Show correct However entries in later journals giving accounts of subsequent approaches to the lake do not seem to indicate that he possessed knowledge of it that he would visit An exnaturally have acquired from any east-sho- re amination of his later explorations will be considered later in this chapter At present however we have to deal with Ogden's first Ogden descent of Bear river and approach to the lake in 1825 Somewhere along Bear river no doubt in Cache valley Ogden was "relieved" of most of his furs and equipment when twenty three of his men deserted to the Rocky Mountain company® In the absence of Ogden's journal details of this incident were lacking and open to much speculation until the publication letter to company officials written July 10 1825 the last Fork of the Missouri shortly after the incident This letter not only throws much light on the occurred of his from tran- saction in question but also on Ogden's activities during that season In the absence of a more complete account it is the best source available on that subject According to the letter Ogden intended to continue westward from Bear river in an attempt to reach the "Umqua" 3 He had Cf about 3000 4 Oregon Historical ante p 72 pelts at the time Quarterly June 1934 108 ff |