"Having now reached a point where danger might be reasonably apprehended from strolling war parties of Indians, spies were kept in advance and strict diligence observed in the duty of sentinels"

This quote by William Henry Ashley is describing the threats of taking a trip through the American West in the early 19th century. Right now, Native American tribes were usually hostile to settlers and investors taking a trip with their lands. To protect themselves, Ashley as well as his party took preventative measures such as keeping spies ahead of time to keep an eye out for any possible danger, and preserving a stringent watch with sentinels. This quote highlights the relevance of caution and also caution when taking a trip with the American West right now, as danger from Native American war celebrations was constantly a possibility. Ashley's quote additionally serves as a reminder of the challenging and also hazardous conditions that early settlers as well as traders had to face in order to earn a living in the American West.