Long lariats were tied to the wagons, and twenty men manning each, they were pulled to and from the mountains.

Notwithstanding all these hardships, the men seemed to be contented and to enjoy themselves.
The winter finally passed away, and early in the spring, as soon as we could travel, the civil employees of the government, with the teamsters and freighters, started for the Missouri river; the Johnson expedition having been abandoned.

On the way down we stopped at Fort Laramie, and there met a supply train bound westward.

Of course we all had a square meal once more, consisting of hard tack, bacon, coffee and beans.

I can honestly say that I thought it was the best meal I had ever eaten; at least I relished it more than any other, and I think the rest of the party did the same.
On leaving Fort Laramie, Simpson was made brigade wagon-master, and was put in charge of two large trains, with about four hundred extra men, who were bound for Fort Leavenworth.