it struck the foot of another lower ridge. I stood on a-narrow crest, about three feet in width, with an inclination of about twenty degrees north and fifty-one degrees east. As soon as I had gratified the first feelings of curiosity, i descended, and each man ascended in his turn; for I would allow only one at a time to mount the unstable and precarious slab, which it seemed a breath would hurl into the abyss below. We mounted the barometer in the snow of the summit, and, fixing a ramrod in a crevice, unfurled the national flag to wave in the breeze where flag never waved before. “During our morning’s ascent, we had met no sign of animal life, except the small sparrow-like bird already men- tioned. A stillness the most profound and a terrible solitude forced themselves instantly on the mind, as the great features of the place. Here, on the summit, where the stillness was absolute, unbroken by any sound, and the solitude complete, we thought ourselves beyond the region of animated life; but while we were sitting on the rock, a solitary, bee, (bromus, the dumble-bee) came winging his flight from the eastern valley, and lit on the knee of one of the men. y “Tt was a strange place, the icy rock and the highest peak of the Rocky Mountains, for a lover of warm sunshine and ‘flowers ; and we pleased ourselves with the idea, that he was * ae THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. the first of his species to cross the mountain barrier—a solitary pioneer to foretell the advance of civilization. I believe that a@ moment’s thought would have made us let him continue his - way unharmed; but we carried out the law of this, country, where all animated nature seems at war; and, seizing him ’ immediately, put him in at least a safe place—in the leaves of a large book, among the flowers we had collected on our way. The barometer stood 18.293, the attached thermometer at 44°; giving for the elevation of this summit, thirteen thousand five hundred and seventy feet above the Gulf of Mexico, which may be called the highest flight of the bee. It is certainly the highest known flight of that insect. From the description given by Mackenzie of the mountains where he crossed them, with that of aFrench officer still further to the north, and Colonel Long’s measurement to the south, joined to the opin- ion of the oldest traders of the country, it is presumed that this is the highest peak of the Rocky Mountains. The day was sunny and bright, buta slight shivering mist hung over the lower plains, which interfered with our view of the sur- rounding country. On one side we overlooked innumerable lakes and streams, the spring of the Colorado of the Gulf of California ; and on the other was the Wind River valley, where were the heads of the Yellowstone branch of the Missouri; far to the north we could just discover the snowy heads of the Zrois Tetons, where were the sources of the Mis- . souri and Columbia rivers; and at the southern extremity of the ridge, the peaks were plainly visible among which were some of the springs of the Nebraska or Platte river. Around us, the whole scene had one main, striking feature, which was that of a terrible convulsion. Parallel to its length, the tidge was split into chasms and fissures ; between which rose the thin lofty walls, terminated with slender minarets and col- umns. According to the barometer, the little crest of the wall on which we stood was three thousand five hundred and seventy feet above that place, and two thousand seven hundred and eighty feet above the little lakes at the bottom, immedi- ately at our feet. Our camp at the Two Hills (an astronomical station,) bore south, thirty degrees east, which, with a bearing afterward obtained from a fixed position, enabled us to locate the peak. The bearing of the Trois Tetons was north, fifty RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. 27 degrees west, and to the direction of thecentral ridge of the Wind River mountains, south, thirty-nine degrees east. The summit rock was gneiss, succeeded by syenitic gneiss. Syenite and feldspar succeeded in our descent to the snow line, where we found a feldspathic granite. I had remarked that the noise produced by the explosion of .our pistols had the usual degree of loudness, but was not in the least prolonged, expiring almost instantaneously. “Having now made what observations our means afforded, we proceeded to descend. We had accomplished an object of laudable ambition, and beyond the strict order of our instructions. We had climbed-the loftiest peak of the Rocky Mountains, and looked down upon the snow a thousand feet be- low ; and, standing where no human foot had ever stood before, felt the exultation of first explorers. It was about two o’clock when we left the summit, and when we reached the bottom, the sun had already sunk behind the wall, and the day was drawing to a close. It would have been pleasant to have lingered here and on the summit a little longer; but we hur- ried away as rapidly as the ground would permit, for it was an object to regain our party as soon as possible, not knowing what accident the next hour might bring forth. “We reached our deposits of provisions at nightfall. Here was not the inn which awaits the tired traveler on his return from Mont Blanc, or the orange groves of South America, with their refreshing juices and soft, fragrant air; but we found our little cache of dried meat and coffee undisturbed. Though the moon was bright, the road was full of precipices, and the fatigue of the day had been great. We therefore abandoned the idea of rejoining our friends, and lay down on the rock, and, in spite of the cold, slept soundly.” This peak, now known by the name of the “ Great Ex- plorer,” was found to be thirteen thousand five hundred and seventy feet above the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. All the objects of the expedition having been accomplished, Fremont set out upon his return. Fort Laramie was reached in September, 1842. Here Kit Carson, the guide, left the party, his contract being ended. His conduct and usefulness _ had been such, as to secure the most lively gratitude upon the part of his employer. 28 THE LIFE OF JOHN ©. FREMONT. On the first of October, before daylight, Fremont heard the tinkling of cow-bells at the settlements on the opposite side of the Missouri. On the fourth they embarked on the river, making astronomical observations, and sketching by the way, and, on the seventeenth, St. Louis was reached. Fremont reported himself at Washington to Colonel J. J. Abert, Chief of the corps of Topographical Engineers, October 29th—having consumed less than six months in the laborious but success- fully performed duty assigned to him, CHAPTER IIl. RECEIVES ORDERS FOR HIS SECOND EXPEDITION—HIS PARTY — THEIR ROUTE— JOINED BY KIT CARSON AND MAJOR FITZPATRICK — VISIT TO THE GREAT SALT LAKE—-FREMONTS NARRATIVE. Fremont felt that his labors were still incomplete. It was his ardent desire to extend his survey across the continent and explore that vast region lying between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This journey is pro- nounced one of the boldest and most dangerous ever under- taken by an emissary either of commerce, discovery or science. He requested and received orders from the Department at Washington which directed him to advance as far as the tide water region of the Columbia river. Joyous with anticipation, and enthusiastic in the cause in which he was embarked, he started, but had scarcely reached the fronticr of Missouri, when orders came to St. Louis coun- termanding the expedition, the-alleged cause being that he had provided himself with a military equipment which was not required by the nature of the proposed journey. Fremont had directed his wife to open all his letters, and to forward such as needed immediate attention. Upon reading this, she resolved to risk the consequences of detaining it: She did so, and Fremont knew nothing of it until his return. On the twenty-ninth of May, Fremont left the little town of Kansas, on the Missouri irontier for the Great West. His Party numbered thirty-nine, and was mainly composed 9f aoe ere LER ONC eTitmmenne A THE SODA AND BEER SPRINGS. 29 Creole and Canadian French, with a few Americans, These men were a far better selection than those composing the first expedition, Fremont being determined that the Fort Laramie affair should not be enacted again. Among them were several who had accompanied him on the first journey. Charles Preuss, Basil Lajeunesse, L. Maxwell, and several others. A free negro, and two Delaware Indians—father and son—were also of the party. Kit Carson, the guide, joined the party a few miles beyond Bent’s fort. The route of the first expedition was up the valley of the Platte, to the South Pass, in latitude forty-two degrees north, To make the exploration as useful as possible, Fremont resolved to change the route, going up the valley of the Kansas to the head waters of the Arkansas, and to some more southerly pass in the mountains, if one fortunately might be found. Shortly after Carson had joined the company, he received orders to return to Bent’s fort for the purchase of mules which were greatly needed by the company. While absent, the expedition journeyed to the celebrated Soda Springs, and thence to St. Vrain’s fort, located on the south fork of the Platte, At this fort they were joined by Major Fitzpatrick with a command of forty men. Carson now returning with the mules, arrangements were all completed for the final launch in the “unexplored vastness.” Colonel Fremont divided the expedition into two parties. The first division under Fitzpatrick was sent with the camp equipage upon the more direct route, while Fremont himself. with fifteen men, and Carson as guide, made Thompson’s fork their destination. ' From this point, the expedition made its way to the Cache la Poudre river, and finally to the north fork of the Platte. This was crossed, and the party passed on to the Sweet Water, striking it at a point about fifteen miles below the Devil’s Gate, and thence on to the Soda Springs on Beaver river. Fremont having decided to explore the Great Sant Laks, which, at that day, was as little known as Southern Africa, sent Kit Carson to Fort Hall for supplies. When the guide returned, he found Fremont upon the upper end of the lake, The party then passed around to the opposite side, a distance 30 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. of twenty miles—where a good view was obtained. We sub- join Fremont’s graphic description of his visit to what may be properly termed the “Dead Sea” of America. “In about six miles’ travel from our encampment, we reached one of the points in our journey to which we had always looked forward with great interest—the famous Beer Springs, which, on account of the effervescing gas, and acid taste, had received their name from the voyageurs and trap- pers of the country, who, in the midst of their rude and hard lives, are fond of finding some fancied resemblance to the luxuries they rarely have the good fortune to enjoy. “Although somewhat disappointed in the expectations which various descriptions had led me to form of unusual beauty of situation and scenery, I found it altogether a place of very great interest; and a traveler for the first time ina volcanic region remains in a constant excitement, and at every step is arrested by something remarkable and new. There is a profusion of interesting objects gathered together in a small space. Around the place of encampment the Beer springs were numerous; but, as far as we could ascertain, were confined entirely to that locality in the bottom. In the bed of the river, in front, for a space of several hundred yards, they were very abundant—the effervescing gas rising up and * agitating the water in countless bubbling columns. In the vicinity round about were numerous springs of an entirely different and equally marked mineral character. In a rather picturesque spot, about four thousand three hundred yards below our encampment, and immediately on the river- bank, is the most remarkable spring of the place. In an open- ing on the rock, a white column of scattered water is thrown up, in form like a jet-@eau, to a variable height of about three feet, and, though it is maintained in a constant supply, its greatest height is only attained at regular intervals, according to the action of the force below. It is accompanied by a subterranean noise, which, together with the motion of the water, makes very much the impression of a steamboat in motion; and, without knowing that it had been already previ- ously so called, we gave to it the name of Steamboat Spring. The rock through which it is forced, is slightly raised in a convex manner, and gathered at the opening into an urn-mouthed GREAT SALT LAKE. 81 form, and is evidently formed by continual deposition from the water, and colored bright red by oxide of iron. It isa hot spring, and the water has a pungent and’ disagreeable metallic taste, leaving a burning. effect on the tongue. Within, perhaps, two yards of the jet-d’eau is a small hole of about an inch in diameter, through which, at regular intervals, escapes a blast of hot air, with a light wreath of smoke, accompanied by a regular noise.” As they neared the lake they passed over a country of wild, romantic scenery, and through several narrow valleys, in western parlance termed “ gates.” It was on the sixth of September, that their eyes rested upon the Great Sanur Laks. Fremont gave this record of his visit to that most remarkable inland reservoir, fed from secret sources and debouching through no channel known to man : “ September 6th.—Leaving the encampment early, we again directed our course for the peninsular butte across a low, shrubby plain, crossing in the way a slough-like creek with miry banks, and wooded with thickets of thorn, (crategus,) which were loaded with berries. This time we reached the butte without any difficulty, and, ascending to the summit, immediately at our feet beheld the object of our anxious search—the water of the Inland Sea, stretching in still and solitary grandeur far beyond the limit of our vision. It was one of the great points of the exploration; and as we looked eagerly over the lake in the first emotions of excited pleasure, I am doubtful if the followers of Balboa felt more enthusiasm when, from the heights of the Andes, they saw for the first time the great western ocean. It was certainly a magnificent object, and a noble terminus to this part of our expedition; and to travelers shut up among mountain ranges, a sudden view over the expanse of silent waters had in it something sublime. Several large islands raised their high, rocky heads out of the waves; but whether or not they were timbered, was still left to our imagination, as the distance was too great to determine if the dark hues upon them were woodland or naked rock. During the day the clouds had been gathering black over the mountains to the westward, and, while we were looking, a storm burst down with sudden 82 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. fury upon ‘the lake, and entirely hid the islands from our view. So far as we could see, along the shore there was not a soli- tary tree, and but little appearance of grass; and on Weber's fork, a few miles below our last encampment, the timber was gathered into groves, and then disappeared entirely.” As this appeared to be the nearest point to the lake, where a suitable camp Could be found, we directed our course to one of the - groves, where we found a handsome encampment, with good grass and an abundance of rushes, (eguisetwm hyemale.) At sunset the thermometer was 55°; the evening clear and calm, With some cumuli. / 7th.—The morning was calm and clear, with a temperature at sunrise of 39.5°. The day was spent in active preparation for our intended voyage on the lake. On the edge of the stream a favorable spot was selected in a grove, and, felling the timber, we made a strong corral, or horse-pen, for the animals, and a little fort for the people who were to remain. We were now probably in the country of the Utah Indians, _ though none reside on the lake. The India-rubber boat was repaired with prepared cloth and gum, and filled with air, in readiness for the next day. “The provisions which Carson brought with him being exhausted, and our stock reduced to a small quantity of roots, I determined to retain with me only a sufficient number of men to execute our design; and accordingly, seven were sent back to Fort Hall, under the guidance of Francois Lajeunesse, who having been for many years a trapper in the country, was considered an experienced mountaineer. Though they were provided" With good horses, and the road was a remark- ably plain one of only four days’ journey for a horseman, they became bewildered (as we afterward learned,) and, losing their way, wandered about the country in parties of one or two, reaching the fort about a week afterward. Some straggled in of themselves, and the others were brought in by Indians, who had picked them up on Snake river, about sixty miles below the fort, traveling along the emigrant road in full march for the Lower Columbia. ‘The leader of this adventurous party was Francois. “Hourly barometrical observations were made during the day, and, after the departure of the party for Fort Hall, we IN hid Rich ier i ci i i NN ng ots, | ent sse, try, hey ark- hey heir two, d in niles 1rous g the 1, we IN CAMP NEAR THE LAKE. 33 occupied ourselves in continuing our little preparations, and in becoming acquainted with the country in the vicinity. The bottoms along the river were timbered with several kinds of willow, hawthorn, and fine cottonwood trees (populus canadensis) with remarkably large leaves, and sixty feet in height by measurement. : “We formed now but a small family. With Mr. Preuss and myself, Carson, Bernier, and Basil Lajeunesse, had been selected for the boat expedition—the first attempted on this interior sea; and Badeau, with Derosier, and Jacob, (the colored man,) were to be left in charge of the camp. We were fayored with most delightful weather. To-night there was a brilliant sunset of golden orange and green, which left the western sky clear and beautifully pure ; but clouds in the east made me lose an occultation. The summer frogs were singing around us, and the evening was very pleasant, with a temperature of 60°—a night of a more- southern autumn. ‘For our supper we had yampah, the most agreeably flavored of the roots, seasoned by a small fat duck, which had come in the way of Jacob's rifle. Around our fire to-night were many speculations on what to-morrow would bring forth, and in our busy conjectures we fancied that we should find every one of the large islands a tangled wilderness of trees and shrubbery, teeming with game of every description that the neighboring region afforded, and which the foot of white man or Indian had neyer violated. Frequently, during the day, clouds had rested on the summits of their lofty mountains, and we believed that we should find clear streams and springs of fresh water; and we indulged in anticipations of the luxurious repasts