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  The
character and extent of Frémont's
astronomical
and other physical observations on this
long, arduous, and dangerous
journey constituted the great
value of his exploring work. In few
instances did it fall to Frémont's
lot to first explore any section of the
country, but it was his good fortune, as
it was his intent, to first contribute
systematic, extended, and reliable data as
to climate,
elevation,
physical conditions, and geographical
positions. The hypsometrical
work begun by Frémont
culminated, indeed, in the unparalleled
collation of  elevations
by Gannett; his climatic
observations have been
perfected by the Signal Corps; his
astronomical and geological
data have been overwhelmed by
the magnificent collections and field work
of the United States Coast and Geodetic
and Geological Surveys; but it is to be
noted that Frémont's observations,
which he gave in detail, were so honest
and good that they have withstood
successfully the test of hostile
examination.
General A. W. Greely, Gold Medalist
of the Royal Geographical Society and
Société de
Géographie, Paris, Chief Signal
Officer U.S. Army, arctic explorer.
Professional assiduity, unusual
self-control, readiness to endure
 any
amount of monotonous hard work,
deprivation, and exhaustion--these were
traits of Frémont that we should
not allow his many adventures, and the
picturesqueness of the scenes in which he
moved to obscure. It is significant that
[Kit] Carson, like that other
expert frontiersman Alex Godey, regarded
him with deferential respect. To both he
was as efficient a man of action as they
could desire--and in addition a
scientist.
Allan Nevins, DeWitt Clinton
professor of history, Columbia
University.
Two portraits:
1843 and1864.
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The
first by G. P. A. Healy was done
about 1847 (Lt. Colonel
insignia), but probably from an
earlier daguerreotype c.1843. The
background is from the Charles
Preuss 1st expedition drawing of
the Wind River Range, published
in 1843. The second (Major
General) is by S. N.
Carvalho and, on the
reverse Painted and presented
to the Metropolitan Fair for the
benefit the Sick and Wounded
Soldiers, New York, 21st March,
1864, S. N. Carvalho. This
was the forerunner of the New
York Metropolitan Museum.
Catalog
number #267.
Soloman Nuñes Carvaljo was
Frémont's photographer and
artist on his railroad survey
through the Rocky Mountains in
the winter of 1848.
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Contemporary
descriptions:
His men all
loved him intensely. He gave his orders
with great mildness and simplicity, but
they had to be obeyed. There was no
shrinking from duty. He was like a father
to those under his command. At that time I
thought that I could endure as much
hardship as most men, especially a small,
slender man like Frémont; but I was
wholly mistaken.
Peter
H. Burnett, first governor of the State of
California.
 A
vast cloud of dust appeared first, and
then in a long file emerged this wildest
wild party.
Frémont
rode ahead, a spare, active-looking man,
with such an eye! He was dressed in a
blouse and leggings, and wore a felt hat.
After him came five Delaware Indians, who
were his bodyguard, and have been with him
through all his wanderings.
(Frémont's Delaware chief Sagundai
at right)
Lieutenant Frederick Walpole
The colonel
[Frémont] is a man of small
stature, of slender but wiry formation,
and with a countenance of firmness and
decision. This is the firth time he has
crossed the continent in connection with
his scientific purposes. To sleep under
the open heaven, and depend upon one's
rifle for food, is coming about as near
the primitive state of the hunter as a
civilized man can get; and yet, this life,
in this case, is adorned with the triumphs
of science.
Rev Walter Colton, Alcalde,
Monterey
The fact is,
the people of the country are frightened
at the very  name
of Frémont. He is represented to
those who do not know any better as being
a Cannibal, a bloodthirsty Barbarian,
&c &c. His very name causes
females to shudder, and crying children to
be mute as death, as I have myself seen.
While at the same time those who know the
gentleman in question admire him for the
childlike simplicity and unaffected
kindness, justice and liberality which
marks his every movement.
Captain William Dane
Phelps
I have seen
in no other man the qualities of
lightness, activity, strength and physical
endurance in such equilibrium. His face is
rather thin and embrowned by exposure; his
nose a bold aquiline and his eyes deep-set
and keen as a hawk's. Rough camp life has
lessened in no degree his native
refinement of character and polish of
manners. A stranger would never suppose
him to be the Columbus of our central
wilderness, though when so informed, would
believe it without
surprise.
Bayard
Taylor.
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See
a series of portraits 1843-1890.
John
Charles Frémont was born in Savannah, Georgia in
1813. Though poor, through the efforts of a family friend,
John Charles was prepared for and entered the Junior Class
Charleston College at the age of 15. Though he showed great
promise in languages, science, and mathematics, the
following year, a few weeks before graduating he was
expelled for nonattendance.
Presented
to John Charles Frémont by Baron
von Humboldt in 1850.
