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FORT SMITH. Mie | 
no little pleasure and self-congratulation that I availed 
myself of it, as I should have, not only an intimate friend 
of noble spirit, energy and experience for my companion and 
director, but also the sanction and protection of the govern- 
ment. As may be supposed, no persuasion was necessary, 
and though the time was short, my preparations were soon 
made, 
Captain Marcy’s orders arrived on the 26th of April, and 
on the 4th of May we left New York, arriving in Fort Smith 
on the 18th, when the Captain, with his accustomed energy, 
aided by the efficient Quartermaster, Captain French, imme- 
diately set about his preparations, and with such perseve- 
rance and success, that by the Ist of June we were ready for 
our long journey. 
The town of Fort Smith, (in the suburbs of which stands 
the garrison,) is a place of considerable commercial impor- 
tance, doing a large Indian and up river trade. It stands 
upon the Arkansas river, near the mouth of the Poteau, 
and contains about twenty-five hundred inhabitants. 
The garrison is well and substantially built of brick, and 
was at the time, the head quarters of the seventh infantry, 
commanded by Colonel Wilson, who, during the Mexican war 
was governor of Vera Cruz. This officer, took a deep interest 
in the expedition, (as he does in everything national,) and to 
him, we were indebted for many civilities, during our short. 
stay. 
The Captain — here secured the services of Dr. G. G, 