with which we were to indemnify ourselves for past privations. Neither, in our discussions, were the whirlpool and other mysterious dangers forgotten, which Indian and hunters’ stories attributed to this unexplored lake. The men had found that, instead of being strongly sewed (like that of the preceding year, which had so triumphantly rode the cafions of the upper Great Platte), our present boat was only pasted together in a very insecure manner, the maker haying been allowed so little time in the construction, that he was obliged to crowd the labor of two months into several days. The insecurity of the boat was 84 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. sensibly felt by us; and, mingled with the enthusiasm that we all felt at the prospect of an undertaking which had never before been accomplished, was a certain impression of danger, sufficient to give a serious character to our conversation. The momentary view which had been had of the lake the day before, its great extent and rugged islands, dimly seen amid the dark waters in the obscurity of the sudden storm, were calculated to heighten the idea of undefined danger with which the lake was generally associated. “8th—aA calm, clear day, with a sunrise temperature of 41° In view of our present enterprise, a part of the equip- ment of the boat had been made to consist of three air-tight bags, about three feet long, and capable each. of containing five gallons. These had been filled with water the night — before, and were now placed in the boat with our blankets and instruments, consisting of a sextant, telescope, spy-glass, thermometer and barometer. : ““We left the camp at sunrise, and had a very pleasant © voyage down the river, in which there was generally eight or ten feet of water, deépening as we neared the mouth in the latter part of the day. In the course of the morning we dis- covered that two of the cylinders leaked so much as to require one man constantly at the bellows, to keep them sufficiently full of air to support the boat. Although we had made a very early start, we loitered so much on the way—stopping every now and then, and floating silently along, to get a shot at a goose or duck—that it was late in the day when we reached the outlet. The river here divided into several branches, filled with fluvials, and so very shallow that it was with difficulty we could get the boat along, being obliged to get out and wade. We encamped on a low point among rushes and young willows, where was a quantity of drift-wood, which served for our fires. The evening was mild and clear; we made a pleasant bed of young willows; and geese and ducks enough had been killed for an abundant supper at night and for breakfast the next morning. The stillness of the night was enlivened by millions of water-fowl. “9th—The day was clear and calm; the thermometer Sunrise at 49°. As is usual with trappers on the eve of any enterprise, our people had many dreams, and theirs a 0Q “4 8 aa mEar Pa oko eaten tse A VOYAGE ON THE LAKE. 85 happened to be a bad one—one which always preceded evil— and consequently they looked very gloomy this morning ; but we hurried through our breakfast, in order to make an early start, and have all the day before us for our adventure... The channel in a short distance became so shallow that our navi- gation was at an end, being merely a sheet of soft mud, with a few inches of water, and sometimes none at all, forming the low-water shore of the lake. All this place was absolutely covered with flocks of screaming plover. We took off our clothes, and, getting overboard, commenced dragging the boat—making, by this operation, a very curious trail, and a very disagreeable smell in stirring up the mud, as we sunk above the knee at every step. The water here was still fresh, with only an insipid and disagreeable taste, propably derived from the bed of fetid mud. After proceeding in this way about a mile, we came to a small, black ridge on the bottom, beyond which the water became suddenly salt, beginning gradually to deepen, and the bottom was sandy and firm. It was a remarkable division, separating the fresh waters of the river from the briny water of the lake, which was entirely saturated with common salt. Pushing our little vessel across the narrow boundary, we sprung on board, and at length were afloat on the waters of the unknown sea. “We did not steer for the mountainous islands, but directed” our course toward a lower one, which it had been decided we should first visit, the summit of which was formed like the crater at the upper end of Bear river valley. So long as we could touch the bottom with our paddles, we were very gay ; but gradually, as the water deepened, we’ became more still in our frail bateau of gum-cloth distended with air and with pasted seams. Although the day was very calm, there was a considerable swell on the lake; and there were white patches of foam on the surface, which were slowly moving to the southward, indicating a set of a current in that direction, and recalling the recollection of the whirlpool stories. The water continued to deepen as we advanced—the lake becoming almost transparently clear, of an extremely beautiful bright- green color; and: the spray, which was thrown into the boat and over our clothes, was directly converted into a crust of common salt, which covered also our hands and arma, Cc 36 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. ‘Captain, said Carson, who, for some time, had been looking suspiciously at some whitening appearances outside the near- est islands, ‘what are those yonder? Won’t you just take a look with the glass?) We ceased paddling for a moment, and found them to be the caps of the waves that were begin- ning to break under the force of a strong breeze that was coming up the lake. “The form of the boat seemed to be an admirable one, and it rode on thé waves like a water-bird ; but, at the same time, it was extremely slow in progress. When we were a little more than half way across the reach, two of the divisions between the cylinders gave way, and it required the constant use of the bellows to keep in a sufficient quantity of air. For a long time we scarcely seemed to approach our island, but gradually we worked across the rougher sea of the open channel, into the smoother water under the lee of the island, and began to discover that what we took for a long row of pelicans, ranged on the beach, were only low cliffs whitened with salt by the spray of the waters; and about noon we reached the shore, the transparency of the water enabling us to see the bottom at a considerable depth. “Tt was a handsome, broad beach where we landed, behind which the hill, into which the island was gathered, rose somewhat abruptly ; and a point of rock at one end inclosed it in a sheltering way; and, as there was an abundance of drift-wood along the shore, it offered us a pleasant encamp- ment. We did not'suffer our frail boat to touch the sharp rocks, but, getting overboard,discharged the baggage, and, lifting gently out of the water, carried it to the upper part of the beach, which was composed of very small fragments of © rock. “ Among the successive banks of the beach, formed by the action of the waves, our attention, as we approached the island, had been attracted by one ten to twenty feet in breadth, of a dark-brown color. Being more closely examined, this was found to be composed, to the depth of seven or eight and twelve inches, entirely of the gree of insects, or, in common language, of the skins of worms, about the size of a grain of Oats, which had been washed up by the waters of the lake. ; “ Alluding to this subject some months afterward, when wy aN @ se ao on PECULIARITIES OF THE REGION. 87 traveling through a more southern portion of this region, in company with Mr. Joseph Walker, an old hunter, I was informed by him, that, wandering with a party of men in a mountain country east of the great California range, he sur- prised a party of several Indian families encamped near a small lake, who abandoned their lodges at his approach, leay- ing every thing behind them. Being in a starving condition, they were delighted to find in the abandoned lodges a number of skin bags, containing a quantity of what appeared to be fish, dried and pounded. On this they madea hearty supper, and were gathering around an abundant breakfast the next morning, when Mr. Walker discovered that it was with these, or a similar worm, that the bags had been filled: The stomachs of the stout trappers were not proof against their prejudices, and the repulsive food was suddenly rejected. Mr. Walker had further opportunities of seeing these worms used as an article of food; and I am inclined to think they are the same as those we saw, and appear to: be a product of the salt lakes. It may be well to recall to your mind that Mr. Walker was associated with Captain Booneville in his expedition to the Rocky Mountains, and has since that time remained in the country, generally residing in some of the Snake villages, wheh not engaged in one of his numerous trapping expedi- tions, in which he is celebrated as one of the best and bravest leaders who have ever been in the country. “The cliffs and masses of rock along the shore were whitened by an incrustation of salt where the waves dashed up against them; and the evaporating water, which had been left in holes and hollows on the surface of the rock, was covered with a@ crust of salt about one-eighth of an inch in thickness. It appeared strange that, in the midst of this grand reservoir, one of the greatest wants lately had been salt. , to be more perfectly dried in the sun, this became very white and fine, having the usual flavor of very excellent common salt, without any foreign taste; but only a little was collected for present use, as there was in it a number of small black insects. “Carrying with us the barometer and other instruments, in the afternoon we ascended to the highest point of the island— a bare, rocky peak, eight hundred feet above the lake. Standing’ 88 \ THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. on the summit, we enjoyed an extended view of the lake, ivclosed in a basin of rugged mountains, which sometimes left marshy flats and extensive bottoms. between them and the shore, and in other places came directly down into the water with bold and precipitous bluffs. Following with our glasses the irregular shores, we searched for some indications of a communication with other bodies of water, or the entrance of other rivers; but the distance was so greav ‘hat we could make out nothing with certainty. To the southward, several peninsular mountains, three or four thousand feet high, entered the lake, appearing, so far as the distance and our position enabled us to determine, to be connected by flats and low ridges with the mountains in the rear. These are probably the islands indicated on maps of this region as entirely detached from the shore. The season of our operations was when the waters were at their lowest stage. At the season of high waters in the spring, it is probable that the marshes and low grounds are overflowed, and the surface of the lake considerably greater. In several places the view was of unlimited extent—here and there a rocky islet appearing above the waters, at a great distance ; and beyond, every thing was vague and undefined. As we looked over the vast expanse of water spread out beneath us, and strained our eyes along the silent shores over which hung so much doubt and uncertainty, and which were so. full of interest to us, I could hardly resist the almost irresistible desire to continue our explorations ; but the lengthening snow on the mountains was a plain indication of the advancing season, and our frail linen boat seemed so insecure that I was unwilling to trust ouz lives to the uncertainties of the lake. I therefore unwillingly resolyed to terminate our survey here, and remain satisfied for the present with what we had been able to add to the unknown geography of the region. We felt pleasure, also, in remem- bering that we were the first who, in the traditionary annals of the country, had visited the islands, and broken, with the cheerful sound of human voices, the long solitude of the . Place. From the point where we were standing, the ground fell off on every side to the water, giving us a perfect view of the island, which is twelve or thirteen miles in circumference, being simply a rocky hill, on which there is neither water nor sem eee eS SOUNDINGS. 80 trees of any kind; although the Fremontia vermicularis, which was in great abundance, might easily be taken for timber at a distance. - “T accidentally left on the summit the brass cover to the object-end of my spy-glass: and, as it will probably remain there undisturbed by Indians, it will furnish matter of specu- lation to some future traveler. In our excursions about the island, we did not meet with any kind of animal; a magpie, and another larger bird, probably attracted by the smoke of our fire, paid us a visit from the shore, and was the only living thing seen during our stay. The rock constituting the cliffs along the shore, where we were encamped, is a talcose rock, or steatite with brown spar. “Tn the morning, the surf was breaking heavily on the shore, and we were up early. The lake was dark and agita- ted, and we hurried through our scanty breakfast, and em- barked—having first filled one of the buckets with water from the lake, of which it was intended to make salt. The sun had risen by the time we were ready to start; and it was blowing a strong gale of wind, almost directly off the shore, and raising a considerable sea, in which our boat strained very much. It roughened as we got away from the island, and it required all the efforts of the men to make any head against the wind and sea,—the gale arising with the sun; and there was danger of being blown into one of the open reaches beyond the island. At the distance of half a mile from the beach, the depth of the water is sixteen feet, with a clay bot- tom; but, as the working of the boat was very severe labor, and during the operation of sounding it was necessary to cease paddling, during which the boat lost considerable way, I was unwilling to discourage the men, and reluctantly gave up my intention of ascertaining the depth and character of the bed. There was a general shout in the boat when we found our- selves in one fathom, and we soon after landed on a low point of mud, immediately under the dutte of the peninsula, where we unloaded the boat, and carried the baggage about a quarter of a mile to firmer ground.” | THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. CHAPTER IV. ARRIVAL AT FORT HALL—FREMONT PROCEEDS TO OREGON FOR PROVISIONS —THE PARTY REUNITED—THE JOURNEY THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS TO CALIFORNIA—ARRIVAL AT SUTTER S FORT—COLONEL BENTON S REMARKS UPON FREMONT’S EXPEDITIONS—RETURN HOME—EXPEDITION DISSOLVED. Tue expedition now recommenced its march, and made its way some distance up Bear river, and finally on to Fort Hall, where Fremont’s party met the division under ‘Fitzpatrick. Again Fremont moved forward with his small party in advance, and, in due time, reached the Dalles river. Here Carson was left in command of the camp, and Fremont, with several companions, proceeded to Vancouver’s Island to purchase provisions for the party. Returning, he found that Fitzpatrick had come up, and the whole expedition was now united.. Fremont next led the party to the Tlamath Lake, in Oregon, where a number of observations were made, when the party turned their faces toward California. Approaching the Sierra Nevada mountains, they were discovered, at a distance, to be covered entirely with snow; and, upon reaching them, it was found to be six feet deep, on a level! This journey of Fremont over the mountains has been justly considered one of the most remarkable ever made. The men had gone but a short distance, when the dangers became so formidable that their Indian guide deserted them. Yet, when menaced by starvation and death—when strong men became lunatic from their dreadful sufferings—the iron wil of the explorer never faltered. He regarded every man of his company as his brother, and was unremitting in his care for them. ‘We are sure the reader will read his own descrip- tion with greater interest than if given in our own words. We commence our extracts at February ist, after the expedi- tion had been considerably over a month upon its way: “1st.—THe snow, which had intermitted in the evening, tommenced falling again in the course of the night, and it snowed steadily all day. In the morning I acquainted the men with my decision, and explained to them that necessity Tequired us to make a great effort to clear the mountains, I PREPARING TO OROSS THE MOUNTAIRR. 41 remixded them of the beautiful valley of the Sacramento, with which they were familiar from the descriptions of Carson, who had been there some fifteen years ago, and who, in our late privations, had delighted us in speaking of its rich pastures and abounding game, and drew a vivid contrast between its summer climate, less than a hundred miles distant, and the falling snow around us. I informed them (and long experience had given them:confidence in my observations and good instruments) that’ almost directly west, and only about seventy miles distant, was' the great farming establishment of Captain Sutter, a° gentleman who had formerly lived in Missouri, and, emigrating to this country, had become the possessor of a principality. I assured them that, from the heights of the mountain before us, we should doubtless see the valley of the Sacrantento river, and with one effort place ourselves again in the midst of plenty. The people received this decision with the cheerful obedience which had always characterized them, and the day was immediately devoted to the preparations necessary to enable us to carry it into effect. Leggins, moccasins, clothing—all were put into the best state to resist the cold. Our guide was not neglected. Extremity of suffering might make him desert; we therefore did the best we could for him. -Leggins, moccasins, some articles of: clothing, and a large green blanket, in addition to the blue and scarlet cloth, were lavished upon him, and ‘to his great, and evident contentment. He arrayed himself in all his colors, and, clad in green, blue and scarlet; he made a gay- looking Indian ; and, with his various presents, was probably richer and better clothed than any of his had ever been before. “Ihave already said that our provisions were very low; we had neither tallow nor grease of any kfnd remaining, and the want of salt became one of our greatest privations. The poor dog which had been found in the Bear river valley, and which had been a compaynon de voyage ever since, had now become fat, and the mess to which it belonged requested permission to kill it. Leave was granted. Spread out on the snow, the meat looked very good ; and it made a strengthening meal to the greater part of the camp. Indians brought in two or three rabbits during the day, which were purchased from them. 43 THE LIFE OF JOHN ©. FREMONT, “The river was forty to seventy feet wide, and now entirely frozen over. It was wooded with large cottonwood, willow, and grain de beuf. By observation, the latitude of this encampment was thirty-eight degrees, thirty-seven minutes, and eighteen seconds. ““2d.