I 



EXPLORING EXPEDITION. 161 



The high prairie upon the north shore, between the above points, is gen- 

 erally sandy. Tlie river presents numerous clusters of islands, most of 

 which are heavily timbered and clothed with luxuriant growths of vegeta- 

 tion. The soil is of a deep, sandy loam, and well adapted to cultivation. 

 I noticed upon them several choice wild flowers of rare beauty. 



We experienced great difficulty in forcing our boats through a large 

 group, called the " Thousand Islands," that thickly studded the river for 

 some ten miles, and, before clearing them, found our passage completely 

 blockaded. ' ^ 



Having consumed an entire day in vain eflFort to proceed, we were at 

 length compelled to abandon the idea. The water was constantly falling, 

 and our condition hourly becoming worse. This forced upon us the dernier 

 resort of performing the remainder of our arduous journey on foot. 



Accordingly, making cache of the personal property with us, we sunk our 

 barges in a deep hole near by, threw all extra clothing into the river, and, 

 each selecting a robe with as much meat as he could carry, we commenced 

 our weary tramp. 



The property thus disposed of was of the value of several hundred dollars. 

 Among other articles left in cache, were arms and tools of various kinds. 



No one would now carry a gun, — as we were to pass through a section 

 of country destitute of game, and, being obliged to travel with all possible 

 despatch to avoid starvation, good policy prompted us to dispense with every 

 unnecessary encumbrance. For myself, however, I was unwilhng to re- 

 linquish my rifle, and determined to take it with me. 



There were fourteen of us, including the coups de barquette of the Ameri- 

 can Fur Company ; and, as we trudged along at a pace enfeebled by a series 

 oi" cruel hardships, fatigue, and starvation, — with provisions and beds bound 

 in close bundles and strapped to our backs, — half-naked, long-bearded, care- 

 worn, and haggard, — we looked like the last remnants of hard times ! 



The 28th of June dated the commencement of this last stage of our tire- 

 some pilgrimage. 



Having travelled some ten or tw^elve miles, we espied a camp of whites 

 a short distance in advance, and were observed by them almost at the same 

 time. Our appearance created an evident consternation, — their horses were 

 driven in with great speed, and their guns stripped ready for action, while 

 our or five men, mounted upon fleet chargers, rode out to reconnoitre. 



On ascertaining 4he cause of their alarm to be only a handful of unarmed 

 men, they ventured up, and were saluted with the cordiality of old acquain- 

 tances, so rejoiced were we at the sight of anything savoring of the endear- 

 ments of home and civilization. 



The company proved one in the employ of the United States Government, 

 under the command Lieut. J. C. Fremont, of the Corps of Topographical 

 Engineers, on an expedition for the exploration and survey of the country 

 laying between the Missouri river and the mountains. 



The commandant seemed a gentleman of urbanity and intelligence, and 

 politely furnished us with all the passing news of the day preceding his 

 departure from the States. 



Our smokers and tobacco-chewers, who had been for sometime without 

 the sina qua non of the mountaineer, now procured a re-supply for the indul- 

 gence of their filthy and unnatural taste. 



