Wednesday, 7th. As we journeyed, the mountains were high and naked; passed a pond that was nearly dried up, perfectly white with Glauber Salts, and in many places two or three inches deep, so that large lumps weighing several pounds were taken up. Buffalo increased in number; 10 were killed. Travelled today about 14 miles.

The Bidwell-Bartleson Party are following the Sweetwater River west toward South Pass. Captain Fitzpatrick would already know about South Pass. His friend Jedediah Smith had explored the pass in 1824.

The Sweetwater rises at the southern end of the Wind River Mountain Range and flows almost due east to join the North Platte River near Independence Rock. It made an ideal trail for westering pioneers as it skirted the dramatic peaks of the Wind River Range.