—It had ceased snowing, and this morning the lower air was clear and frosty ; and six or seven thousand feet above, the peaks of the Sierra now and then appeared among the rolling clouds, which were rapidly dispersing before the sun. Our Indian shook his head as he pointed to the icy pinnacles, shooting high up into the sky, and seemimg almost imme- diately above us. Crossing the river on the ice, and leaving it immediately, we commenced the ascent of the mountain along the valley of a tributary stream. The people were unusually silent, for every man knew that our enterprise was hazardous, and the issue doubtful. “The snow deepened rapidly, and it soon became necessary to break a road. For this service, a party of ten was formed, mounted on the strongest horses, each man in succession opening the road on foot or on horseback, until himself and his horse became fatigued, when he stepped aside, and the remaining number passing ahead, he took his station in the rear. Leaving this stream, and pursuing a very direct course, we passed over an intervening ridge to the river we had left. On the way we passed two low huts entirely covered with snow, which might very easily have escaped observation. A family was living in each; and the only trail I saw in the neighbor- hood was from the door-hole to a nut-pine tree near, which supplied them with food and fuel. We found two similar huts on the creek where we arrived next; and, traveling a little higher up, encamped on its banks in about four feet depth of snow. Carson found, near, an open hill-side, where the wind and the sun had melted the snow, leaving exposed sufficient bunch-grass for the animals to-night. “The aut-pines were now giving way to heayy timber, and here were some immense pines on the bottom, around the Toots of which the sun had melted away the snow; and here we made our camp and built huge fires. To-day we had traveled sixteen miles, and our elevation above the sea was six thousand seven hundred and sixty feet. THE ASCENT. 43 “3d.—Turning our, faces directly toward the main chain, we ascended an open hollow along a small tributary to the river which, according to the Indians, issues from a mountain to the south. The snow was so deep in the hollow, that we were obliged to travel along the steep hill-sides, and over spurs, where the wind and sun had in places lessened the snow, and where the grass, which appeared to be of good quality along the sides of the mountains, was exposed. We opened our road in the same way as yesterday, but made only seven miles, and encamped by some springs at the foot of a high and steep hill, by which the hollow ascended to another basin in the mountain. The little stream below was entirely puried in snow. ‘The springs were shaded by the boughs of a lofty cedar, which here made its first appearance; the usual height was from one hundred and twenty to one hundred and thirty feet, and one that was measured near by was six feet in diameter. “There being no grass exposed here, the horses were sent back to that which we had seen a few miles below. We occupied the remainder of the day in beating down a road to the foot of the hills, a mile or two distant; the snow being beaten down when moist, in the warm part of the day, and then hard frozen at night, made a foundation that would bear ‘the weight of the animals next morning. During the day several Indians joined us on snow-shoes. These were made of a circular hoop, about a foot in diameter, the interior space being filled with an open network of bark. “4th.—I went ahead early with two or three of my men, each with a led horse to break the road. We were obliged to abandon the hollow entirely, and work along the mountain- side, which was very steep, and the snow covered with an icy crust. We cut a footing as we advanced, and trampled a road through for the animals; but occasionally one plunged outside the trail, and slided along the field to the bottom, a hundred yards below. Late in the day we reached another bench in the hollow, where, in summer, the stream passed over a small precipice. Here was a short distance of dividing ground between the two ridges, and beyond an open basin, some ter miles across, whose bottom presented a field of snow. At the further or western side rose the middle crest of the mountain, a dark-looking ridge of volcanic rock. 44 THE LIFE OF JOHN ©. FREMONT. “The summit line presented a epee of naked peaks, apparently destitute of snow and vegetation; but below, the face of the whole country was covered with timber of extra- ordinary size. “Toward a pass which the guide indicated here, we attempted in the afternoon to force a road; but after a laborious plunging through two or three hundred yards, our best horses gaye out, entirely refusing to make any further effort, and, for the time, we were brought to a stand. The guide informed us that we were entering the deep snow, and here began the difficulties of the mountain; and to him, and almost to all, our enterprise seemed hopeless. I returned a short distance back, to the break in the hollow, where I met Mr. Fitzpatrick. “The camp had been occupied all the day in endeavoring to ascend the hill, but only the best horses succeeded; the animals, generally, not having sufficient strength to bring themselves up without the packs; and all the line of road between this and the springs was strewed with camp-stores and equipage, and horses floundering in snow. I therefore immediately encamped on the ground with my own mess, which was in advance, and directed Mr. Fitzpatrick to encamp at the springs, and send all the animals, in charge of Tabeau, back to the place where'they had been pastured before. Here was a small spot of level ground, protected on one side by the mountain, and on the other sheltered by a little ridge of rock. It was an open grove of pines, which assimilated in size to the grandeur of the mountain, being frequently six feet in diameter. “To-night we had no shelter, but we made a large fire around the trunk of one of the huge pines; and, covering the snow with small boughs, on.which we spread our blankets, soon made ourselves comfortable. The night was yery bright and clear, though the thermometer was only at 10° A strong wind, which sprung up at sundown, made it intensely cold; and this was one of the bitterest nights during the Journey. “Two Indians joined our party here; and one of them, an old man, immediately began. to harangue us, saying that our- selves and animals would perish in the snow; and that, if nneeme PO AACN RS a IO meena 2: cerns mer wresee THE INDIAN GUIDE DESERTS, 45 we would go back, he would show us another and better way across the mountain. He spoke in a very loud yoice, and there was a singular repetition of phrases and arrange- ment of words which rendered his speech striking and not unmusical. ; “ We had now begun to understand some words, and, with the aid of signs, easily comprehended the old man’s simple ideas. ‘ Rock upon rock—rock upon rock—snow upon snow, said he; ‘even if you get over the snow, you will not be able to get down from the mountains. He made us the sign of precipices, and showed us how the feet of the horses would slip and throw them off the narrow trails that led along their sides. Our Chinook, who comprehended even more readily than ourselves, and- believed our situation to be hopeless, covered his head with his blanket, and began to weep and lament. ‘I wanted to see the whites” said he; ‘I came away from my own people to see the whites, and I wouldn’t care to die among them, but here— and he looked around into the cold night and gloomy forest, and, drawing his blanket over his head, began again to lament. “Seated around the tree, the fire illuminating the rocks and the tall bolls of the pines round about, and the old Indian haranguing, we presented a group of very serious faces. “Sth.—The night had been too cold to sleep, and we were up very early. Our guide was standing by the fire with all his finery on; and, seeing him shiver in the cold, I threw on his shoulders one of my blankets. We missed him a few minutes afterward, and never saw him again, He had deserted. His bad faith and treachery were in perfect keep- ing with the estimate of Indian character which a long inter- course with this people had gradually forced upon my mind. “While a portion of the camp were occupied in bringing up the baggage to this point, the remainder were busied in making sledges and snow-shoes. I had determined to explore the mountain ahead, and the sledges were to be used in trans- porting the baggage. “The mountains here consisted wholly of a white micaceous granite. The day was perfectly clear, and, while the sun was in the sky, warm and pleasant. “By observation our latitude was thirty-eight degrees, 48 THE LIFE OF JOHN ©. FREMONT. forty-two minutes, twenty-six seconds; and elevation, by the boiling point, seven thousand four hundred feet. “6th.—Accompanied by Mr. Fitzpatrick, I set out to-day with a reconnoitering party on snow-shoes. We marched all in single file, trampling the snow as heavily as we could. Crossing the open basin, in a march of about ten miles, we reached the top of one of the peaks, to the left of the pass indicated by our guide. Far below us, dimmed by the dis- tance, was a large; snowless valley, bounded on the western side, at the distance of about a hundred miles, by a low range of mountains, which Carson recognized with delight as the mountains bordering the coast. ‘There? said he, ‘is the Little Mountain. It is fifteen years since I saw it, but I am just as sure as if I had seen it yesterday.’ Between us, then, and this low coast range, was the valley of the Sacramento ; and no one who had not accompanied us through the inci- dents of our life for the last few months could realize the delight with which at last we looked down upon it. At the distance of apparently thirty miles beyond us were distin- guished spots of prairie; and a dark line, which could be traced with the glass, was imagined to be the course of the river; but we were evidently at a great height above the valley, and between us and the plains extended miles of _ Snowy fields, and broken ridges of pine-covered mountains. “Tt was late in the day when we turned toward the camp; and it grew rapidly cold as it drew toward night. One of the men became fatigued, and his feet began to freeze, and, building a fire in the trunk of a dry old cedar, Mr. Fitzpatrick remained with him until his clothes could be dried and he was in a condition to come on. After a day’s march of twenty miles, we straggled into camp, one after another, at nightfall ; the greater number excessively fatigued, only two of the party ever having traveled on snow-shoes before. “All our energies were now directed to getting our ani- mals across the snow; and it was supposed that after all the baggage had been drawn with sleighs over the trail we had Made, it would be sufficiently hard to bear our animals. At several places between this point and the ridge, we had dis- Covered some grassy spots, where the wind and sun had the snow from the sides of the hills, and these were SCENERY OF THE MOUNTAINS. 47 to form resting-places to support the animals for a night in their passage across. On our way across we had set on fire several broken stumps and dried trees, to melt holes in the snow for the camps. Its general depth was five feet, but we passed over places where it was twenty feet deep, as shown by the trees. “With one party drawing sleighs loaded with baggage, I advanced to-day about four miles along the trail, and encamped at the first grassy spot, where we expected to bring our horses. Mr. Fitzpatrick, with another party, remained behind, to form an intermeciate station between us and the animals. - «gth—The night had been extremely cold, but perfectly still and beautifully clear. Before the'sun appeared this morning, the thermometer was three degrees below zero; one degree higher when his rays struck the lofty peaks, and at zero when they reached our camp. “ Scenery and weather, combined, must render these mount- ains beautiful in summer; the purity and deep-blue color of the sky are singularly beautiful; the days are sunny and bright, and even warm in the noon hours ; and if we could be free from the many anxieties that oppress us, even now we would be delighted here; but our provisions are getting fearfully scant. Sleighs arrived with baggage about ten o’clock ; and, leaving a portion of it here, we continued on for a mile and a half, and encamped at the foot of a long hill on this side of the open bottom. . “Bernier and Godey, who yesterday morning had been sent to ascend a higher peak, got in, hungry and fatigued. They confirmed what we had already seen. Two other sleighs arrived in the afternoon ; and, the men being fatigued, I gave them all tea and sugar. Snow-clouds began to rise in the south-south-west, and, apprehensive of a storm, which would destroy our road, I sent ‘the people back to Mr. Fitzpatrick, with directions to send for the animals in the morning. With me remained Mr. Preuss, Mr. Talbot, and Carson, with Jacob. , “Elevation of the camp, by the boiling point, is seven thousand nine hundred and twenty feet. “9th.—During the night the weather changed, the wind 48 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. rising to a gale, and commencing to snow before daylight ; before morning the trail was covered. We remained quict in camp all day, in the course of which the weather improved. Four sleighs arrived toward evening with the bedding of the men. We suffer much from the want of salt; and all the men are becoming weak from insufficient food. “10th.—Taplin was sent back with a few men to assist Mr. Fitzpatrick ; and continuing on, with three sleighs carry- ing a part of the baggage, we had the satisfaction to encamp within two miles and a half of the head of the hollow, and at the foot of the last mountain ridge. Here two large trees had been set on fire, and in the holes, where the snow had been melted away, we found a comfortable camp. “The wind kept the air filled with snow during the day; the sky was very dark in the south-west, though elsewhere very clear. ,The forest here has a noble appearance; and tall cedar is abundant ; its greatest height being one hundred and thirty feet, and circumference twenty, three or four feet above the ground; and here I see, for the first time, the white pine, of which there are some magnificent trees. Hem- lock spruce is among the timber, occasionally as large as eight feet in diameter, four feet above the ground; but, in ascending, it tapers rapidly to less than one foot at the height of eighty feet. I have not seen any higher than one hundred and thirty feet, and the slight upper part is frequently broken off by the wind. The white spruce is frequent; and the red pine (pinus colorado of the Mexicans), which constitutes the beautiful forest along the banks of the Sierra Nevada to the northward, is here the principal tree, not attaining a greater height than one hundred and forty feet, though with some- times a diameter of ten. Most of these trees appeared to differ slightly from those of the same kind on the other side of the continent. . “The elevation of the camp, by the boiling point, is eight thousand and fifty fect. We are now one thousand feet above the level of the South Pass in the Rocky Mountains; and still we are not done ascending. The top of a flat ridge near was bare of snow, and very well sprinkled with bunch- grass, sufficient to pasture the animals two or three days; and this was to be their main point of support. This ridge is BREAKING A ROAD. @ composed of a compact trap, or basalt of a columnar structure ; over the surface are scattered large boulders of porous trap. The hills are in many places entirely covered with small frag- ments of volcanic rock. : “Putting on our snow-shoes, we spent the afternoon in exploring the road ahead. The glare/of the snow, combined with great fatigue, had rendered many of the people nearly blind; but we were fortunate in having some black silk hand- kerchiefs, which, worn as vails, very much relieved the eye. “ 11th.—High winds continued, and our trail this morning was nearly invisible—here and there indicated by a little ridge of snow. Our situation became tiresome and dreary, requiring a strong exercise of patience and resolution. “Tn the evening I received a message from Mr. Fitzpatrick, acquainting me with the utter failure of his attempt to get our mules and horsesover the: snow—the half-hidden trail had proved entirely too slight to support them, and they had broken through, and were plunging about or lying half buried in snow. He was occupied in endeavoring to get them back to his camp; and, in the meantime, sent to me for further instructions. I wrote to him to send the animals immediately back to their old pastures; and; after having made mauls and shovels, turn in all the strength of his party to open and beat a road through the snow, strengthening it with branches and boughs of the pines. : “42th.—We made mauls, and worked hard at our end of the road all day. The wind was high, but the sun bright, and the snow thawing. We worked down the face of the hill, to meet the people at the other end. Toward sundown it began to grow cold, and we shouldered our mauls and trudged back to camp. “43th—We continued to labor on the road; and in the course of the day had the satisfaction to see the people work- ing down the face of the opposite hill, about three miles distant. During the morning we had the pleasure of a visit from Mr. Fitzpatrick, with the information that all was going on well. A party of Indians had passed on snow-shoes, who said they were going to the western side of the mountains after fish. This was an indication that thesalmon were coming up the stream; and we'could hardly restrain our impatience 50 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. as we thought of them, and worked with increased vigor. The meat train did not arrive this evening,,and we gave Godey leave to kill our little dog (Tlamath,) which he pre- pared in Indian fashion ; scorching off the hair, and washing the skin with soap and snow, and then cutting it up in pieces, which were laid on the snow. Shortly afterward, the sleigh arrived with a supply of horse-meat ; and we had to-night an extraordinary dinner—pea-soup, mule and dog. “14th.