JOHN C. FREMONT. 157 



by way of the Loup fork of the Platte River. Many 

 thrilling incidents and perilous escapes attended 

 his progress during this expedition. At Fort La- 

 ramie, hundreds of miles from the extreme limits 

 of civilization, he found himself surrounded by 

 hostile and treacherous Indians. Destruction seemed 

 to threaten his farther advance. The boldest and 

 most experienced guides warned him not to con- 

 tinue his journey. Even "Kit Carson," whose 

 fortitude and heroism have long been famous amid 

 the primeval solitudes and imminent perils of the 

 remoter West, expressed the opinion that the state 

 of the country through which they proposed to 

 travel was exceedingly dangerous. But nothing 

 could deter the daring adventurer from the pro- 

 secution of his appointed work. "While dining 

 at Fort Platte, a party of hostile Indians came 

 in, who endeavored to persuade the travellers not 

 to venture farther. A conference was held with 

 them. Complaints of hostility and aggression were 

 made on both sides. One of the tawny braves, 

 named the BuWs Tail, was chief spokesman for the 

 savages, and declaimed with no mean energy and 

 effect respecting the injuries and the encroachments 

 of the whites. The council was at last abruptly 

 broken up, and Fremont determined to advance, 

 regardless of the apprehensions which had already 



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