The mission was one of peril and hardship and required a man of nerve and vigor.

It was confided to Robert Stuart, who, though he had never been across the mountains, and a very young man, had given proofs of his competency to the task.

Four trusty and well-tried men, who had come overland in Mr.
Hunt's expedition, were given as his guides and hunters.

These were Ben Jones and John Day, the Kentuckians, and Andri Vallar and Francis Le Clerc, Canadians.

Mr.M'Lellan again expressed his determination to take this opportunity of returning to the Atlantic States.