—The dividing ridge of the Sierra is in sight from the encampment. Accompanied by Mr. Preuss, I ascended to- day the highest peak to the right, from which we had a beauti- ful view of a mountain lake at our feet, about fifteen miles in length, and so entirely surrounded by mountains that we could not discover an outlet. We had taken with us a glass; but though we enjoyed an extended view, the valley was half hidden in mist, as when we had seen it before. Snow could be distinguished on the higher parts of the coast mountains ; eastward, as far as the eye could extend, it ranged over a terrible mass of broken, snowy mountains, fading off in the blue distance. The rock composing the summit consists of a very coarse, dark, volcanic conglomerate ; the lower parts appeared to be composed of a slaty structure. The highest trees were a few scattering cedars andaspens. From the immediate foot of the peak, we were two hours reaching the summit, and one hour and a quarter descending. The day had been very bright, still and clear, and spring seems to be advancing. rapidly. While the sun is in the sky, the snow melts rapidly, and gushing springs cover the face of the mountain in all the exposed places; but their surface freezes instantly with the disappearance of the sun. © “JT obtained to-night some observations ; and the result from these, and others made during our stay, gives for the latitude thirty-eight degrees, forty-one minutes and fifty-seven seconds ; longitude, one hundred and twenty degrees, twenty-five min- utes and fifty-seven seconds, and rate of the chronometer 25.82 seconds. “16th.—We nad succeeded in getting our animals safely to the first grassy hill; and this morning I started with Jacob on a reconnoitering expedition beyond the mountain. We traveled along the crests of narrow ridges, extending down THE SUMMIT OF THE PASS. 51 froin the mountain in the direction of the valley, from which the snow was fast melting away. On the open spots was tolerably good grass; and I judged we should succeed in get- ting the camp down by way of these. Toward sundown we discovered some icy spots in a deep hollow; and, descending the mountain, we encamped on the head-waters of a little creek, where at last the water found its way to the Pacific. “The night was clear and very long. We heard the cries of some wild animals which had been attracted by our fire, and a flock of geese passed over during the night. Even these strange sounds had something pleasant to our senses in this region of silence and desolation. ““ We started again early in the morning. The creek acquired a regular breadth of about twenty feet, and we soon began to hear the rushing of the water below the icy surface, over which we traveled to avoid the snow; a few miles below we broke through, where the water was several feet deep, and halted to make a fire and dry our clothes. We continued a few miles further, walking being very laborious without snow- shoes. “JT was now perfectly satisfied that we had struck the stream on which Mr. Sutter lived; and, turning about, made a hard push, and reached the camp at dark. Here we had the pleasure to find all the remaining animals, fifty-seven in num- ber, safely arrived at the grassy hill near the camp; and here, also, we were agreeably surprised with the sight of abundance of salt. Some of the horse-guard had gone to a neighboring hut for pine-nuts, and discovered unexpectedly a large cake of very white-grained salt, which the Indians told them they had brought from the other side of the mountain; they used it to eat with their pine-nuts, and readily sold it for goods. “On the 19th, the people were occupied in making a road and bringing up the baggage; and, on the afternoon of the next day, February 20, 1844, we encamped, with the animals and all the materiel of the camp, on the summit of the Pass in the dividing ridge, one thousand miles by our traveled road . from the Dalles to the Columbia. “The people who had not yet been to this point, climbed the neighboring peak to enjoy a look at the valley. “The temperature of boiling water gave for the elevation D 52 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. of the encampment, nine thousand, three hundred and thirty- eight feet above the sea. “This was two thousand feet higher than the South Pass in the Rocky Mountains, and several peaks in view rose several thousand feet still higher. Thus, at the extremity of the continent, and near the coast, the phenomenon was seen of a range of mountains still higher than the Rocky Mountains themselves. This extraordinary fact accounts for the Great Basin, and shows that there must be a system of small lakes and rivers here, scattered over a flat country, and which the extended and lofty range of the Sierra Neyada prevents from escaping to the Pacific ocean. Latitude, thirty-eight degrees forty-one minutes ; longitude, one hundred and twenty degrees twenty-eight minutes. “ Thus the Pass in the Sierra Nevada, which so well deserves its name of Snowy Mountain, is eleven degrees west and about four degrees south of the South Pass.” : The descent of the mountain was commenced on the twenty- first. They found terrible difficulties still before them. There were deep fields of snow, and an intervening space of rugged mountains through which they were obliged to make their way. They set resolutely to work, however, knowing that inaction was death, and action their only hope. Six miles were made the first day, encamping on a ridge, where was considerable grass and a number of trees against which the snow was heaped to the height of fifteen féet. At night they distinguished fires in the valley below, as if in answer to their own. These signs gave the wearied explorers additional hope, As the lights appeared to be close at hand, the party were certain that friends were near. Day after day, and night after night they were visible, but not attained; and proved to have been kindled by the Indians among the tularies, on the shore of a large pay just visible, fully eighty miles distant! The supper this night was from a mule slain for that purpose. On the morning of the 22d, the toilsome march was resumed, at a very early hour. The crust on the snow bore the weight . of the men and animals most of the time, although they were Occasionally compelled to halt and break a road for the animals. The encampment, that night, was upon another. gtassy ridge, reached with extreme Gifficulty. A second mule DESCENT OF- THE MOUNTAINS. 53 was killed for food. This was now their only resource from Staryation. The weather remained beautifully clear and pleasant, else the little company must haye perished. The 23d was the most difficult day yet experienced. Vast quantities of snow upon the ridge forced them from it, and compelled them to keep the mountain sides, where the rocks were steep and slippery with snow and ice, while the tough evergreens tore their skins and greatly impeded their way. Axes and mauls were required to make a road through the snow. Fremont and Carson went ahead to reconnoiter. En- countering a rapid stream, the mountaineer easily leaped over. Attempting to follow him, the slippery parjléche sole of Fre- mont’s moccasin precipitated him into the stream. Carson, fearing his leader was hurt, immediately sprung to assist him, and thus both were treated to an icy bath. An important loss was Fremont’s rifle, the coldness of the water preventing his finding it. A heayy rain descended that night, and Fre- mont saw from the appearance of several of the men that they were finally giving out. The next morning there was a keen south-east wind, with the thermometer two degrees below the freezing point. The descent was continued down the south side of the mountain, the entire distance passed being almost entirely over dry ground. Pine trees were plenty. One of them was measured and found to be thirty feet in circumference. Soon oak trees, their trunks covered with mistletoe, appeared upon the ridge, and finally rushes. These showed they were approaching more friendly regions, and were hailed with great delight by the party. On a small creek, one of the messes was left with the horses which had giyen out. Ten miles further, the rest _ halted for the night by several rivulets, fringed with rushes, _ upon which their half-famished horses fed with avidity. They now had descended to an elevation of only three thousand eight hundred and sixty-four feet, Their supper this night was varied by killing a horse instead of a mule. On the 25th, Fremont believed the difficulties of the road had been passed. Accordingly he left Fitzpatrick t. follow slowly as the condition of their animals required, and started ahead with a company of cight—consisting of Carson, Mr. Preuss and Talbot, Derosier, Towns, Proue and Jacob. These 64 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONTY were mounted upon the best animals. It was the intention of Fremont to make his way to the house of Mr. Sutter, to obtain a supply of provisions and fresh animals with which to return and assist the little troop left behind. They pressed steadily forward; but on the 27th Fre- mont was compelled fo leave his favorite horse, Proveau, m charge of Jacob, as he gave out, completely. On the goth they encamped in a narrow ravine and Derosier went back for the horse. By morning he had not returned. eeaving him to follow, they made six more miles, when they again camped. Fremont now began to feel uneasy at werosier’s absence, having apprehensions lest he was lost or his mind had become affected. One of his men, Charles Towns, was insane, and started to bathe in an icy torrent as though he were at home and it were midsummer. At night the party was gratified to see Derosier. He came in, took his seat by the fire, and commenced telling them where he had been. He rattled on so incoherently, that Fremont saw with pain the poor fellow was crazy. It proved that he had been lost in the mountains, where hunger and fatigue, weakness of body and fear of perishing thus, had unsettled his reason. The party encamping unusually early, Mr. Preuss continued on down the river and was lost. His absence was not noticed until night, when it was too late to make any search. In the morning, however, his trail was followed until they reached the spot where he had passed.the night. Here they shouted and fired their guns but received no answer. Moving onward; they repeated their shouts, and were rejoiced to hear a faint reply in the distance. It rapidly approached, and soo8 proved to be a straggling Indian, who, frightened nearly out of his wits at the apparition of white men, was not long i? taking himself off again. Not knowing the character of these people, Fremont w2° alarmed more than ever, and pressed rapidly forward, having lost the trail, however, of Preuss. At noon, the party halted, determined to make-an effect to recover Mr. Preuss. On® man took his way along a ridge leading into the river, in tb® hope or crossing his. trail, while another followed their ow? | - back. These men returned at night, having heard or see? nothing of him, — aa ae ag eB ae ad ith en on. led. the 1ed ted rd, int oD out vas ing ed, )ne the we ARRIVAL AT SUTTER’S FORT. 55 Fremont determined to make a rapid march down the river in the morning, in order to get ahead of the lost man, convinced that he was pressing forward as fast as possible under the belief that he was in the rear of the party. A good distance was made, and signs of Indians were seen; but night came on without any signs of Mr. Preuss. Fremont was now so alarmed that he offered a large reward to Derosier (who had perfectly recovered) to retrace the trail. He directed him to go back for a day and a half, at which period, he believed, he would encounter Fitzpatrick. Late in the even- ing, a faint shout was heard in the hills behind, and, to the inexpressible joy of all, Mr. Preuss made his appearance. He gave an account of his adventures, which were affecting enough. He had undergone much suffering, living upon So: roots, and, in fact, any thing that he could lay hands on. The party continued hopefully on through a most beautiful country, where they saw an abundance of sleek, well-con- ditioned deer; but, as they expected to obtain a view of Cap- tain Sutter’s residence every moment, they had no time to halt and bring any of them down. Early in the afternoon, they descried a cozy adobe house, on a little bluif, and, with a shout, hurried toward it. To their disappointment, upon riding up, they found only Indians. Pressing eagerly onward, they suddenly came upon a large Indian village, situated in a broad valley. One of the Indians was in the employ of Cap- tain Sutter, and he volunteered to conduct the party to his house. This offer was gladly accepted. They were soon beneath the pioneer’s hospitable roof. From Captain Sutter they received a most cordial and substantial welcome.* It was a night of rare enjoyment for the party. But the friends left behind were to be attended to, and the next morning, with fresh horses and a bountiful supply of pro- visions, Fremont set out on the relief. All were found—skel- eton men leading skeleton mules and horses, ready to drop with hunger and fatigue. Of sixty-seven horses and mules with which they had commenced crossing the mountains, only thirty-three reached the Sacramento valley. The kind-hearted Sutter made the men at home, and did * It was while digging a mill-race at this fort, in 1848, that Gotp was first discovered. The California gold placers from that moment hecame tbe Aladin lamp for the world of adventurers. 56 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREM NT. all in his power to make them comfortable. It required all of Fremont’s 2etermination to prevent his men from injuring themselves by excesses. Notwithstanding his utmost efforts, several of them lost their reason from a too free indulgence in the food and drink of all kinds to be had for the asking. As the expedition was about to set out upon the return to the States, one of the men made off in the mountains. Every effort was made to recover him. The party separated and spent several days in hunting, but with -no avail, and they were compelled at length to depart without him, Captain Sutter promising that the hunt should not be given up until either the man or his dead body should be found. It is due to Captain Sutter to say that, through his exertions the man was found, restored to his reason and sent back to the United States at the first opportunity. Referring to this second expedition of Fremont, Benton, in his “ Thirty Years’ View,” says : “ Se, -) 5. oe oe, et ot HOMEWARD JOURNEY. - 61 but it was the first step toward the acquisition, and the one that led to it. The second expedition led to a third, just in time to snatch the golden California from the hands of the British, ready to clutch it. But of this hereafter. Fremont’s second expedition was now over. He had left the United States as a fugitive from his Government, and returned with a name that went over Europe and America, and with dis- coveries bearing fruit which the civilized world is now enjoying.” On his homeward journey, Fremont followed up the San Joaquin yalley, crossing, by means of a pass, the Sierra Ne- yada and Coast Range mountains. They continued along this until they struck the Spanish Trail. This was followed to Mohave river. At a point on the Virgin river where this trail leaves it, the camps were changed in order that the horses might have the benefit of better grass. While the party were thus enjoying a day’s rest: one of the party noticed that his riding mule was gone from the herd. ‘Without stat- ing his intentions, he arose and went in search of the animal. His absence was so prolonged that Fremont, full of anxiety, directed Kit Carson to go in search of the deserter. Carson did so, taking three men with him. Reaching their last camp the guide noticed a spot where the man evidently had fallen from his animal, in a wounded condition. A pool of coagulated blood was seen, where the hoofs of the mule were visible. Carson, satisfied that the man was dead, directed his companions to search for the body. The trail of the horse was followed to the river, where all signs were lost. The guide returned to the camp, and informed his leader of the result of their hunt, and the next morning made another search for the body. The most persistent efforts upon the part of every one failed to discover the body. Enough was seen, however, to show that he had fallen a victim to Indian cruelty. ‘ The homeward journey was resumed, the party following the Spanish Trail to the “ Vega of Santa Clara.” Here they proceeded across the country to the Utah Lake, from which they made their way to, the Wintry river, thence to Green river, Brown’s Hole, Little Snake river, on to the mouth of St. Vrain’s Fork, where they crossed the mountains, reaching 62 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. Laramie river below the New Park, and so on to the head- waters of the south fork of the Platte. Leaving this, they made their way to the Arkansas, and finally reached Bent’s Fort, July 2d, 1844. Mr. George Bent, the proprietor, gave a dinner party on the following fourth, in commemoration of the national holiday and of the happy return of the expedition. The remembrance of that day of feast and patriotic emulation, hundreds of miles from civilization, ever afterward was a “ green spot in the memory.” Here the labors of the exploring party were finished. Fremont dissolved his command and continued on his route to Washington. Thus terminated the second great expedition of Colonel Fremont; and, important as it was in acquainting the world with the resources of the mighty West, and in its contributions to the botany, mineralogy and geology, geography and climatology of that then unknown region, it is still surpassed by the subsequent explorations of the “ Pathfinder of the Rocky Mountains.” ; / CHAPTER. v.. HE THIRD EXPLORING EXPEDITION—CARSON AGAIN ENLISTED—PARTY PROCEEDS TO GREAT SALT LAKE—EXAMINATION OF THE ISLAND IN IT —CROSSING THE DESERT—PARTY DIVIDES FOR SAFETY—FREMONT PRO- CEEDS TO SUTTER’S FORT—FAILS TO RELIEVE HIS MEN—ORDERED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY BY GENERAL CASTRO—FREMONT’S REFUSAL TO LEAVE—ORDERED TO CALIFORNIA—INCIDENTS OF THE JOURNEY. Fremonv’s third expedition was commenced in May, 1845. The line of observation which he had adopted, led him through a part of Alta-California, then a province of the Mexican Republic. When the second expedition broke up at Bent’s Fort, Kit Carson promised Fremont that he would join him upon any of his subsequent undertakings. Carson was now at his home in Taos, New Mexico, and an express was immediately dispatched to that place to remind him of his promise. Although the brave fellow had just then adopted the farmer’s life, and it was a great pecuniary loss for him to give it up, he did not hesitate to join his beloved commander. Ve ae Sa. VP ee SSeS eo tH OP @wa a PB e iO GREAT AMERICAN DESERT. 