than the
horse, in such expeditions, they become absolutely necessary. While
he was absent on this duty, the expedition journeyed first to Soda
Springs and thence on to St. Vrain's Fort, which was located on the
South Fork of the Platte. At this point, the expedition was joined by
Major Fitzpatrick with a command of forty men which he had enrolled,
under orders, to assist in the exploration. When Kit Carson had
rejoined the party, the arrangements for the arduous task in view were
nearly complete.

Colonel Fremont divided his forces, sending one division, with most of
the camp equipage, on the more direct route. This division was placed
under the command of Major Fitzpatrick. The other division under the
command of Colonel Fremont, consisting of a squad of fifteen men and
his guide Kit Carson, struck out up Thompson's Fork. The object of
this expedition had in view by the government was, to have Colonel
Fremont connect his explorations of the preceding year with the coast
surveys of Commander Wilkes on the Pacific. This would give the data
for making a correct map of the interior of the wild lands of the
continent. From Thompson's Fork Colonel Fremont's division marched to
the Cache la Poudre River, and thence to the plains of Laramie until
they came to the North Fork of the Platte. This river they crossed
below the New Park and bent their way to the sweet water, reaching it
at a point about fifteen miles below the Devil's Gate. From this point
they traveled almost the same road which is now used by emigrants and
which leads to Soda Springs on Beaver River. It had been decided by
Fremont to go to the Great Salt Lake and accomplish its exploration.
He therefore started for that direction; but, before doing so, ordered
Kit Carson to proceed to Fort Hall and obtain such supplies as were
required. After procuring these necessities, Kit Carson, with one
companion and his pack animals, set out on the return from Fort Hall
and eventually found Fremont on the upper end of Salt Lake. From here
the party journeyed around to the east side of the lake, a distance of
about twenty miles. At this spot they obtained a good view of the lake
and its adjacent scenery. Before him, and in bold relief, stood out
everything which the explorer desired to examine, even to one of
the several islands which are located in the midst of this wonderful
collection of saline waters. To this isolated land Fremont was
resolved to go. Among the rest of