the corps of Topographical Engineers from the post of
Lieutenant to the rank of Captain by brevet) now examined the country
as far as the south side of the Great Salt Lake, passing on his route
a smaller body of water, which, for many years, has been known as
Little Utah Lake. The command halted at Great Salt Lake a few days
to recruit, preparatory to undertaking the further exploration of the
lake, together with one of its largest islands, which would be reached
by this southern route. The Indians met with on the journey, informed
them that on this island there was plenty of fresh water, and game in
abundance. On arriving at a suitable place, Col. Fremont pitched his
tents for the main camp. On the following morning, taking Kit Carson
and a few chosen men, Col. Fremont started to explore the island. The
reports of the Indians were proven to be true. In addition to plenty
of fresh water and game, they discovered very good timber growing
there. The game, which proved to be antelope, was so abundant that
they decided to kill from the herds a quantity sufficient for future
use. The island was about fifteen miles in length by about five in
breadth. From the main land to the island they were able to ride their
horses, as the water was not deep. Upon the banks of the lake they
found the salt deposit to vary from the thickness of a wafer to the
depth of twelve inches.

Having made their observations, the small party returned to the main
camp. On the following day the journey was resumed, the route leading
around the south side of the lake, until they reached the last fresh
water to be found in that direction. Before them lay a wide and
unknown desert, over which no white man had ever passed. Kit Carson
had been at this spot several times in previous years, and had often
heard the oldest trappers speak of the impossibility of crossing
it for man or beast. They had always shrunk from a path apparently
endless, which offered appearances of neither grass nor water. Colonel
Fremont had determined to try the formidable desert, and, if possible,
unfold its hidden secrets. His men were equally ambitious with
himself, and were ready to second his efforts without fearing the
trials or sufferings which the desert route might exact.

Colonel Fremont arranged all of his plans commensurate with the
hardships in expectancy. Early the subsequent morning he dispatched
Kit Carson, Maxwell and two others as an advance party to break the
road a