63 He and his friend, Owens, immediately sold out their posses- sions, at a great sacrifice, and started for Bent’s Fort, a long distance away. Reaching it, they found Fremont and his party already there. The meeting was satisfactory upon both sides, and the renowned Kit Carson was enrolled as Fremont’s guide in this third expedition, the last one undertaken by authority of the United States Government. Previous to this, Fremont had been promoted, in the corps of Topographical Engineers, from the post of Lieutenant to the rank of Captain by brevet. The route led up the Arkansas river to the point where it issues from the mountains. From there they made a circuit- ous journey, by the “Soda Springs,” coming back upon the Arkansas, above its cafion. At the head-waters of this, they left it and struck across to the Piney river, which they followed to within twenty-five miles of its mouth. Their explorations were continued to the source of the White river, in the mountains, across which they passed to Prevost’s Fork. Fremont now made his way to the Great Salt Lake, examining the country as far as the south side of this. They halted here several days to recruit, it being the leader’s inten- tion to explore further this remarkable sheet of water, including a large island in it. They saw numbers of: Indians, who informed them that there was a great abundance of game and also fresh water upon this island. The next morning, Fremont, accompanied by Kit Carson and several chosen men, started to examine the island. The water intervening between this and the mainland was so shallow that their horses easily waded it. They found the isolated spot to be fifteen miles long by about five in breadth, and were surprised to find the reports of the Indians true in every particular. Such numbers of antelope were found, that many were killed and their flesh “jerked” for future use. Fresh water was plenty, and good timber was also growing. The incrustations of salt found upon the banks of the lake, varied from the thickness of a wafer to the depth of twelve inches, and, in some cases, it exceeded even a foot. The next day their westward journey was resumed, and the confines of the Great American Desert, or Fremont’s Basin, 64 | THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. was reached. Across this no white man ever had passed Kit Carson, when a hunter, had been in its vicinity several times, and had heard the most experienced hunters speak of its absolute impassability for man.or beast. Unlike the Sahara of Africa, it was believed to possess no oases, and the most hardy hunters had neyer attempted to penetrate its awful solitudes. But for that reason, if for no other, it was to be explored, and the determined leader resolved it should be crossed, and its hidden wonders unfolded. Every man, first among whom was the ever faithful Kit Carson, expressed their ambition to second his efforts, no matter how great the threatened obstacles and sufferings. Early on the following morning, Fremont dispatched Carson, Maxwell and two others with directions to proceed and break the road until they found a suitable camping-site. In case they found it, they were to signalize by means of a fire. The little band of pioneers set out, while Fremont, after their day’s absence, ascended a neighboring elevation with his telescope, to watch for the expected signal. For full sixty miles, Kit Carson and his companions traveled without meeting a drop of water or a blade of grass. This space was an arid desert; but, at the terminatiox of the sixty miles, they reached the mountains on the west side of the lake. Here the fire was kindled, and great as was the distance, Fremont distinguished the faint column of smoke which arose from it, and set his party in motion. The . distance was too great, however, to be passed in one day, and they were compelled to encamp upon the desert. The next day the parties reunited, and made a halt in order to rest and recruit the men and animals. And here, in order to accomplish all that was possible, Fremont divided his command. One of these was placed in charge of his assistant, Mr. Talbot, and a mountaineer named Walker given him as his guide. They were directed to make their way to Mary’s river, which they were to follow down until it was lost in the Great Basin. Fremont’s party con- sisted of sixteen men, including Carson. - The route which he had laid out for himself, was across a tract of country to the south of Mary’s river, which he wished to explore. The PR ee on Ss 0 Se cee oe, ee eee eee SKIRMISH WITH THE INDIANS. ~ - 65 interesting particulars of this journey are too lengthy to be given here; they will all be found in the report of the explorer. Reaching the lake, they awaited the arrival of the other party, which was three days behindhand. They spent one night together, and, in the morning, again separated. Talbot was directed to find a pass which would bring him out near the Sierra Nevada mountains. These he was to cross, and then make his way to the San Joaquin river. Fremont followed up Carson river, and, traversing the Sierra Nevada mountains, reached Sutter’s Fort, without meeting with any accident worth noting. The kind-hearted Captain Sutter supplied all their wants, and treated them as brothers. Pur- chasing forty head of cattle and several horses of him, Fremont set out to relieve the other party. He followed up the San Joaquin to the point where it leaves the mountains, when, convinced that their friends were not to be found in this direction, they proceeded to King’s river, which was followed to its source; still, no white men were discovered. Their cattle had now become so footsore and jaded that Fremont returned to the adjoining prairies in order to save them; but, by the time he had reached the feeding-ground, every one had given out and died. What made the matter worse, was the fact that they had already slain a number of their best oxen. They were thus threatened ‘with suffering upon that account. A short time after, some Indians stole upon their encampment at night and killed two of their mules. The condition of Colonel Fremont’s party was now such that.” they could afford no relief to the other, in case they met them. He therefore concluded to return to Sutter’s Fort and reor- ganize. ‘ While pursuing their way, they suddenly came upon the yery Indians which had slain the mules. They were a large band, and evidently “spoiling for a fight.” Fremont’s own men were anxious for a brush in order to “keep their hand in,” and he willingly gratified both parties. A skirmish commenced, during the progress of which five Indians were killed, when the rest fled and were seen no more. Not one of the whites was killed or even wounded. After suffering greatly from the want of food—counting it a rare luxury when they were enabled to bring down a wild "Oe. THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. horse—they again reached Sutter’s Fort, at which time every man was walking, as their animals were barely able to drag themselves along. Through the kindness and liberality of Mr. Sutter they were all fitted out anew, and made the second | attempt to discover Mr. Talbot and his party. The Coast Range, to San José, was crossed, thinking that, possibly, some of the Indians or hunters there might know something of the lost troop. In answer to inquiries, they were told that a body of men were encamped at that moment at a well known camping site upon the San Joaquin. Fremont immediately sent Kit Carson and two others to the designated place. The guide executed his mission with his usual promptness, bring- ing back the intelligence that it was indeed Mr. Talbot's party, for whom they were searching. As they had suffered a great deal in their journey to and from Sutter’s Fort, Fremont con- cluded to go to Monterey with his party, where all things needed could be procured. When within a few miles of that place, General Castro, the Mexican commander of the territory, sent a message to Colonel Fremont, ordering him and his party to vacate the country immediately, otherwise he ‘should be under the necessity of driving los Americanos out. This impertinent message was received late in the day. Fremont, as soon as he had read it, fell back to a place where he fortified himself and made preparations to receive the gallant Mexican General. The pretext of this ruler was that Fremont’s expedition was not to explore, but to excite a revolt of the American settlers against the Mexican Government! Our countrymen had hardly prepared themselves, when General Castro, at the head of several hundred troops, made his appearance, and established his camp within a short distance of the exploring party, confidently expecting that his formidable appearance would soon frighten the intruders out of the country. He had artillery, infantry and cavalry with him, and made a great display with his booming cannon and his fancifully uniformed soldiers. Should a collision occur, it was almost morally certain that these seven hundred Mexicans, armed in the best manner possible, would annihilate the little handful of Americans. Many of our countrymen, who were then in Mon- terey, sent expressmen to Colonel Fremont, earnestly urging Ey Oe ey, aa ia a oe) .., es DISPATCHES FROM HOME. : er him to retreat, as they felt certain that his whole band would be massacred by their enemies. To these kindly messages Fremont replied that he had done -nothing to awaken the resentment of the Mexicans; that General Castro well knew he had none but peaceful intentions in entering the country, and that he held proper permission to explore the region. Under these circumstances he had a plain duty to perform, and he should not leave the country without performing it. Determined to do this, the little band remained in camp for three days, at the expiration of which time, feeling satisfied that General Castro had no intentions of disturbing them, and that he had gained some idea of the mettle of his band, Fre- mont struck his camp and withdrew to the Sacramento river. The valiant Mexican General did not disturb the “ gritty Yankee,” and the party made its way to Lawson’s Trading Post, where Fremont deemed it best to purchase supplies, and thus avoid giving the Mexicans any cause of offense. There ten days were spent, when some American settlers brought in the intelligence that a thousand Indian warriors were gathering for the purpose of laying waste their ranclies —instigated by the Mexicans. The exploring party, together with several men from the Post, offered their services to their countrymen, and, under command of Fremont, they shortly after went out to meet the savages. Reaching their village, they at once precipitated an attack, and, although the Indians made a firm stand for some time, they were routed in the end with great loss. After this exploit, the party again returned to the Post. Having received his supplies, Fremont set out for tha Columbia river, through the romantic region of the Tlamath lakes. While in the midst of this wild region, on the eighth of May two horsemen suddenly issued from one of the rugged gorges and rapidly approached. Coming up, they proved to be part of a guard of six American soldiers, conducting Lieu- tenant Gillespie, of the United States Marines, to Monterey, he haying dispatches for the American Consul at that place, and also letters for Fremont. Lieutenant Gillespie's animals haying given out, he sent forward these two men to intercept Fremont, and ask for assistance, as they were in imminent danger from the Indians. ‘ E 68 THE LIFE OF JOHN ©. FREMONT. There was not a minute to spare. Selecting ten men, he started, directing his company to follow on as rapidly as possible. Not a bridle was drawn until they had ridden sixty miles, when they met Lieutenant Gillespie, who seemed unaware how imminent the danger was that hung over him. He knew little of the human monsters constantly hovering around him, only waiting for a fitting opportunity to massacre the whole party. The meeting between Gillespie and Fremont was very cordial. The former delivered into the hands of the latter the dispatches intended for him, together with a number of letters from his wife and friends at home. The dispatches from Government directed Fremont to proceed to California, and thwart any steps that the British Government was taking to annex that territory to their domain. That night Fremont sat up alone for many hours reading the letters from his devoted wife and friends, then many hundreds of miles away. The camp was upon the banks of one of those beautiful lakes which abound in that region. The men, wearied and exhausted, had Jain down to seek refreshing slumber. This was the second night in Fremont’s experience that he failed to appoint a watch through the night, and it was also his last- default. The night was Clear and calm, and all, save the leatter, were soon wrapped in dreamless sleep. He was seated by one of the camp-fires, perusing, with the most eager avidity, his different letters. The silence around him was profound as the tomb. The horses were picketed near at hand, and were now as quiet as their masters. Near one o’clock Fremont heard a movement among them, as though something had occurred to alarm. He arosesat once, and passed out to ascertain the cause. He searched carefully around, peering in every direction, but discerned nothing. The clear, full moon, shining in an unclouded sky, lit up the ground for a long distance around the encampment, but failed to reveal any thing that could excite alarm. Not a ripple disturbed the placid surface of the lake, and no living thing seemed to inhabit the dark, gloomy forests that partially surrounded them. Suspecting no danger, Fremont returned to his seat, and knowing how wearied his men were, allowed them to sleep on. Having finished perusing his wee he also lay down and was soon unconscious, a Mes, BY eee a4osr as NIGHT ATTACK BY THE INDIANS. 69 All was now quie’ for a few moments, when the trained ear of Kit Carson detected a sound that resembled the moan of a dying person. As quick as lightning he sprung to -his feet, and in thunder-tones aroused the camp. The moan that had aroused him was that of Basil Lajeunesse, as a toma- hawk clove his skull, while a Delaware Indian was slain before him. The mountaineers were instantly on their feet, when a regular hunter and Indian fight commenced. As Kit Carson left the fire, which rendered him a conspicuous target, he saw several savages approaching it. There were also four Indians lying by this fire when the alarm occurred, and who had sprung to their feet the very moment it was given. One pf them unfortunately snatched up a rifle which was not his own, and which was unloaded. The poor Dela- ware did not know this. He kept cocking and pulling the trigger, bravely standing his ground, while five arrows—either one of which would have caused death—pierced his breast, when he threw his gun from him, dropped to the ground, and expired. . As Kit Carson caught up his gun, it flashed across him that the tube was broken the night before, and the weapon was, consequently, useless. He threw it down, and, drawing a single-barreled pistol, made at the Indian who was so safely firing his arrows into the breast of the Delaware. When near enough, Carson fired, but the Indian kept up such a constant dodging that he only cut the string that held his bow to his arm. Maxwell now fired and wounded the savage in the leg. The Indian turned to run, when a bullet from one of the other mountaineers passed through his heart. The assailants, seeing the camp was fully aroused, made off. The Indians who made this attack were a band that had followed Lieutenant Gillespie through the day, and who had expressed the most earnest friendship for him. One of the dead bodies, discovered the next morning, was that of the very chief who had given him a fish as a token of their amity. Three of the whites were lost, besides one who was slightly wounded. The death of Basil Lajeunesse was mourned by all, and by none more than Fremont. He had long been his right-hand man, and had won the respect and love << all #y his faithfulness, hardihood and unflinching bravery aw 70 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. hour of danger. He had been a merrher of the former expe- ditions, and one of the most useful men in the company. There was but one man his equal, and he was the. peerless Kit Carson. No more sleep tnited. the camp that night. The men took positions behind the neighboring trees and logs, and made full preparations to give their enemy a warm reception, in case they made their appearance again. They were seen no more, however, as they had gained too much knowledge of the mettle of the whites. The fallen ones were buried the next morning, and their graves carefully concealed to avoid any violations of their bodies by the Indians. In pursuance of his instructions, Fremont turned back from Oregon and made his way toward California. : 4 CHAPTER VI. NEW ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA—ATTACK AN INDIAN VILLAGE—ARRIVAL AT LAWSON’S POST—CAPTURE OF SONOMA—GENERAL CASTRO SENDS A LARGE FORCE TO ATTACK THE AMERICANS, BUT THEY LOSE HEART—AMERICAN SETTLERS FLOCK TO FREMONT-—POSSESSION OF LOS ANGELOS BY COMMO- DORE STOCKTON AND FREMONT, . Fremont, determined to take a new route to California, commenced by passing round the Tlamath lakes. After going a few miles, the expeditionists came within the territory of the Indians who had attacked. them the night before. The anxiety of the men to retaliate was such that the leader directed Kit Carson, with ten men, to go ahead the next morning, and, in case re discovered an Indian village, without being themselves seen, to return at once and report the same, when he (Fremont) would hurry forward with the rest of the * men to make the attack. Carson set out, and, striking a fresh trail, soon came upon a Village numbering about one hundred and fifty warriors. Despite the precautions of the hunters, they were discovered, and Kit sent an express back with such a report to his leader. Fearful that the latter would not arrive in time, Carson, after Bae ae ee 5 Re Oe. ed ee cm ote PURSUIT OF GENERAL CASTRO. 