Chapter 25

(Senator Benton talking to Van Buren:)

BENTON: The West is a great country, Mr. President. We should have it explored and investigated.

VAN BUREN: I agree with you, Senator Benton. The West should be explored. If we had a good man to send on this expedition.

BENTON: I know a man, Mr. President; John C. Fremont. He is an experienced engineer, and loves the wild life of adventure.

VAN BUREN: Bring Fremont to me.

(Fremont enters and is introduced by Benton).

VAN BUREN: You are an explorer of note, Mr. Fremont? Will you undertake a journey to the Rocky Mountains and bring back a report of that country?

FREMONT: Yes, I am very much interested in exploring the West, and with your permission and the permission of Congress, will try to find out all that we can about that great country.

_End of Act I._