On the 14th, the boats, Emma Dean and Canonita, were in readiness, and we loaded and took them down a mile and a half to the point near where the road came in from Kanab, whence our final departure would be made as soon as Powell, who needed a little extra time for arranging his papers and general affairs, should say the word.

Everything was carefully attended to, as if we were preparing our last will and testament, and were never to be seen alive again, and I believe this was the firm conviction of most of those not going with the boats.

Those who were going had abundant respect for the dragon, and well knew that no holiday excursion was before them.

Their spirit was humble, and no precaution was to be neglected; no spirit of bravado permitted to endanger the success of the undertaking.

Mrs.Thompson and De Motte ran down with us through two small rapids that exist at the mouth of the Paria, and which we had to pass to reach the camp mentioned.