71 consulting with his companions, concluded to make the attack at once. The assault was made—a desperate resistance encountered — the Indians routed and scattered, and their village burned to ashes. Fremont saw the smoke of the burning wigwams, and made all haste, but did not arrive until the fight was over. That night, howeyer, the savages returned to the village, and, in an affray with a single Indian, Fremont saved the life of Kit Carson by riding down the assailant. This incident will never be forgotten by Carson, who, to this day, expresses the most lively gratitude to his beloved leader for thus interposing at the risk of his own life, and saving him from death. Peter Lawson’s Fort was at length reached in safety. There the party rested for nearly a week. Anxious to take part in the heralded hostilities, Fremont left as soon as possi- ble, and made his way to the Buttes, lower down on the Sacramento, where he awaited positive orders. Growing impatient, however, and feeling certain the war had com- menced, he concluded to take the responsibility of sending a portion of his men against Sonoma—a military post belonging to the Mexicans, whose garrison at this time was illy pre- pared ‘to repel an assault. This post was captured, together with a General and two Captains, besides some cannon and small-arms. . At this juncture positive intelligence reached Fremont that war was declared by the United States against Mexico. He started at once with the remainder of his men and joined the rest of his command at Sonoma. While here, General Castro sent a large force from San Francisco with orders to drive the Americans out of the country; but, the courageous Captain, learning that Fremont was only too anxious to meet him, suddenly lost heart, although his force was three times as great as the Americans, and commenced a retreat. Hoping that he might be made to fight, Fremont pursued him for six days; when, finding that the valiant Mexican could not be overtaken, he made his way back to Sonoma. The frightened Captain, upon reaching San Francisco, dared not pause, as he believed the abominable Americans had made up their minds to run him into the Pacific Ocean. He, therefore, kept on to Pueblo, of Los Angelos, where he gladly rejoined General Castro and yielded the command up to him. "72 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. Fremont had given out to the American settlers that, by placing themselves under his protection, they should be pro- tected from the Mexicans. They now flocked to him in such numbers that he soon had quite an army at his command. Leaving a strong garrison at Sonoma, Fremont made his way to Sutter’s Fort, which he placed under military rule, leaving several prisoners here. With his entire exploring party he started for Monterey, intending to attack that place. In this project, however, he had been anticipated by the American squadron, under Commodore Sloat. Fremont was kindly received by the Commodore and his officers. Sloat leaving the country a short time afterward, the command devolved upon Commodore Stockton. A consultation being had, the conclusion was formed that it was impossible to overtake and engage the Mexican forces by land. Fremont accordingly asked for a ship to transfer his men to San Diego, from which he could_march upon Pueblo, of Los Angelos. Commodore Stockton furnished the Cyane for this purpose. Four ‘days later the party arrived at San Diego, when scouts were sent out through the neighboring country to bring in horses with which to mount the men. Fremont’s entire force consisted of but one hundred and fifty men—certainly a weak command with which to enter an enemy’s lines; yet, all had had their courage tried upon the battle-field, and there was no hesitation among them in encountering the hazards before them. The horses being obtained, Fremont set out for Los Angelos, where General Castro had a force of seven hundred men at his disposal ; but the General would not fight. Hear- ing of the Americans’ approach, he made a precipitate retreat toward Sonora. Fremont marched within a few miles of the town, where, according to previous agreement, he awaited Commodore Stockton, who soon came up with his sailors and marines. These two commands united and marched for Los Angelos. Entering that place, it was found to be deserted, its valiant defenders having scattered in every direction. Possession was at once taken, and the Stars and Stripes soon floated to the breeze in this ancient Mexican city. The two forces remained there some time, when Commodore Stockton proceeded to San Diego, and Colonel Fremont to Monterey. < ARRIVAL OF GENERAL KEARNEY. OHAP THRE Lt. FREMONT’S COURT-MARTIAL. On the fifteenth of September, 1846, Kit Carson, at the head of fifteen men, was sent by the overland journey, as bearer of important dispatches to Washington. He was ordered to make the trip in sixty days, if possible, and to deliver them without delay. The mountaineer made good progress, meet- ing with no incident worth relating, until within two days’ travel of the copper mines in New Mexico. Here he had some difficulty with a band of hostile Indians, but escaped by stratagem. As this has no connection with the affair of which _ we intend to speak, we pass it with this simple reference. _ Traveling as fast as possible, on the sixth of October, 1846, the party descried a dark line in the horizon, which, upon approaching, was found to be a strong detachment of United States troops, under General Kearney, sent by the Government to operate in California. Kit Carson* reported himself to General Kearney, told him that California was already con- quered, and that the services of his force were not required. Kearney, however, concluded to go on, when Carson stated that Fremont had been appointed Governor of California by Commodore Stockton. Kearney replied that he was friendly to Fremont, and would assist in confirming him in authority. General Kearney accordingly sent Mr. Fitzpatrick to Wash- ington with the dispatches, while he retained Carson as his guide. This duty was performed with such faithfulness and skill, that the command reached Warner’s Ranche in California on the third of December, from which place they commenced their march toward San Diego. It was on this march that General Kearney was hemmed In by an overwhelming force of Mexicans, and his men only saved from slaughter by the skill and daring of Kit Carson and Lieutenant Beale, who ran the lines of sentinels at night, made their way to San Diego, where Commodore Stockton was stationed, and who at once sent assistance to his countrymen.t * See Benton’s Thirty Years’ View, vol. IL., page 718. ; + See Life of Kit Carson, (Beadle’s Biographical Library Series, page 73.) 74 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. A month later and the united forces of the United States at San Diego were in a condition to take the field, and prepara- tions were made for marching against San Gabriel. Six hundred men under the command of Commodore Stockton and General Kearney, were detailed to do the service. ' They reached a point within fifteen miles of it in a few days, where they found the Mexican forces had taken up a strong position on a hill, which was fully fortified against attack. A small river only separated the American and Mexicar camps. The commanders of the former concluded to defer the attack until the next day. Early in the morning, two pieces of - artillery were brought to bear upon the Mexicans, and were managed with such skill, that the enemy was soon compelled to break up camp. General Kearney and Commodore Stock- ton immediately crossed the river and marched upon the town. Entering San Gabriel, they found the place deserted, and were told that the Mexicans were on their way to attack Colonel Fremont, who, with a force of four hundred Americans was marching from Monterey toward San Gabriel. It proved, however, that the Mexicans upon meeting the Explorer, volunta- rily surrendered to him in preference to the other commanders. Colonel Fremont continued on to San Gabriel, where he and his men established themselves for the winter. Commodore Stockton had appointed Fremont Governor of California, at the time he had entered Los Angelos and taken possession of the whole country as conquered territory of the United States. This appointment of Com- modore Stockton was in accordance with the acknowl- edged law of nations under such circumstances, and Fremont was as rightfully Governor as though appointed by Congress. On the sixteenth of January, 1847, General Kearney addressed a note to Commodore Stockton, in which this pass- age occurs; “I am informed that you are now engaged in organizing a civil government, and appointing officers for it in this territory. As this duty has been specially assigned to myself, by order of the President of the United States—the original of which I gave you on the twelfth, and which you returned to me on the thirteenth, and copies of which I fur- nished you on the twenty-sixth of December, I have to ask whether you have any authority from the President to form A QUESTION OF RANK. 5 such government, and to make appointments. If you have such authority, and will show it to me, or will furnish me with a certified copy of it, I will cheerfully acquiesce in what you ° are doing. If you have not such authority, 1 then demand that you cease all further proceedings relating to the forma- ' tion of a civil government for this territory, as I can not - recognize in you any right in assuming to perform duties confided to me by the President.” Commodore Stockton, as might be expected, sent a sharp reply to this letter. Without referring to the demand made for information, he concluded: “I will only add, that I can not do any thing, nor desist from doing any thing on your demand, which I will submit to the President and ask for your recall. Inthe mean time you will consider yourself suspended from the command of the United States forces in this place.” The dispute between the rival commanders, necessarily inyolyed Colonel Fremont in the difficulty.. One of the two, he was obliged to treat as Commander-in-Chief of the Territory, and under date of January 17, 1847, he writes thus to General Kearney : “Thave the honor to be in receipt of your favor of last night, in which I am directed to suspend the execution of orders which, in my capacity of military commandant of this territory, I had received from Commodore Stockton, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in California. I avail myself of an early hour this morning, to make such a reply as the brief time allowed for reflection will enable me. I found Commo- dore Stockton in possession of the country, exercising the functions of military commandant and civil Governor, as early as July of last year; and shortly thereafter I received from him the commission of military commandant, the duties of which I immediately entered upon, and have continued to exercise until the present moment. “T learned also in conversation with you, that, on the march from San Diego, recently, to this place, you entered upon and discharged duties implying an acknowledgment on your part of supremacy to Commodore Stockton. “T feel, therefore, with great deference to your professional and personal character, constrained to say that, until you and Commodore Stockton adjust between yourselves the question ~ ‘ 76 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. of rank, where I respectfully think the difficulty belongs, I shall have to report and receive orders as heretofore, from the Commodore.”* The assumption of the functions of Governor of California, by Fremont, in the face of the superior jurisdiction claimed by General Kearney, was the cause of the charges which were brought against him, and which led to his court-martial. It is not our wish at this day, and under the extraordinary cir- cumstances in which our country is placed, to refer to this court-martial, only as far as required by justice to the subject of these pages. Upon General Kearney’s return to Fort Leavenworth, he placed Colonel Fremont under arrest. The charges preferred against him were mutiny, disobedience to orders and irregular conduct. Fremont arrived home under arrest, and awaited the result of the investigation which was to be made. He was accused and tried upon the charges of having mutinicd because General Kearney had failed to appoint him Governor of California, and of having, in default of such appointment, assumed the office of Governor and exercised the duties of that office. As an evidence of the latter, an instrument in writing was produced, in which he had under- taken to purchase Pelican Island, near the mouth of San Francisco Bay, for five thousand dollars, to the use of the Uni- ted States, which money was to be’ drawn from the Federal treasury. Concerning Fremont’s court-martial, an author of one of the several memoirs of Fremont, already before the public, remarks : “The charge of mutiny was chiefly devised and urged against Colonel Fremont, through the jealousy of some of his rivals among the officers of the army. “The direct answer to the charge is, not that Fremont had not acted as Governor of California, exercised all the func- tions which at that time appertained to the office; but that he lawfully held the appointment, having received it, first from Commodore Stockton, acting under the approval of Govern- ment, and afterward confirmed in the office by General Kearney. But, other proofs were alleged in support of the charge, that Colonel Fremont’s exercise of these functions was * (See Bigelow’s “Life of Fremont,’ Chapter IX., for this entire correspondence.. ; _ he ee Se tet he A a a a fs eek a st a Seaomwopeae VERDICT OF THE COURT. 37 unauthorized, and the bitterness of professional jealousy urged on the trial. The result was, that the defendant was found guilty of all the charges and specifications, though there is every reason to believe that the decision was by no means unanimous. When the verdict was presented to President Polk for his approval, he replied, after having carefully ex-° amined the papers laid before him, that there was no mutiny technically proved, but he thought that several inferior charges which had been preferred, were proved.’ He there- fore sustained the sentence of the court-martial, in reference to these; but, in view of the previous meritorious conduct of Colonel Fremont, and his valuable services, the sentence of dismissal from service was remitted. He was therefore dis- charged from arrest, and ordered to resume his sword, and report himself for duty. Immediately on receiving this order, Fremont sent in his resignation as Lieutenant-Colonel in the army of the United States; and very justly refused to receive an act of clemency from the President, which would, by implication, admit the justice of the sentence which had been passed upon him.” _ As an evidence of the injustice of the decision, it may be mentioned that two of General Kearney’s officers kept journals of their commander’s expedition to California. These journals state that, on the sixth of October, 1846, when approaching California, they met Kit Carson, who was carrying a mail of public letters to Washington, and who stated that that country had already been subjugated by Colonel Fremont and Com- modore Stockton, and that the latter had appointed the former Governor of the territory. Add to this, the statement given by Kit Carson, which we have before referred to, and no stronger evidence could be needed to exculpate the noble- minded Explorer from all blame. As Smucker remarks, it may be technically true that, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, in a critical moment, he had acted independently of orders from his superiors, in some of the striking and decisive schemes of the California war. But, that he, of set purpose, ever intended to transcend or to disobey orders, when given by legitimate authority, is absurd and untrue. But the complete refutation of these charges was the verdict %8 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. of the People! They saw and admired the heroism, the dis- . interestedness, the iron will, the firm, the unswerving principle of the Pathfinder of the Racky Mountains, when, a few years later, his name became the rallying cry for a great and - influential party. OMAP fH Rh VobLE:. FREMONT’S FOURTH EXPEDITION. Havine sufficiently vindicated himself, Fremont began planning a new expedition. His desire was to complete the exploration which he had commenced, for he looked forward with ardent hope to the establishment of a railroad to the Pacific. He chose as his line of march the head of the Rio Grande del Norte, a country which as yet had never been visited by him. ~ His party numbered thirty-three picked men, all of whom had served under him. These were furnished by Fremont, at his own expense, with one hundred and twenty mules, with good rifles and every thing that could be needed upon sucha journey. This undertaking, the reader must bear in mind, was made by Fremont himself, since he had resigned his office under Government, and held no commission or authority to act for his country, officially. It turned out to be the most dangerous and unfortunate of all his expeditions. Fremont had resolved to travel in winter, forthe reason that all the obstacles and disadvantages of the route could be discovered, although it was necessarily more dangerous and fatiguing for travel and exploration. At the close of Novem- ber, 1848, the party arrived at the Pueblos, on the Arkansas, at the base of the mountains which they were to cross. Here they dismounted and labored on foot through the snow-fields, which, in many places, were waist deep. They reached, at last, the opposite side of the Sierra, where lay the beautiful valley of San Louis. By means of his telescope, Fremont distinguished, far in the distance, a snowy depression in the mountains, which he was told by thé hunters, was the pass for which he was seeking. Another man than Kit Carson’ ‘ MISLED BY THE GUIDE. 79 was the guide to this expedition, and he confirmed the state- ment of the hunters. This man urged Fremont to take this route as the only safe and available one for his command. . Yet the leader was reluctant to do so; his own sagacity and his extensive experience made him fearful that impassable obstacles would be encountered. He disputed with the guide for two hours, when, having no positive knowledge of the country himself, he consented to adopt his advice. The little party commenced ascending the mountains. The weather was of intense coldness, the snow deeper even than they had feared, and the angle of ascent very abrupt. Towering rocks and crags confronted them; and at night, when they encamped, they had crossed the limit of vegetation. This first night in the mountains, their animals and most of the men would have frozen to death had it not been for the care and energy of the leader. Early in the morning the ascent was resumed. The weather was colder than the preceding day, the snow deeper, and the dangers from the numerous precipices more imminent. Mauls were made, and a portion of the party proceeded in advance to beat down the snow for the animals. This was exceedingly fatiguing work and the laborers were compelled to relieve each other. Thus slowly and painfully was the top of the mountains reached. Here they saw no signs of vege- tation, and nothing around was visible save mountain peaks and interminable fields all covered deep with snow. Every thing was white, except the clear,.cold blue sky above. A keen wind cut their shrinking bodies to the very bones. No pass was visible! The guide had misled them and they were lost. Then a terrible snow-storm set in. It was whirled in blinding eddies around them, and soon became so deep that their mules had no power to make their way through it. That night was so cold that those one hundred and twenty mules, huddled closely together from an instinct of preserva- tion, all froze stark dead where they stood, fell over like logs and were hidden from view by the drifting snow ! The situation of the men, indeed, was terrible. They could not advance; so, throwing their baggage from them as fatal incumbrances, they made a rapid retreat to the summit and commenced descending the opposite side. After a while they 80 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. stumbled upon somé rocks which afforded a partial shelter. There they kindled a fire and rested for a short time. But, delay was death. They were destitute and would soon freeze to death. Four of the best men were sent to the nearest Mexican settlement, ten days’ travel away, for food and relief. Fremont gave them twenty days to perform the journey in. Sixteen dreadful days dragged away, and the suffering of the men had become go great, that Fremont him- self could bear delay no longer. ‘With three faithful compan- ions, he set out to meet the relief which he supposed was coming. After toiling for six days through the snow, they came upon the camp of their friends. They found three men, gaunt, cadaverous, despairing and of a horrid appearance, but the fourth was gone. Fremont inquired for him. One of: the men raised his skeleton hand and pointed silently to an object lying a short distance away. Fremont approached, and found the dead body of the missing man. He had perished from suffering and. the others had devoured part of his body! They had now given up and were waiting for death to relieve them of their agonies. Fremont took the miserable survivors with him and con- tinued his journey. Coming upon the trail of Indians, they followed it down the Rio Del Norte, where they captured a single Indian. He turned out to be a young chief that Fremont had met upon one of his previous expeditions. He was well disposed, and guided them to the settlements where they procured four horses and a supply of food, and started out for the relief of their companions. They found one-third- of them already dead, and many of the others crippled for life. We give Fremont’s own account of this awful journey, as contained in a letter to his wife, and from the narrative of Mr. Carvalho who accompanied the expedition as artist. Fremont, referring to “Bill Williams,” the guide, says: “He proved never to have in the least known, or entirely to have forgotten, the whole region of country through which we were to pass. We occupied more than half a month in making the journey of a few days, blundering a tortuous way through deep snow which already began to choke up the passes, for which we were obliged to waste time in searching. About the eleventh of December we found ourselves at the TERRIBLE SITUATION OF THE PARTY. 