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Show 62 MORE ABOUT FORT BRIDGER The reader will inquire why a country with so many re sources is not settled. The reason is, because the most desirable of it is not open for settlement, but included in the large reservation. Various inspecting officers have already recommended that this reservation be cut down. If it should be done, and the land thrown open for pre- emp tion, and a colony of industrious Germans, or any other thrifty people locate here, a few years would make a great change in the present desolate country. The passage of the Pacific Railroad through this valley or vicinity, would be another valuable stimulus to the development of the country. Anticipating this, Judge Carter has already es tablished a saw- mill, and talks of bringing out another this year. Fort Bridger, upon our arrival, was garrisoned by three companies of ex- rebel soldiers, who enlisted in our army, when prisoners of war, for duty on the frontier, fighting Indians. These troops are styled officially U. S. Volun teers, but are more generally known as " Galvanized Yan kees," a term that seemed not at all offensive to them. The post had been most shamefully abused. Troops that had been mustered out of service shortly before our arri val, must have destroyed property from the mere desire to destroy ; but in some instances there was apparently a little utility in their destructiveness, as they demolished buildings for firewood. Many of the officers just on the eve of leaving service, winked at the vandalism of their men v while others were unable to control them, if they had any desire to do so. Everybody in this section of country seemed to have become completely demoralized. Citizens and soldiers were alike in this respect. Some of the latter were so re garded in the eastern armies, and became ten times worse when they were sent on the plains against their wishes. Men stole and officers stole ! That is their own testimony. I was not here to judge for myself; but I have known in dividuals who formerly held commissions, give to each other the worst of characters. I might one day meet a |