Part I: Trapper- Chapter 4 and 5 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 4, the Missouri Legion- In 30 days, the men under Major Henry have linked up with Col. Ashley. Henry's new fur trapping plan is to advance into the mountains overland and have his own trappers gather beaver, instead of trading for it from the Indians. Six companies of U.S. Infantry under Col. Leavenworth come up the Missouri River to help fight the Ree Indians, and the friendly forces are joined by 500 Sioux Indian warriors. Col. Leavenworth commissioned Henry's men as members of the Missouri Legion. The force gets to the Ree villages, marching the last 20 miles overland to avoid attack. The Sioux Indians attack the Rees but are stopped in their advance. Col. Leavenworth refuses to attack and waits for the artillery to come up, but later the artillery shells are muffled in...