Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1846-01-28

wv 1bOOhJ III Tile wear lO42.
and. to Oregon and North California in
the years 1843 and 1914, by Brvt- Captain
J. G. Fremont, of the Corps of Topogra-
phical Engineers. Washington; Print
ed by order of the Senate of the United
States. 1845.
EXTRACTS from the Journal of the First Ex
pedition.)
July l0.-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 of
Mr.. st. Vrain had enabled me to obtain
couple OF horses and three good mules;
we had been able to procure nothing at
the post, in the way of provision. An
expected supply from Taos had not yet or.
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 the 18th.
July 13.-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 arldity, and
perfect freedom from moisture. We suf-
fered much to-day, both men and horses,
foI want of water; having uet with it but
once in our uninterrupted march of forty
miles, and an exclusive meat diet creates
much thirst. There being no 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
Sybne, 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 post of the Anne
rican Fur Company, called Fort John, OF
Laramie. This was large post, having
more the air of military construction
than the fort at the mouth of the river. /
is on the left bank, on rising gronnC
some % feet above the water; and lis lof
ty walls, white washed and picketed, witt
the large basiions at the angles, gave i
quite an imposing appearance in the IN
certain light OF evening. A cluster o
lodges, which the language told us belong
ed to Sioux Indians, was pitched unde
the walls, and with the fine back grounc
of the Black HILLS, and the prominent peal
of Lamarie mountsins strongly drawn il
the clear light of the western sky, wher
the sun had already set, the whole formed
at the moment strikingly beautiful pic
ture. | found the remainder of our PEG
pie encamped on the bank, short dis
lance above the fort. All were well; an
: in the enjoyment of bountiful supper
: which coffee and bread made luxurious t.
US, we soon forgot the tatigues OF the las
ten days.
The remainder of the Journey bein
y somewhat hazardous, we left our youn
= friends, Brant and Benton, here.
/ SGrage hospitality.
So far as frequen: interruptions froT
e the Indians would allow, we occupied oul
u selves in making some astronomical calcu
Z latlons, and bringing up the general ma
II to this stage OF our journey; but the ten
:; was generally occupied by successio
d of our ceremonious visitors. Some cam
II for presents, and others tor information {
our object In coming TO the country; no
u and then one would dart up 10 the tent O
q horseback, jerk off his trappings. and stan
3 silently at the door, hplding MS ,rse b
$ the halter, signify ing his desire 10 trad
I Occasionally, a savage would stalk IN vii
y an invitation 10 teas; OF honor, do
81 feast; | went to one; the women and CHI
s. dren were sitting outside the lodge, al
u we took seat on buffalo robes sprea
Or around. The dog was in large pot ov,
s. the fire. in the middle of the lodge, al
immediately on our arrival was dlshed |
u in large wooden bowls. one of which W;
10 handed to each. The flesh appeared v
l. ry glutinous, and something of the flaw
IS and appearance of mutton. Feeling som
s, thing move behind me, looked round al
J, found that had taken my seat among
10 litter of fat young puppies. Had be-
n nice in such matters, the preludices Of {
e :, vilization might have inierfered with n
u tranquility; but fortunately, | am not
'e delicate nerves, and continued to emp
my platter
Taxi acith the Indians.
10 July I've were ready to depart; t
ID tents were struck, the mules gearel !
III and our horses saddled, and we walked
a. the fort to take the stirrup cap with .
of friends in an excellent hume hrewed ~
- paration. While thus pleasantly eng g
- seated in one of the little DOL chambe