In the Rocky Mountains

Contents

**

CHAPTER /.

Why Uncie Jeff came to ** Roaring Water" — The situation oj the farm — The inmates of the house — My sister Clarice and Biack Rachel — Unde Jeff— Bart le Won and Gideon Tuttle — Arrival of Lieutenant Broadstreet and his men — The troopers quartered in the hut — Our farm- labourers — Sudden appearance of the redskin Winnemak — His former visit to the farm — Clarice encoutiters him at the spring — Badly wounded — Kindly treated by Clarice and Rachel —

Chapter II

Winnemak warns us of the approach of enemies — Bartle goes out to scout — No signs of a foe — / take the lieutenant to visit Roaring Water — Bartle reports that the enemy have turned back — The lieutenant delayed by the sergeant'' s illness — The visit to ike hut — A tipsy trooper — Klitz and Gillooly missing — The sergeant becomes worse — Search for the missing men — / offer to cut as guide to the lieutenant — Bartle undertakes to find out what has become of Klitz and Barney

Chapter III

My family history — My father ^ once a captain in the British army^ comes to America and marries Uncle Jeff^s sister — He settles on a farm in Ohio — Clarice and I are bom — My grandfather^ s far 7?i destroyed by a flood — The next year our farm is burnt — My father resolves to migrate to the west — We set off in waggons with an emigrant train — Prosperous commencement of Journey — Provisiofts run short — / witness a buffalo hunt — The efuigrants suffer from cholera — My mother dies — Many of the emigrants turn beuk — My father perseveres — Fiercely attacked by jj~3g

30-47

Indians — We keep them at bay — Again attacked^ when a stranger comes to our assistance — Clarice gives him a book — He promises to read it — We continue our journey^ and reach Fort Kearney — Remain there for some months — My father^ though still sufferings insists on setting out again — He soon becomes worse, and dies— I am digging his grave, when an emigrant train comes by — Uncle Jeff is the leader, and we accompany him to Roaring Water . . 4S-6S

Chapter IV

As the lieutenant and X are starting, we hear that Klitz and Barney have gone off with a wheelbarrow for California — A pleasant bivouac — At last we catch sight of the deserters — The lieutenant is about to ride after them, when a party of Indians appear — The Indians take to flight, and we lose sight of the runaways — Form our camp — Discover that we are watched — Follow the spy, who proves to be Maysotta — Find the deserters taking their ease — We capture them, and, guided by Maysotta, take them to the Indian camp — Resolve to return to the farm . . . 6g-S4

Chapter V

We leave the Indian camp — MaysottcHs kind offer — Our ride to Roaring Water — Indians in the distance — In sight of the farm — A stranger Indian — Our reception by Uncle Jeff — The Indian's story — He gets food and shelter — ■ Matters now look serious — A council 0/ war — My doubts of the Indian — Clarice and Rachel accompany the lieutenant to the Indian camp — We barricade the house — Disappearance of the Indian — Bartle goes out to reconnoitre-^ Approach of the enemy — A determined attack — Severe losses — The out-buildings set on fire — Our ammunition runs short — The roof takes fire — Hoiv are we to escape? — Uncle Jeff^s ruse, and how it succeeded .... 8j~iii

Chapter VI

We are surprised by the Indians while leaving the house — ■ Fartle's advice — / am persuaded to escape alone — An exciting pursuit — Food and rest — My journey resumed — Among the mountains — My anxiety about my friends — A weary day — An Indian in sight — Friend or enemy ? — A recognition — Winnemak and his braves — I am kindly treated— No news of Uncle Jeff — A spy — We start in pursuit of him — The spy overtaken — A deadly sombat — Winnemak overcomes Piomingo — Is he dead? — My intercession — On the way for Winneniak^s camp . . . jis-isg

