352 



REMARKS. 



pression of cowardice, a thing which uniformly receives ill treatment at 

 the hands of Indians, while bravey commands their respect. I therefore 

 resolved to stand my ground and fight it out, if necessary, let the conse- 

 quences be what Ihey would. So, after examining the condition of my 

 firearms and making the suitable arrangements for an expected rencoun- 

 ter, I calmly awaited their approach. My design was to shoot the fore- 

 most when within proper distance, (first forbidding their advance,) tlien, 

 having discharged my pistols at the two next, if not previously killed, to 

 close in with the remainder, butcher- knife in hand. From hostile savages I 

 expected no quarter, and was therefore determined to sell my life as dearly 

 as possible. 



A nearer approach, however, changed my gloomy apprehensions into a 

 transport of pleasure, as I recognized two old hunters from Fort Lancaster 

 at their head, — the first of human beings, white or Indian, that I had seen 

 for two months. Their gratification scarcely surpassed my own, they having 

 long since supposed me murdered by prowling savages. 



Having camped the day previous about three miles distant with the par- 

 ty accompanying them, they were now in quest of buffalo. However, as 

 it threatened to be unpleasant weather, an invitation to my camp was 

 gladly accepted, where the choice stores my larder afforded, were dis- 

 cussed with epicurean gusto. 



Yielding to their persuasions, in the afternoon I bid adieu to my lovely 

 retreat and proceeded with them to their encampment upon the opposite 

 side of the Platte, near the mouth of Crystal creek. 



Here a small party of whites from the Fort were occupied in building a 

 boat, with which to descend the river. A Mexican woman, from Taos, the 

 wife of an engage, honored the scene with her presence, as did also three 

 squaws and two Indians. Commodious shantees had been erected for the 

 accommodation of the men, which, together with a huge fire and a propor- 

 tionate pile of meat, imparted an air of comfort to everything. 



Remaining here for a week or two, I then proceeded to the Fort, a dis- 

 tance of about forty miles. The different trading companies were already 

 en route for the States, having left several days previous. The thoughts of 

 other lands, and more congenial associations, were now revived in all their 

 vividness. They filled my mind by day, and crowded my dreams by night. 

 Eight years had already intervened since the view of a distant home and 

 much-loved childhood scenes had last greeted me, nearly three of which 

 had been passed amid the dangers and vicissitudes of prairie and mountain 

 life. Yet, I was at a loss to decide what to do. The object of my excur- 

 sion had not been satisfactorily accomplished. I wished to visit the Pacific 

 and familiarize myself more perfectly with several parts of Oregon ana 

 California ; this would yet require a year, or even more. 



However, the subject now uppermost in my thoughts influenced the de- 

 cision, and, bidding a present adieu to other plans, I made prompt arrange- 

 ments for returning to the States. These were soon completed, and on the 

 17th of March I commenced my journey. 



With the intermediate country from the Platte to Bent's Fort on the Ar- 

 Kansasthe reader is already familiar; and, as few incidents worthy of note 

 occurred between these two points, I shall content myself with a mero 



