We followed the trail of the advance party along the bank of the river, and most of the way through a dense forest of pine timber and over a broad swampy lowland, when we came into their camp on the Yellowstone lake two miles from where it empties into the river, and about ten miles from our morning camp.  We passed Brimstone basin on our left, and saw jets of steam rising from the hills back of it.  From all appearances the Yellowstone can be forded at almost any point between the rapids just above the upper fall and the lake, unless there are quicksands and crevices which must be avoided.

Yellowstone lake, as seen from our camp to-night, seems to me to be the most beautiful body of water in the world.  In front of our camp it has a wide sandy beach like that of the ocean, which extends for miles and as far as the eye can reach, save that occasionally there is to be found a sharp projection of rocks.  The overlooking bench rises from the water’s edge about eight feet, forming a bank of sand or natural levee, which serves to prevent the overflow of the land adjoining, which, when the lake is receiving the water from the mountain streams that empty into it while the snows are melting, is several feet below the surface of the lake.  On the shore of the lake, within three or four miles of our camp, are to be found specimens of sandstone, resembling clay, of sizes varying from that of a walnut to a flour barrel, and of every odd shape imaginable.  Fire and water have been at work here together—­fire to throw out the deposit in a rough shape, and water to polish it.  From our camp we can see several islands from five to ten miles distant in a direct line.  Two of the three “Tetons,” which are so plainly visible to travelers going to Montana from Eagle Rock bridge on Snake river, and which are such well-known and prominent landmarks on that stage route, we notice to-night in the direction of south 25 degrees west from our camp.  We shall be nearer to them on our journey around the lake.

Sunday, September 4.—­This morning at breakfast time Lieutenant Doane was sleeping soundly and snoring sonorously, and we decided that we would not waken him, but would remain in camp till the afternoon and perhaps until morning.  Walter Trumbull suggested that a proper deference to Jake Smith’s religious sentiments ought to be a sufficient reason for not traveling on Sunday, whereupon Jake immediately exclaimed, “If we’re going to remain in camp, let’s have a game of draw.”

Last evening Lieutenant Doane’s sufferings were so intense that General Washburn and I insisted that he submit to an operation, and have the felon opened, and he consented provided I would administer chloroform.  Preparations were accordingly made after supper.  A box containing army cartridges was improvised as an operating table, and I engaged Mr. Bean, one of our packers, and Mr. Hedges as assistant surgeons.  Hedges was to take his position at Doarte’s elbow, and was to watch my motion as I thrust in the