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Show I NEW ROUTE THROUGH THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. 229 trunks and heavy baggage were left in charge of Major Bridger, to be forwarded by a Mormon train from the city; Governor Young having kindly engaged to see that they were safely transported to St. LouisJ Carrying with us, therefore, only such articles as were absolutely indispensable, we prepared for out departure. During our stay, daily observations were taken, the results of which gave for the lat. 41° 18' lfc". 8; and long. 110° 82' 28". On the 7th the mail arrived, bringing the unlooked- for intelligence of the death of the President of the United States. Before leaving Salt Lake Valley, it had been determined not to return by the beaten track, but to endeavour to ascertain the practicability of some tffcore direct route than that now travelled to the waters of the Atlantic* If it should prove to be practicable to carry a road across the north fork of the Platte, near the Medicine Bow Butte, and, skirting the southern limit of the Laramie Plains, to cross the Black Hills in the vicinity of the heads of Lodge- pole Creek, and to descend that stream to its junction with . the South Eork of the Platte, nearly a straight line would thus be accomplished ^ omFort Bridger, and the detour through % the South Pass and the valley of the Sweetwater, as well as all the rugged-ness of the Black Hills, upon that line, be entirely avoided. The country through which the proposed line would pass was represented as entirely practicable and as affording every probability of success. ftfajor Bridger, although at considerable sacrifice of his. own in* terest, with great spirit offered his services as guide, he being well acquainted with the ground over which it was my desire to pass. The offer was most cheerfully accepted; and as our route would. lay directly through the war- ground of several powerful Indian tribeji, care was had fully to equip the party with arms and ammunition necessary for our defence. Tuesday, September 10.- We left Fort Bridger in the afternoon, and proceeding about five pules down Black's Fork, encamped in a small meadow upon the right bank, with good grass for the animals. A merchant- train for Salt Lake passed us during the day, from which I procured some sugar and coffee, of which articles we were nearly destitute, the supply of Salt Lake City having been exhausted long before our departure. Wednesday, September 11.- Ther. at sunrise, 28°. Our route to- day follows the emigration road down Black's Fork, which is twice crossed. In eight miles from camp we crossed Smith's Fork, |