Having now reached a point where danger might be reasonably apprehended from strolling war parties of Indians, spies were kept in advance and strict diligence observed in the duty of sentinels.

After an unremitting and severe labour of two days, we returned to our old encampment with the loss of some of my horses, and my men excessively fatigued.

I had the Big Horn river explored from Wind River mountain to my place of embarkation.

Snow is so common that I have omitted to note its falling at least two days out of Three.

The only very rugged part of the route is in crossing the Big Horn mountain, which is about 30 miles wide.

They urged me to take up winter quarters at the forks of the Platt, stating that if I attempted to advance further until spring, I would endanger the lives of my whole party.

Some of them profess to be well acquainted with all the principal waters of the Columbia, with which they assured me these waters had no connection short of the ocean.