Chapter VII

On the march — Winnemak unable to give me news of my friends — My arguments iti favour of Piomingo — Encamped for the night — We reach Winnemak's camp — Braves and squaws — Where are my friends ? — Wzfinemak and his idols — A party of braves arrive j with prisoners — Maysotta and her dog — A strange meeting — The lietiienant^ s story — • We start in quest of Clarice and Rachel — A fruitless search — / lose my friend in the forest — Trying to regain the right pathf I meet with Clarice and Maysotta — My sister's story — I tell her of the burning of the far j?i — We set out for the camp, and meet with the lieutenant — Night coming on, we encamp in the forest — Resuming our journey in the morningy we reach the camp in safety . , . . . ijo-i^o

Chapter VIII

I seek out Pio?ningo — A strong desire to save his life — I plead with the chief and gain ?ny point — I offer the young brave my horse and arms — Kindness requited — The Indian^ s escape — A daring act^ and a kind deed — We seek protection from the Indians — Return of Uncle Jeff and Maysotta — An address to the braves — How it succeeded — Uncle Jeff'' s story — The lieutenant about to leave us — His plans — We send out scouts — Alarming intelligence — The camp struck

— We move to the northward — We change our plans — A wonderful region — We separate from our Indian friends — Through a pine forest — The cataract of the pass — We send back our horses — Our journey continued — A ^^ Canada

stag" killed — Encamped for the night .... ^S^-^yo

Chapter IX

We continue our journey over the mountains^ and encamp in a fertile valley— Hunt elk in company with a panther — / spoil the sport off the latter — Uncle Jeff wounds an elk, which is lost down a precipice — More fortunate afterwards

— Uncle Jeff resolves to remain with Clarice, Rachel, and Pat, while Manley, the sergeant, and I push on — Difficulties in crossing the mountains — Manley in fearful danger — He escapes — Descend towards a broad valley — Its wonderful appearance — We encamp — The sergeant nearly scalds his fingers in a tempting spring — Curious phenomenon — Dreadful noises of wild beasts disturb our slumbers tji~iS6

Chapter X

Advance towards a beautiful lake — Hot sulphur springs met with — Boiling mud pots — Curious basins formed by water in the side of the mountain — Lovely fretwork round their rims — Nearly sink into a boiling mud pool — The lake reached — Abundance of game and fish — Build a raft- Begin voyage across lake — Violent storm — In great danger — Driven across the lake — We cling to trees while the raft is dashed to pieces — Make our way through the forest — / m^iss my companions^ and lose my gun and knapsack over a precipice — Reach foot of mountain — I camp without supper or fire i8y-20^

Chapter XI

Alone in the forest — -Awakened by the cry of a panther-^The brute discovers me — / take refuge in a tree — The panther disappears— A visit to the lake — Vain efforts to recover my rifle and knapsack~~I continue towards the west, hoping to meet my friends — More sulphur springs — Nearly overwhelmed by a mud volcano — A poisonous valley — Caught in a snow-storm — Build a hut — My fare^ thistle roots — Make traps and a fishing-line — Sally forth — Catch three ^

beavers — Find another lake — Salmon-trout caught — Continue down a river ^ and come upon a number of magnificent geysers — Am about to take up my abode in a grotto^ when a hot spring rises from it — I shift jny quarters — Prepare for another solitary night—I hear a shot^ and a wounded deer bounds near me ..... 206-222

Chapter XII

I kill the deer — More wonders — Meet Manley and Sergeant Custis at last — A pleasant evening — Parched with thirst afnidst sparkling streams — Our hazai'dous journey over the mountains — Safe arrival at Fort Harwood — Welcomed by the commandant — An expedition organized to drive the Indians from the country — Manley commands it — I accompany him — Meet Barney and Klitz^ still bound for California — Barney gives an account of their escape—Their journey stopped — They return with us — We meet Piomingo and his squaw — Tells us that he has buried the war-hatchet — Ilear an alarming account of Bartle — Ascend the mountain to where we left Uncle Jeff— Find him and Clarice well — He has obtained a large supply of peltries — Our return to Winnemak^s camp — Maysotta accompanies Clarice to Roaring Water ...... 22j-2^y

