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The Life of Kit Carson - Hunter, Trapper, Guide, Indian Agent and Colonel U.S.A. by Edward S. (Edward Sylvester) Ellis
page 104 of 221 (47%)

Alarming news awaited Fremont at Fort Laramie. A number of trappers
informed them that the Sioux, through whose country their route
lay, were excited to exasperation by several recent conflicts
with hunters in which the red men were worsted. The Sioux warriors
were gathered in large numbers and would attack any white men who
ventured beyond the fort. They had already massacred a number and
it was impossible for Fremont and his party to get through without
a battle in which they were likely to be overwhelmed.

Carson looked upon the situation as so serious that he made his
will and left it at the fort. When consulted by Fremont, he said
he considered the prospect full of peril, but he was ready to go
the moment required. The commander was confident the danger was
greatly exaggerated, and, without much misgiving, he resumed his
journey westward, following up the north fork of the Platte. Game
and water were found, and, at the end of three weeks, they arrived
at the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains without having exchanged
a shot with a red man on the way.

They had now reached their destination and Lieutenant Fremont at
once began his observations. When they were concluded he undertook
the ascent of the highest mountain peak. The situation was anything
but encouraging: they were in the country of the hostile Blackfeet,
some of whom were observed hovering in the vicinity; men and animals
were worn out and it was hard to procure game. But the ascent was
begun, Fremont taking fourteen men with him. Those who were left
in camp erected a rude but strong fort, behind which they were
confident they could sustain themselves against any force the
Indians were likely to muster.
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