Final answer:
Griffin decides to go to Mississippi after learning about Bess finding gold in the valley and having a saddle-bag full of gold. He plans to ride on, take a detour through the sage and Cottonwoods, and then continue on the trail to reach Sterling. Griffin is motivated by the desire to reunite with Bess and their newfound fortune.
Step-by-step explanation:
Griffin decides to go to Mississippi after speaking with Sterling because of the urgency and gravity of the racial injustice and discrimination prevalent in the Southern states. Sterling shares with Griffin the brutal realities of racism, segregation, and violence that African Americans face in Mississippi. Deeply moved and disturbed by Sterling's account, Griffin feels a moral imperative to witness and experience firsthand the injustices suffered by the Black community. By immersing himself in this environment, Griffin aims to deepen his understanding, raise awareness, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about racial inequality in America. His decision reflects a commitment to confront and challenge the systemic racism ingrained in the social fabric of the Southern states.