Miller explained that this scene represented the broad prairie; the whole plain is dotted with lodges and tents, with groups of Indians surrounding them;–In the river near the foreground Indians are bathing; to the left rises a bluff overlooking the plain whereon are stationed some Braves and Indian women. In the midst of them is Capt. Bridger in a full suit of steel armor. This gentleman was a famous mountain man, and we venture to say that no one has travelled here within the last 30 years without seeing or hearing of him. The suit of armor was imported from England and presented to Capt. B. by our commander;–it was a fac-simile of that worn by the English life-guards, and created a sensation when worn by him on stated occasions. (Ross, 1968, text accompanying plate 159)
The first version of this painting (CR #174, private collection) was the slightly more chaotic and spirited scene that Miller painted for the leather-bound portfolio that resided in the library at Murthly Castle, which apparently did not include Bridger. This may be the second version. The scene has become a little less chaotic, and Bridger has been added.
