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CALIFORNIA EXPEDITION 1833 - 34 California Expedition 1833 - 34 In the 1860s, Joseph R. Walker was probably better know than most of the pioneers of that day. He was considered a man of few words and never bragged or told tall tales of his exploits. Walker's words were considered as fact and his knowledge of the frontier was challenged by no one. Family tradition has it that Walker setup the meeting for Fremont to meet 'Kit' Carson. Senator Benton of Missouri, who was Fremont's father-in-law, wanted his new son-in-law to have the very best guide for his first expedition. Benton knew of Walker and arranged for him to guide Fremont on his first expedition into the Rocky Mountains. Walker decided after meeting Fremont, a young brash Army officer, his time could be better spent in hunting beaver. Walker then told young 'Kit' Carson where Fremont could be located and gracefully bowed out of the arrangement with Senator Benton. Fremont and Carson struck up a friendship and Fremont's writings made young 'Kit' famous. Although young Carson could not read or write, he went on to become a General in the Union Army, learning to sign his name only a few years before he died. Walker on the other hand was educated, read well and from samples left could also write well. In 1844, Walker again met Fremont. On this occasion Fremont was camped at Mountain Meadows. Fremont's guides 'Kit' Carson and Thomas Fitzpatrick didn't know where they were or how to guide him out of the area. Fremont thought he was surrounded by Indians when in rides Joseph Walker with eight men and over 300 horses. Walker agreed to guide Fremont back to the Rocky Mountains. While in the area Walker introduced Fremont to the famous Indian chief Walkara. During their return to the Rockies, Fremont was able to convince Walker to guide his third expedition [1845-46]. After the Hawk Peak incident, Walker asked to be released from their agreement and years later stated that Fremont was a coward. Over the years historians have compared Walker and Jedediah Smith as equals, both traveling over some of the same terrain and having similar events occur in their lives. For this reason the first chapter will deal with Smith's two expeditions to California for a comparison on how the two men handled similar events. Both men were at the head of large party's of trappers, had dealings with the Indians and were interviewed by the officials in Alta California. 
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