JOHN C FREMONT. 221 



this is an object of great desire with me, and I trust 

 it is not too much to hope that he may obtain the 

 countenance and aid of the President (whoever he 

 may be) in carrying it on effectually and rapidly to 

 completion. For this I hope earnestly. I shall 

 then be enabled to draw up a map and report on 

 the whole country, agreeably to our previous antici- 

 pations. All my other plans remain entirely unaltered. 

 I shall take immediate steps to make ourselves a 

 good home in California, and to have a place ready 

 for your reception, which I anticipate for April. 

 My hopes and wishes are more strongly than ever 

 turned that way. 



" Monday, 29/A. My letter now assumes a journal- 

 form. No news yet from the party, a great deal 

 of falling weather; rain and sleet here and snow in 

 the mountains. This is to be considered a poor 

 country, mountainous, with severe winters and but 

 little arable land. To the United States it seems to 

 me to offer little other value than the right of way. 

 It is throughout infested with Indians, with whom 

 in the course of the present year the United States 

 will be at war, as well as in the Oregon Territory. 

 To hold this country will occasion the Government 

 great expense, and, certainly, one can see no source 

 of profit or advantage in it. An additional regiment 

 will be required for special service here. 