Chapter XIII

On our way we visit Piomingo — He tells us of BartUs captivity^ and offers to assist us in his recovery — Gideon^ Piomingo^ and I set out, folloived by a strong party under Sergeant Custis^ We discover the trail., and follow it up — Horrible cruelties practised by Indians on their prisoners — The trail leads along the mountain — We see a figure above us — It is Bartle — Is he alive ?^^fust in time — Gideon and I stay by him — I afterwards set off to obtain help — Piomingo has sent a letter — We arrive safe at Roaring Water — Hard at work rebuilding the house — A fort established — Barney and Klitzjoin us — A visit from Manley — A proposal, and confession — Uncle feff approves of the engagement of Manley and Clarice — Winnemak and Piomingo become Christians, and instruct their people — The house rebuilt — Settlers gather round us, and Uncle feff^s farm becomes the most flourishing in the neighbourhood ..... 2^8-2^4

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

An Indian stalked into the room . . Frontispiece

Some of the rivers were very difficult to cross . . 53

" Who is that man V he asked ..... 94 He fell back shot through the body . . . .114 Great was my surprise to see my sister Clarice . . 145 What was our horror to see him gliding rapidly down . 182 He kept smelling round and round the tree . . .208 He advanced and put out his hand . . . .232

An Indian stalked into the room.

R-U

Some of the fivers were very difficult to cross.

**Who is that man?" he asked.

He fell back shot through the body.

Great was my surprise to see my sister Clarice.

"What was our Horror to sec him gliding rajridly down.

He kept smelling round and round the tree'

He advanced and pot out his hand.

IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS.

Chapter I

ITHT ryOLK JEFF GAME TO "kOARIKG WATER" — THE SITUATION OF THE FARM — ^THE IKBLATES OF THE HOUSE — BTY SISTER CI^RTOE AND BLAOK RACHEL — UNOLE JEFF — BARTLR WON AND GIDEON TUTTLE — ARRIVAX OF LIEU- TENANT BROADSTREBT AND HIS MEN — THE TROOPERS QUARTERED IN THE HUT — OUR FARM-LABOURERS— SUDDEN AFPEARANOE OF THE REDSKIN WINNEMAK — HIS FORMER VISIT TO THE FARM — OLARIOB ENCOUNTERS

HIM AT THE SPRING BADLY WOUNDED — KINDLY TRKATED BY OLARIOB

AND RACHEL — HIS GRATITUDK

E were most of us seated round a blazing fire of pine logs, which crackled away merrily, sending the sparks about in all directions, at the no small risk of setting fire to garments of a lighter texture than ours. Although the flowers were blooming on the hill-sides, in the woods and valleys, and by the margins of the streams; humming-birds were flitting about gathering their dainty food; and the bears, having finished the operation of licking their paws, had come ont in search of more substantial fare ; and the buffalo had been seen migrating to the north,

1 4 UNCLE JEFF.

the wind at night blew keenly from off the snowcsapped mountain-tops which, at no great distance, rose above us, and rendered a fire acceptable even to us hardy backwoodsmen.

Our location was far in advance of any settlement in that latitude of North .America, for Uncle Jeff Crockett "could never abide," he' averred, "being in the rear of his fellow-creatures." Whenever he had before- found people gathering around him at the spot where he had pitched his tent, or rather, put up his log-hut, he had sold his property (always to advantage, however), and yoking his team, had pushed on westward, with a few sturdy followers.

On and on he had come, until he had reached the base of the Rocky Mountains. He would have gone over them, but, having an eye to business, and knowing that it was necessary to secure a market for his

produce, he calculated that he had come far enough for the present. He therefore climbed the sides of the mountain for a short distance, until he entered a sort of canon, which, penetrating westward, greatly narrowed, until it had the appearance of a cleft with lofty crags on either side, — while it opened out eastward, overlooking the broad valley and the plain beyond.

He chose the spot as one capable of being defended against the Redskins, never in those parts very friendly to white men, — especially towards those whom they found settling themselves on lands which they looked upon as their own hunting-grounds, although they oould use them for no other purpose.

