Louis through the valley of the "Flat Water," in 1812-13, never again returned to the mountains. But civilization was not of his kind, and he died less than two years thereafter.

Jacques Laramie was an unusual character among the people of long ago. Too many of the wilderness men were inclined to forget their obligation. Expediency and the needs of the moment were of vastly greater concern to them than the vague uncomprehensive contract signed with "his x mark" made to some partisans of the fur trade.

Yet for the purpose of disposing of their peltries, it was necessary for them to rely upon some one to do the mathematical work, and one who would not let the "wise ones" of

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

civilized trade, take their hides along with the pelts of animals.

Laramie became a leader of free trappers -- the man whom all trusted -- -and from year to year the rendezvous at "Laramie's fork" grew, as new men heard of the newer and safer route to and from the base of supplies.

For five years after 1S15 the trappers met in May of each year, and when conditions were favorable, the peltries were loaded on the bullboats, and Laramie with a party would convey them down the river. Another party would take horses to a point about four hundred miles below to assist their return. Keelboats plying on the Missouri river, would take Laramie "and his cargo from the mouth of the Platte to St. Louis and return, and occasionally keelboats could ascend the Platte as far as Grand Island -- then an unnamed island.