Sioux, and other tribes, who were scouring the country between the Platte and the Rocky Mountains, rendering it unsafe for travelers.
Imagining the dangers to have been overrated, however, Fremont and his colleagues resolved not to allow them to prevent the completion of their task. On the 18th, therefore, when the men had had time to recover from the fatigues of their long march, they were called together, and Fremont told them of his intention to proceed, adding that he was willing to release any one of them from his engagement who was desirous to retire from the service. Only one man availed himself of this privilege, and when he had been dismissed, amidst the ridicule of his comrades, active preparations were made for the continuation of the journey.
The tents were struck, the horses saddled, and the "stirrup-cup" was being enjoyed, when four chiefs made their way into the midst of the white men, and one of them having handed a letter to Fremont, they seated themselves in silence to watch him read it. The letter, which was in French, ran as follows:—
"Fort Platte, July 1st, 1842.
"Mr. Fremont,—The chiefs, having assembled in council, have just told me to warn you not to set out before the party of young men which is now out shall have returned. Furthermore, they tell me that they are very sure to fire upon you as soon as they meet you. They are expected back in seven or eight days. Excuse me for making these observations, but it seems my duty to warn you of danger. Moreover, the chiefs who prohibit your setting out before the return of the warriors are the bearers of this note.
"I am your obedient servant,
"Joseph Bissouette."
This Joseph Bissouette was the interpreter engaged for the passage of the
country between Fort Laramie and the Rocky Mountains, and the warning
was therefore not to be neglected. The chiefs, whose names were given as
Otter Hat, Breaker of Arrows, Black Night, and Bull's Tail, maintained
silence while Fremont read and explained the letter to his men. Then one
of them advanced, and, having shaken hands—a ceremony all Indians who
have had any thing to do with white men are careful not to neglect—he
made a speech to the effect that he and his people were glad to see their
white brothers . . . they looked upon their coming as the light which goes