" ROARING WATER." 15

Another reason which had induced Uncle Jeff to select this spot was, that not far off "was one of the only practicable passes through the mountains either to the north or south, and that the trail to it led close below us at the foot of the hiUs, so that every emigrant train or party of travellers going to or from the Great Salt Lake or California must pass in sight of the house.

A stream, issuing from the heights above, fell over the cliffs, forming a roaring cataract; and then, rushing through the canon, made its way down into the valley, irrigating and fertilizing the ground, until it finally reached a large river, the Platte, flowing into the Missouri. From this cataract our location obtained its name of " Roaring Water ; " but it was equally

well known as " Unde Jeff's Farm."

Our neighbours, if such they could be called in this wild region, were " birds of passage." Now and then a few Indian families might fix their tents in the valley below ; or a party of hunters or trappers might bivouac a night or two under the shelter of the woods, scattered here and there ; or travellers bound east or west might encamp by the margin of the river for the sake of recruiting their cattle, or might occasionally seek for shelter at the log-house which they saw perched above them, where, in addition to comfortable quarters, abundant fare and a hospitable welcome

which Uncle Jeff never refused to any one, whoever he might be, who came to his door — were sure to be obtained.

But it is time that I should say something about

16 MY SISTER CLARICE.

the inmates of the house at the period I am describing.

First, there was Uncle Jeff Crockett, a man of about forty-five, with a tall, stalwart figure, and a handsome countenance (though scarred by a slash from a tomahawk, and the claws of a bear with which he had had a desperate encounter). A bright blue eye betokened a keen sight, as also that his rifle was never likely to miss its aim; while his well-knit frame gave assurance of great activity and endurance.

I was then about seventeen, and Uncle Jeff had more than once complimented me by remarking that '* I was a true chip of the old block," as like what he was when at my age as two peas, and that he had no fear but that I should do him credit ; so that I need not say any more about myself.

I must say something, however, about my sister Clarice, who was my junior by rather more than a year. Fair as a lUy she was, in spite of summer suns, from which she took but little pains to shelter herself; but they had failed even to freckle her clear skin, or darken her light hair — except, it might be, that from them it obtained the golden hue which tinged it Delicate as she looked, she took an active part in all household duties, and was now busy about some of them at the further end of the big hall, which served as our common sitting-room, workshop, kitchen, and often as a sleeping-room, when guests were numerous. She was assisted by Rachel Prentiss, a middle-aged negress, the only other woman in the establishment ; who took upon herself the out-door work and rougher

UNCLE Jeff's followers. 17

duties, with the exception of tending the poultry and millcing the cows, in which Clarice also engaged.

I have not yet described the rest of the party round the fire. There was Bartle Won, a faithful follower, for many years, of Uncle Jeff; but as unlike him as it was possible that any two human beings could be. Bartle was a wiry little fellow, with bow legs, broad shoulders (one rather higher than the other), and a big head, out of which shone a pair of gray eyes, keen as those of a hawk — the only point in which he resembled Uncle Jeff. He was wonderfully active and strong, notwithstanding his figure; and as for fatigue, he did not know what it meant. He could go days without eating or drinking ; although, when he did get food, he certainly made ample amends for his abstinence. He was no great runner ; but when once on the back of a horse, no animal, however vicious and up to tricks, had been able to dislodge him.

Gideon Tuttle was another faithful follower of Uncle Jeff: he was a hardy backwoodsman, whose gleaming axe had laid many monarchs of the forest low. Though only of moderate height, few men could equal him in strength. He could fell an ox with his fist, and hold down by the horns a young bull, however furious. He had had several encounters with bears; and although on two occasions only armed with a knife, he had come off victorious. His nerve and activity equalled his strength. He was no great talker, and he was frequently morose and ill-tempered ; but he had one qualification which comnensated for

(586) 2

all his other deficiencies — he was devotedly attached to Uncle JeflF.

