four miles distant. After a march of twenty-four miles, we encamped at
nightfall, one mile and a half above the lower end of Brady's Island. The
breadth of this arm of the river was eight hundred and eighty yards, and
the water nowhere two feet in depth. The island bears the name of a man
killed on this spot some years ago. His party had encamped here, three in
company, and one of the number went off to hunt, leaving Brady and his
companion together. These two had frequently quarreled, and on the
hunter's return he found Brady dead, and was told that he had shot himself
accidentally. He was buried here on the bank; but, as usual, the wolves
tore him out, and some human bones that were lying on the ground we
supposed were his. Troops of wolves that were hanging on the skirts of the
buffalo, kept up an uninterrupted howling during the night, venturing
almost into camp. In the morning, they were sitting at a short distance,
barking, and impatiently waiting our departure, to fall upon the bones.

2d.--The morning was cool and smoky. Our road led closer to the hills,
which here increased in elevation, presenting an outline of conical peaks
three hundred to five hundred feet high. Some timber, apparently pine,
grows in the ravines, and streaks of clay or sand whiten their slopes. We
crossed, during the morning, a number of hollows, timbered principally
with box, elder, (_acer negundo_,) poplar, and elm. Brady's Island is
well wooded, and all the river along which our road led to-day, may, in
general, be called tolerably well timbered. We passed near the encampment
of the Oregon emigrants, where they appeared to have reposed several days.
A variety of household articles were scattered about, and they had
probably disburdened themselves here of many things not absolutely
necessary. I had left the usual road before the mid-day halt, and in the
afternoon, having sent several men in advance to reconnoitre, marched
directly for the mouth of the South fork. On our arrival, the horsemen
were sent in and scattered about the river to search for the best fording-