ision, farming
tools, utensils, teams, wagons, seed, and stock in general. The
erection of his house, barns, etc., was under an advance which reached
far towards completion. But with Kit Carson, his word was worth more
than prospective losses which its fulfillment would entail. In company
with Mr. Owens, he set himself actively at work to effect a complete
sell-out. After a good deal of anxious inquiry, he found a man who
was willing to pay one half of the real valuation attached to his
property. Notwithstanding this sacrifice, the bargain was closed and
the business details completed. In company with Mr. Owens, Kit Carson
once more bade his family and friends an affectionate farewell. They
took the route for Bent's Fort, and arrived there in the course of
a few days. The meeting between Fremont and Carson was mutually
satisfactory. With his friend, Mr. Owens, he joined the Third
expedition of Col. Fremont, which was the last one which he undertook
by authority of the United States government.

A long tramp was before them. The arrangements preparatory were,
therefore, made with corresponding care and diligence. The route
led up the Arkansas River to the point where that stream leaves the
mountains; thence they made a circuit by the Ballo Salado, or Soda
Springs, coming back again upon the Arkansas, striking the stream
above its great canon. Thence they journeyed on to the head waters of
the river. Here they left the Arkansas River and took a direct route
for the Piney River, down which latter stream they traveled to a spot
within twenty-five miles of its mouth. From this place they continued
their explorations of the country to the head of White River.
Following down it, they soon reached the mountains. Crossing them,
they proceeded to Prevost's Fork.

At this spot a desperate fight once occurred between a party of
trappers and a band of hostile Indians. The trappers were commanded by
a man whose name has ever since been applied to the stream. Prevost,
although he had a strong party and fought a most desperate battle,
nevertheless was outnumbered, outgeneralled, and most completely
overpowered. The Indians succeeded in killing the entire party,
including himself, with but four exceptions. These four escaped
only with the greatest difficulty and prudence. Through them the
particulars of the affair became known to the mountaineers.

Col. Fremont (we should before this have mentioned that Fremont had
been promoted in