There were engaged on the farm, besides these, four other hands : an Irishman, a Spaniard, a negro, and a half-breed, who lived by themselves in a rough hut near the house. Although Uncle Jeff was a great advocate for liberty and equality, he had no fancy to aave these fellows in-doors ; their habits and language not being such as to make close intimacy pleasant.

The two old followers of Uncle Jeff — although they would have laughed at the notion of being called gentlemen — were clean in their persons, and careful in their conversation, especially in the presence of Clarice.

Just before sunset that evening, our party had

been increased by the arrival of an officer of the United States army and four men, who were on their way from Fort Laramie to Fort Harwood, on the other side of the mountains; but they had been deserted by their Indian guide, and having been unable to find the entrance to the pass, were well-nigh worn out with fatigue and vexation when they caught sight of Roaring Water Fann.

The oflicer and his men were received with a hearty welcome.

"There is food enough in the store, and we will make a shake-down for you in this room," said Uncle Jeff, wringing the hand of the officer in his usual style.

The latter introduced himself as Lieutenant Manley Broadstreet. He wajs a fine-looking yoimg fellow,

scarcely older than I was ; but he had already seen a great deal of service in border warfare with the Indians, as well as in Florida and Texas.

" You are welcome here, friends," said Uncle JeflF, who, as I have said, was no respecter of persons, and made little distinction between the lieutenant and his men«

At this Lieutenant Broadstreet demurred, and, as he glanced at Clarice, inquired whether there was any building near in which the men could be lodged.

" They are not very fit company for a young lady," he remarked aside.

He did not, however, object to the sergeant joining him; and the other three men were accordingly ordered to take up their quarters at the hut, with its motley inhabitants.

Their appearance, I confess, somewhat reminded me of Falstaff's "ragged regiment." The three varied wonderfully in height The tallest was not only tall, but thin in the extreme, his ankles protruding below his trousers, and his wrists beyond the sleeves of his jacket ; he had lost his military hat, and had substituted for it a high beaver, which he had obtained from some Irish emigrant on the road. He was a German ; and his name, he told me, was Karl Klitz. The shortest of the party, Bamaby GiUooly, was also by far the fattest ; indeed, it seemed surprising that, with his obese figure, he could undergo the fatigue he must constantly have been called upon to endure. He seemed to be a jolly, merry fellow notwithstanding, as he showed by breaking into a hearty feugh aa

20 THE lieutenant's TEOOPERft.

Klitz, stumbling over a log, fell with his long neck and shoulders on the one side, and his heels kicking up in the air on the other. The last man was evidently a son of Erin, from the few words he uttered in a rich brogue, which had not deteriorated by long absence from home and country. He certainly presented a more soldierly appearance than did his two comrades, but the ruddy blue hue of his nose and lips showed that when liquor was to be obtained he was not likely to let it pass his lips untasted.

The three soldiers were welcomed by the inhabitants of the hut, who were glad to have strangers with whom they could chat, and who could bring them news from the Eastern States.

On coming back to the house, after conducting the

three men to the hut, I found the lieutenant and his sergeant, Silas Custis, seated before the fire; the yoxmg lieutenant every now and then, as waa not surprising, casting a glance at Clarice. But she was too busily occupied in- getting the suppertable ready to notice the admiration she was inspjnng.

Rachel, with frying-pan in hand, now made her way towards the fire, and begging those who impeded her movements to draw on one side, she commenced her culinary operations. She soon had a huge dish of rashers of bacon ready ; while a couple of pots were carried off* to be emptied of their contents; and some cakes, which had been cooking under the ashes, were withdrawn, and placed hot and smoking on the platter.

A VISIT FROH WINNEMAK. 21

" All ready, genl^em," exclaimed Rachel ; " you cau fall to when you like."

The party got up, and we took our seats at the table. Clarice, who until a short time before had been assisting Rachel, now returned — Shaving been away to arrange her toilet. She took her usual seat at the head of the table ; and the lieutenant, to his evident satisfaction, found himself placed near her. He spoke in a pleasant, gentlemanly tone, and treated Clarice in every respect as a young lady, — as, indeed, she was. He now and then addressed me ; and the more he said, the more I felt inclined to like him.

