Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1846-01-28
FremOnt'S Expeditions to the Rocky Noun
tains, Oregon and North California,

REPoRT of the EXPLORING EXPEDITION tc
the Rocky Mountains in the year l842
and to Oregon and North California IL
the years ls43 and 1874, by BrvtCap ain
J. c. FREMONT, of the Corps Of Topogra-
phica Engineers. Washington Print.
ed by order of the Senate Of the United
States. 1915.
| (Exuaos from the Journal Of the First Ex
pedition.)
July I0.-We reached st. Vrain's fort
late in the evening. This post is situated
on the south fork of the Platte, immedi
ately under the mountains, about IL miles
east of Longs peak. The kindness o.
Mr.. St Vraln had enabled me to obtain a
couple of horses and three good mules;
we had been able to procure nothing al
the post, in the way of provision. An
expected supply from Taos had not yet ar.
rived, and few pounds of coffee was all
that could be spared to US. In addition
to this, we had dried meat enough for the
first day; on the next we expected to find
buffalo. From this post, according to the
estimate Of the country, the fort at the
mouth of Laramie's fork, which was our
next point of destination. was nearly due
north, distant about 1875 miles. We SAT
out on tn 9th,
July l3.-We seem now to be passing
along the base Of the plateau of the Black
| hills. The leading feature Of the whole
region is one of remarkable aridity, and
perfect freedom from moisture. We suf.
lered much to-day, both men and horses,
loI want OF water; having met with il but
once in our uninterrupted march of forty
miles, and an exclusive meat diet creates
much thirst. There being 40 wood here,
we used last night the boiS de pache which
is very plentiful.
Fort Laramie.
July l5.--Towards the close of the day
we came in sight of Laramie's fork. Is
suing from the river hills, we came first in
sight of Fort Platte, post belonging to
Syblle, Adams 81 Co, situated on The
point of land at the Junction of Laramie
with the Platte. A few hundred yards
brought US in view of the postof the Ame
rican Fur Company, called Fort John, or
Laramie. This was a large post, having
more the air of military construction
than the fort al he mouth OF the river Il
is Oh the left bank, on q rising ground
some 25 feet above the water; and its lof-
| ty walls, white washed and picketed, with
the largo basIions at the angles, gave it
quite an imposing appearance in the un-
certain light OF evening. A cluster OF
lodges, which the language told US belong.
ed to Sioux Indians, was pitched under
the walls, and with the fine back ground
of the Black hills, and the prominent peak
of Lamarie mountsins strongly drawn in
the clear light Of the western sky, where
the sun had already set the whole formed
at the moment slrikngly beautiful pic
tnre. | found the remainder of our peo-
pie encamped on the bank, short dis
lance above the fort. All were well; and
in the enjoyment of a bountlful supper,
which coffee and bread made luxurious 10
US, we soon forgot the tatigues OF the last
ten DAYS
The remainder of the journey being
somewhat hazardous, we left our young
friends, Bfani and Benton, here.
Sarage hospitdlty.
So far as frequent Interruptions from
the Indians would allow, we occupied our
selves in making some astronomical calcu-
latons, and bringing up lbe general map
to this stage of our journey; bui the tent
was generally occupied by succession
OF our ceremonious visitors Some came
FIR presents, and others Tor inform ,ton Of
our object in coming to the country now
and then one would dart up to the tent on
horseback, jerk of hi, lrappings. and stand
silently at the door, holding his horse by
The halter, signify ing his desire 10 trade.
Occasionally, a savage would stalk in with
an invitation TO a TEAS, of honor a dog
least; went TO one; the women and chill.
dren were sitting outside the lodge, aud
we took seat on buffalo robes spread
around. The dog was in large pot over
the fire, in the middle of the lodge, and
Immediately on our arrival was dlshed up
in large wooden bowls, one of which was
handed TO each. The flesh appeared We
ry glutnous, and something Of the flavor
and appearance Of mutton Feeling some
thing move behind me, iolked round and
found that had taken my SCAT among a
lluer o. FAT young puppies. Had been
nice in such matters, the proiudices Of ci-
yiizaIion might have iuterfered with my
tranquility; but fortunately, ! am not Of
delicate nerves, and continued to empty
my platter.
Talk teith the Indians.
July 81. We were ready to depart; the
tents were struck, the mules geare up,
and our horses saddled, and we walked 70
the fort 10 take the stirrup cup with our
friends in an excellent home brewed pre-
partition. While thus pleasantly eng ged,
seated in me of the little DOL chambers,