81 north of the Del Norte cafion, where that river issues from the St. John’s Mountain, one of the highest, most rugged and impracticable of all the Rocky Mountain ranges, inaccessible to trappers and hunters even in the summer time. “ Across the point of this-celebrated range our guide con- ducted us, and having still great confidence in his knowledge, we pressed onward with fatal resolution. Even along the river bottoms the snow was alr@iiy belly deep for the mules, frequently snowing in the valley and almost con- stantly in the mountains. The cold was extraordinary ; at the warmest hours of the day (between one and two) the thermometer (Fahrenheit) standing, in the shade of only a tree trunk, at zero—the day sunshiny with a moderate breeze. We pressed up toward the summit, the snow deepening; and in four or five days reached the naked ridges which lie above the timbered country, and which form the dividing grounds between the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. “ Along these naked ridges it storms nearly all winter, and the winds sweep across them with remorseless fury. On our first attempt to cross we encountered a pouderié (dry snow driven through the air by a violent wind and in which objects are visible only a short distance,) and were driven back, hay- ing some ten or twelve men variously frozen—face, hands, or feet. The guide came nigh being frozen to death here, and dead mules were already lying about the fires. Meantime, it snowed steadily. The next day we made mauls, and beat- ing a road or trench through the snow, crossed the crest in defiance of the pouderié, and encamped immediately below in the edge of the timber. “ Westward, the country was buried in deep snow. It was impossible to advance, and to turn back was equally imprac- ticable. We were overtaken by sudden and inevitable ruin and it was instantly apparent that we should lose every, animal. “T determined to recross the ‘mouitains more toward the open country, and haul or pack the baggage (by men) down to the Del Norte. With great labor the baggage was trans- ported actoss the crest to the head springs of a little stream leading to the main river. A few days were sufficent to destroy our fine band of mules. They generally kept huddled 82 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. together, and as they froze, one would be seen to tumble down, and the snow would cover him; sometimes they would ’ preak off and rush toward the timber until they were stopped by the deep snow, where they were soon hidden by the “The courage of the men failed fast; in fact, I have never geen men so soon discouraged by misfortune as we were or this occasion ; but, as you#know, the party was not constituted - like the former ones. But among those who deserve to be honorably mentioned, and who behaved like what they were —men of the old exploring party—were Godey, King and Taplin; and, first of all, Godey. “Tn this situation, I determined to send in a party to the Spanish settlements of New Mexico for provisions and mules to transport our baggage to Taos. With economy, and after we should leave the mules, we had not two weeks’ provision in the camp. From among the volunteers I chose King, Brackenridge, Creutzfeldt, and the guide Williams—the party under the command of King. In case of the least delay at the settlements, he was to send me an express. “Day after day passed by, and no news from our express party. Snow continued to fall almost incessantly on the mountain. The spirits of the camp grew lower. Proue lay down in the trail and froze to death. In a sunshiny day, and having with him means to make a fire, he threw his blankets down in the trail, and lay there till he froze to death. After sixteen days had elapsed from King’s departure, I became so uneasy at the delay that I decided to wait no longer. I was aware that our troops had been engaged in hostilities with the Spanish Utahs and Apaches, who range in the North river valley, and became fearful that they (King’s party) had been cut off by these Indians; I could imagine no other accident. Leaving the camp employed with the baggage, and in charge of Mr. Vincenthaler, I started down the river with a small party, consisting of Godey (with his young nephew), Mr. Preuss and Saunders. We carried our arms and provision for two or three days. In the camp the messes had provisions for two or three meals, more or less; and about five pounds of sugar to each man. Failing to,meet King, my intention was to make the Red river settlement, about twenty-five miles A DESPERATE EFFORT FOR RELIEF. 83 north of Taos, and send back the speediest relief possible. My instructions to the camp were, that if they did not hear from me in a stated time, they were to follow down the Del Norte. “About sunset on the sixth day, we discovered a little smoke, in a grove of timber off from the river, and thinking perhaps it might be our express party on its return, we went to see.. This was the twenty-second day since they had left us, and the sixth since we had left the camp. We found them —three of them, Creutzfeldt, Brackenridge and Williams—the most miserable objects I had ever seen. I. did not recognize Creutzfeldt’s features when Brackenridge brought him up to me and mentioned his name. They had been starving. King had starved to death a few days before. By aid of the horses, we carried these three men with us to Red river settlement, which we reached (Jan. 20th) on the tenth evening after leaving our camp in the mountains, having traveled through snow and on foot one hundred and sixty miles. “The morning after reaching Red river town, Godey and myself rode on to the Rio Hondo and Taos, in search of animals and supplies, and on the second evening after that on which we had reached Red river, Godey had returned to that place with about thirty animals, provisions, and four Mexicans, with which he set out.for the camp on the following morning. “You will remember that I had left the camp with occu- pation sufficient to employ them for three or four days, after which they were to follow me down the river. Within that time I had expected the relief from King, if it was to come at all. “They remained where I had left them seven days, and then started down the river. Manuel—you remember Manuel, the Cosumne Indian—gayve-way to a feeling of despair after they had traveled about two miles, begged Haler to shoot him, and then turned and made his ‘way back to camp, intending to die there, as he doubtless soon did. They followed our trail down the river—twenty-two men they were in all. About ten miles below the camp, Wise gave out, threw away fis gun and blanket, and a few hundred yards further fell over in ghe snow and died. Two Indian boys, young men, eountrymen of Manuel, were behind. They rolled up Wise F 84 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. in his blanket, and buried him in the snow on the river-bank. No more died that day—none the next. Carver raved during the night, his imagination ‘wholly occupied with images of many things which he fancied himself eating. In the morn- ing, he wandered off from the party, and probably died. They ‘did not see him again. ea “Sorel on this day gave out and lay down to die. They built him a fire, and Morin, who was in a dying condition, and snow-blind, remained. These two probably did not last till the next morning. That evening, I think, Iubbard killed a deer. They traveled on, getting here and there a grouse, but probably nothing else, the snow having frightened off the game. Things were desperate, and brought Haler to the determination of breaking up the party, in order to prevent them from living upon each other. He told them ‘that he had done all he could for them; that they had no other hope remaining than the expected relief, and that their best plan was to scatter and make the best of their way in small parties down the river. That, for his part, if he was to be eaten, he would, at all events, be found traveling when he did die.’ They accordingly separated. “With Mr. Haler continued five others and the two Indian boys. Rohrer now became very despondent; Haler encour- agea him by recalling to mind his family, and urged him to hold out a little longer. On this day he fell behind, but promised to overtake them at evening. Haler, Scott, Hubbard and Martin agreed that if any one of them should give out, the others were not to wait for him to die, but build a fire for him and push on. At night, Kern’s mess encamped a few hundred yards from Haler’s, with the intention, according to Taplin, to remain where they were until the relief should come, and in the mean time to live upon those who had died, and upon the weaker ones as they should die. With the three Kerns were Cathcart, Andrews, McKie, Stepperfeldt, : and Taplin. “Ferguson and Beadle had remained together behind. In the evening, Rohrer came up and remained with Kern’s mess. Mr. Haler learned afterward from that mess that Rohrer and Andrews wandered off the next day and died. They saw their bodies. In the morning, Haler’s party continued on. Wee pel? ot? fall ‘tel elt fe eed en es ao te 85 FIFTH EXPEDITION ORGANIZED. After a few hours, Hubbard gave out. They built him a fire, gathered some wood, and left him, without, as Haler says, turning their heads to look at him as they went off. About two miles further, Scott—you remember Scott, who used to Shoot birds for you at the frontier—gave out. They did the same for him, and continued on. In the afternoon, the Indian boys went ahead, and before nightfall met Godey with the relief. Haler heard and knew the guns which he fired for him at night, and starting early in the morning, soon met him. I heard that they all cried together like children. Haler turned back with Godey, and went with him to where they had left Scott. He was still alive, and was saved. Hubbard was dead—still warm. From Kern’s mess they learned the death of Andrews and Rohrer, and a little above, met Ferguson, who told them that Beadle had died the night before.” The journey is, beyond question, the most wonderful ever performed upon the North American continent. Those who Survived have never forgotten the unvarying solicitude which their leader constantly exercised’ toward all. Under heaven, they owe their preservation to his prudence and energy. No _ One but the explorer himself could have brought them safely through the perils of that awful time. CoA Ret EB Ruch tees FREMONT’S FIFTH EXPEDITION—REMOVES HIS RESIDENCE TO CALIFORNIA. Wirs his party decimated, the remainder nearly all crip- ‘Pled and disabled, during the mid-season of a winter unusu- ally severe, with so terrible an experience just finished, what Man would have persisted in his attempts to explore the Mountains? Few, if any, we dare say, except John C. Fremont. In that distant region of Santa Fé, where the little com- Pany had taken refuge, Fremont set about organizing a new €xpedition. By the most determined perseverance, he col- lected thirty men and furnished them with an ample outfit of arms, horses and provisions. The stern lessons of the disastrous * 86 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. expedition just finished, were not lost upon him. Every precaution was taken to guard against a similar experience from being,misguided. The country through which he jour- neyed was infested by the hostile and bloodthirsty Apaches and Navahoes, and required great caution to ayoid them. Such a small party in the midst of their country was indeed in imminent danger, as more than one circumstance proved. One day, a member of the company remained too long in the rear. The report of a rifle was heard, and two Indians were seen in’ the distance—eyvidently being the scout of a large party, abundantly able to massacre every one of the whites. Fremont saw that the only way of escape was to simulate friendship. Accompanied only by his interpreter, he boldly approached the savages. The first action of these treacher- ous rascals was to induce him to pass around the head of @ ravine so as to cut him off from his party. Fremont under- stood their object, and deemed it best to comply with their . wish. Coming up, he commenced conversing in a pleasant, friendly way, and, in a little while, gained their confidence. It was the power of the superior mind: over these wild say- ages of the mountains. Fremont assured them that his in- tentions in entering their country were peaceable, and added that he would be a friend to them instead of a foe. He thet invited them to visit his camp. Although, beyond a doubt, these Indians at first were resolved upon an attack, yet the manner of Fremont so disarmed them of every evil purpose, that they instantly accepted his invitation, and ate and smoked, and the two soon gaye a practical evidence of the sincerity of their friendship. They were, indeed, the scouts of an overwhelming body of savages. When they left the exploring party, they made their way back to their ow2 tribe, to conduct the warriors in a direction that prevented their meeting the whites. This expedition was a complete success. Safe and avail- able passes through the mountain were discovered, and thé route revealed which the policy of true wisdom points out as the one for the Central Railroad to the Pacific. None of thé men (save the one killed by the two Indians) were lost, and the company broke up with the best of feeling on the part of all its members. THE MARIPOSA PURCHASE. 87 After the completion of all his discoveries and explorations, Fremont returned to California to take possession of the “ Mariposa purchase” which he had secured some time be- fore. He took a leading part in the formation of the consti- tution of that State, and ‘it was through his determined and unremitting efforts that clauses excluding slavery from the State, were inserted in the organizing ordinance. In 1850, Fremont was elected one of the first senators from California. Owing to a delay in the admission of that State into the Union, he served but one term in the United States Senate. He was succeeded by the recreant Ohio poli- tician and political trickster, John B. Weller. Released from public service, he turned his attention toward developing the resources of his valuable purchase. Immense in extent, as Mexican ranches usually are, its wealth was found to be al- most exhaustless, but not more abundant than the claims upon his purse demanded. He was continually annoyed by having demands made for supplies which he had furnished the United States on his private account. He was even ar: rested and imprisoned for a short time in England on one of these claims, resulting from the “ indifference of the Federal Government in discharging liabilities, which it was not only bound by every obligation of law and honor to discharge, but liabilities which had been incurred in executing measures which resulted in ten thousand fold more profit to the Union, than the amount expended and refunded.” When all these difficulties were ended, Fremont’ y ‘was inex- pressibly annoyed by squatters and conspirators who, allured by the riches of the grant, concerted to defraud hitn of his rights. Their machinations would have disconcerted any other man than Fremont. He defended his rights with great skill and pertinacity in numerous courts, from the lowest ip California up to the Supreme Court of the United States At length his title to the vast possession was fully and satis. factorily established by the highest tribunal of the country. This decision unquestionably made Fremont one of the wealthiest men in the country. It is but a just reward which the United States, and especially California, owe him. To his efforts more than to any other single soul may be attributed the fact that California is to-day one of the brighest stars in the mmortal galaxy of the Union THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMON®. CHAP Tt Rs: THE CAMPAIGN OF 1856—FREMONT’S RETURN TO PRIVATE LIFE— HIS APPOINTMENT IN THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES—CONCLUSION. On the eighteenth of June, 1856, the National Republican Convention, then assembled in Philadelphia, nominated Frre- mont as their candidate for the Presidency of the United States.