Uncle Jeff had a good deal of conversation with Sergeant Custis, who appeared to be a superior sort of person, and had, I suspect, seen better days.

We were still seated at supper when the door opened and an Indian stalked into the room, decked with war-paint and feathers, and rifle in hand.

" TJgh ! " he exclaimed, stopping and regarding us, as if imwilling to advance without permission.

" Come in, friend," said Uncle Jeff, rising and going towards him ; " sit down, and make yourself at home. You would like some food, I guess?"

The Indian again uttered a significant " Ugh ! " as, taking advantage of Uncle Jeff^s offer, he seated himself by the fire.

" Why, imcle," exclaimed Clarice, "it is Winnemak !"

But I must explain how Clarice came to know the Indian, whom, at the first moment, no one else had recognized.

22 A RKTKOSPECT.

Not far off, in a grove of cottonwood trees up the valley, there came forth from the side of the hill a spring of singularly bright and cool water, of which Uncle Jeff was particularly fond; as were, indeed, the rest of us. Clarice made it a practice every evening, just before we returned home from our day's work, to fetch a large pitcher of water from this spring, that we might have it as cool and fresh as possible.

It happened that one afternoon, in the spring of the previous year, she had set off with this object in view, telling Eachel where she was going; but she had just got out of the enclosure when she caught sight of one of the cows straying up the valley.

"I go after her, Missie Clarice; you no trouble youself," cried Eachel.

So Clarice continued her way, carrying her pitcher on her head. It was somewhat earlier than usual; and having no especial work to attend to at home, she did not hurry. It was as wann a day as any iij summer, and finding the heat somewhat oppressive, she sat down by the side of the pool to enjoy the refreshing coolness of the air which came down the

canon. " I ought to be going home," she said to herself; and taking her pitcher, she filled it with water. She was just about to replace it on her head, when she was startled by the well-known Indian "Ugh!" uttered by some one who was as yet invisible. She at first felt a little alarmed, but recollecting that if the stranger bad been an enemy he would not have given her warning, she stood still, with her pitcher in her hand, looking around her.

CLARICE AND THE INDIAN. 23

Presently an Indian appeared from among the bushes, his dress torn and travel-stained, and his haggard looks showing that he must have undergone great fatigue. He made signs, as he approached, to show that he had come over the mountains; he then pointed to his lips, to let her understand that he was parched with thirst.

" Poor man ! you shall have some water, then," said Clarice, immediately holding up the pitcher, that the stranger might drink without difficulty. His looks brightened as she did so; and after he had drunk his fill he gave her back the pitcher, drawing a long breath, and placing his hand on his heart to express his gratitude.

While the Indian was drinking, Clarice observed Rachel approaching, with a look of alarm on her countenance. It vanished, however, when she saw how Clarice and the Indian were employed.

" Me dare say de stranger would like food as well aa drink," she observed as she joined them, and making signs to the Indian to inquire if he was hungry.

He nodded his head, and uttered some words. But although neither Clarice nor Rachel could understand his language, they saw very clearly that he greatly required food.

"Come along, den," said Rachel; "you shall hab some in de twinkle ob an eye, as soon as we get home. — Missie Clarice, me carry de pitcher, or Indian

fency you white slavey ; " and Rachel laughed at her

own wit.

She then told Clarice how she had caught sight

24 WINfTKMAK BROUGHT TO T0E FARM.

of the Indian coming over the mountain, ss she was driving home the cow; and that, as he was making his way towards the spring, she had been dreadfully alarmed at the idea that he might surprise her young mistress. She thought it possible, too, that he might be accompanied by other Redskins, and that they should perhaps carry her off; or, at all events, finding the house undefended, they might pillage it, and get away with their booty before the return of the men. "But he seems friendly and well-disposed," said Clarice, looking at the Indian ; " and even if he had not been suffering from hunger and thirst, I do not think he would have been inclined to do us any harm. The Redskins are not all bad ; and many, I fear, have been driven, by the ill treatment they have