It is difficult to know exactly where this pen and ink sketch fits into the scheme of things. Three versions of the scene appear to have survived. This may be the first, perhaps a study made in the West during Miller’s travels. It pictures members of the Stewart party on a hill looking down on the roiling gathering of wild horses below. According to the inscription, this event occurred on the Sweet Water River.
If this dating is correct, it would follow that Miller’s wash drawing made for Stewart’s portfolio in 1837 (CR# 449A) was copied from this. The artist retained this pen and ink drawing which he used as a study for a watercolor that was part of the William Walters commission of 1858 – 1859 (CR# 449B).