* Several candidates were brought before the Conven- tion and their respective claims urged with great earnestness ; but Fremont was considered the most available man to be the first standard-bearer of the new party which was destined to exert such a sudden and extraordinary influence on the poli- tics of the country. Young, full of enthusiasm, of spotless character and enviable fame, he was well calculated to lead the van of the movement which has since culminated in the triumph of the principles of an antislavery construction of the Constitution of the Union. His nomination, though quite a surprise to all, was received with unbounded enthusiasm by the friends of the new movement as well as by those most personally interested in some one of the other eminent candi- dates whose names were prominently before the Nominating Convention. All conceded the selection to be the best that could have been made. His letter of acceptance was characteristic of the man— earnest, entirely committal and self-reliant. We subjoin it, at length, as not only of personal interest, but as being an exposition of the principles which had called the new party into being: * The following are the different votes cast by the delegates of the various States: For Fremont—Maine, 13; New Hampshire, 15; Vermont, 15; Massa- chusetts, 39; Rhode Island, 12; Connecticut, 18; New York, 98; New Jersey, 7; Pennsylvania, 10; Maryland, 4; Ohio, 30; Indiana, 18; Illinois, 14; ichigan, 18; Wisconsin, 15; Iowa, 12; Kansas, 9; California, 12; Kentucky, 5. Total, 359. For McLean—Main2, 11; New York, 3; New Jersey, 14; Pennsylvania, 1; Delaware,9; Maryland, 3; Ohio, 39; Indiana, 21; Tlinois, 19; Minne- sota, 3; Nebraska, 3. Total, 196. : For Sumner—New York, 2. ‘For Seward—New York, 1 a, HIS LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE. 89 “New Yorks, July 8th, 1856. “ GENTLEMEN :—You call me to a high responsibility by placing me in the van of a great movement of the people of the United States, who, without regard to past differences, are uniting in a common effort to bring back the action of the Federal Government to the principles of Washington and Jefferson. Comprehending the magnitude of the trust which they have declared themselves willing to place in my hands, and deeply sensible of the honor which their unreserved con- fidence, in this threatening posture of public affairs, implies, I feel that I can not better respond, than by a sincere declaration that, in the event of my election to the Presidency, I shall enter upon the execution of its duties with a single-hearted determination to promote the good of the whole country, and to direct solely to this end all the power of the Government, irrespective of party issues and regardless of sectional strife. The declaration of principles, embodied in the resolves of your Convention, expresses the sentiments in which I have been educated, and which have been ripened into convictions by personal observation and experience. With this declaration and avowal, I think it necessary to revert to only two of the subjects embraced in those resolutions, and to these only because events have surrounded them with grave and critical circumstances, and given to them especial importance. “T concur in the views of the Convention deprecating the Foreign Policy to which it adverts. The assumption that we have the right to take from another nation its domains because we want them, is an abandonment of the honest character which our country has acquired. To provoke hostilities: by unjust assumptions, would be to sacrifice the peace and char acter of the country, when all its interests might be more certainly secure@ and its objects attained by just and healing counsels, involving no loss of reputation. International embarrassments are mainly the results of a secret diplomacy, which aims to keep from the knowledge of the people the operations of the Government. This system is inconsistent with the character of our institutions, and is itself yielding gradually to a more enlightened public opinion, and to the power of a free press, which, by its broad dissemination of political intelligence, secures in advance to the side of justice 90 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. the judgment of the civilized world. An honest, firm and _ open policy in our foreign relations would command the united support of the nation, whose deliberate opinions it would necessarily reflect. “Nothing is clearer in the history of our institutions than the design of the nation, in asserting its own independence and freedom, to ayoid giving countenance to the extension of slavery. The influence of the small but compact and powerful class of men interested in slavery, who command one section of the country and wield a vast political control as a consequence in the other, is now directed to turn back this impulse of the Revolution and reverse its principles. The extension of slavery across the continent is the object of the power which now rules the Government; and from this spirit has sprung those kindred wrongs in Kansas so truly portrayed in one of your resolutions, which prove that the elements of the most arbitrary governments have not been vanquished by the theory of our own. “Tt would be out of place here to pledge myself to any particular policy that has been suggested to terminate the sectional controversy engendered by political animosities, operating on a powerful class banded together by a common interest. A practical remedy is the admission of Kansas into the Union as ‘a Free State. The South should, in my judg- ment, earnestly desire such consummation. It would vindi- cate its good faith. It would correct the mistake of the repeal; and the North, having practically the benefit of the agreement of the two sections, would be satisfied, and good feeling be restored. The measure is perfectly consistent with the honor of the South, and vital to its interests. That fatal act which gave birth to this purely sectional strife, originating in the scheme to take from Free Labor the country secured to it by a solemn covenant, can not be too soon disarmed of its pernicious force. The only genial region of the middle ~ latitudes, left te the emigrants of the Northern States for homes, can not be conquered from the free laborers who have long considered it as set apart for them in our inheritance, without provoking a desperate struggle. Whatever may be the persistence of the particular class which seems ready to shazard every thing for the success of the unjust scheme it bas ~ | THE CAUSE OF HIS DEFEAT. 91 partially effected, I firmly believe that the great heart of the nation, which throbs with the patriotism of the freemen of both Sections, will have to overcome it. They will look to the rights secured to them by the Constitution of the Union as the best safeguard from the oppression of the class which, by a monop- oly of the soil and of slave labor to till it, might in time reduce them to the extremity of laboring upon the same terms as the slaves. The great body of non-slaveholding freemen, including those of the South, upon- whose welfare slavery is }]. an oppression, will discover that the power of the General Government over the public lands may be beneficially exerted to advance their interests and secure their independence; knowing this, their suffrages will not be wanting to maintain that authority in the Union, which is essential to the mainte- nace of their own liberties, and which has more than once indicated the purpose of disposing of the public lands, in such a way as would make every settler upon them a freeholder. “Tf the people intrust to me the administration of the Govy- ernment, the laws of Congress in relation to the Territories shall be faithfully executed. All its authority shall be exerted in aid of the national will, to re-establish the peace of the country .on the just principles which have heretofore received the sanction of the Federal Government, of the States, and of the people of both sections. Such a policy would leave no aliment to that sectional party which seeks its aggrandizement by appropriating the new Territories to capital in the form of slavery, but would inevitably result in the triumph of Free Labor—the natural capital which constitutes the real wealth of this great country, and creates that intelligent power in the masses, alone to be relied on as the bulwark of free institutions. “Trusting that I have a heart capable of comprehending our whole country, with its varied interests, and confident that _ Patriotism exists in all parts of the Union, I‘accept the nomi- nation of your Convention, in the hope that I may be enabled to serve usefully its cause, which I consider the cause of Con- stitutional Freedom. “Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C., Fremont. “To Messrs. H. S. Lane, and others, Committee, &c.” The particulars of the presidential contest are too familiar 92 THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. to our readers to need extended notice in this place. James Buchanan was the candidate of the Democratic party. Through all the exciting period preceding the election, this mighty party organization remained solid and united, its entire force being centered upon their single candidate. Not so with the opposition. Two separate factions took the field—the Repub- lican party with Fremont as their standard-bearer, and the American party with Millard Fillmore as their candidate. These two parties failed to unite, and, as a natural sequence, neither of their candidates were successful in the election. The solid phalanx of the ‘“ Democracy,” North and South, was not to be broken: bya divided opposition, and the country saw James Buchanan placed in the presidential chair. It was but a temporary triumph, however, for Fremont made such a gal- lant stand that it united the new party into a phalanx of hearts and hands, which, in the succeeding election, bore all before it. After Fremont’s defeat, he removed to California, and has since passed his time in developing the resources of his great Mariposa estate. His name has been prominently mentioned several times in connection with politics, but up to the present time, he has of necessity and duty to his own interests, refrained from taking any active part in public affairs. Some months since he sailed from our shores for those of Europe, to advance the interests of his estate in the moneyed centers of the Continent and in London. The present gigan- tic conspiracy against the Government found him in Londor, prosecuting most important negotiations, but his loyal heart leaped wildly at the clarion call for all the Republic’s true sons to leap to arms. Fortune, interest, duty to self, were nothing when weighed in the balance with his country’s weal. He hurriedly arranged to leave all moneyed matters in suspense, and made every preparation to hasten home to offer his sword, and his life if need be, in the cause of the outraged _ Constitution. Hoping for no appointment—soliciting no post of honor or trust, his Government did not fail to acknowledge his claims, and a high military position was conferred upon him. He was named as Major-General in the United States army, and his return from abroad was only awaited to place him in the field in command over a vast and important department. : MEETING OF AMERICANS IN PARIS. 93 Previous to Fremont’s departure from Europe for the United States, he attended a meeting, held in Paris, May 29th, com- posed of eminent Americans, who desired to testify their de- yotion to their country. Galignani’s: “Messenger” thus records the noted gathering and proceedings : “ A most important meeting of American citizens took place yesterday at noon, in the Great Hall of the Hotel du Louvre, nearly two hundred persons being present. On entering the room, one could have imagined the reunion was for a purely festive purpose, as three tables loaded with plate, cut-glass, flowers and other objects recreative to the eye, ran down the whole length of the immense room. ‘The intention was to + breakfast pleasantly first, and then to express sentiments and pass resolutions on the Secession which has so unfortunately risen in the United States. At the end of the room floated the French flag, a bust of the Emperor, and on either side that of the United States, displaying its well-known stars and Stripes. When all the company were seated, as a great num- ber of young and elegantly dressed women were present, the coup-d vil was most striking.” Speeches were made, after organization, by the President, Mr. Elliot C. Cowden, of New York; Hon. Wm. L. Dayton, U. S. Minister to France; Hon. Cassius M. Clay, U. 8. Minis- ter to Russia; Hon. Anson Burlingame, U. S. Minister to Austria; Hon. John C. Fremont; Hon. Mr. Haldeman, U. 8. Minister to Sweden; Rev. Dr. McClintock and several others. This array of eminent names gave to the speeches something of official significance, as, doubtless they were designed. The apparently mercenary attitude of the British Government—a Government ever treacherous while its people are ever true— required that the European powers and people should under- stand that our Federal Constitution was not powerless nor our Republic a failure. The Monarchists of all Europe secretly, if not,openly, rejoiced at the assumed failure of our “ experi- ment” in a Government of the people, and the chains of tyranny were therefore being riveted anew for the necks of the people of Central and Southern Europe. To avert such a calamity to the oppressed people of the Continent, and to show to the world that our Republic was towering majesti- cally above its dangers, was the purpose of the meeting. That 94 ‘THE LIFE OF JOHN C. FREMONT. it accomplished much is evident from the fact that the speeches, translated into French, German, Italian, Spanish, flew over Europe to enlighten and to cheer all true friends of Freedom. Want of space forbids that we should give all the speeches made ; but, toshow Fremont’s sentiments in this-crisis of our government, we must give his remarks, as reported in the. “Messenger,” as well as the closing remarks of Mr. Burlin- - game, whose eloquent speech quite electrified his eloquent auditory. He said: “Would that our struggling brothers at home could hear this day our words of loféy cheer, and know how the American heart in this fair land throbs true to them, and the cause for . which they struggle. We send them with our blessings over the sea; but, what is better, we send with them one known to them, known to us, known to two hemispheres, and one who, in this warlike land of his ancestors, heard the call of his mother, (for he is indeed a child of the Republic,) and, casting from him the urgent claims of his private affairs, almost with- out warning or notice, determined to fly to the defense of the flag he has done so much to exalt. We say to him that he will be welcomed on the Western shore by 1,400,000 men, who but yesterday hailed his name as a symbol of their faith, and by a countless host who then defeated our hopes, with, if possible, a still warmer enthusiasm—welcomed on the Atlantic slope, and on the Pacific slope, which his valor won for us, and in the Rocky Mountains, from whose loftiest summit he was the first to unfurl the beautiful banner of his country in the beams ot the setting sun. [Applause.] We breathe our benison upon him. We know what will follow where he goes before, for, ‘born and nursed in danger’s path, he’s tried her worst.’ We know his future will be as bright as his past, and that he will enjoy a soldier’s triumph or the sweet tranquillity of an honored soldier’s grave. And now, all hail, Fremont, and farewell!” Tremendous acclamation followed, when three cheers from every man and woman present were given for Fremont. Af- ter the noise had subsided, Fremont rose and said: - “Mr. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :—I am deeply ‘sensible to the warm and flattering expressions of confidence and regard with which I have just been honored, and still more deeply sensible to your kind approval of them. They are ve — to me, and I thank you very sincerely. But you wilt e very sure that I do not receive them as due myself; I am conscious that I owe them to the partiality of friendship and to that sort of attachment which a soldier always feels for the FREMONT’S SPEECH. 95 banner under which he has fought. [Hear, hear.] To him (Mr. Burlingame) and the other friends around me who have spoken to-day, I represent the standard on which old watchwords were inscribed. It is themselves who were the leaders, themselves who bore with you the heat of the day, and who have won their battle gloriously. And they have come among us here, with their habitual eloquence, to convey to our true-hearted country- men at home the assurance of our unalterable deyotedness to the country, and our unbounded admiration of the generous loyalty with which they rallied to its calls. [Cheers.] A few days back our honored flag was trailing in the dust at the foot of an insolent foe; at present its stars are refulgent from a thousand heights, swarming with brave hearts and strong arms in its defense. [Applause.] We drink to them to-day, our - brave and loyal countrymen. [Renewed cheers.] Faithfully, too, have our scattered people responded to them, from Italy, from England and from France. Well have they shown they, too, can cross the seas and change their skies, and never change their hearts. [Loud cheering.] Iam glad that a happy chance has brought me to participate ‘with you here on this occasion. Here in this splendid capital of a great nation, where, near by us, the same tombstone records the blended names of Washing- ton and Lafayette, I feel that I breathe a sympathetic air. [Hear, hear.] France is progress, and I am happy to believe that here we shall not see a people false to their traditionary policy. [Loud applause.] From here we shall see ne strong hand stretched out to arrest the march of civilization, and aid in throwing back a continent into barbarism. We-expect nowhere active co-operation, but we look for the sympathy which the world gives toa good cause. We are willing to work out our own destiny, and make our own history. Before this struggle closes, the world will recognize that enlightened liberty is self- sustaining, and that a people who have once fully enjoyed its blessings will never consent to part with them. We have deprecated this war, fratricidal and abominable; most gladly would we welcome back our people if they would return to their allegiance. We would bury, deep as the ocean, the hasty anger which their parricidal conduct provoked. But they must return at once to their allegiance. e shall not permit them to dishonor our flag, and desecrate our sacred graves. [Hear, os They can not be permitted to dismember our country an destroy our nationality. [Hear, hear.] We shall maintain these in their fullest integrity, in the face of every evil and at every hazard. Above every consideration is our country—as we have learned to love it—one and indivisible—[loud acclama- tions]|—now and forever, and so we will maintain it; we will do our duty loyally, and we will make no compromise with treason, and no surrender to rebellion.” 96 THE LIFE OF JOHN 0. FREMONT. This patriotic and earnest speech elicited the wildest enthusiasm. All were not prepared for such an emphatic and thoroughly determined expression of the gentleman’s feelings. Fremont arrived in New York City late in June and immediately hurried on to Washington, where, after a few days’ delay, he was commissioned over the Department of the West, comprising all the country west of the Mississippi river to the Rocky Mountains, from the British possessions to the Gulf of Mexico, including also the State of Illinois. Thither, as we write, he has proceeded in execution of his important trust. That his deeds will add to his already great fame, no one can doubt. JUST PUBLISHED. BEADLE’S DIME PATRIOTIC SPEAKER: BEING EXTRACTS FROM THE SPLENDID ORATORY OF JUDGE HOLT, GENERAL MITCHELL, DR. ORESTES A. BROWNSON, EDWARD EVE RETT, THE GREAT UNION SQUARE (N.. Y.) AD- DRESSES, THOMAS F, MEAGHER, STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS, DANIEL 8. DICKINSON, CARL 'SHURZ, REV. DR. BEL- LOWS, AND OTHERS; TOGETHER WITH POEMS FOR THE HOUR. CONTENTS. 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