The life of Col. John Charles Fremont, and his narrative of explorations and adventures, in Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon and California / the memoir by Samuel M. Smucker.

  • Frémont, John Charles, 1813-1890.
Date:
1856
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The life of Col. John Charles Fremont, and his narrative of explorations and adventures, in Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon and California / the memoir by Samuel M. Smucker. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    19/520 (page 11)
    fiers,” which at that time convulsed the state of South Caro- lina, and had its chief stronghold in the state capital. From Charleston, the Natchez was ordered to cruise along the coast of South America. Before her departure young Fre- mont, then twenty years of age, succeeded in obtaining the post of teacher of mathematics on board; and in that capacity he sailed upon a voyage of two and a half years’ du- ration. During this interval his conduct was exemplary, his habits were studious, and his reputation and character were deservedly high. On his return to Charleston, at the termination of the voyage, the faculty of the college fiom which he had formerly been expelled, possessed mag- nanimity enough to do justice to his merits; and they be- stowed upon him, as an evidence that he had regained their confidence and favor, first the degree of Bachelor, and af- terward that of Master, of Arts. Immediately afterward Fremont applied for one of the professorships of mathematics which had recently been es- tablished in the navy. The examiners met in Baltimore, and subjected the various candidates to a most rigid and thorough ordeal. Very few were able to pass it success- fully ; but Fremont was one of those fortunate few. He was then appointed to the frigate Independence; but he had suddenly determined to embrace a new profession, one in which more scope and latitude would be given to the ener- gy and activity of his temperament. He commenced his ca- reer as a surveyor and civil engineer, by acting in the ex- amination of the railroad route between Charleston and Augusta. This work being completed, he obtained the ap- pointment of assistant engineer in a corps organized under t ie direction of Capt. G. W. Williams, of the United States topographical Engineers, which was commissioned to make a survey of the route of a proposed railway between Charleston and Cmcinnati. When fulfilling this appoint-