A Good Writer is Indispensable

Captain Walker chose the first man for his California expedition, one Zenas Leonard, for his ability to keep a journal.  He was a brave, steady man who was a journal keeper - one of the best ever compiled by a mountain man.  When it was published, it gave the only detailed account of the California expedition - the most successful expedition ever taken by fur men.  Still in his early 20s, Leonard had been on the frontier since his 21st birthday with a party of fur trappers who finally went broke after spending 2 years freezing and starving to death.

Leonard had been captured by the Arikara Indians while lost and took a Blackfoot arrow in the side.  He had been robbed of 150 beaver pelts by a band of free trappers but never confessed to being frightened or lonely - writing of his own stupidity for the hardships instead.

Leonard was extremely observant, thoughtful - he spent the next 2 years with Walker, and became a life long friend as well.