210 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Bull. 196 



By traveling slowly, examining the nature and appearance of the 

 Country as they passed along, stopping to camp or hunt whenever it 

 suited Sequoyah to do so, the time passed pleasantly and swiftly. 

 Sequoyah's strength returned, and his health improved so rapidly 

 that strong hopes were entertained of his permanent recovery. 



His pet idea of visiting the Kockey Mountains seemed about to 

 be fulfilled, and all rejoiced in the apparrent success of their journey. 



Almost suddenly, the features of the Country changed, water 

 became scarce, and what there was, very bad. Game was hard to 

 find, and the Company was obliged often to make forced marches 

 in order to obtain water and shelter, while on account of having no 

 food, some of the men must continually hunt the game which seemed 

 to have eluded them. Sequoyah, supposing this arid land to be only 

 a narrow strip that could be crossed in a very short time, persuaded 

 his companions to persevere in their course, still hoping to gain his 

 wish of reaching the Rockies. 



Not strong enough to endure the fatigue and privations to which 

 he was subjected, Sequoyah's new-found health gave way, and he 

 gave orders to turn and retrace their steps; his strength now failed 

 so rapidly that he was unable to travel, he gave up all hope of recovery, 

 but wished to get home before he died, he became so reduced, they 

 could make only short distances with him, often they were obliged 

 to stop in very unfavorable situations. 



In all his journey, he had busied himself with writing descriptions 

 of the country through which they passed; this he continued to do, 

 at intervals, as his strength allowed. 



Coming to a Cave, Sequoyah thought he might gain strength by 

 resting here for a few days; they remained at this place perhaps a 

 week, the men going every day to hunt, always leaving one of their 

 number to take care of him. 



One morning he sent them all off. On their return in the evening, 

 he was gone, but had left a skin hanging at the entrance of the Cave. 



On this he had written directions for them to follow him to a certain 

 place, indicated in the directions. 



They immediately set out but failed to find him until the next 

 evening, they found him dead, the appearance of the body showed 

 that he had been dead for several hours. 



The time being the heat of summer, it was impossible to take him 

 home; 



Carrying the body far back into the Cave, and placing his writing 

 with him, they wrapped it in skins as securely as they could. 



They marked the place so that it would without difl&culty be 

 found, and then set out on their return. 



