The most effective expedition hitherto equipped by the Government, for purposes of exploration, was commanded by Col. Fremont, and set out in 1842. Upon his arrival at the South Platte, he sent the larger portion of his force to Fort Laramie, a post of the American Fur Company. With the rest of his command he advanced to Fort St. Vrain, an Indian trading post, situated seventeen miles east from Long’s Peak, and one hundred miles north from Pike’s Peak. From this point he journeyed northward, exploring the country beyond the limits of Colorado. Another band of explorers, conducted by Col. Fremont, camped at Fort St. Vrain in July, 1843. This party made accurate surveys of the regions known as north and south of the Divide--an elevated ridge, separating the Arkansas and Platte valleys; crossed and re-crossed the range, ascertained many valuable facts, and mapped out the main geographical features of Colorado. But, so far, none of these explorers, nor any of the white inhabitants, mostly occupied in trading, trapping and hunting, had made any discovery of the vast mineral wealth now known to exist in this portion of the Sierra Madre mountains. As the limits of Kansas formerly embraced a large part of what now constitutes Colorado, a brief summary of the early history of Kansas is essential. The territory of Kansas was organized on the thirtieth day of May, 1854. Then began her pupilage under the guardianship of Congress. In theory, the relation of a territory to the national government is that of a child to its parent. It is supposed to be under discipline and training, by which it will, in due time, be fitted to discharge the high and important duties incident to statehood. Kansas, it seems, was an unruly ward, and caused much trouble and anxiety to her guardian. In the Organic Act of the territory it was prescribed that the Constitution and all the laws of the United States should be in full force and effect, except the Missouri Compromise Act of 1820, which was declared to be inoperative and void in that territory. The Missouri Compromise, thus partially rescinded, opened the way for a pro-slavery and an anti-slavery agitation. Anti-slavery colonies from New England, and pro-slavery colonies from the Southern States, came to settle in the new territory of Kansas. Confusion, riot, and bloodshed soon followed. This unhappy state of affairs continued until the adoption of a State constitution prohibiting slavery. This important event occurred December 6th, 1859. From that time peace and order reigned. On January 29th, 1861, an Act for the admission of Kansas into the Union as a state, passed both Houses of Congress. On February 26th, 1861, Congress divided the new state, and organized the western portion into a territory bearing the name of Colorado.